Since 1897, the University of Illinois College of Law has provided students a rigorous and comprehensive legal education to help them achieve their individual goals. We have developed a reputation as one of the finest public law schools in the country because of the lawyers we mold and their involvement in the classroom, in the community, and in the field. Located on the campus of one of the nation’s top public research universities, this is a place where the spirit of innovation resides.
An education at Illinois allows you to find your passion and follow it.
Welcome
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made the University of Illinois College of Law my professional home more than fifteen years ago.
It was one of the very best decisions I ever made.
I’ve lived in several parts of the country during my career, working both inside and outside of the legal profession. While each place was wonderful in its own way, none quite compare to Illinois Law. Its excellence isn’t captured solely by the publicly available data marking it as one of the most highly regarded law schools in the country. We also have a first-rate faculty of teacher-scholars who dedicate themselves to their students. We have a large, enthusiastic, and incredibly accomplished alumni corps who welcome opportunities to give back. We are a proud part of one of the nation’s most impactful research universities, which offers innumerable opportunities for our students to deepen their understanding of both the law and the world. Most importantly, the academic rigor, intellectual excitement, and easy camaraderie that defines our law school community is truly unique.
Despite all of these assets, Illinois Law never rests on its laurels. The legal profession is constantly evolving to keep up with an increasingly complex society. We continually strive to be at the forefront of understanding this change, seeking new opportunities to deliver value to our students, the bench and bar, and society as a whole.
I invite you to learn more about what Illinois Law can offer you. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly (jcsharpe@illinois. edu) or contact our Admissions Office to schedule an in-person visit.
Thanks for considering Illinois Law, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Jamelle C. Sharpe Dean, Professor and Guy Raymond Jones Faculty Scholar
A world-class university
The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign community of students, scholars, and alumni is changing the world.
With a land-grant heritage as a foundation, Illinois pioneers innovative research that tackles global problems and expands the human experience. Our transformative learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, are designed to produce alumni who desire to make a significant, societal impact.
Flexible LLM Program Start Date:
Most students begin the program in the fall semester (August).
Limited applications are accepted to begin in the spring semester (January).
2 or 3 Semester Option:
Students may elect to complete the LLM program in 2 or 3 semesters. This allows students the flexibility to customize a program of study, enjoy greater internship opportunities, and benefit from more time to study for the bar exam.
Three LLM Tracks Individuality
General LLM
Students are free to choose over 150 courses and customize their curriculum to meet their academic needs. Our areas of strength include:
• Business and Law
• Criminal Law
• Family Law, Health Law, and Torts
• Government and Law
• Environmental Law
• Public Interest
• Technology and Intellectual Property (IP) Law
Bar Fundamentals
This Track is specially designed for internationally trained law students to gain fundamental knowledge of the key areas of U.S. law that are emphasized on most bar exams, such as Evidence, Business Associations, Criminal Procedure and Torts. In addition to the course options, these students will be provided with:
• Bar exam counseling and long-term preparation plan
• Registration guide
• Bar study support to complement a commercial bar prep program
• UBE study workshop
• MBE Simulation Exam
Concentrations
Students may apply to earn a Concentration to deepen their knowledge in a particular legal field. The following Concentrations are available:
• Corporate Law, Commercial Law and Trade
• Criminal Law
• Intellectual Property & Technology Law
• International and Comparative Law
• Justice, Democracy, and Legal Rights
• Regulation, Sustainability, and Compliance
Analytical thinking, problemsolving, research, pre-trial and trial skills, negotiation, and interviewing are critical skills needed for real-world success. Students receive instruction and practice in critical lawyering skills, including client interviewing and oral advocacy.
Trial Advocacy for LLMs
In the Trial Advocacy Program, students tackle real-world challenges through experiential learning to gain the skills they need to succeed in the practice of law. A dedicated faculty of seasoned trial practitioners supports the Program, giving students unparalleled opportunities to learn from a variety of experienced attorneys and judges. The Program also provides the opportunity to practice oral advocacy in English.
Clinical Education
Illinois is one of the few law schools that allow LLM students to participate in clinics. Working with real clients on real problems is one of the richest ways to learn about lawyering and the complexity and depth that clients bring to cases. With class sizes of eight students, you can be sure you’ll get a very hands-on experience. Furthermore, the College recently completed a major renovation of our clinic space, providing students a professional legal setting in which to grow their skills as a practitioner.
Law Competitions
There are ample opportunities for Illinois Law students to participate in competitions, with some of our most popular offerings being client counseling and negotiation competitions.
Impact
Our Faculty
The faculty at Illinois Law are acclaimed teachers community-minded innovators and interdisciplinary experts They are national leaders in many areas of law, and their highly cited research is shaping the modern legal landscape.
