Estate Planning
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning at the University of Miami is a two-year, full-time graduate law program specifically designed for attorneys who wish to gain advanced expertise in estate, trust, and wealth transfer law. This program offers comprehensive training in the legal, financial, and tax-related strategies required to plan for asset preservation, wealth succession, and fiduciary responsibilities. Students explore key issues such as estate and gift taxation, generation-skipping transfer tax, and planning for closely held businesses, all within the broader context of individual and family wealth management.
The curriculum combines rigorous legal analysis with practical application, offering real-world insight into the complex interplay between tax policy, trust structures, and estate planning instruments. Faculty members include nationally recognized scholars and practicing professionals who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the academic journey. With access to a strong network of estate planning professionals, personalized academic support, and exposure to evolving industry practices, students develop specialized legal acumen, ethical judgment, and planning expertise essential to serving high-net-worth individuals and family estates with confidence and care.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Estate Planning
- Degree Type: Master of Laws
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 May 2026
- Location: University of Miami, United States
- Field of Study: Master of Laws (LLM)
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Estate and Trust Law
• Introduction to Estate Planning and Transfer Taxation
• Federal Income Taxation for Estate Planners
• Trusts and Fiduciary Administration
• Legal Research and Writing in Tax and Estate Law
Semester 2 – Intermediate Planning and Tax Strategies
• Estate and Gift Taxation
• Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Planning
• Charitable Giving and Philanthropy Structures
• Planning for Retirement Benefits
Semester 3 – Advanced Tools and Complex Estates
• Planning for Closely Held Businesses
• International Estate Planning
• Asset Protection and Wealth Preservation
• Elective (e.g., Elder Law, Advanced Fiduciary Accounting)
Semester 4 – Capstone and Professional Development
• Advanced Estate Planning Techniques
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Estate Practice
• Capstone Seminar in Estate Law Strategy
• Career Skills Workshop and Portfolio Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to specialize in estate planning, trust and tax law, and wealth management, serving clients in law firms, private banks, family offices, and financial advisory practices. Common roles include estate planning attorney, trust officer, wealth strategist, and tax advisor, with many professionals focusing on high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, or business succession clients. The program’s depth in taxation and fiduciary law also supports careers in nonprofit counsel, insurance law, or government agencies involved in tax and inheritance policy. With a dual emphasis on technical skill and client-centered strategy, graduates are equipped to deliver legally sound and personalized estate solutions in both domestic and international contexts.
Why Choose This Program
This program is a top choice for legal professionals who want to build expertise in estate planning through deep legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and real-world insight. The University of Miami offers a unique academic environment that blends rigorous legal instruction with practical experience, supported by faculty who are thought leaders in tax and trust law. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized mentoring, and access to a well-established network of estate law practitioners. The two-year structure allows for in-depth study and professional growth, culminating in a capstone experience that synthesizes legal knowledge with planning skills. Whether you aim to join a top estate law firm, lead a private practice, or advise clients on legacy planning, this program provides the technical foundation, professional guidance, and legal sophistication to excel in a highly specialized field.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 305 284 2000
Email: admissions@miami.edu
Address: University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States
