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Areas of Concentration
Degree Requirements
LL.M. for American Students
LL.M. for Foreign Students
LL.M./M.J. in Global Intellectual Property Law

LL.M. Program Overview

Drake Law School's innovative graduate law program, open both to American and international students on a full-time or part-time basis, allows each student to pursue an individualized course of study toward an LL.M. (Masters of Law) degree. The LL.M. is an internationally recognized higher academic degree which establishes that the recipient has achieved an advanced understanding of U.S. and international legal principles, and is qualified to compete effectively in the globalized legal environment. Any applicant who holds a J.D. (Juris Doctorate) degree or its equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school or foreign institution is eligible for the LL.M. An LL.M. degree is ideal for American students who seek an advanced curriculum that facilitates their transition to practice, or for practitioners who seek to expand their practices into new areas. For an international student, an LL.M. attests to the student's knowledge and understanding of American law and culture, as well as to the student's English language proficiency. An international student who wishes to practice in the U.S. and who holds an LL.M. may, in some states, sit for the state bar exam and obtain a license to practice law in the U.S.

For additional information contact Crystal Nance at crystal.nance@drake.edu. 

Accelerated J.D. and LL.M.

With the approval of the Program Director, candidates who have taken relevant courses at Drake Law School as part of their J.D. program (including students earning a J.D. from another ABA-accredited law school who visited Drake Law School for two semesters or participated in the summer programs sponsored by Drake Law School) may be permitted to apply up to nine (9) semester hours for credit toward the LL.M. degree. This accelerated option makes it possible for students to earn both the J.D. and LL.M. degrees with substantial savings in time and money. J.D. coursework can be used to satisfy the basic, LL.M. paper, and experiential training requirements. Students who have claimed nine (9) credits toward the LL.M. degree under the J.D./LL.M. option and need to complete the experiential training requirement will be able to count their internship or clinic participation toward the 12 required in-house credits of regularly scheduled class sessions.

Drake Law School Brochure

LL.M./M.J. Program in Global Intellectual Property Law

The Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) degree targets those who do not have a law degree, such as doctoral students in other disciplines, policymakers, government officials, business executives, intellectual property agents, scientists, technology developers and journalists. Currently, Drake Law School only offers the Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) degree in Global Intellectual Property Law. The program offers an innovative curriculum that combines legal theory, policy analysis, practical experience and professional skills development. Click here for application materials and contact Crystal Nance at crystal.nance@drake.edu with questions.