What Is an LLM Degree and Why Should You Consider One?

A lawyer’s education does not end with a juris doctor. Whether you live in a state with mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) or not, advanced training provides a professional advantage and helps you provide high-quality legal services.

An LLM is a graduate degree in the legal field. It provides advanced education in a specialized area of law, helping lawyers stand out in today’s competitive legal landscape.¹

This post answers the question, "What is an LLM degree?" and explores the benefits of completing this degree and the career opportunities available.

Defining the Master of Laws Degree

LLM stands for Master of Laws, but that name can be misleading if you are familiar with traditional master’s degrees. Most advanced degrees with “master” in the title require only a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.

An LLM degree in the legal field is different. To enroll in an LLM program, you must have a juris doctor (JD) if you are from the United States or Canada. International students may enroll with an equivalent professional degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Some LLM programs are geared towards international students, providing a grounding in U.S. or Canadian legal systems.¹ U.S. students typically focus on a specific practice area, such as health or family law.² The focused curriculum and program structure position professionals for leadership roles, deepen their expertise, and can facilitate a career pivot.³

How Long Does It Take To Get an LLM?

The time frame for LLM study depends on the program and how quickly you complete the required coursework. Hofstra University’s online LLM in Health Law and Policy includes nine courses, and you can complete the program in as little as 18 months.

The online format expands students’ options for completing an LLM. Instead of limiting themselves to schools near where they practice, attorneys can pursue their chosen specialization from almost anywhere. In-person and hybrid options may also be available, depending on the school.

Because the LLM is geared toward experienced professionals, many schools offer full-time and part-time options. Part-time study allows you to maintain your legal practice while completing your degree. Be aware that studying part-time will likely delay your completion date.

Benefits of Pursuing an LLM

The number of lawyers in the United States increased by 3.2% from 2014 to 2024, adding more than 41,000 individuals to the profession.⁴ An LLM sets you apart in this increasingly competitive job market, while providing in-depth expertise within your chosen practice area.

For international students, an LLM can open the door to practicing in the United States or Canada. Some use the degree as a stepping stone to a JD program or, in some states, as a requirement for taking the Bar exam.¹

Career Advancement Opportunities with an LLM

An LLM indicates that a lawyer has focused expertise in a particular subject. Focusing on an in-demand practice area, such as health law, can give you the edge in securing a competitive position.

You can also complete the LLM to position yourself to pursue alternative careers beyond serving as counsel. For example, a graduate with an LLM in health law may choose to go into policy development, working with governments and organizations to effect regulatory changes.⁵

LLM graduates may also build careers in fields such as:

• Legal education
• Consulting
• Content creation
• Corporate compliance

Compliance officers are in particularly high demand in strictly regulated fields, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and banking, where deviation from legal requirements can have severe consequences.⁵ The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects approximately 33,300 new jobs per year in this field over the coming decade.⁶

Types of LLM Programs Available

An LLM concentration allows you to dive deeply into some of law’s most in-demand topics. Popular concentrations include:⁷

• Health law and policy: Regulations and patient rights protections, covering healthcare delivery and public health
• Family law: Contemporary issues and practices in matrimonial law, child custody, child welfare, and related proceedings
• Human rights law: The legal rights of individuals in a specific jurisdiction and internationally, including implementation and advancements
• Banking and finance law: Legal requirements and specialized terms for corporate transactions, valuation, and related concepts
• Business and commercial law: Essential concepts for representation in industry, including intellectual property, corporate liability, and tax requirements
• International law: Concepts of diplomacy and cross-border relationships between organizations
• Alternative dispute resolution: Techniques and regulations for settling disputes out of court, including in arbitration and mediation

The appropriate specialization depends on your career goals, interests, and background. Don’t be afraid to ask school representatives about the career outcomes and opportunities associated with a particular program.

How To Choose the Right LLM Program for You

Every LLM program has unique strengths and weaknesses. Take the time to find the program that best meets your needs while providing a high-quality professional education. Key factors to consider include:

• Accreditation: It is important to pursue your LLM at an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school. These schools meet national standards for professional study and a high-quality curriculum. 
• Faculty: Research the background and expertise of a school’s health law faculty. Consider whether their areas of focus align with your goals.
• Networking opportunities: Explore a school’s alumni network, career services department, and mentorship potential. Look for opportunities to participate in professional event programming.
• Curriculum: Look for an academically rigorous program that delves into the key issues of your target practice area. High-quality programs cover core principles and address contemporary issues, with extensive opportunities to explore real cases.
• Program logistics: Academics are crucial, but don’t forget to consider whether a program fits your life. Consider whether you would prefer full-time or part-time, and if an in-person, hybrid, or online program is the best fit. 

Every student’s decision-making process is different. Focus on your professional goals and consider all relevant factors before applying.

Unlock Your Legal Future With Hofstra’s LLM in Health Law & Policy

Health law and policy are constantly evolving, and the medical field needs legal professionals with up-to-date expertise. Hofstra’s online LLM in Health Law and Policy, offered through the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, provides a rigorous LLM curriculum with courses including bioethics, medical product discovery, and public health law. The program is ideal for attorneys positioning themselves to pivot into the healthcare sector, with graduates going on to work at the CDC, Northwell Health, and Cigna.

View our admissions criteria to learn more about the admissions process. And if you’re ready, get started on your application. For questions about the program, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor.