“The Berkeley culture is exceptionally collegial. The LL.M. program at Berkeley Law gave direction to my career and I am confident that the program will take every incoming student on a path towards fulfilling their goals and aspirations.”
A Berkeley Law LL.M. means studying law at one of the top law schools in the United States, a public institution committed to academic excellence, social engagement, and intellectual and cultural diversity. It means coming to a place where we’ve been teaching LL.M. students for over 60 years; J.D. students, more than 100. It means learning from and engaging with internationally renowned faculty and distinguished scholars. It means creating long-lasting relationships with legal professionals from around the globe. And it means living in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the world’s most culturally and intellectually stimulating regions on the planet.
VARTIKA JAIN ’16 -India
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3
ONE LL.M. DEGREE. 3 PROGRAM OPTIONS.
PROGRAM CALENDAR MAY JUNE JULY AUG CALENDAR
SEPT
1A
THESIS TRACK
EXECTUTIVE TRACK (option B )
This format allows students to earn an LL.M. degree over 2 consecutive summer semesters in Berkeley, participating with other LL.M. students in intensive classes.
TRADITIONAL TRACK
EXECUTIVE TRACK (option A)
Spanning one calendar year, this option allows students to complete their degree with one summer semester in Berkeley bookended by two semesters of online study.
1B
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
EXECUTIVE TRACK (A)
EXECUTIVE TRACK (B )
4
Berkeley Law’s LL.M. is a general degree designed to provide a strong basis in the fundamentals of U.S. law while allowing for customization based on individual interests and goals. We have four ways for you to get your Berkeley Law LL.M.:
FEB
MAR
ONLINE Q1
Q2
Q3
IN BERKELEY
Q4
TRADITIONAL TRACK
IN BERKELEY
THESIS TRACK
IN BERKELEY
APR
This track spans a 9-month on-campus academic year and integrates LL.M. students with those pursuing the J.D. degree, with access to academic year activities.
2
This track is completed over an on-campus academic year (August - May) and provides the opportunity to complete a thesis project supervised by a tenured faculty member.
3
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
IN BERKELEY/REMOTE
IN BERKELEY
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
ONLINE
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SOLID FOUNDATION, ENDLESS CUSTOMIZATION
GET INVOLVED Get involved in our top-ranked programs, clinics, and centers.
SPECIALIZE
Pursue a certificate of specialization to deepen your study in a practice area.
CUSTOMIZE
Customize your degree by choosing from our wide variety of course offerings.
In Berkeley Law’s LL.M. program, you start by laying a solid foundation in fundamentals of U.S. law. Then, customize your degree based on your own individual interests and professional goals.
INTERNATIONAL* TECHNOLOGY
PUBLIC INTEREST & SOCIAL JUSTICE*
ENVIRONMENTAL*
SEARCH
for courses at law.berkeley.edu/ academics/llm/ BUSINESS ENERGY & CLEAN TECH*
“Getting an LL.M. at Berkeley Law helped me change my mind about women's role in the legal industry” MAI TAKANO '20 – Japan
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*Available in academic year program tracks
LAY THE FOUNDATION
Complete mandatory coursework in Fundamentals of U.S. Law + Legal Research & Writing 7
1A FORMAT
EXECUTIVE TRACK OPTION A
Spanning one calendar year, this option allows students to complete their degree with one summer semester in Berkeley bookended by two semesters of online study.
Students in this executive track option begin their studies online in the spring semester (January - May) by completing online courses. Students then come to Berkeley or attend remotely for one oncampus summer semester (May - August). Students complete their degree online in the fall semester (September - December) with online course work and a capstone project. All courses, online and on-campus, are intensive and fast-paced.
COURSEWORK
Students complete mandatory degree requirements in Fundamentals of U.S. Law, Legal Research & Writing, and a capstone project. Students may customize their studies with elective coursework. Summer semester courses span 1-3 weeks and are followed immediately by a final exam. With careful planning, students may earn a Certificate of Specialization and/or meet the requirements to become eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam.
“Well structured classes, amazing professors … you constantly learn something new every single day, every single minute.” GEORGIOS ANDRIOTIS ’18 – Greece
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EXECUTIVE TRACK OPTION B
1B
This format allows students to earn an LL.M. degree over 2 consecutive summer semesters in Berkeley, participating with other LL.M. students in intensive classes.
FORMAT
This executive track format allows students to complete their degree over two consecutive summer semesters (May - August) on campus. Students participate exclusively with other LL.M. students in smaller classes and benefit from professional development activities tailored specifically for them. This format lends itself to creating close bonds with fellow students who become an invaluable global professional network.
