Our programs provide the opportunity to develop a specialty or explore more broadly with offerings to meet all your needs.
LL.M. Pathway Options
Intensive Legal English + LL.M.
LL.M./J.D. Joint Degree
*online option available
Taxation
MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M.) PROGRAMS
WHY MIAMI |
1,400+
Multinational Corporations Headquartered in South Florida
WHY
MIAMI
6:1 Student to faculty ratio with 380+ total faculty
CAREER
74% of upper-level courses have less than 25 students
GATEWAY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES, LATIN AMERICA, EUROPE, AND ASIA
Home to 17 of the 25 largest law firms in the U.S.
11th largest economy in the U.S. and 21st largest in the world
#2 international banking center in the U.S.
#1 city for U.S. startup activity (Kauffman Foundation)
#2 for foreign consulates and trade offices in the U.S.
LAW | TIGHT-KNIT
COMMUNITY, VAST CURRICULAR
OPTIONS
70+ years of LL.M. programs, one of the oldest in the U.S.
55+ student organizations
Only International Moot Court Program in the U.S.
Alumni network—23,000+ law alumni in all 50 states, D.C., several territories, and 95 countries
| EXPERT SUPPORT & SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
Dedicated LL.M. career advisor
20+ law job fairs across the country
Top 33 law school for percentage of graduates placed in the 100 largest U.S. law firms (Law.com 2025 Ranking)
Miami Law has the most graduates leading the Top 30 U.S. firms, ranked by gross revenue, alongside Harvard Law School (Am Law 100, 2025 Listing)
Top 33 for law schools with the most graduates at big law (U.S. News & World Report 2025 specialty ranking)
MORE 2024-25 RANKINGS
Top 30 International Law and Clinical Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
47th U.S. law school (QS World University Rankings)
Top 25 school for foreign lawyers (International Jurist)
A Grade in International Law, Estate Planning, Business Law, and Health Law (PreLaw Magazine 2023, 2024 & 2025)
Top 10 LL.M. Program for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Sports Law, Global Law, Media & Entertainment Law, and Real Estate Law (LL.M. Guide 2025)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR FOREIGN-TRAINED LAWYERS
LLM programs for foreign lawyers needing to improve their English
Qualify for a one-year post-graduation employment authorization in the U.S.
Have the opportunity to take the Bar Exam in several states in the U.S., including New York and Florida
STUDY OPTIONS
Fall (August) or spring (January) start
Full-time, part-time study
Online study for select LL.M. programs
SCHOLARSHIPS
Additional funding opportunities for prospective LL.M. students
SCAN HERE FOR MORE
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS AND SPORTS LAW LL.M.
“My experience with EASL gave me a broader vision of the entertainment business. I learned useful approaches to music and entertainment matters with startups and the digital world that encouraged me to try different paths in my career. This led directly to my decision to start working at a digital service provider like Spotify.”
José María Escriña, LL.M. ‘16 Director of Music Publishing Licensing & Partnerships CEO & Founder, Belker Miami, FL
TRACK OF STUDY
The University of Miami School of Law is the only law school in the world that offers a combined graduate degree focused upon the entertainment, arts, and sports industries, all of which are growing rapidly. Our program responds directly to the increasing need for lawyers who have been trained to practice in these areas as they continue to expand, intersect, and converge around the world. Our program is strategically situated in Miami, a critical force in the entertainment industry and home to four major professional sports franchises. The LL.M. program provides students with a more intimate understanding of what to expect in practice and prepares them to be “client-ready.” To that end, top practicing attorneys teach relevant and timely courses, and practical skills training is emphasized.
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS AND SPORTS LAW LL.M.
COURSES/CONCENTRATIONS/ TRACKS
Pre-Requisites
(4 of 6 Required for Domestic Students)
Tax, Business Associations, Administrative Law, Antitrust Law, Labor Law, Trust & Estates
Required Courses
Sports Track—15 credits
Copyright
Trademark
Sports Law
Negotiating & Drafting Sports Venue Agreements
Purchase & Sale of a Minor League Baseball Team
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) in College Athletics
Representing the Professional Athlete Practicum
Entertainment Track—11 credits
Copyright Trademark
Entertainment Law
Entertainment Law Transactions
Music Law
Negotiating & Drafting for the Business of Entertainment I
Practicum
Arts Track—11 credits
Copyright
Trademark
Art Law
Negotiating & Drafting in Art Practicum
Additional Required Courses for International Students
Introduction to U.S. Law
Legal Communication & Research
Startup Law & Entrepreneurship
Professional Responsibility
Electives
Bidding & Hosting Major Events
Blank Space: IP Law Through the Lens of Taylor Swift
Business, Entertainment & Sports Immigration Law
Chat ENT: AI’s Impact on Entertainment, Arts and Sports
Comparative Sports Law (in Florence, Italy)
Communications and Negotiations in Entertainment and Sports
Copyright & Trademark Litigation
Cultural Property & Antiquities Trafficking: Importation Laws & Border Enforcement
Entertainment Law: A Real-World Guide to the Practice
Entertainment Law in Latin America
European Sports Law (in Madrid, Spain)
E-Sports
Fashion Law
From Prompting to Purchase: AI in Entertainment M and A Transactions
Intellectual Property: Transactions & Litigation
Investing in Sports: From Private Equity and Venture Capital to Emerging Industry Trends
Media Distribution
Music Festivals, Live Concerts & Other
Productions
Music Law
Music Law II
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) in College Athletics
Negotiating & Drafting for the Business of Entertainment II
NFTs: Legal and Business Issues
A Playbook for Leadership & the Law
Player Licensing and International Games (in London)
Sneaker Law
Soccer Law
Social Media & the Law
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts: Producing the Art Documentary
Sports Betting & Regulation
Sports, Entertainment and Social Impact
Sports, Ethics, Morality & the Law I & II
Taxation of Athletes & Entertainers
The Business of Sports
Union Organizing & Collective Bargaining in the Entertainment Industry
Women in Professional Sport
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS & ADVISORY BOARD
Miami Law has distinguished advisors, faculty, and visiting professors whose expertise cuts across all areas of this LL.M.
The program attracts top local, national, and international experts as adjunct professors. Many of the specialized courses in the program are taught as one-week short courses allowing Miami Law to attract leading experts from across the world.
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Practicum Requirement
A practicum requirement affords students the opportunity for additional training in the workplace.
Mentorship, Networking & Career Development
Site Visits: Students are invited to local entertainment companies, museums, and professional sports franchises, where they can gain an understanding of business operations and interact with counsel. Mentorship: Each student is introduced to an appropriate industry professional, who is
available as a mentor and with whom the student can discuss career development.
