FAQs Frequently Asked Questions for Foreign-Trained Lawyers

This is a decision that only each individual can make. Law School is an intellectual, financial, and emotional commitment and should be entered into with 100% effort. Many alumni say the LLM degree opened doors for them, either in their countries of origin or in the United States. In today’s increasingly global world, understanding legal systems that are different from one’s own is more essential than ever.

Yes. The University of Miami integrates foreign-trained lawyers who are LLM students into the law school and permits them to take courses offered to JD students. Although a few introductory courses are offered exclusively to foreign law students, in general students have wonderful opportunities to learn alongside American law students in classes adding another dimension to their legal education in the United States.

Yes. The University of Miami is unique in its commitment to bilingual and bicultural education and offers law courses "Spanish I for Lawyers" and Spanish II for Lawyers." These courses are intended for law students trying to improve their knowledge of technical Spanish. Students also compete in competitions in Spanish in the International Moot Court Program.

Most foreign-trained lawyers choose the General LLM — U.S. and Transnational Law LLM for Foreign-Trained Lawyers.

In addition, the law school offers LLM programs in Entertainment, Arts and Sports, Maritime Law, Taxation, Real Property Development, Taxation of Cross-Border Investment, and International Arbitration. Foreign-trained students should demonstrate prior experience with the common law and strong English ability before applying directly to these programs.

A student will not receive credit for previous studies if he or she pursues a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, but may receive some credit for previous studies if a JD degree is pursued.

Students may only enroll in classes for credit once they have been admitted to a degree program at the School of Law. Subject to space ability, the instructor's permission, the permission of the LLM program director, and the payment of the appropriate fee. In general, the LLM program director will not grant permission unless the attorney satisfies the admission criteria for the program.

Students may apply while waiting to receive a degree. If admitted, they will be granted a conditional admittance, contingent upon proof that they have received their law degree. It is mandatory that students have their law degree before the date of enrollment in classes at University of Miami School of Law. See LLM application information.

Attending a private law school is a big financial commitment. Click for specifics on paying for law school and scholarships.

Some students in the LLM program do work during law school. Some students are working as part-time clerks in local firms or companies. Others are working full-time and taking a reduced course load. Students must complete 24 credits to get their degree; some students take their classes in two, three or four semesters depending on their personal circumstances. Of course, a student's ability to work is contingent upon their visa status.

A hallmark of Miami Law's LLM programs is the one-on-one attention provided to all students. Once a student decides to attend the School of Law, information on housing and other facets of relocation to South Florida are provided. Miami Law also provides the I-20 Form required to get a visa and helps orient new students to the University and Law School communities with an orientation specifically for foreign-trained lawyers.

In addition, the University of Miami’s Department of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) exists specifically to meet the special needs of international students across all the schools at UM. For more information, please contact the ISSS Office.

Please visit the admissions area for a checklist of deadlines and items required for an application.

It is recommended that international applicants to the University of Miami School of Law's LLM program register with LSAC's LLM Credential Assembly Service to save time and money, especially if they intend to apply to a number of U.S. or Canadian graduate law degree programs. For a registration fee LSAC will collect, authenticate, and distribute university records and TOEFL score(s). Five reports to law schools are included in the registration fee. For additional information about this service, go to https://llm.lsac.org. (Please note that the LSAC Credential Assembly Service serves only to authenticate non-U.S. or Canadian credentials that are needed in addition to a completed admission application.

Please visit the Cost of Attendance for specifics.

The Statement of Financial Responsibility and bank letter are only required for international students who need a visa. It is not necessary to include the Statement of Financial Responsibility or bank letter with an initial application. The LLM program will make a decision on an application without having the Statement of Financial Responsibility or bank letter and will not need the Statement of Financial Responsibility or bank letter until after a student has been admitted in order to process the visa.

In the United States, law graduates are required to take a bar exam in order to practice law. While each state in the U.S. has its own eligibility requirements, many Miami Law students take various state bar exams, including New York. For specifics on international lawyers sitting for a U.S. bar exam, please visit the Bar Admission area of the website.

Also, Miami Law's LLM programs include students who wish to return directly to their countries of origin following graduation, seek a one year period of practical training, and find permanent employment in the United States. The option that is available may depend on a number of factors, including individual personal immigration status. Miami Law urges students to carefully examine current immigration regulations and consult with a United States consulate. Each LLM program works closely with the Office of Career and Professional Development, which has an LLM advisor, to counsel foreign-trained law students on their job options.

Students applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to show that they have sufficient funds to provide for their educational, living and personal expenses for one year before the University of Miami will issue the necessary I-20 document for a student visa. Students studying under an F-1 or J-1 visa must maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year (excluding the summer session). To maintain full-time enrollment, students studying under an F-1 or J-1 visa must register for nine or more credits each semester. Some students in the United States on other types of visas may be eligible for part-time or full-time study. However, students cannot enroll in classes under a tourist (B1/B2) visa. Embassies around the world require varying amounts of time to process visas. It is recommend that all applicants confirm with the consulates in their home country the visa procedures currently in force. For consulate location, consult this website.

For further questions about the application process or about the LLM programs in general, please do not hesitate to contact llmadmissions@law.miami.edu to discuss options or to set up an appointment to meet with Miami Law’s staff in person.

International students can participate in student organizations, write for journals/law reviews, and volunteer through the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center.