“To make a spontaneous plan and a dream come true every day is something I’ll miss at Berkeley.” RAFAEL PEREIRA ’18 – India
COURSEWORK
Students complete mandatory degree requirements in Fundamentals of U.S. Law and Legal Research & Writing, and then may customize their studies with elective coursework. Courses are intensive and fast-paced, span 1-3 weeks and are followed immediately by a final exam. Students may focus their studies to earn a Certificate of Specialization and/or to meet the requirements to become eligible to sit for the California Bar Examination.
2 FORMAT
TRADITIONAL TRACK
This track spans a 9-month on-campus academic year and integrates LL.M. students with those pursuing the J.D. degree, with access to academic year activities.
Our traditional track spans an academic year (August - May) comprised of two semesters. Students have the opportunity to participate in activities that take place in the academic year, such as Centers, Student Initiated Legal Services Projects, field placements, and student groups.
COURSEWORK
Students complete mandatory degree requirements in Fundamentals of U.S. Law and Legal Research & Writing, and then may customize their studies with elective coursework. Students may focus their studies to earn a Certificate of Specialization and/or to meet the requirements to become eligible to register for the California or New York Bar Examination. Students take multiple courses concurrently each semester, with a final exam period at the end of each semester.
“From the first day of orientation having the opportunity to meet lawyers from all over the world, to the first night out socializing with my fellow classmates and getting to know them on a personal level, to the innumerable day-in and day-out interactions with faculty, staff and students, my year at Berkeley was definitely one of the best years of my life.”
3 FORMAT
THESIS TRACK
This track is completed over an on-campus academic year (August - May) and provides the opportunity to complete a thesis project supervised by a tenured faculty member.
Simply put, the thesis track is our traditional track with a twist ... of research. The track takes place over one academic year during which students devote a substantial portion of time and units to a research and writing project supervised by a tenured faculty member. Thesis track is appropriate for students considering academic or government careers in their home countries, those who want to research a particular subject in depth, and/or those who wish to work closely with a specific faculty member.
COURSEWORK
For thesis track students, 6 of 21 units required to graduate are devoted to independent study units and represent the work they complete on their thesis. Students complete mandatory courses in Fundamentals of U.S. Law and Legal Research & Writing. With remaining elective units, thesis students can choose courses that complement their research interests. With careful planning, students may focus their studies to earn a Certificate of Specialization and/or to meet the requirements to become eligible to sit for the California or New York Bar Exam.
HASSAN AHMAD ’16 – Canada
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES • INDIVIDUAL ADVISING with specialized attorney-
counselors dedicated to the professional development needs of LL.M. students
GLOBAL NETWORK + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS tailored
for LL.M. students, including resume writing, interviewing skills, business etiquette and networking, and legal practice areas
An LL.M. degree from Berkeley Law means you’ve met rigorous standards, learned from top legal scholars, and acquired skills and a global professional network to move you forward in your career.
• NETWORKING EVENTS to help LL.M. students
build and cultivate professional networks
• International and domestic JOB SEARCH
ADVISING
YOUR FUTURE GLOBAL NETWORK AT-A-GLANCE COLLEAGUES (AND FRIENDS!) FROM
50
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
200
LEGAL EXPERTS IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
RAISE YOUR BAR
FRIENDS TO VISIT ON
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• F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) *Traditional and
thesis track only
CALIFORNIA BAR
determines eligibility based on whether you’ve been admitted to practice law in any jurisdiction in the world. But don’t worry if you haven’t yet been admitted, we offer all the coursework you might need to become eligible for the California bar exam in all of our tracks!*
CONTINENTS WHEREVER YOU GO, A BERKELEY LAW LL.M. GRADUATE WILL BE NEARBY. OUR NEARLY
3,000 ALUMNI HAIL FROM OVER
100 COUNTRIES.
“Now, I have friends all over the world who are talented attorneys that I know I can trust. If I need to know about compliance with the laws in Japan, instead of spending time researching myself, I can call my friend from Japan and he will talk me through it.” MARCO PORTILLO ’15 – Mexico
NEW YORK BAR
divides exam applicants by those who have been educated in a common law or civil law system. If, like most of the world, you are trained in civil law, you will find all the bar-related coursework you might need in our traditional and thesis tracks!*
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*Bar eligibility is determined by the relevant state bar and not Berkeley Law. Please contact the state bar with questions about your eligibility.