Guest Speaker Series: Prominent attorneys and executives in the applicable fields are invited as weekly guest speakers to address students.
Tutorials: These workshops are conducted by industry experts such as leading lawyers and business executives on topics that are not generally covered in the program courses.
International Initiatives
Player Licensing and International Games, London
European Sports Law—Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE), Madrid
Comparative Sports Law—University of Florence
EXAMPLES OF PAST PRACTICUM
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (Miami, FL)
Atlanta Hawks (Atlanta, GA)
BBC Studios (Miami, FL)
CONCACAF (Miami, FL)
Creative Artist Agency—Hockey (Nashville, TN)
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Miami, FL)
Greenspoon Marder (Miami, FL)
HBO (Los Angeles, CA)
HBO Latin America (Miami, FL)
Hogan Lovells (Miami, FL)
Holland & Knight (Miami, FL)
InterMiami CF (Miami, FL)
Jones Day (New York, NY)
Legends (New York, NY)
LIV Golf (New York, NY)
Lowe Art Museum (Miami, FL)
Major League Baseball (New York, NY)
Major League Soccer (New York, NY)
Miami Dolphins (Miami, FL)
Miami Marlins (Miami, FL)
Minnesota Vikings (Minneapolis, MN)
Museum of Graffiti (Miami, FL)
Nashville Predators (Nashville, TN)
National Lacrosse League (Philadelphia, PA)
NBAPA (New York, NY)
New York Red Bulls (New York, NY)
Orange Bowl (Miami, FL)
Reed Smith (Miami, FL)
Roc Nation Sports (New York, NY)
Sesame Workshop (New York, NY)
SFMOMA (San Francisco, CA)
Sony Music (New York, NY)
UC Irvine Athletics (Irvine, CA)
UFC (Las Vegas, NV)
United Soccer League (Tampa, FL)
Universal Music (Miami, FL)
Warner Music (Miami, FL)
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (New York, NY)
WNBPA (New York, NY)
ESTATE PLANNING LL.M.
“The LL.M. program in Estate Planning at the University of Miami is rigorous and challenging. It provided me with the knowledge, tools, and resources to be able to effectively plan complicated estates soon after graduation. It also allowed me to provide immediate value to the law firm that I joined through the proficiency that I gained in the technical aspects of estate planning and the many techniques that are utilized in it.”
Anson T. Cain, LL.M. ’11
Partner
Albrecht & Barney Law Corporation Irvine, CA
THE RIGHT TIME TO CONSIDER THIS DEGREE
The aging of the baby boomer generation, combined with the increasing complexity of the income, wealth transfer tax, and property laws, has created an increasing demand for attorneys with expertise in individual and estate planning. THE HECKERLING GRADUATE PROGRAM IN ESTATE PLANNING provides attorneys with the skills required to succeed in this growing practice area. Our graduate program offers a concentrated, practical curriculum providing a high level of technical expertise on a wide range of issues. These unique courses include a series of one-week modular courses taught by leading experts from around the nation through a live hybrid format to both fulltime and part-time students.
UNIQUE OFFERINGS & CURRICULUM
Unlike traditional graduate tax programs that might offer a cluster of introductory and survey courses on estate planning, the Heckerling Graduate Program provides in-depth, practical coverage of both the tax and non-tax issues central to individual and estate planning.
The Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning requires the completion of 31 credits.
Fall Semester—Foundational Courses
15 Credits
The graduate program begins with a traditional 14-week semester of course work that covers core conceptual topics and provides the foundation for the specialized planning courses offered in the spring.
Corporate Tax
Federal Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates
Federal Wealth Transfer Tax
Income Tax for Estate Planners
Introduction to Estate Planning and Probate Partnership Tax
Spring Semester—Concentrated 1-Week Courses
16 Credits
The spring semester curriculum distinguishes our program from other graduate programs across the country. Building on the fall semester classes, it consists of a series of oneweek, one-credit modular courses offering in-depth coverage of advanced level tax and non-tax estate planning topics.
Asset Protection
Chapter 14
Charitable Gifts & Foundations
Distributions from Qualified Plans
Drafting for Estate Planners
Elder Law
Ethical and Practical Aspects of Estate Planning
Fiduciary Administration
Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax
International Estate Planning
Investment Planning
Life Insurance
Marital Deduction
Planning for the Family Business
Tax Procedure
Valuation
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
The estate planning faculty includes preeminent local and national estate planning experts. South Florida is home to many of the nation’s leading estate planning practitioners, and the program includes a number of these experts on its adjunct faculty in the fall semester. Our specialized spring courses are taught by elite estate planning attorneys from around the country and offer in-depth, practical coverage of advanced level planning topics.
Tina Portuondo, Director of the Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning and of the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, joined Miami Law after practicing in the areas of tax and estate planning in New York and Miami. Tina is a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estates Counsel (ACTEC) and a Past Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Practical Drafting Experience
Students receive practical experience by planning and drafting an estate plan based on a hypothetical fact pattern. The Capstone drafting project is completed under the direct supervision of an experienced estate planning attorney who meets one-on-one with the student to evaluate the plan.
Seminar-Style Classes
Small seminar-style hybrid classes allow students to develop close connections with their fellow students and professors. Lifelong professional relationships are nurtured by annual alumni reunions at the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning.
Professional Development
Miami Law’s Office of Career and Professional Development Office provides an experienced career advisor exclusively dedicated to students enrolled in the Estate Planning LL.M. Program.
Networking Opportunities
Students enjoy a wide variety of opportunities to meet and network with local estate planning attorneys through local bar association meetings and alumni events. Students also attend the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, the nation’s premier continuing education program for the estate planning industry.
Joint Degree Programs
Students with a J.D. degree can attend the program on a full or part-time basis. Students currently enrolled as J.D. students at Miami Law or elsewhere can apply for our joint degree program which allows students to earn both the J.D. and the LL.M. degree in either six or seven semesters. A triple J.D./ M.B.A./LL.M. option is also available.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Full-Tuition Scholarships
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Student Writing Competition
A full-tuition scholarship to the Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning is available to the first-place winner of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Student Writing Competition.
The American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law (RPTE) Student Writing Contest
A full-tuition scholarship to the Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning is available to the first-place winner of the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Student Writing Contest.
Partial-Tuition Scholarships
Philip E. Heckerling Scholarship
A partial-tuition scholarship is available to a currently enrolled J.D. candidate or recent graduate of the University of Miami School of Law with the highest J.D. grade point average (minimum 3.0 required).
Additional Estate Planning Scholarships
Additional scholarship assistance may be available based upon financial need or academic merit and the potential for excellence in the field of estate planning.
“In nine months, the Graduate Program in Estate Planning taught me concepts and techniques that would have taken me years to learn through continuing legal education courses and private practice. It was a great way to transition to a career in estate planning.”