Practice the Law While Making
a Difference
SPOTLIGHT: Immigration Law Clinic
The main mission of the Immigration Law Clinic is to provide direct legal services to members of the community who cannot otherwise afford them.
Led by Professor Lauren Aronson, a seasoned immigration law professional, students receive instruction on substantive law, procedures, and concepts required to represent clients in a multitude of immigration matters. Students hone their advocacy skills by directly serving clients in interviews and counseling, in trial preparation, and in court.
Clinic Victory
After hours of interviews, research, writing, and compiling a case to present in court, there are several emotions a young lawyer might feel. Nothing compares, however, to the flood of emotion that comes with hearing the judge announce a decision in favor of your client,
which is exactly what Marco Becerra ‘24 and Akshay Krishnamani ’24 felt on March 4 when the Immigration Court in Chicago granted asylum to the thirdyear students’ clients.
The big, emotional moment began in August of 2023, when Becerra and Krishnamani were assigned to work on a case fighting the removal of three citizens of Nicaragua.
“Initially, our job was just building rapport, explaining to them what the purpose of the clinic is, how we’re going to help them,” Becerra said. From
Impact
there, the clinicians had the task of building the case and establishing credibility of the clients.
The duo did a remarkable job, successfully winning asylum for their clients to keep their family together in the United States.
“I can’t believe that you can graduate from law school without working on a case. To me, that’s kind of crazy,” Becerra said, stressing how useful he found the clinic opportunity to be in his education.
“
I hope that they learn what it means to be a zealous advocate. They may not all practice in this area, but hopefully they will maintain an understanding of the importance of this work. I hope that they understand the complexity of immigration law and feel confident dispelling misconceptions about it.”
Lauren Aronson, Immigration Law Clinic Director
variety of programming options are available for LLM students to participate in, offering ample opportunities to network with the College’s more than 4,000 Chicago-based alumni.
The Chicago Program
The Chicago Program offers semester-long Chicagobased courses and events for interested LLM students.
Taught by leading practitioners and College faculty, courses are taught in the Illini Center in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Bar Association, and in the offices of several preeminent law firms, including Winston & Strawn, Foley & Lardner, Steptoe & Johnson, and Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella.
Events and lectures are open to all LLM students, offering fantastic opportunities to network with the College’s more than 4,000 Chicago-based alumni. Launched in 2012, the Chicago Program is designed to enrich the College’s curriculum, expand professional opportunities for students, and involve alumni and other practitioners more closely in the College’s educational mission.
Innovation Career Planning
and Professional Development
THECHICAGOPROGRAM
The Graduate and International Program Office is staffed with attorneys who focus exclusively on the academic success and career development of our graduate students. Our law associates provide:
• One-on-on academic success counseling
• Bar information and advising
• Resume and cover letter reviews
• Mock interviews
• Individual career counseling
• Career and job fair alerts
Specialized Programming
International Student Interview Program (ISIP)
Illinois Law participates in ISIP. The annual consortium event sponsored by 33 law schools nationwide facilitates the hiring of highly qualified, foreign-trained lawyers enrolled in LLM programs at each school.
The program attracts more than 150 of the leading legal employers from around the world, who review student resumes based on their hiring needs and country of practice. Over 1,800 candidates representing 70+ countries will have an opportunity to be considered for internship and permanent positions in the United States and abroad.
Perspectives on Practice
Throughout the academic year, the Careers Office partners with various student organizations to bring in guest speakers to share perspectives on their legal practice.
Workshops
Law School 101 is a comprehensive program to introduce incoming students to the study of law and the legal profession. Beyond academic support, students receive career support through resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and special bar preparation workshops.
Our Alumni
Illinois Law alumni include managing partners at leading international law firms; founders of cutting-edge boutiques; CEOs, CFOs, and in-house counsel at Fortune 500 companies; federal and state judges, prosecutors, and public defenders; and lawyers working in other public interest positions. Our alumni are not only accomplished, but incredibly loyal, helping to mentor, teach, hire, and support our students.
Inspiration
Lebogang Collins Munyai
Imagine a world wherein all your academic fantasies are a reality. Like if you ever wondered whether it could be done, the academic advisors will help you –[with] course counseling, courses and activities that satisfy your interests, making you realize it CAN be done. The College of Law has friendly faculty members that hold your hand through activities and a selection of programs that pair perfectly with any personality….The results are worthwhile and will boost your confidence and attitude towards life. One would be holding back if they did not speak about the multi-cultural centered approach to academia the College upholds. You will feel respected (culturally) and most importantly acknowledged. It’s a home I’m PROUD to call my ALMA MATER.
