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LL.M. Degree Requirements

Graduate students are admitted for one academic year in residence, leading to the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.). There are no required courses in the program, and students may design a customized course of study according to their individual objectives and interests. The LL.M. program at Yale Law School is not designed to prepare students to take the New York State Bar Examination. To qualify for the LL.M. degree, students must:

  • successfully complete at least 24 units;
  • successfully complete at least 18 units (of the 24 units required) in regular course and seminar offerings (in the Law School or other schools and departments at Yale University);
  • carry no fewer than 12 units per term; and
  • spend at least two terms in residence.

Up to six units per year (or eight units if a candidate takes a first-term ungraded course) may be taken credit/fail, with the consent of the instructor.

LL.M. candidates can complete up to six units of the 24 units required through independent research and writing for credit under the supervision of a Law School faculty member. With approval, up to six units of the 24 units required can be earned in courses in other schools and departments at Yale University. LL.M. candidates may also participate in faculty-supervised, student-run reading groups. Course offerings at Yale Law School change each year, depending on faculty interests and availability.

Yale Law School Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress

The LL.M. program runs from orientation in August through commencement in May and includes a fall and spring term; there are no January admissions.