J. Allison Archbold—LL.M. ‘07 Archbold Law Sarasota, Florida
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION LL.M.
“I can confidently say that there is not another program that could offer all the benefits and opportunities that Miami Law does. The classes in the International Arbitration LL.M. Program are taught by the leading arbitration practitioners in the field, providing the students with unique insights and an invaluable opportunity to learn from their experiences.”
Ivan Ignacio Bracho Gonzalez (Venezuela), J.D./LL.M. International Arbitration ‘19 Young ICCA Scholarship Recipient
Whether a newcomer or an experienced practitioner, this program is ideal for U.S. and foreign trained law graduates looking to enrich their knowledge and skills as a platform for a successful career in international arbitration. The White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program provides a unique, individualized curriculum offering in-depth knowledge and skills in international arbitration. Students receive career advising tailored to individual interests and professional goals. Students also have the opportunity to attend international job fairs, participate in internships with leading international arbitration firms and institutions, compete in global international arbitration moot court competitions, attend international arbitration conferences, publish in legal journals, and get involved in professional arbitration organizations.
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION LL.M.
COURSES/CONCENTRATIONS
Students may focus on international commercial or investment arbitration, or both
Required International Arbitration Core Concepts & Skills Courses
Basic Concepts in International Arbitration
Forensics of Advocacy in International Arbitration I & II
International Arbitration and the New York Convention
Elective International Arbitration Courses
Advanced International Arbitration Seminar
Advanced Oral Advocacy in International Arbitration
Damages in International Arbitration
Drafting Complex Arbitration Clauses Dispute Resolution, Technology and the Digital Economy
Federal Arbitration Act
Globalization & Arbitration
ICSID Practice and Procedure
International Arbitration and ESG
International Arbitration in Latin America & the Caribbean
International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum
International Commercial Arbitration Seminar: A United States Perspective
International Energy Arbitration
International Investment Law
International Law of State Responsibility
International Sports Arbitration
Investment Arbitration
Law of International Treaties
Maritime Arbitration
Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration with a European Nexus
Required Courses for Foreign-Trained Lawyers
Introduction to U.S. Law
Legal Communication & Research I & II
Other Course Options
Students may choose from Miami Law’s vast curriculum of 300+ courses, including courses on alternative dispute resolution, foundational U.S. law courses, preparatory bar exam courses, and other innovative courses on cutting-edge topics.
FACULTY & GUEST LECTURER HIGHLIGHTS
Gary Born (Partner and Chair of International Arbitration Practice Group, Wilmer Hale)
Jonathan C. Hamilton (Partner and Global Co-Chair of International Arbitration, Paul Hastings; Distinguished Chair of the International Arbitration Institute)
Meg Kinnear (Immediate Past SecretaryGeneral, ICSID)
Carolyn Lamm (Partner and Chair of International Disputes—Americas, White & Case; Distinguished Co-Chair of the International Arbitration LL.M.)
Jan Paulsson (Michael Klein Distinguished Scholar Chair Emeritus)
David W. Rivkin (Retired Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton)
Claudia Salomon (President, International Chamber of Commerce [ICC] International Court of Arbitration)
Albert Jan van den Berg (Founding Partner, Hanotiau & van den Berg; Distinguished CoChair of the International Arbitration LL.M.)
PRACTICAL TRAINING OPTIONS
Practicum placements with international arbitration law firms and institutions
Graduate research assistant opportunities with Miami Law’s International Arbitration Institute and internationally renowned professors
English and Spanish-language international arbitration moot competitions globally
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Scholarships are available for outstanding applicants based on academic and professional skills and achievements, including:
Miami Law/Young ICCA Scholarship (FullTuition, essay competition);
Carolyn Lamm/White & Case Scholarship (Partial-Tuition);
International Arbitration Institute Scholarship (Partial Tuition);
Miami Law’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) International Arbitration Moot Scholarship (Half-Tuition);
Miami Law’s Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Scholarship (Half-Tuition);
Scholarship agreements with various International Arbitration institutes;
and more.
CAREER SUPPORT
Work with an experienced career advisor specifically for LL.M. students.
Attend the prestigious New York International Student Interview Program, which attracts 160+ leading legal employers from around the world.
Attend international arbitration networking events, conferences, and site visits.
Foreign-trained students may take the Bar Exam in several states in the U.S., including California, Florida, New York and Texas. International students may qualify for a one-year post-graduation employment authorization in the U.S. under a student visa.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Graduates have worked in prestigious law firms, arbitral institutions, and multi-national companies in 50+ cities around the globe.
Addleshaw Goddard
Akerman
Allen & Overy
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer
Baker & Hostetler
Baker & McKenzie
Bryan Cave
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Clifford Chance
Clyde & Co.
CMS Legal
Crowell & Moring
Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dechert
Dentons
DLA Piper
Duane Morris
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Greenberg Traurig
Hanotiau & van den Berg
Hogan Lovells
Holland & Knight
Hughes Hubbard & Reed
Jones Day
King & Spalding
Lalive
Latham & Watkins
Norton Rose Fulbright
Paul Hastings
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Reed Smith
Shearman & Sterling
Squire Patton Boggs
Stephenson Harwood
Three Crowns
White & Case
WilmerHale
STUDY OPTIONS
Full-Time, part-time study
Spring (January) or fall (August) start
Intensive Legal English + LL.M. in International Arbitration
J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree in International Arbitration
INTERNATIONAL LAW LL.M.
“At Miami Law, my educational journey has become a transformative and enriching experience that surpasses traditional legal education. Studying at Miami Law means you’re surrounded by a commitment to excellence. This program shapes not just careers but also nurtures capable, confident, and socially responsible legal professionals ready to make a significant impact in the world.”
Ricky J. Marc, J.D., M.S. (USA)
LL.M. ‘25
STUDY IN MIAMI—PORTAL TO THE AMERICAS WITH TIES TO THE REST OF THE WORLD
This program is ideal for U.S. law graduates looking to deepen their knowledge of international law. Today’s legal practice and legal institutions are unavoidably multinational as the world has become more global and countries more interconnected. Legal rules that previously affected domestic matters are now often subject to the laws of numerous jurisdictions. This LL.M. program provides the background necessary to recognize, understand, and manage problems arising in the international legal order, including international trade, investment, business, environmental problems, and the protection of human rights.