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APPLYING THE LL.M. DEGREE PROGRAM
Due to COVID-19, in 2020 all applications open on September 1st
ADMISSIONS CALENDAR AUG 1
APPLICATIONS OPEN
ALL TRACKS
ADMISSION LETTERS BEGIN
EXECUTIVE TRACK
NOV 15
APPLICATION CLOSES EARLY DECISION DEADLINE
EXECUTIVE TRACK OPTION A EXECUTIVE TRACK OPTION B
DEC 18
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
THESIS TRACK TRADITIONAL TRACK EXECUTIVE TRACK OPTION B
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS Admissions requirements for all programs are largely the same. A complete LL.M. application includes: • an application form submitted online via LSAC • an application fee • a personal statement • a curriculum vitae • official academic records • two letters of recommendation • a TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS score of 7.0 • Thesis Proposal Summary (for thesis track only) • Video Assessment (for executive track only) www.law.berkeley.edu/academics/llm/application-admission/
SEPT
OCT
SCHOLARSHIPS Berkeley Law awards selective merit or citizenship-based scholarships to outstanding admitted LL.M. students. Scholarship decisions are made at the time of admission. Review current scholarship opportunities at our website: www.law.berkeley.edu/academics/llm/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/
JAN
FEB
MAR
14
TRADITIONAL TRACK + ADMISSION LETTERS BEGIN THESIS TRACK
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BERKELEY by the Numbers
BERKELEY LAW
1
LA
W
NKED OL
RA
#
SCHO
PAST 10 OUT OF 11 YEARS ACCORDING TO U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
IP LAW PROGRAM
#1
130+ 2,079
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PROGRAM
TYPICAL SIZE OF STUDENT BODY ANNUALLY
#4
450 LL.M./J.S.D. STUDENTS
850
55
J.D. STUDENTS
Ph.D. STUDENTS
10 STUDENTS
12 47 52
RANKING AMONG GLOBAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
#1 NUMBER OF COUNTRIES IN WHICH ALUMNI RESIDE
4
A
OVER 100
1
BUSINESS LAW 2020 RANKINGS ACCORDING TO U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
UC BERKELEY’S RANKING AMONG U.S. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES UC BERKELEY’S RANKING AMONG GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES PERFORMING ARTS THEATRES MILES TO POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE PARKS ON-CAMPUS GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES OFFERED EACH WEEK BY CAL RECREATIONAL SPORTS ACRES OF TRAILS, LAKES, AND WOODS IN TILDEN REGIONAL PARK, TWO MILES FROM BERKELEY LAW
The
Cold Truth JANUARY’S MEAN TEMPERATURE
NOT SO MEAN
50ºF / 10ºC BERKELEY 44ºF / 7 ºC LONDON, UK 32ºF / 0ºC NEW YORK CITY
DEGREES OFFERED
6 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS OFFERED
BUSINESS
16
TECHNOLOGY
ENERGY & CLEAN TECH
ENVIRONMENTAL
INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC INTEREST & SOCIAL JUSTICE
*Certificates shown in blue available in academic year tracks only (traditional and thesis)
J.D. JURIS DOCTOR LL.M. MASTER OF LAWS J.S.D. DOCTOR OF THE SCIENCE OF THE LAW Ph.D. DOCTORATE IN JURISPRUDENCE AND SOCIAL POLICY
21ºF / -6ºC CHICAGO
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MORE THAN 400 EATERIES WITHIN A MILE OF THE SCHOOL. MORE THAN 2,000 ACRES OF HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS JUST UP THE ROAD. MORE THAN 50 LIVE MUSIC VENUES IN BERKELEY. MORE THAN 255 SUNNY DAYS PER YEAR. WAITING FOR YOU. FROM POLITICS TO POETRY, FOOD TO FILM, NATURE TO NIGHTLIFE, BERKELEY HAS IT ALL.
THE BAY AREA PHOTO: KARLIS DAMBRANS
PHOTO: DAVID YU
PHOTO: JASON
PHOTO: MARK NYE
PHOTO: ERIK DROST
PHOTO: JAEGER NOORE
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Berkeley is an iconic college town surrounding the world’s premier public university, renown for its intellectual dynamism, cultural tolerance, political awareness, and natural beauty. Sitting at the crossroads of the Pacific Rim, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco, Berkeley is the perfect launchpad for Bay Area adventures. San Francisco is just 20 minutes away by transit; down the road, Oakland is a fast growing hotspot. If you need a respite from the hustle and bustle, the East Bay hills beckon with take-your-breath-away views of the Bay.
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Keep up with the latest news from our community and see more of what life is like as a student at #BerkeleyLaw by following us on social media @UCBerkeleyLaw @BerkeleyLaw @BerkeleyLawLLM @BerkeleyLaw linkedin.com/in/berkeleylawllm/
WWW.LAW.BERKELEY.EDU/ACADEMICS/LLM/ LLM@LAW.BERKELEY.EDU