Online Program - Robert Traurig-Greenberg Traurig LL.M. in Real Property Development

The LL.M. in Real Property Development—widely regarded as one of the nation's best—is also accessible in an online format to offer the same academic excellence and convenience for the working professional. This unique online program is taught by the best minds in real estate law and top, practicing lawyers in the field and offers:

• Substance. A first-rate educational experience available to a geographically diverse group of students who take the same courses as their on-campus counterparts
• Quality. Earn a reputable, accredited online graduate degree learning from distinguished professors and experienced attorneys
• Convenience. Enroll part-time, starting in the fall or spring, with no career interruption, commuting or fixed class hours
• Flexibility. A flexible program available 24-7 from anywhere in the world; watch your class on video at any time around your schedule
• Access. Engage with your professors through e-mail and phone, and have access to Lexis and Westlaw and ongoing tech support
• Ease. Learn without needing special software or computer skills

Who Should Consider the Online LL.M.?

The Real Property Development LL.M. is the top program in the country for practicing attorneys, international and non-U.S. trained attorneys, recent law graduates, or rising third year law students interested in acquiring or expanding expertise in all legal aspects of real property development.

The flexible, online format makes it possible for full-time working attorneys, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, to pursue an LL.M. in Real Property Development.

A Degree Ideal for Non-U.S. Lawyers

Miami stands at the crossroads of the Americas and is one of the most exciting global cities in one of the world’s most active real estate markets. This location and exciting environment lends students an international perspective and exceptional career-building opportunities, whether nationally or internationally. The Real Property Development LL.M. in-person and online program is ideal for international and non U.S. trained attorneys who need to understand U.S. real estate law and practice.

In an increasingly interconnected world, many international companies are now investors in U.S. real estate projects, and non-U.S. real estate developers are interested in developing projects in the U.S. or entering into real estate joint ventures. International companies and developers who send their in-house lawyers to learn how projects are done in the U.S. via training in the Real Property Development LL.M. program, receive a high comfort level that their attorneys will understand the complexities of the transactions and be able to provide proper guidance.

"The Real Property Development LL.M. program helped me understand how U.S. real estate acquisitions work in order to better advise my clients from Brazil who were interested in making investments in the U.S. Also, I was able to compare the Brazilian and the American real estate systems, and as a member of the Real Estate Law Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association – Federal Council, I can suggest specific changes to improve our way of investing in real estate.”

Giuliano Gobbo, LL.M.’19
Managing and founding Partner Gobbo & Guimaraes Advogados Associados
Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Credits

30 credit hours are required to graduate from the program. Distance Learners can enroll for a minimum of four (4) credits or a maximum of eight (8) credits per semester. The actual load is decided in consultation with the Director and may be adjusted to meet the particular circumstances of the Distance Learner.

Choose the Scheduling Option that Works for Your Schedule

Study is part-time, can begin in fall or spring, and a degree can be earned in as little as two years (4 semesters) or as long as three years (six semesters). Suggested completion tracks are listed below. With permission from the Director, longer tracks may also be possible.

Do you need to come to campus at any point during the Program?

YES.

We want Distance Learners to feel part of the community of students in the RPD Program, and having the opportunity for face to face interaction is a way to get to know fellow students and build camaraderie.

FOR HOW LONG?

The total time distance learners need to come to campus is about 4 days - 2 days before the fall semester, and 2 days in the spring semester.

WHEN?

All students, including Distance Learners, who are starting in the Fall, are required to attend the RPD Orientationat the beginning of the semester. The exact dates are posted on the website as soon as they are available but Orientation usually begins around the second week of August. In special circumstances (for example, if a student is overseas), this attendance requirement may be waived by the Program Director. 

Distance Learners are also required to come to campus for the first weekend in which Financial Analysis of Real Estate Transactions (a required course) is offered. Exact dates are posted as soon as available, but this is usually the third weekend in January.

There is at least one project which teams of on-campus and Distance Learners work on together, and having the opportunity to meet each other previously in person is very helpful. Further, visiting the campus affords Distance Learners the opportunity to get acquainted personally with the administrators and staff involved in the Program, to learn about the Law Library and other resources, and to meet some of the faculty and alumni and begin their network connections.