COURSES/CONCENTRATIONS
Required Courses
International Law
International Finance International Business Transactions
Elective Courses—Public International Law
Advanced Immigration Law
Advanced Topics in International Law
Business, Entertainment, and Sports Immigration Policy
Climate Change Law and Policy
Human Rights Clinic
Immigration Law
International Criminal Law
International Environmental Law
International Human Rights Law
International Moot Court
Law of the Sea
Elective Courses—International Business & Cross Border Transactions
Advanced Topics: Inter-American Human Rights System
Business and Human Rights
Cross Border Transactions
Cultural Property and Antiquities
Drafting Complex Arbitration Clauses
Globalization & Arbitration
Immigration Clinic
International Arbitration in Latin America & The Caribbean
International Anti-Corruption
International Bankruptcy
International Business Seminar
International Business and National Security Law
International Distribution and Franchise Agreement
International Intellectual Property
International Investment Law
International Sales
International Tax
Offshore Financial Centers: Law, Policy and Practice
Sovereign Debt
The Law of International Treaties
Trafficking: Importation Law and Border Enforcement
Transnational Litigation with European Nexus
Elective Courses—Foreign & Comparative Law
Ancient Greek and Roman Law
Comparative Law
Cuba Law and Policy
Doing Business in Latin America
Entertainment Law in Latin America
Foreign and International Legal Research
Intro to Doing Business in Latin America
Intro to Maritime Law In Latin America
Islamic Legal Systems
Jewish Law and Talmud
Latin American Contracts (in Spanish)
Spanish for Lawyers I&II
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Practicums—Students can obtain experience in the field of international law with law firms and corporations in Miami and beyond for academic credit.
Clinics—Miami Law has 9 outstanding clinics, which provide hands-on lawyering experience for students while also serving the community.
International Moot Court—The awardwinning program offers the opportunity to participate in legal competitions around the world.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Several scholarships are available to outstanding applicants based on academic and professional achievements, including:
Claude M. Olds Memorial Scholarship,
Dean’s Merit Scholarship,
Francisco V. Garcia-Amador Memorial Scholarship,
Rafael C. Benitez Scholarship Fund,
and more.
CAREER SUPPORT & OUTCOMES
Dedicated LL.M. career advisor
20+ law job fairs across the country
Top 33 for law schools with the most graduates at big law (U.S. News & World Report 2025 specialty ranking)
Top 33 law school for percentage of graduates placed in the 100 largest law firms (Law.com 2025 Ranking)
Of the top 30 U.S. firms, ranked by gross revenue, Miami Law has the most graduates leading these firms, alongside Harvard Law School (Am Law 100, 2024 Listing)
Where Our Graduates Work
Global Law Firms
Akerman
Allen & Overy
Baker & McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Bryan Cave
Dechert
DLA Piper
Duane Morris LLP
Eversheds Sutherland
Foley & Lardner LLP
Fox Rothschild LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Fried Frank
Greenberg Traurig
Hogan Lovells
Jones Day
Latham & Watkins
Reed Smith
Shearman & Sterling
Simmons & Simmons
Steptoe & Johnson
WilmerHale
Winston & Strawn
Multinational Corporations
AIG
Apple
Amazon
Assurant
Bank of America
Barclays Bank
BNP Paribas
Credit Suisse
Deloitte
ExxonMobil
FedEx
Hewlett Packard
Huawei
Johnson & Johnson
JP Morgan Chase
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Mastercard
Microsoft
Motorola
NBC Universal Telemundo
Oracle
Santander
Scotiabank
Sony Electronics
Stryker
TotalEnergies
Unilever
UnitedHealth
Univision
Visa
Western Union
RANKINGS & ABOUT MIAMI
Alumni in 95 countries
Miami is home to Latin American headquarters for 1400+ multinational corporations and 17 of the 25 largest law firms in the U.S.
Miami ranked #2 international banking center in the U.S.
‘A+’ rating for International Law (PreLaw Magazine 2025)
Top 30 Law School for International Law (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
STUDY OPTIONS
Full-Time, part-time study
Spring (January) or fall (August) start
Joint J.D./LL.M. in International Law
MARITIME LAW LL.M.
DIVE
“There was no question that Miami Law was the place to go [for Maritime Law]—a program that combines a great law school with an excellent marine school. All my professors were excellent, knowledgeable, and personable, and they challenged students to not only analyze and understand the legal issues but also to consider the issues within the context of the real world we live in.“
Doug Gaston, LL.M. ’17
Former Senior Vice President and General Counsel
INTO MARITIME LAW WHERE THE ATLANTIC MEETS ACADEMIA
As the “Cruise Capital of the World,” Miami offers a unique opportunity to study maritime law. It hosts the largest single-ship cruise terminal, with major cruise companies’ offices and operations located minutes from the Port of Miami—the “Top Cargo Gateway of the Americas.” It is also home to the Everglades. The Maritime Law LL.M. is ideal for U.S. and foreign-trained law graduates seeking to enrich their knowledge and skills. This program’s core is admiralty, law of the sea, and coastal law. Electives span coastal zone management, marine pollution, maritime arbitration, maritime personal injury, natural resource management, marine ecology, environmental law, and climate change. Interdisciplinary options include courses taught at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, a leading global research institution.
COURSES
Required Maritime Law Courses
Admiralty
Coastal Law
International Law Law of the Sea
Elective Maritime Law Courses
Advanced Topics in International Law
Climate Change & Human Rights
Climate Change Law & Policy
Climate Finance
Conservation, Tourism, & Development
Cruise Ship Law
Customs Law: Entry of Merchandise and Anti-Smuggling Laws
Environmental Justice Clinic II
Environmental Legal Research
Environmental Law
Environmental Planning and Impact Statement
Fisheries and Wildlife: Law & Policy
Introduction to Maritime Law in Latin America Legal Environment of the Cruise Industry Legal Implications: The Disaster and Aftermath of the M/V Dali Allision and Other Maritime Catastrophes
Marine Ecology and the Law
Marine Insurance
Maritime Arbitration
Maritime Personal Injury
Natural Resources
Piracy, Terrorism, and Drug Smuggling in the Maritime Domain
Protection of Living Marine Resources
Salvage, Treasure & Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage Wetland Regulation and Permitting
FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
Bernard H. Oxman, Professor Emeritus of Law, is a world expert on the law of the sea and teaches a core course on that subject every Spring. He has served as a judge ad hoc of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, Germany, and judge ad hoc of the International Court of Justice. He is the only American lawyer ever appointed to serve as judge ad hoc before both of these international tribunals.
Michael Ramer Karcher, who teaches Admiralty and Maritime P.I., is a member of the law firm of Karcher, Canning & Karcher in Fort Lauderdale. He specializes in recreational yachts, marine environmental law, and insurance issues. Karcher is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, and has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Florida Department of Natural Resources.
Daniel O Suman teaches Coastal Law. His work focuses on the management of coastal areas, including mechanisms to increase institutional cooperation, capacity building, the development of management plans, and the reduction of conflicts between various resource users.
