Program Curriculum
American Legal System for Foreign-Educated
Lawyers and Professionals—LL.M. and M.J.* (East Lansing, Michigan)
“If I had studied only in China, I would have missed the opportunity to learn to communicate with Americans. I see myself as one who will solve problems in this gap—a translator of culture and culture-based thinking.”
— Sophia Feng (China), LL.M. ’13 (expected)
LL.M. and M.J. candidates are required to successfully complete a total of 24 credits* during their years of study in the United States, and spend roughly half of their credits in J.D. classes with American students. Required courses include:
- Research, Writing & Advocacy: International LL.M. (3 cr.)
- Three of the following:
- American Constitutional Law for LL.M. (3 cr.)
- Business Enterprises (3-4 cr.)
- Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure for Foreign Lawyers (3 cr.)
- Contracts (3-4 cr.)
- Criminal Law (3 cr.)
- Criminal Procedure I (LL.M.) (3 cr.)
- Professional Responsibility (3 cr.)
- Other core courses as approved by the faculty
- additional classes to total 24 credits.*
- In addition, students whose English language skills fall below a defined level may be required to take the following:
Course offerings may vary from year to year.
Students must complete the LL.M./M.J. degree in no more than two years.
*M.J. students (students without a prior degree in law) must complete 26 credits (i.e., they must complete a 2-credit “Foundations of Law” class (offered online)).