International LL.M Brochure

International Law LL.M.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

With more than 200 alumni originating from 55 countries, Stetson’s International Law LL.M. program brings together domestic and foreign lawyers seeking advanced careers in business, government, education, or the law on a global scale. Students undertake a rigorous curriculum taught by skilled legal scholars, with an option to pursue a concentration in International Business Law or International Environmental Law.

The LL.M. curriculum includes:

Fall Semester

U.S. Legal Systems: 3 credits

International Law: 3 credits

U.S. Legal Research and Writing: 3 credits

Electives: 3-8 credits

Spring Semester

International Litigation and Arbitration: 3 credits

Externship: 3 credits

Electives: 6-11 credits

Your experience in the program will include:

• Two semester, 24-credit program on Stetson Law’s safe and friendly campus

• Two-week introduction to U.S. Law for foreign attorneys

• Guided study through mentorships with prominent international law faculty

• Frequent lectures, academic success workshops, and cultural events

• A required externship to build experience in the legal profession

A LEGACY OF SUCCESS

• Stetson Law is Florida’s first law school and has a long history of successfully educating attorneys

• Ranked #3 in Trial Advocacy and #3 in Legal Writing by U.S. News & World Report (2023)

• World, national, regional, and state champion advocacy teams

• Host to the world’s largest International Environmental Moot Court Competition, held annually at Stetson Law

LL.M. EMPHASIS OPTION

Applicants may opt to pursue an emphasis in International Business Law or International Environmental Law. These programs give students the opportunity to work with a faculty mentor, work on relevant topics in small groups, research and write in an area of interest, and receive professional guidance.

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN ATTORNEYS

For foreign-trained attorneys in the LL.M. program, Stetson offers a special two-week U.S. Legal Systems Orientation designed to help students acclimate to studying law in a different legal and educational system. This orientation provides foreign students with the tools to succeed at a U.S. law school.

GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Our International Programs and Career Development offices work together to prepare students to enter the workforce with workshops and networking opportunities. In spring, eligible students are placed in a required clinic or externship for academic credit to build their practical legal skills. In addition, students may also seek experience on campus as a research assistant in their area of interest.

PARTICIPATE

• Compete with the VIS International Moot Court Team in competitions around the United States and the world

• Represent Stetson Law as a delegate to the Tampa Bay Foreign Relations Committee

• Participate in the American Caribbean Law Initiative in the U.S. or abroad

• Engage in an active student body and alumni network that provides social and professional support

LEARN AND TRAVEL

Legal study abroad opportunities are available during the winter intersessional, during spring break, and over the summer. Past programs have been held in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Oxford, and The Hague.

THRIVE IN TAMPA BAY

Stetson Law is situated in the beautiful and flourishing Tampa Bay metropolitan area, home to a diverse and expansive legal community as well as many clinics and externship opportunities for our law school students. Tampa Bay is also home to world-renowned beaches, championship-winning sports teams, cultural centers, performance halls, and fine art museums. With an average of 361 days of sunshine a year and an average high temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), it has some of Florida’s best open spaces, including the aforementioned beaches and more than 20,000 acres of parks and preserves.

CAMPUS LIFE

Stetson Law is one of the few law schools that owns and operates oncampus housing for students. A great benefit for international students unfamiliar with the area, Stetson housing is conveniently located, allowing students to walk to class or the library within minutes. The campus also features a swimming pool, a fitness center, soccer fields, and tennis and basketball courts, and is near the sand volleyball courts on the Gulfport waterfront and St. Pete Beach.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

“Stetson considers your LL.M. studies as the final stage of your education, and precisely focuses on giving you a real life experience—an externship in a real law firm, tailored to your needs. Today, thousands of miles from sunny Florida, my clients appreciate the professionalism and diligence I gained at Stetson.”

Michal Homza, LL.M. ’12, Esq. Director of the International Law Division, Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

The deadline to apply is July 1. For students requiring a visa, we recommend submitting your application by March 1.

• Application form

• Personal Statement

• Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, graduate or professional schools attended

• Two letters of recommendation

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR FOREIGN APPLICANTS

• TOEFL score (minimum 88 internet-based) or IELTS score (minimum 6.5)

• Credential evaluation of foreign transcripts

PLANNING TO SIT FOR THE BAR EXAM?

Although Stetson Law recommends applicants interested in sitting for the Bar Exam apply for the Juris Doctorate program, LL.M. graduates may take the Bar Exam in select states. Bar Examination requirements vary considerably state to state. Students should read the requirements of each state’s exam before starting the program. Students receiving an LL.M. from Stetson may apply to sit for the Florida bar if they have proof that they have practiced law for two years in any U.S. jurisdiction and meet certain other requirements.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Partial scholarships are available for outstanding, qualified applicants. Students may submit their scholarship application and essay with or after submitting their program application. Scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early in the admissions cycle to receive priority consideration.

“The LL.M. in International Law was an incredible opportunity to further my professional goals. At Stetson Law, I encountered an academically rigorous program and a wonderful faculty and legal community who invested in my success during and after law school. It prepared me to understand the differences between the civil and common law systems and gave me the tools to successfully transition from practicing law in one system to the other.”

Natalia Reyna-Pimiento, LL.M. ’15 Assistant Attorney General Criminal Appeals, Florida Office of Attorney General