MIAMI, A MARITIME LAW HUB
Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World” and a major shipping port, making it a hub for maritime legal issues like passenger injuries, ship operations, and international disputes. The city handles massive cargo traffic, especially with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Miami is home to many cruise lines and includes forum-selection clauses in passenger tickets, requiring lawsuits to be filed in Miami under maritime law. The city boasts a strong legal infrastructure with specialized maritime law firms and courts experienced in admiralty jurisdiction. Additionally, Miami is home to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), a joint command of over 1,200 military and civilian personnel, and the headquarters of the 7th U.S. Coast Guard District.
PROGRAM FEATURES
The leading lawyers engaged in private maritime practice and in-house counsel of the major cruise lines are readily available to our students as teachers, mentors, and advisers. Coast Guard and other government lawyers are regularly invited to teach courses in our Maritime Law program as well.
Directed Research
Students may undertake a directed research project focusing on a maritime law topic under the direction of a faculty supervisor.
Maritime Law Society
One of Miami Law’s most active student organization, the Maritime Law Society, founded in 1987, serves as a forum where students, professors, and alumni discuss maritime related issues and participate in Miami’s vast maritime culture.
Interdisciplinary Options
Students can take courses such as ocean policy and coastal zone management taught at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Several scholarships are available to outstanding applicants based on academic and professional achievements, including:
Cobb Family Fellowship
Claude M. Olds. Memorial Scholarship
Francisco V Garcia-Amador Memorial Scholarship
Rafael C. Benitez Scholarship Fund,
and more.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Carnival Cruise Line
CMA CGM Group (third-largest shipping company globally)
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
MasTec
Microsoft
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Svitzer (towage and marine solution services)
The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security— Coast Guard
U.S. Department of Homeland Security— Immigration & Customs Enforcement
U.S. Department of Justice—Attorney General’s Office
U.S. Department of Transport—Maritime Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
STUDY OPTIONS
Full-Time, part-time study
Spring (January) or Fall (August) Start
Intensive Legal English + LL.M. in Maritime Law
Joint J.D./LL.M. in Maritime Law
“My
experience in the Maritime Law LL.M. Program has been nothing short of challenging and rewarding. The faculty are complete experts in their fields of study, and the law school’s location provides tremendous opportunities.”
Jim Brady, J.D. (USA)
Major, USMC (Ret) Maritime Law LL.M.
REAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LL.M.
“The RPD LL.M. program provides students with a fundamental understanding of real estate law, development, and investment. The variety of courses offered ensures graduates are well rounded and well suited to jump into multiple real estate related careers. The program presents students with the opportunity to network with some of the most accomplished real estate attorneys and developers. If you put in the work, the long-term value of this program is unlimited.”
Spencer Hennings, J.D. ’17/LL.M. ’19
Shutts & Bowen LLP
Fort Lauderdale, FL
UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITIES
Widely regarded as the nation’s best, the ROBERT TRAURIG-GREENBERG TRAURIG LL.M. IN REAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT builds on a world-class faculty while capitalizing on longstanding ties to one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world. The LL.M. explores the subjects necessary to develop an understanding in land acquisition, finance, regulation, tax law, construction law, residential and commercial development, landlord-tenant, closings, negotiation, planning strategies, and drafting. The Program is designed for the law graduate or attorney who wants to acquire or expand expertise in planning, structuring, and financing real estate projects, either as a practitioner, owner, or developer. The Program is available on campus and in an online format, and offers hands-on learning and unparalleled networking and professional development opportunities to students and alumni.
REAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LL.M.
COURSES
The Program offers semester-long foundational courses and concentrated, short courses:
Required Regular Courses
Basic Real Estate Tax
Commercial Real Estate Leasing
Condominiums and Planned Developments
Introduction to Real Estate Development
Land Security and Finance
Mortgage Law
Planning and Zoning
Real Estate Documents Drafting Workshop
Real Estate Project Development Workshop
Required Concentrated Courses
Environmental Regulation of Real Property
Financial Analysis of Real Estate Transactions
Elective Regular Courses
Affordable Housing II & Practicum Bankruptcy
Construction Law
Distressed Property Workouts
Problem Solving in Real Property Development
Real Estate Transactions
Real Property and Government
Elective Concentrated Courses
Developing Affordable Housing Drafting Design and Construction Documents
Emerging Legal and Commercial Trends in Construction Projects
Florida Documentary Stamp Tax
Hospitality Law
Land Use and Zoning: Core Principles and Practical Applications
Negotiation Skills
Securitization of Real Estate
Title Insurance
SCHOLARSHIP
A limited number of scholarships are available to full-time students on the basis of merit and accomplishments. No separate scholarship application is required but decisions are made on a rolling basis and applicants should complete applications no later than March 15.
The American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law (RPTE) Student Writing Contest
A full-tuition scholarship to the Real Property Development LL.M. Program is available to the first place winner of The American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law (RPTE) Student Writing Contest. Candidates must apply and be admitted as full-time students to be considered for the scholarship. Please visit the ABA (RPTE) Student Writing Contest page for contest details.
FACULTY
The Program is taught by leading practitioners and experts in their fields:
Gil Acevedo, Hunton Andrews Kirth LLP
Brian Adler, Bilzin Sumberg
Ross Altman, Laurie & Brennan, LLP
Suzanne Amaducci-Adams, Bilzin Sumberg
Viviana Aspuru, Aspuru Caraballo Faria P.A.
Kerri Barsh, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Ralph Bekkevold, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Jill Anderson Blanco, CalAtlantic
Elizabeth Bodner, Ideal Miami Real Estate
Charles Bohl, University of Miami, SoA
Joni Armstrong Coffey, Akerman, LLP
Anthony De Yurre, Bilzin Sumberg
Timothy DeKeyser, Hogan Lovells
Shahrzad Emami, Nelson Mullins
Sandra Ferrera, Day Pitney LLP
John Halula, Holland & Knight LLP
Joseph Hernandez, Bilzin Sumberg
Michael Lynott, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Betsy McCoy, The Related Group
Tom Nealon, University of Miami
Antonio Prado, Collective Empowerment Group
Patricia Redmond, Stearns Weaver
Franchesca Rhodis, Franchesca Rhodis, P.A.
Vivian Rodriguez, Supervisory Administrative Law Judge
Frank S. Rossi, Frank S. Rossi, P.A.
