LLM in United States Law
Study Among Scholars
The LLM in United States Law is designed for international legal professionals looking to study US law under internationally recognized scholars. In particular, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law offers an unparalleled student experience. Situated overlooking the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Malibu on the edge of vibrant Los Angeles, California, the spectacular location is surpassed only by the law school's student-centered teaching philosophy.
The Caruso School of Law is well-known for the warmth and accessibility of its faculty and staff, and for its family atmosphere at the diverse, student body level. The LLM in US Law offers a Fundamentals Track for students interested in sitting for a US bar exam and a Flexible Track for those interested in maximizing the flexibility to design their own program.
LLM in United States Law Program Benefits
Nationally Ranked Law School
Earn your degree from a law school with national recognition, strong student outcomes, and a reputation for academic excellence and career preparation.
Flexible Learning Path
Customize your academic journey with two distinct program tracks, allowing you to pursue bar exam preparation or tailor your coursework to your professional goals.
Quick Facts
| Enrollment Options: | Part-Time or Full-Time |
| Length: | 12-24 months |
| Start Term: | Fall |
| Unit: | 24 |
| Location: | Malibu |
A Practice-Oriented Approach
The LLM in United States Law allows students the flexibility to customize their education, and gain real-world experience through various clinics and externships. Pepperdine offers more opportunities to handle real cases than any other program in the US.
World's Largest Conflict Resolution Library
Pepperdine is home to the American Arbitration Association Library and Information Center Collection. Founded in 1954, the AAA Library is the largest collection of conflict materials with over 24,000 titles.
Supportive Learning Environment
The Princeton Review recently ranked our faculty the sixth best in the country with the highest possible score for accessibility. Competition is inherent in legal education, but Pepperdine works hard to ensure that we have a learning environment that promotes productive competition, not destructive competition.
Study in California
Enjoy the excitement of a fast-paced city along with the peaceful environment of Malibu. Located just 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles - a thriving hub for legal practice and international culture - our 830-acre campus offers breathtaking views and a 40,000 square-foot library facility.
Qualify for a US Bar Exam
Students who choose the LLM in US Law's "Fundamentals Track" choose courses that prepare them to sit for the bar exam in California, New York, or another state.
Learn from Faculty Experts
Our professors are legal experts, international authors, and award-winning mentors. Get hands-on guidance from nationally recognized scholars and educators.
Design Your Own Program
Students who choose the LLM in US Law's "Flexible Track" get a greater say in the courses in their LLM program to individualize the experience to their professional goals.
Best Law School
Earn your degree from a nationally recognized, top-50 law school.
For Career Outcomes
Graduate from a law school recognized for the nation's highest ABA 10-month employment rate.
Full-Credit Employment Rate
ABA reported outcomes showing nearly all graduates secure full-time legal or professional employment within 10 months.
For Practical Training
Recognized nationally for experiential learning through clinics, externships, and practice-focused legal training.
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's LLM in United States Law program.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with a recruiter.
Attend an Info Session
Join us to get an in-depth look into Caruso Law, our distinct program offerings and our admissions process, while engaging in Q&A.
Start Your Application
Accepted on a rolling basis, applications need to be submitted prior to the intended start date and up to one year in advance.
Why Pepperdine
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has experienced remarkable growth and distinction among American law schools, marked by rising national recognition and a strong commitment to excellence. As part of a Christ-centered university, we combine rigorous legal training with enduring values that shape both professional preparation and personal formation.
Our community reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, united by a shared
commitment to academic rigor, character, and purpose. Here, students are challenged
and supported to grow beyond what they thought possible and to pursue lives of meaning,
leadership, and service.
Beautiful Malibu, CA Campus
Flexible Course Schedules
Small Class Sizes
7:1 Student:Faculty
Accepts GRE for Admissions
Global Alumni Network
Admission and Tuition
Admission Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and need to be submitted prior to the intended start date.
Courses start in the Fall (mid-August), Spring (early January), and Summer (late May) terms. Applications can be submitted up to one year in advance; it is recommended that international students submit their applications at least four months prior to their expected start date. Applicants for the LLM in U.S. Law program should note that program only begins during the fall semester.
Application Requirements
All applicants are required to submit:
- Application through LSAC
- Official transcripts for all degrees earned or in-progress, including any available class rankings. Transcripts originating outside the United States must be evaluated before submission to Pepperdine
- One to two page personal statement
- Current resumé or CV
- Two narrative letters of recommendation or completed Personal Evaluation Forms
Tuition
Scholarships
Learn more about LLM student scholarships
Information Sessions
Let Us Show You Around
The law school is perched atop Pepperdine University's iconic Malibu, California, campus. Let us take you on a tour of the entire law school, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing, and introduce you to the people and resources available to equip you with everything you need to succeed in your legal education.
See Dispute Resolution Differently from Malibu
Housed on the award-winning Malibu campus, the expansive University sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning and breathtaking views of the beaches.
Expand Your Career Paths
The LLM in US Law helps internationally trained attorneys deepen their understanding of the American legal system while expanding opportunities for global legal practice. Graduates are prepared to advise clients on matters involving U.S. law, international business, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions within law firms, corporations, government agencies, and international organizations.
Distinguished Faculty
Faculty are accomplished legal scholars and dispute resolution experts committed to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in our LLM in United States Law program. Our faculty empower students with the practical training and ethical judgment needed to meet the complex challenges they may encounter while settling disputes and solving conflicts.
Student Experience for a Lifetime of Success
Explore exciting opportunities and engage the community through institutes, student organizations, extracurriculars, and research opportunities. Direct access to faculty and proximity to greater Los Angeles add to the robust experience.
International Student Experience
Build community and lifelong relationships with peers and colleagues through a cohort model and optional residential experience. The Pepperdine community extends beyond the LLM in US Law program to the larger CSOL, Straus Institute, and Pepperdine family.
A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting international students. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS). We offer opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events. Our program is designed to facilitate peer support and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
Top-Ranked and Top Choice
#1 More students have chosen our MDR program than any other institution in the US (National Center for Education Statistics)
#1 for Dispute Resolution in the country 16 times the last 22 years (USNWR)
#1 Malibu Campus Consistently Ranked Among the Most Beautiful Places to Study
#1 Ranked Faculty for Accessibility to Students (The Princeton Review)
#8 Ranked for Practical Training (preLaw Magazine)
#45 Best Law Schools (USNWR)
#29 Best Law Schools (The Princeton Review)
A Premier Faith-Based School
Pepperdine has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values.
As one of the few LLM in US Law programs based at a Christian university, we incorporate a unique approach to human, moral, and ethical dimensions of dispute resolution.
We empower students from all faith backgrounds to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives.
Accreditations and Recognitions
Krestina Torossian
Senior Manager, Recruitment and Admissions
Email
310.506.4314
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's LLM in U.S. Law