LLM in United States Legal Studies

The John F. Kennedy University College of Law is offering a new online Master of Laws (LL.M.) in United States Legal Studies designed for those who possess foreign first degrees in law (who may or may not be working in the legal profession), and other global adult learners, who cannot travel to the University’s Pleasant Hill campus or who are not able to relocate in order to attend JFK University College of Law.

Once graduating with the LL.M., a student will qualify to sit for the California Bar Examination and, when the individual passes and complies with all other admission requirements to The State Bar of California, can practice law anywhere in California, in both state and federal courts.

The online format of the LL.M. program provides students the flexibility to take courses at times convenient to their professional and personal schedules, as well time zones. The online LL.M. program will utilize lecture materials including PowerPoint presentations, videos, audio clips, and documents, that can be viewed at any time by the student. In addition, online dialogues will be scheduled using a discussion forum to provide a way for students to discuss and debate particular topics with each other, and with the instructor.

Courses are taught by the College’s outstanding full-time core faculty joined by impressive adjunct faculty who are practicing attorneys, judges, and current and former elected and government officials, all of whom bring a wealth of practical experience and teaching ability.

Contact the Admissions Office for applications details.

Program Learning Outcomes

The online LL.M. program’s curriculum is designed for students to become knowledgeable in the following areas.

• US LEGAL DOCTRINE. Students will demonstrate competency in the fundamental legal doctrine covered on the California Bar Examination, such as Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Real Property, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Business Associations, Community Property, Professional Responsibility, Criminal Procedure, Remedies, Evidence, and Wills and Trusts, as well as in other areas deemed important in U.S. law;
• U.S. LEGAL RESEARCH. Students will learn effective use of the tools of U.S. legal research in an online format, be able to create an effective research plan, and work through the issue to a sound understanding of the applicable U.S. legal doctrine;
• COMMUNICATION. Students develop the skills to communicate in written forms with members of the U.S. legal profession in a manner that is clear, logical, well-organized and persuasive, and will be able to verbally communicate legal positions and viewpoints.
• LEGAL ANALYSIS: Students will be able to apply U.S. legal principles in the assessment of complex legal problems by identifying legal issues and critical facts, apply astute legal reasoning skills, and assess the potential options, solutions, and strategies.
• PROFESSIONAL ETHICS. Students will develop an understanding the standards professional responsibility required of members of the U.S. legal profession, be able to recognize ethical dilemmas and resolve them appropriately, and recognize the moral dilemmas often faced in the practice of law.

Requirements

The online program is designed to be completed in one year and requires completion of 24-25 units.

Required First-Semester Courses (12-13 Units Total)
Introduction to United States Legal Systems (2 units)
Contracts (3 units)
One additional course from this list: (2 units)

• Evidence
• Civil Procedure
• Property
• Torts

Two additional courses from this list:

• Community Property (2 units)
• Wills and Trusts (2 units)
• Remedies (3 units)
• Business Associations (3 units)
• Introduction to American Immigration Law (2 units)

Required Second-Semester Courses (12 Units Total)
Constitutional Law (3 units)
Professional Responsibility (2 units)
Criminal Law & Procedure (3 units)
Advanced Legal Writing (2 units)
One additional course from this list: (2 units)

• Evidence
• Civil Procedure
• Property
• Torts

Program Information

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Online Education

This program is available online.