13,400+ Global Illinois Law Alumni
Meet Lebogang, María, and Justice
María de la Paz Otalvares
My interest in pursuing an LLM Degree at the College of Law began in 2018 after completing an LLM exchange semester. The academic and personal experience at the University exceeded my expectations [such] that I was committed to pursue an LLM after my graduation in my home country, Argentina. Following my experience, there is no doubt that UIUC College of Law offers a very thorough, complete, and comprehensive program, particularly in the area of Corporate, Trade and Commercial law which was my experience and particular concentration of my LLM. The College of Law also gives you the opportunity to attend various school-held events which immerse you in American law in a very direct, close, and day-to-day way. Likewise, the competitions that take place, such as the ABA Client Counseling Competition, make up a very rich and challenging experience, in addition to the overall academic aspect.
Justice Ukpabi
Looking back on my LLM journey at the UIUC College of Law, I am filled with gratitude for the exceptional academic experience and the remarkable individuals I had the privilege of encountering along the way.
The College of Law truly sets itself apart through its unparalleled academic rigor. The faculty, comprising distinguished professors, are not only experts in their respective fields but also deeply committed mentors. Their passion for teaching and dedication to nurturing intellectual curiosity has had a profound impact on my development as a legal scholar.
Yet, what truly distinguishes the College of Law is not solely its academic excellence. The sense of community and the wonderful people I had the pleasure of connecting with during my time there has left an indelible mark in my life. These individuals have become more than mere colleagues; they are
lifelong friends. The opportunity to learn alongside such brilliant minds enriched my educational experience in immeasurable ways.
I must also highlight ChampaignUrbana, the town where the College of Law is located. Its vibrant college town atmosphere, away from the distractions of a big city, fosters a strong focus on sportsmanship. The town’s enthusiastic support for sports creates an infectious sense of camaraderie among its residents.
My time at the College of Law has shaped me into a well-rounded individual, prepared to make a positive impact in the legal profession. I am forever grateful for the exceptional academic experience, the incredible individuals I met, and the lively collegetown atmosphere that has contributed to my growth.
Our Students
The Student Experience
Illinois Law students are smart, driven, and passionate. Here, you can pursue your interests and create lasting relationships in our vibrant community. Complementing the breadth of courses and practical training is an array of opportunities for active engagement outside the classroom.
30+ student organizations
@uillinoislaw Follow us on Instagram for a sneak peek at student life!
100+ lectures and events per year
“Last night, I had the honor of attending the 30th Annual BLSA Banquet honoring James Seaberry Recepient Walter Jones Jr. (72).
During the event, I learned the importance of goal setting and methods of achieving these goals. I also better understood how diversified the legal field can be.”
— Amarachi Oparah (LLM ’23)
“It is easy to forget many other people have been underrepresented and desire Justice to be dispensed. It is a call for Lawyers to be more involved in Pro bono services to the community. The time is coming where faith in the Courts will be restored.”
— Jessica Uwamusi (LLM ’23) at Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice Summit
Our Community
Life in Champaign-Urbana
A micro-urban community known for its big-city amenities yet smalltown affordability, accessibility, safety, and friendliness, ChampaignUrbana (C-U) is dynamic and vibrant, with a lively cultural scene, a variety of restaurants, and numerous recreational opportunities.
Things to Know
• Average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $900
• Getting around town is fast and easy.
— Mass transit bus system – FREE for students
— Pedestrian and bike-friendly with dockless bike share available
— Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar are available
• Ranked the fastest-growing city in Illinois in 2017 (Business Insider), C-U boasts an assortment of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and cultural venues.
• Recreation opportunities abound, with one of the premier campus recreation facilities in the country just steps away from the law school, and plenty of public and state parks in the region.
Tuition & Aid
1) All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships
2) More than 80% of admitted students receive at least a partial scholarship.
3) Cost of living is 9% lower than the U.S. average.
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, LLB, or equivalent degree. The bachelor’s degree need not be in law. Application requirements include:
• Completed application
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Certified transcripts and credentials
• At least one letter of reference
• TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo score
The University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign is proud to have more than 51,000 students enrolled from 100+ countries. The mission of the University is to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement and economic development. For more than 150 years, Illinois has carried out this mission and helped shape the minds of Nobel laureates, Pulitzer prize winners, MacArthur Genius Grant recipients, and other outstanding individuals.
Full-time, Long-term employment for which a JD was required or preferred. (Class of 2022)
of those employed from the Class of 2021 accepted positions outside of Illinois in 16 states, D.C., and 2 countries. After Illinois, the largest employment states were California and Missouri.