Steven & Nicholas Siegfried, Siegfried Rivera
William Sklar, Carlton Fields
William Sullivan, Akerman, LLP
Alexander Tachmes, Shutts & Bowen LLP
Jack Winston, Goodkin Consulting
ADVISORY BOARD
Hugo Arza, Holland & Knight
Jeff Berkowitz, Berkowitz Development Group
Ellen Buckley, Prospera Real Estate Collective
Rocio Budetta, Newland Capital Group
Lorne Cantor, Jones Day LLP
Asi Cymbal, Cymbal Development
Anthony De Yurre, Co-Chair, Bilzin Sumberg
David Deutch, Pinnacle Housing
Manny Diaz, Lydecker Law
Carol L. Schoffel Faber, Akerman, LLP
Lyan Fernandez, Attica Consulting Group
Martin Ferreira de Melo, The Melo Group
Raymond Fort, Arquitectonica
Maria A. Gralia, Stearns Weaver
Joseph Hernandez, Bilzin Sumberg
Carolina Herrera, LENNAR
Jerome Hollo, Florida East Coast Realty
Valerie Jahn-Grandin, Alliant National Title Insurance Co.
Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architecture
Michael F. Kashtan, Fort Partners
Camilo Lopez, TSG Group
Jessica Melendez, The Related Group
Melissa Rose, JLL Capital Markets
Thomas Roth, Roth Investment & Advisory
Gary Saul, Co-Chair, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Tadd Schwartz, Schwartz Media Strategies
Oscar Seikaly, NSI Insurance Group
Nicole Shiman, EDENS
Jared Turkell, Berkadia
Daniel de la Vega, ONE Sotheby’s Realty
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Flexible Format
The Program requires 30 credits. It is offered full-time, part-time, and online for distance learners, and includes J.D./LL.M. and J.D./ LL.M./M.B.A. options, as well as an LL.M./J.D. option for foreign lawyers.
Site Visits
Visits to real estate projects allow students to learn from the perspectives of developers, architects, contractors, leasing agents, and other key parties in a development project.
Internships
Students participate in a lawyer-supervised internship at law firms of various sizes or with private developers or public sector entities.
Developer in Residence
The active involvement of a real estate developer, throughout the course of study, provides students with a real-world application of the curriculum’s legal concepts.
Mentorship, Networking & Career Development
There are countless opportunities for students to meet and network with seasoned attorneys or respected industry leaders through lectures, receptions, lunches, and workshops.
Intensive Legal English
+Real Property Development LL.M. (Spring admission only)
TAXATION LL.M.
“Before attending the UM tax law program, I was a public defender. I decided to do an LL.M. in tax, and I walked into a whole new world and found my niche. I get to travel around the world, handling high–valued, complex tax cases, working with large law firms, accounting firms, and with numerous foreign government tax officials. I always dreamed of a career that allows me to travel. With UM Law as my legal base, I can honestly say, my career is exceeding my expectations.”
Melissa Muhammad, J.D. ‘96, LL.M. ‘00 Competent Authority
Analyst
Internal Revenue Service Washington, D.C.
UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
In today’s world, tax issues are inescapable, increasingly complex and constantly changing. The tax program draws upon Miami’s unique location—the pivot point between S. America, N.America and Europe—to bring the region’s diverse perspectives and career-building opportunities to students. Miami is also a top financial center and legal market and home to the second-largest international banking center in the United States. Miami Law’s tax program and courses focus on building a better tax lawyer who develops the “tax sense” necessary to resolve tax problems with confidence. Several courses are co-taught by U.S. and a non-U.S. tax lawyers, and students are introduced to problem solving for multiple jurisdictions with an International Tax Concentration option.
TAXATION LL.M.
COURSES
A minimum of 26 credits are required to obtain the LL.M. degree in Taxation. Students may take a maximum of one, two-credit Independent Study and have it count toward their LL.M. degree in Taxation elective requirements. If a student is accepted into the four-credit Independent Study/IRS Internship, then all four credits will count toward the LL.M. degree.
Required Courses
Corporate Tax
Federal Wealth Transfer Tax
International: Inbound Transactions
International: Outbound Transactions
Partnership Tax
Property Transactions
Elective Courses
Advanced Individual Tax Issues: Families and Lower Income Tax Payers
Advanced International Tax Planning
Advanced International Tax Problems
Basic Real Estate Tax
Corporate Tax II
Estate Planning
Federal Criminal Tax Practice
Federal Tax Procedure
Income Tax of Trusts and Estates
Income Tax Treaties
International Transactions: Europe
International Transactions: Latin America
Introduction to Financial Instruments
Introduction to U.S. International Tax Policy
Limitations on Loss Utilization
New International Tax Consensus: OECD’s “Pillar One” and “Pillar Two” Proposals
Partnership and Property II
Representing High Net Worth Individuals
State and Local Taxation
Tax Accounting
Tax Issues Relating to Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Tax Issues Relating to Movement of Foreign Tech Founders into Miami in the 21st Century Tax Policy
Tax Research and Writing
Taxation of Athletes and Entertainers
Taxation of Executive Compensation
Taxation of Global Shipping Operations
Transactions Involving Consolidated Groups
U.S. Tax Policy: Current Topics
CONCENTRATIONS
The Taxation LL.M. offers several concentrations in specialized areas of tax law:
International Tax
Taxation of High Net Worth Individuals Business Taxation
To qualify for a concentration, students must complete several electives in the desired concentration, along with maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher for all courses counting towards the concentration.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
Miami Law’s graduate tax faculty includes leading academics and practitioners who combine teaching with practical knowledge accumulated over years of experience at the most sophisticated levels of tax practice.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Career Advising Specifically for Tax LL.M. Students
The Tax LL.M. Program has a liaison in the Career Development Office. This experienced career advisor gives specialized advice to students enrolled in the Tax LL.M.
Involvement in Professional Organizations
Representatives from professional organizations regularly invite students to their events, which are excellent networking opportunities.
Joint J.D./LL.M. Program
The joint degree option (J.D./LL.M.) is for students who have a genuine interest and aptitude for tax and want to develop expertise to improve their chances of working in a particular area such as business organizations and transactions, estate planning and wealth management, or international tax. This option is open to both Miami Law students and to students at other law schools.
Practical Tax Skills
A major focus of the Tax LL.M. program and the Taxation of Cross-Border Investment LL.M. program is for students to gain a more intimate understanding of what to expect in practice and be “client-ready.” To help students become apprised of recent legal and business developments in tax, top practicing attorneys teach relevant and timely courses, and practical learning is a large component of the program.
Niche Course: Representing the High Net Worth Individual
As South Florida has become one of the world’s leading centers of international tax planning and asset management, we are offering this unique course, which prepares our graduates to delve into sophisticated international tax planning and asset management.
Tax Talks Lecture Series
Students in the Tax LL.M. Program attend weekly Tax Talks presentations throughout the academic year. These are lectures that provide a space for practitioners and students to present and discuss areas of practice or current issues in tax.
