Master of Laws (LLM)

The Master of Laws (LLM) program at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers an exceptional opportunity for lawyers from around the world to advance their legal education in one of the United States’ most vibrant legal and business centers. Designed for graduates of foreign law schools and experienced legal professionals, the program combines rigorous academic training with practical skills development, preparing students to excel in a global legal environment.

Each year, Northwestern welcomes a diverse class of approximately 150 students representing more than 50 countries. Participants join a dynamic intellectual community and study alongside American JD students, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange and professional networking. The program’s location in the heart of downtown Chicago—a major world financial center and one of the largest legal markets in the United States—provides unparalleled access to courts, law firms, corporations, and public interest organizations.

Academic Excellence and Flexibility

To earn the LLM degree, students complete at least 20 credit hours of law coursework. While two foundational courses—Common Law Reasoning and an American Legal Studies course—are required, students otherwise design a curriculum tailored to their professional goals. A broad range of upper-level courses and seminars is available in areas such as international law, commercial and corporate law, constitutional law, and human rights law. Students may also pursue independent research projects or, when available, business courses at Northwestern’s prestigious Kellogg School of Management, earning full law credit.

Comprehensive Support Through the ACE Program

LLM students benefit from the Academic, Curricular, Career, Cultural & English (ACE) program, which provides co-curricular and extra-curricular programming to support academic success, professional skill development, and cultural integration. Through ACE, students gain the tools and connections needed to thrive both during their studies and throughout their legal careers.

Career and Bar Exam Opportunities

While the LLM program is not designed to qualify graduates to practice law in the United States, some students pursue eligibility for the New York, California, or Washington, D.C. bar exams by following specific curricular requirements. Northwestern’s pre-approved courses can help meet these criteria for those seeking to sit for the New York Bar.

How to Apply

Admission to the program is highly selective and based on a holistic review of academic record, professional experience, English proficiency, leadership, and career aspirations.
To apply:

1. Eligibility: Applicants must hold a first degree in law or have passed the bar examination in their home jurisdiction and demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

2. Application Platform: All materials are submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

3. Required Materials:

   • Application for Admission (via LSAC)

   • Personal Statement (one–two pages) introducing your background, experience, and career goals

   • Law School LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, which collects:

     • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions

     • Letter(s) of recommendation from a law faculty member or employer

     • TOEFL or IELTS score report (school code: 1565) for applicants whose native language is not English

   • Optional Evaluative Video Interview to showcase communication skills and motivation

4. Timeline: Applications open in the fall, are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in November, and must be completed by the January 15 deadline. First decisions are typically released in December.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis after admission and typically cover a portion of tuition costs. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for scholarship funding—no separate application is required. Students are encouraged to explore additional support through employers, government agencies, private scholarships, or personal resources. U.S. private loans may also be available, though some lenders require a U.S. co-signer. Current tuition and estimated cost of attendance are posted on the Chicago Office of Financial Aid website and are subject to annual increases.

A Global Legal Experience in Chicago

Northwestern Pritzker Law offers not only a world-class education but also an immersive cultural experience in a city known for its legal, financial, and business opportunities. From the shores of Lake Michigan to Chicago’s bustling courts and corporate offices, students gain both the academic foundation and the practical insight needed to thrive as leaders in the global legal profession.