Boston University School of Law

Introduction

Boston University School of Law, founded in 1872, is a top-tier law school with a dynamic community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni united in the pursuit of excellence. The core of the BU Law experience is superior teaching and a supportive, engaging learning environment in which teachers guide, inspire, and challenge their students. BU Law professors are nationally acclaimed for their legal skills, scholarship, and activities in the public and private sectors. But what uniquely defines them is their devotion to students—academically, professionally, and individually.

The superior value of a BU Law degree is recognized worldwide. Our LLM graduates are among the most highly recruited by global firms and corporations. Graduates live or practice in over 65 countries outside America, and Boston University Alumni Clubs span the globe with international associations worldwide.

BU Law thrives as part of Boston University—a major, internationally recognized institution of higher education and research with more than 33,000 students from 50 states and 130 countries. Its location in Boston, Massachusetts—America’s academic capital—presents students with one of the world’s greatest settings for advanced studies. Boston’s unique combination of educational, cultural, financial, and high-tech scientific activity attracts thousands of students each year from all over the world. LLM students are at the center of it all, with convenient access to the city’s myriad offerings—federal and state courts, the Massachusetts legislature, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, law firms of all sizes, cultural and historical sites, major sporting events, and other civic and social opportunities.

Nestled between the Charles River and the bustling Back Bay district, BU offers a unique combination of urban excitement and peaceful relaxation. Within steps of BU Law’s door lies the famed Charles River Esplanade—three miles of riverside paths and parks—where students can picnic, jog, rollerblade, cycle, or even rent a sailboat between classes.

Physical Facilities

• The Sumner M. Redstone Building: Built in 2014 and connected to the fully modernized Law Tower, the 100,000-square-foot, five-story structure houses most of the law school’s classrooms, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Redstone Building has increased the study space in the Pappas Law Library and provides new facilities to support clinical, transactional, and professional training programs. An expansive entrance features a glass-enclosed atrium that serves as the heart and social hub of the complex. Student locker facilities, lounges, a small dining facility, and other student function and informal meeting spaces are located throughout the building.
• Libraries: The Samuel M. Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries are among the nation’s top libraries with rich collections; spectacular, new state-of-the-art facilities; and one of the most extensive legal research training programs in the country. Students may also use other Boston University libraries, including the Mugar Memorial Library, adjacent to BU Law.
• Sports and Entertainment: BU’s world-class, state-of-the-art Fitness and Recreation Center and the adjacent Agganis Arena, one of the top music and entertainment venues in New England, provide students with unrivaled opportunities to indulge in leisure pursuits.
• Technology: BU Law houses four computer labs. Top-end wireless Internet access is available in the law school and throughout BU’s campus, affording access to LexisNexis, Westlaw, and a wide variety of web-based research resources. LLM students also have free access to a wide variety of computing resources through Boston University’s Office of Information Services and Technology.

Housing

LLM students live off campus, usually within a short walk or a convenient subway ride from school. BU Law offers housing resources to assist all incoming LLM students in finding suitable accommodations. The university owns and manages several rental properties for students in various neighborhoods, including a graduate student apartment building on Commonwealth Avenue, and a graduate student dormitory on its Fenway campus. Updated listings of apartments and sublets in the greater Boston area are available to all Boston University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Once admitted, LLM students receive additional housing resources and information to help them in their housing search.

LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization

LLM in American Law Program

This full-time program integrates internationally educated lawyers into BU Law’s JD classroom. It is ideally suited for students who seek an “immersion” experience in common law studies, the flexibility to select from the school’s 200-plus course offerings, and firsthand exposure to one of America’s top teaching faculties. The program mainly attracts students who seek preparation as global, cross-border lawyers, skilled to handle transactions in both the common and civil law systems. Students can pursue optional concentrations in International Business Practice, Intellectual Property, and Taxation.

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, including one from a law professor
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• Candidates must have a first degree in law, or its equivalent, from outside the United States
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) required
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• Approximately 90–110 students participate each year
• Tuition
• Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based awards with no additional forms or submissions required.

For additional information, please visit the LLM in American Law Program website, or contact:

Assistant Dean John Riccardi
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 1003
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.353.5323
Fax: 617.358.2720
Email: gradint@bu.edu

LLM in Banking and Financial Law

Established in 1984, the Graduate Program in Banking and Financial Law was the first banking and financial services LLM program in the United States with its own faculty and a curriculum of specialized courses designed exclusively for graduate study. The faculty primarily consists of highly experienced practitioners from the private and public financial services sector who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge with students in this dynamic, rapidly changing field. Domestic and international students are welcome and may attend the program on a full- or part-time basis. (Some international students may be required to enroll on a full-time basis.)

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, including one from a law professor
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• LLM CAS required
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• Domestic applicants must hold a JD from an ABA-approved law school; international candidates must have a first degree in law, or its equivalent, from a school outside of the United States
• Approximately 50 full-time and 3 to 5 part-time students participate each year
• Tuition
• Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based awards with no additional forms or submissions required.