• 1. What are the criteria for admission?

  The criteria for admission to the Distance Learning option are the same as for the full-time program. The program seeks to enroll talented students eager to embrace a rigorous, specialized curriculum.

  All applicants must have earned a J.D. or LL.B. degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association or an equivalent law degree from an international law school.

  The admissions committee will consider the applicant’s academic record, professional background and experience, and interest in the real estate field.

  A well-drafted, concise, personal statement summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and interest in real estate, along with two recommendations from professors or individuals with actual knowledge of the applicant’s strengths and qualifications, will also be considered.

  Admission to practice law is not a requirement but it is strongly recommended unless the applicant is still a law student or a very recent law graduate.

  Admissions - Learn More

• 2. What if I am a foreign lawyer or if English is not my first language?

  Non U.S. lawyers with a law degree from an international law school equivalent to a U.S. law degree, are eligible to apply.

  Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL exam, unless written and oral English language proficiency is otherwise demonstrated.

  Applicants whose first language is Spanish or Portuguese, and who do not have sufficient English language proficiency should consider the Intensive Legal English + LL.M., offered each Spring.

• 3. What is the cost of tuition for the Distance Learning option?

  Tuition for Distance Learners is based on the number of credits taken per semester, which cannot exceed 8 credits without permission from the Program Director.

  See The Cost Per Credit

• 4. Is there financial aid or scholarships?

  To qualify for financial aid, a student has to be registered for at least 6 credits. Learn more about financial aid.

  Institutional scholarships are not generally available for Distance Learners although Distance Learners are encouraged to seek and apply for scholarships from outside sources.

• 5. How do I view the classes? What are the Technology Requirements?

  The classes can be viewed in real time, via streaming, or through video, which becomes available 24-hours after the class.

  The classes can be accessed through the Blackboard platform that becomes available once the Distance Learner is registered for classes. There all students will also find the syllabus, class assignments, and other pertinent information for each course.

  Distance Learners will need a computer (with microphone, web camera, and good speakers) and internet connection. A good headset is also very helpful. See the computer technical recommendations.

• 6. What is the attendance policy for Distance Learners?

  Attendance policy is the same for Distance Learners as for on-campus students. Most professors require mandatory attendance in classes, which means that Distance Learners must communicate their attendance in one of two ways:

  • If watching the class in real time the Distance Learner can email the professor in the classroom and participate in the class.
  • If watching the video the Distance Learner must email two or three questions or comments to the professor, prior to the next class.

  This is extremely important, not only to “register attendance,” but to make sure that the material is being understood as the course progresses. 

• 7. How do I communicate with my professors?

  All students are provided with professors’ contact information, including email and telephone. And as stated above, Distance Learners viewing the classes in real time are able to email the professor in the classroom and participate in class.

• 8. Can I contact an alumnus or current student to ask about the Program or the Distance Learning option?

  Yes, on a regular basis we put prospective students in touch with alumni of the Program so they can share their experiences and answer any questions.

• 9. How am I graded and how do I take exams?

  Each professor decides how the course will be graded- some ask for a paper or project, others give a take- home final exam or an in-class final exam, which is proctored.

  Generally, in the Fall semester three required courses have final exams, and in the Spring two required courses have final exams. Requirements for elective courses vary.

  Distance Learners who live in South Florida are generally required to come to campus for the final exams. For Distance Learners outside the South Florida are, we make arrangements with local testing sites or colleges/universities near where the Distance Learner resides. 

• 10. What about the Internship requirement?

  As for the Internship requirement, it is waived for Distance Learners, who take a 1-credit elective course in place of the Internship.

  Occasionally a Distance Learner wants to do an Internship and finds an opportunity nearby. With approval of the Program Director, who evaluates the internship placement, supervising attorney, and expected workload, the Internship will be allowed. 

• More Information

  For any questions, please contact us at 305-284-1754 or rpdinfo@law.miami.edu