Triple Degree Program: J.D./M.B.A. +LL.M. in Tax
This program is exclusively for those who were undergraduate business majors and is ideal for those with the long-term goal of servicing top corporate clients or becoming a senior executive at a bank or financial institution.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Martin J. Nash Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students in the Graduate Program in Taxation.
The Florida Bar Tax Section has generously funded scholarships to many UM students over the years.
Additional scholarship assistance may be available based upon financial need or on the basis of academic merit and the potential for excellence in the field of taxation.
TAXATION OF CROSSBORDER INVESTMENT LL.M.
“Having the opportunity to be part of the Cross-Border Tax Program was academically and socially enriching. The in-depth perspective on comparative tax law with focus on the U.S. tax system has allowed me to improve and better serve the international clients’ needs.”
Paulina Wood, LL.M. ‘19 Universidad de los Andes, ‘97, Bogota, Colombia Vice President, International Trust Advisor Northern Trust Corporation Miami, FL
INTERNATIONAL TAX LAW IN THE GATEWAY TO THE AMERICAS AND THE WORLD
Miami—a global capital for law and commerce—is the place to study international tax law. The program prepares tax lawyers to understand the global context in which their clients do business. As wealthy individuals increase their ties to the U.S., their income and estate tax planning can get tricky. Knowledge of the domestic rules of taxation is often no longer adequate to serve clients whose lives, businesses, and investments cross borders and jurisdictions. This degree program is ideal for students who expect international tax law to play an important role in their professional careers, have a solid foundation in their own domestic tax system, and have enough experience to bring their own questions to the program.
TAXATION OF CROSS-BORDER INVESTMENT LL.M.
COURSES
The LL.M. degree is 28 course credits, some required and some elective.
The program is offered in various formats— full-time, part-time, on campus, and online.
Option 1: On Campus (1 Year, Full-Time)
Option 2: On Campus (2 or 3 Years, Part-Time)
Option 3: Remote Learning (2 or 3 Years, Part-Time)
Option 4: Combination of In-Person and Remote Learning (2 or 3 Years, Part-Time)
Required Courses
Federal Wealth Transfer Tax
Income Tax Treaties
International: Inbound Transactions
International: Outbound Transactions
Introduction to the U.S. Legal System
Introduction to the U.S. Tax System
Property Transactions
Taxation of Business Entities OR both Partnership Tax and Corporate Tax
Elective Courses
Advanced individual Tax Issues: Families and Lower Income Tax Payers
Advanced International Tax Problems
Basic Real Estate Tax
Estate Planning
Federal Criminal Tax Practice
Federal Tax Procedure
Income Tax of Trusts and Estates
International Transactions: Europe
International Transactions: Latin America
Introduction to Financial Instruments
Introduction to U.S. International Tax Policy
New International Tax Consensus: OECD’s “Pillar One” and “Pillar Two” Proposals Representing High Net Worth Individuals
State and Local Tax
Tax Accounting
Tax Issues Relating to Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Tax Issues Relating to Movement of Foreign Tech Founders into Miami in the 21st Century
Tax Policy
Tax Research and Writing
Taxation of Athletes and Entertainers
Taxation of Global Shipping Operations
U.S. Tax Policy: Current Topics
CONCENTRATIONS
The Taxation of Cross-Border Investment LL.M. offers two concentrations in specialized areas of tax law:
Taxation of High Net Worth Individuals Business Taxation
To qualify for a concentration, students must complete several electives in the desired concentration, along with maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher for all courses counting towards the concentration.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Career Advising Specifically for Our LL.M. Students
Small class size allows students to receive guidance from an experienced career advisor who has special training in assisting CrossBorder LL.M. students with their job search and professional development needs, including individualized instruction on networking, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
Networking & Professional Development
Students have various networking opportunities, on and off campus, and the chance to attend events and conferences with experts in the field.
Niche Course: Representing the High Net Worth Individual
As South Florida has become one of the world’s leading centers of international tax planning and asset management, the program offers this unique course, which prepares graduates to delve into sophisticated international tax planning and asset management. As the gateway where Latin America meets the rest of the world, we prepare the tax lawyer who loves to solve tough problems and knows a good plan has to work in every country where their clients do business.
Tax Talks Lecture Series
The program offers a Tax Talks Series where students receive exposure to world-class tax practitioners and gain a first-hand understanding of today’s most pressing tax issues.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Scholarship assistance may be available based upon financial need or based on academic merit and the potential for excellence in the field of taxation.
U.S. AND TRANSNATIONAL LAW LL.M.
LL.M. YOUR WAY—CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN COURSE OF STUDY IN THIS GENERAL LL.M. PROGRAM
Our boutique program welcomes lawyers from all over the world to continue the study of law in a context that emphasizes American common law and its impact in the global economy. The program provides unusual flexibility and allows you to select courses in your area of interest from the general law school curriculum and structure your studies according to your professional goals. Miami—one of the nation’s most vibrant cities and a major economic hub, international banking center, and U.S. legal market—is strategically located and optimally positioned at the “portal to the Americas” with ties to other parts of the world for you to take the next step in your legal career.
6TH LARGEST LAW CURRICULUM IN THE U.S.
With only 2 required courses in this LL.M.—Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Communication & Research — you can choose from 300+ courses from J.D. and LL.M. course catalogs to customize your LL.M. journey to develop your professional interest and meet your career goals.
18 Areas of Study & Sample Courses
Business Law
International Business Transactions
Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Governance and Sustainability
Constitutional Law
First Amendment
Election Law
Criminal Law
Piracy, Terrorism, and Drug Smuggling in the Maritime Domain
International Criminal Law
Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law
Fashion Law
IP Law Through the Lens of Taylor Swift Environmental Law
Climate Finance
Energy Regulation in an Age of Transition Estate Planning
High Net-Worth Individuals
Multinational Estate Planning
Family Law
Complex Issues in High Profile Divorces
Health Care Law
Bioethics Mediation
Hospitals, Health Care Services, and Access
Human Rights Law
Climate Change and Human Rights
UN Negotiations
Immigration Law
Immigration for Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers
Immigration, Ethnicity, and Public Policy
Intellectual Property Law
International Cultural Heritage Law
Social Media Law
International Law
International Anti-Corruption Law and Practice
International Investment Law
Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution, Technology, and the Digital Economy
Preparing the Corporate Client for Litigation
Maritime Law
Legal Environment of the Cruise Industry
Salvage, Treasure & Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage
Real Estate Law
Disaster Law
Law of Green Buildings
Social Justice and Public Interest
Children and the Law
Non-Profit Organizations and Social Enterprises Tax Law
U.S. International Tax Policy
Structuring U.S. Investments in Latin America Technology Law
Digital Asset and Blockchain Regulation
Cyber Security Policy and Regulations
AFTER GRADUATION
Qualify for a one-year post-graduation employment authorization in the U.S.