For additional information, please visit the Banking and Financial Law website, or contact:

Director James E. Scott
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 1005
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.353.3023
Fax: 617.353.2444
Email: banklaw@bu.edu

LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program

BU Law offers a select group of lawyers the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in one of the most dynamic fields of legal practice today—intellectual property. The program’s extremely limited size ensures that each LLM student receives the undivided attention of the program director and the full-time associate director for professional development. All students must attend the program on a full-time basis.

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, including one from a law professor
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• Domestic applicants must hold a JD from an ABA-approved law school; international candidates must have a first degree in law, or its equivalent, from a school outside of the United States
• LLM CAS required
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• Approximately 3 to 5 students participate each year
• Tuition
• Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based awards with no additional forms or submissions required.

For additional information, please visit the LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program website, or contact:

Assistant Dean John Riccardi
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 1003
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.353.5323
Fax: 617.358.2720
Email: ipllm@bu.edu

LLM in Taxation

The Graduate Tax Program, established in 1959, was one of the first of its kind in the country, and it continues to be one of the best, offering a comprehensive curriculum distinguished for its breadth and depth in specialized classes taught by highly experienced practitioners. BU Law’s top reputation in the field reflects the program’s long-standing tradition of preparing students to excel as tax practitioners, in the United States and abroad. Students may attend the program either on a part-time or full-time basis on campus, or complete the program on a part-time basis online. The online interactive format enables practitioners to receive either fundamental or advanced training in tax law in a convenient, accessible format. The program can be completed in as few as four consecutive part-time sessions or over a four-year period.

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, including one from a law professor
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• LLM CAS required
• Domestic applicants must hold a JD from an ABA-approved law school; international candidates must have a first degree in law, or its equivalent, from a school outside of the United States
• Approximately 35 to 50 students participate in the residential program option each year; approximately 100 students participate in the online option each year
• Tuition
• Scholarships:
  • All applicants to the residential program option are automatically considered for merit-based awards with no additional forms or submissions required.
  • Applicants to the residential program option may also apply for the Frederic G. Corneel Scholarship.
  • Scholarship awards for applicants to the online option are not available at this time.

For additional information, please visit The Graduate Tax Program website, or contact:

Assistant Dean John Riccardi
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 1005
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.353.3105
Fax: 617.353.2368
Email: gradtax@bu.edu

Executive LLM in International Business Law

BU Law’s Executive LLM in International Business Law program presents both domestic and international lawyers with the unique opportunity to master the core topics of international business practice in a flexible, “executive” format. Taught by members of one of America’s top teaching faculties, the program blends world-class live instruction with cutting-edge Internet-mediated learning in a way that meets the needs of today’s most qualified LLM candidates—busy global practitioners whose professional demands make it impossible to complete a traditional nine-month LLM residency in Boston. Offered in two attractive locations—Boston, Massachusetts, and Budapest, Hungary—the program consists of three, two-week residential sessions that can be completed in one six-week summer session, or can be distributed over one year or several years. Students have the option to pursue online classes in international taxation and international environmental and energy law—and to obtain a concentration in these fields—thus giving them the flexibility to earn the degree by attending two residencies, combined with online studies from their home countries.

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Three required
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• JD transcripts required for applicants with US law degree
• LLM CAS required
• Tuition

For additional information, please visit the Executive LLM in International Business Law website, or contact:

Director Ian C. Pilarczyk
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 904
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.358.6162
Fax: 617.358.6264
Email: execllm@bu.edu

Legal English Certificate Program/Two-Year LLM Enrollment

BU Law is pleased to offer a Legal English Certificate Program as part of its Two-Year LLM enrollment option. The Legal English Certificate Program is a 25-credit, full-time residential program completed over one school year, designed to provide international students with intensive instruction in English communication and legal English, as well as a graduated and foundational exposure to American legal culture, vocabulary, concepts, and law school studies, including academic skills. It is offered in two tracks: the Certificate-Only track, a one-year program for those not seeking entry into a BU Law LLM program; and the Two-Year LLM track, a one-year program designed to prepare students for success in one of our LLM programs.

• Application Information
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, including one from a law professor
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• LLM CAS strongly recommended
• Minimum TOEFL: 550/200/85; minimum IELTS: 6.0
• Candidates for the Two-Year LLM track must have a first degree in law, or its equivalent, from a school outside of the United States
• Tuition
• Scholarships: There is no financial aid or scholarships available for the Legal English Certificate Program. Students who go on to enroll in LLM studies are eligible for all forms of financial aid and scholarships open to LLM students.

