

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in U.S. and Transnational Law for Foreign-Trained Lawyers is a one-year, full-time academic program designed to introduce internationally educated legal professionals to the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system and its interaction with global legal frameworks. This program focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of American constitutional law, civil procedure, contracts, and legal reasoning, while also addressing the principles and practices of transnational law. Through interactive seminars and practical coursework, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international legal environments and cross-border regulatory systems.
Participants are provided with the opportunity to customize their curriculum by selecting from a variety of electives, allowing them to explore specific areas such as corporate law, international arbitration, human rights, or intellectual property. The program not only strengthens students' analytical and legal writing abilities but also prepares them to sit for a U.S. state bar exam if desired. Experienced faculty members, many with international legal expertise, guide students through comparative legal analysis and global policy considerations. This academic journey fosters a deep appreciation of legal diversity while helping students bridge the gap between civil law and common law traditions.
Semester 1 – U.S. Legal Foundations
• Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Institutions
• Legal Research and Writing
• Constitutional Law
• Civil Procedure
Semester 2 – Global Legal Applications
• Transnational Commercial Law
• International Human Rights Law
• Comparative Legal Systems
• Elective (e.g., Corporate Governance, IP Law, Arbitration)
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue legal careers in international law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, human rights organizations, and academic institutions. Many alumni return to their home countries to enhance their legal practice with newly acquired U.S. legal expertise, while others remain in the U.S. to qualify for bar admission and practice law. The program opens doors to roles such as international legal consultant, compliance advisor, cross-border transaction specialist, and corporate counsel. With globalization reshaping legal practice, professionals trained in both U.S. and international law are increasingly valued for their ability to operate in diverse legal systems and advise on transnational legal issues.
This program offers foreign-trained lawyers a strategic academic pathway to master the U.S. legal system and engage with transnational legal challenges. Its specialized structure caters to the needs of international professionals by combining foundational U.S. legal studies with the flexibility to pursue global legal topics. The intellectually rich environment encourages dialogue, debate, and legal innovation, fostering a global perspective that is critical for today’s interconnected legal world. By studying alongside peers from around the globe and learning from faculty with deep international experience, students develop not only technical legal skills but also a cross-cultural understanding essential for effective international legal practice.
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