Take the Bar Exam in several states in the U.S., including New York and Florida.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Several scholarships are available to outstanding applicants based on academic and professional achievements, including:
Claude M. Olds Memorial Scholarship,
Dean’s Merit Scholarship,
Francisco V. Garcia-Amador Memorial Scholarship,
Miami Law’s edUSA Scholarship,
Rafael C. Benitez Scholarship Fund,
and more.
2024-25 RANKINGS & HONORS
70+ years of LL.M. programs, one of the oldest in the U.S.
74% of upper-level courses have fewer than 25 students
Top 30 International Law and Top 25 in Clinical Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
Top 30 school for foreign lawyers (International Jurist)
Top 10 worldwide in global law (llmguide.com)
47th U.S. law school (QS World University Rankings)
CAREER SUPPORT & OUTCOMES
Dedicated LL.M. career advisor
20+ law job fairs across the country
Top 33 law school for percentage of graduates placed in largest U.S. 100 law firms (Law.com 2025 Ranking)
Of the top 30 firms in the U.S., ranked by gross revenue, Miami Law has the most graduates leading these firms, alongside Harvard Law School. (Am Law 100, 2025 Listing)
#33 for U.S. law schools with the most graduates at big law (U.S. News & World Report, 2025 specialty rankings)
Where Our Graduates Work
Global Law Firms
Akerman
Allen & Overy
Baker & McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Bryan Cave
Dechert
DLA Piper
Duane Morris LLP
Eversheds Sutherland
Foley & Lardner LLP
Fox Rothschild LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Fried Frank
Greenberg Traurig
Hogan Lovells
Jones Day
Latham & Watkins
Reed Smith
Shearman & Sterling
Simmons & Simmons
Steptoe & Johnson
WilmerHale
Winston & Strawn
Multinational Corporations
AIG
Assurant
Bank of America
Barclays Bank
BNP Paribas
Credit Suisse
Deloitte
ExxonMobil
FedEx
Hewlett Packard (HP)
Huawei
Johnson & Johnson
JP Morgan Chase
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Mastercard
Microsoft
Motorola
NBC Universal Telemundo
Oracle
Santander
Sony Electronics
TotalEnergies
Unilever
Univision
Visa
STUDY OPTIONS
Full-Time, part-time study
Spring (January) or fall (August) start
Intensive Legal English + LL.M. in U.S. & Transnational Law
J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree in U.S. & Transnational Law
INTENSIVE LEGAL ENGLISH +LL.M.
UNIQUE, SPECIFICALLY TAILORED PATHWAY PROGRAM
This program begins with an Intensive Legal English semester specifically tailored to the needs of foreign-trained lawyers who want or need to improve their English proficiency. Students first focus on achieving the English language and communication skills necessary to be successful in their LL.M. program. After successfully completing the Intensive Legal English semester, students then pursue any LL.M. program open to foreign-trained lawyers including Miami Law’s General LL.M. Program in U.S. & Transnational Law and any of our specialized programs in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law, International Arbitration, Maritime Law, Real Estate/Property Development, Tax Law, and Taxation of Cross-Border Investments. This program starts in the spring semester in January. Students are fully integrated in the Miami Law community, and participate in the law schools’ academic networking and social events.
COURSES
Introduction to Legal Communication & Writing
This course helps students develop U.S. legal reasoning, writing, and communication skills. Students learn how to read and analyze U.S. law, write summaries of legal opinions and statutes, and prepare legal correspondence. Students also receive training in professionalism and other essential communication skills.
Introduction to Legal Research
This course introduces U.S. legal research and sources of law. It focuses on the organization of legal information, the types of legal information, and how to find relevant information. Students develop basic skills to understand what sources are appropriate for research and what level of authority the sources have.
LL.M. Oral Communication
Speaking clearly and persuasively to a variety of legal and lay-audiences is an essential skill in law school and the practice of law. In this course, students practice debating, leading and participating in discussions related to the law, and preparing and delivering at least two formal presentations about cases.
LL.M. Reading & Writing
This course integrates reading comprehension with grammar and writing skill-building activities. Students expand knowledge of English language legal terminology as well as foundational concepts relevant to the U.S. legal system through a variety of reading materials. Students are introduced to varied writing styles with an emphasis on persuasion, argument, and critical analysis.
CAREER SUPPORT
Students work with an experienced career advisor and may attend the prestigious New York International Student Interview Program, which attracts more than 160 leading legal employers from around the world.
Students may attend networking events, conferences, and site visits, and get involved in professional organizations.
POST GRADUATION
Foreign-trained graduates may:
Have the opportunity to take the Bar Exam in several states in the U.S., including New York and Florida.
Qualify for a one-year post-graduation employment authorization in the U.S.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Several scholarships are available to outstanding applicants based on academic and professional achievements, including:
Claude M. Olds Memorial Scholarship,
Dean’s Merit Scholarship,
Francisco V. Garcia-Amador Memorial Scholarship,
Miami Law’s edUSA Scholarship,
Rafael C. Benitez Scholarship Fund,
and more.
2024-25 RANKINGS & HONORS
Top 10 program worldwide (LL.M. Guide)
70+ years of LL.M. programs, one of the oldest in the U.S.
74% of upper-level courses have less than 25 students
Top 30 International Law and Clinical Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
47th U.S. law school (QS World University Rankings)
Named “Leader in Technology Law” (PreLaw Magazine)
Top 25 school for foreign lawyers (International Jurist)
Top 10 LL.M. Program for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Sports, Global, Media, and Real Estate (LL.M. Guide 2024)
STUDY OPTIONS
Full-Time, part-time study
J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree
“The three-semester Intensive Legal English + International Arbitration LL.M. program was a turning point in my life. The Intensive Legal English semester prepared me for the LL.M. program. It gave me the ability to deeply absorb the law-specific intricacies of the English language. Professors spared no effort or time to develop their students’ abilities.”
Adnan Alajaji (Saudi Arabia) Intensive Legal English + LL.M. in International Arbitration ‘18 Legal Analyst, Aramco Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
“I am refocusing in my career after almost twenty years as a litigation and advisory lawyer in Brazil. Being an experienced lawyer with a focus on traditional ways of solving conflicts is not enough anymore in a globalized market. The Intensive Legal English + LL.M. went beyond my expectations and I could not be happier! It allowed me to become familiar with the American style of legal writing, research, and communication, and it provided me with an incredible opportunity to discover the American student life. On top of all that, I enjoyed the fantastic University of Miami campus.”
Ana Carolina Martins Santoro (Brazil) Intensive Legal English + International Arbitration LL.M. ’20