For additional information, please visit the Legal English Certificate Program/Two-Year LLM website, or contact:

Director Ian C. Pilarczyk
765 Commonwealth Avenue
Office 904
Boston, MA 02215
USA

Phone: 617.353.5323
Fax: 617.358.2720
Email: gradint@bu.edu

Legal English

• Boston Program: For international LLM students seeking preparation for their upcoming graduate studies in America, Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP) offers a six-week pre-LLM Summer Program in Legal English designed to provide students with the language and academic skills needed to succeed in a demanding LLM program. Through small-class instruction, students build their legal English vocabularies, strengthen their writing skills, receive exposure to fundamental doctrine of the American legal system, and become acquainted with the materials, methodologies, and culture of American law school instruction. The program, which runs from early July to late August, is open to all internationally educated lawyers who have been admitted into an LLM program at a US law school in the upcoming fall semester.
• Extended LLM Option: Prospective students with impressive qualifications who need extended, intensive English language training before commencing full-time law studies are encouraged to consider BU Law’s three-semester “Extended LLM” option. The first semester of this enrollment option includes students participating in the classes of the Legal English Certificate Program, as well as introductory courses at BU Law. Students then complete the LLM degree requirements over the following two semesters.

Certificate Programs

In addition to our LLM programs, BU Law now offers several distinct graduate certificate programs. Offered by BU Law’s top-notch graduate programs, certificates can be achieved as a stand-alone credential, or as a part of an LLM degree program. While the certificate programs are designed for qualified lawyers, BU Law welcomes applications from highly qualified candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with relevant academic and/or professional experience in a legal services or other related field. As such, candidates do not need to hold a first degree in law to apply to our certificate programs.

• Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance: The Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance (CERMC) is a specialized certificate program designed to give lawyers and compliance professionals the skills necessary to assess and manage risk in an increasingly demanding and complex compliance landscape. CERMC courses will cover topics including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, ethics programs, cyber law and privacy, business continuity planning, risk analytics, and much more. Completion of 12 credits is required for the certificate, which students may satisfy through completion of four 3-credit classes.
• Certificate in International Business Law: The Certificate in International Business Law (CIBL) is designed for professionals seeking a specialized credential without having to commit to a full degree program. Students may enroll in any of the courses offered in the Executive LLM in International Business Law curriculum. Popular topics include international business law and agreements, international arbitration, US corporate law for the international lawyer, US and international mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance with US and international reporting. A minimum of 12 credits is required for the certificate.
• Certificate in Estate Planning: This certificate program is specifically designed for professionals who are seeking enhanced, specialized tax knowledge in the legal sub-specialty of estate planning. The 12-credit certificate is offered both online and residentially, on a part-time basis only. All courses are offered through the law school’s traditional, highly esteemed Graduate Tax Program. Students are required to complete three 2-credit courses: Estate Planning, Estate & Gift Tax, and Taxation of Trusts and Fiduciaries. The remaining three 2-credit courses can be taken from a group of approved elective courses, including International Estate Planning, Elder Law, Advanced Estate Planning, Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving, Estate Planning & Drafting, and Partnership Tax. Credits earned through completion of the certificate can be applied as advanced standing towards the LLM in Taxation degree.
• Certificate in Financial Services Compliance: The Certificate in Financial Services Compliance opens up BU Law’s renowned banking and financial services expertise to students seeking to join one of the fastest-growing careers in the financial service industry. An all-online, 12-credit certificate program taught by the expert faculty of the Graduate Program in Banking & Financial Law, it teaches the knowledge and skills needed to become leading compliance officers.

Application Information

• Application
• Letters of recommendation: Two required, will accept up to four
• Personal statement of interest and CV required
• A certified English translation must accompany foreign transcripts
• Minimum TOEFL: 600/250/100; minimum IELTS: 7.0
• LLM CAS required
• Tuition
• Scholarships: Scholarship awards for applicants to the certificate programs are not available at this time.

Student Services and Organizations

We encourage LLM students to enrich their experiences by participating in extracurricular activities, student organizations, community service, and other pursuits outside the classroom that will contribute to their intellectual, professional, and personal growth. BU Law organizes a wealth of activities to help students connect with their fellow LLM and JD classmates. As an LLM student, you may join any of the 30-plus student organizations, ranging from the International Law Society to the Communication, Entertainment, and Sports Law Association. You can also volunteer to participate in BU Law’s Pro Bono program, which allows you to use your legal skills in a public interest setting and receive recognition on your transcript for such work. LLM students also participate in student government: Each year, one LLM student is elected to a representative position in the Student Government Association.

Career Services

BU Law has an unwavering commitment to the career success of its LLM students. We offer a variety of programs for LLM students, including workshops on job searches, professional etiquette, résumé and cover-letter drafting, networking, and interviewing skills. We also organize career-related panels and host speakers from specialized areas of practice. The Graduate and International Programs office includes a full-time associate director for professional development who works exclusively with LLM students. Students receive individualized counseling to help them plan job searches and market themselves to the legal community.

LLM students and alumni have access to BU Law’s online job posting site, which includes openings for internships and permanent positions. Internationally educated LLM students are invited to participate in the annual International Student Interview Program, which draws over 200 global employers to New York City each year. Graduate Tax Program students participate in our annual Tax Attorney Recruiting Event—held in Washington, DC—a job fair targeted at recruiting for positions in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and all “Big 4” accounting firms.

LLM students also have access to BU Law’s comprehensive career resources library and receive materials specifically tailored to their unique job-search needs. After graduation, individual career advising remains available to support your lifelong career development.