American Law (LLM)
The American Law track in the LLM program at the University of Oregon School of Law is designed for international lawyers who want to gain a deeper understanding of American law and the American legal system. The program is intended to provide students with the tools they need to practice law in a global context, with a particular emphasis on the United States.
The program consists of a series of courses that cover various areas of American law, including constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, and torts. Students are also required to take a legal writing course to help them develop their writing and analytical skills.
In addition to the required courses, students have the opportunity to take electives in a wide range of subjects, including environmental law, intellectual property, business law, and human rights.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and ability necessary to practice substantive and procedural law and understand the dynamic processes through which law is created, developed, and changed by completing an organized program of courses in a selected specialization.
- Employ sound and articulate legal reasoning to identify, research, and analyze legal problems.
- Communicate effectively with clients, decision-makers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Recognize the responsibility of lawyers to serve as informed and professional leaders.
- Appreciate the critical role that lawyers play in ensuring meaningful access to the legal system, promoting the just application of its laws, and serving their clients and the community.
- Learn how lawyers work together by demonstrating team lawyering skills, managing conflict, and forging relationships.
American Law Requirements
Only for students without a doctor of jurisprudence (JD) degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 780 | LLM Seminar: Writing | 2 |
| LAW 781 | LLM Seminar: In Practice | 2 |
| Core courses | 4 | |
| Elective courses in American law | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Additional Requirements
- Students who hold a law degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education are required to take a 2-credit introductory course in American law and a 2-credit course in advanced persuasive legal writing as part of their degree requirements. Depending on a student’s course selection and course availability, a student who is required to take these two courses may take more than 24 credits.
- LLM Seminar: Writing (LAW 780) and LLM Seminar: In Practice (LAW 781) are required for all students, providing education on topics of current concern. The students also work to improve their skills in making presentations, drafting articles, legal research, drafting transaction documents, and working collaboratively.
- Master of laws students must complete a written comprehensive paper or project in connection with one of the required concentration-specific courses or as a concentration-focused, independent-study legal research and writing course under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Full information may be found on the program website.