Brooklyn Law School

Find Your Future in Brooklyn

Location, Location, Location

Brooklyn Law School is located just minutes from Wall Street, the epicenter of international finance, and the Brooklyn Tech Triangle, a hub for innovation and start-ups. The Law School is surrounded by courts, businesses, non-profit organizations, and law offices, as well as the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Immerse yourself in a real-world learning environment where you can grow both professionally and personally.

Our program is designed to help lawyers trained abroad to explore U.S. law, and connect with other international lawyers, our world-class faculty, and more than 24,000 alumni. Our students gain the knowledge, expertise, and networking opportunities to advance their legal education and careers. Students also have the option to sit for the New York State bar exam.

Graduation Requirements

The LL.M. degree requires all students to complete 24 credits. Two courses – Fundamentals of American Law and Legal Writing & Research for LL.M. Students – are mandatory. No thesis credit is required. In addition to the general requirements, LL.M. students wishing to specialize in a particular area of law must earn a minimum of credits in that area. These specialties include Business Law (15 credits), Immigration and Refugee Law (10 credits), and Intellectual Property, Media, and Information Law (15 credits).

LL.M. students begin their studies during the fall semester with Fundamentals of American Law, a 2-credit course designed to familiarize students with the legal system in the United States and provide them with the exposure to several significant areas of legal practice. They also take a 3-credit course, Legal Writing & Research for LL.M. Students. For this course, faculty members trained in linguistics and experienced in teaching ESL join the Brooklyn Law School writing and research faculty and work with students individually based on their needs.

The LL.M. degree is earned in one year of full-time study, or up to two years of part-time enrollment. Note: part-time study is available to all U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and those with visas that allow part-time study.

New York State Bar

In addition to the general requirements set forth above, LL.M. students wishing to sit for the New York State bar examination that are subject to Rule 520.6 must meet the following additional requirements:

One of the following courses: Professional Responsibility, Legal Profession, or Professional Responsibility in Different Practice Settings

Minimum of six (6) additional credits in subjects tested on the New York State bar examination

Specializations

Students may choose to specialize in one of three areas of law and earn a certificate in addition to the LL.M. degree. The areas are: Business Law, Refugee and Immigration Law, or Intellectual Property, Media, and Information Law.

Business Law

Located just minutes from Wall Street, the epicenter of international finance, Brooklyn Law School is the ideal place to study the evolution of business practice. Our acclaimed business law faculty includes both long-standing members with deep roots in the business law community, and brilliant young scholars on the cutting edge of the discipline. Our foundational courses provide a thorough grounding in the way law governs organizations, from small businesses and privately held companies to large corporate enterprises with many subsidiaries and affiliates.

A range of advanced course offerings, including seminars and specialty courses, provides opportunities for students to delve into specific areas more deeply. Our Dennis J. Block Center for the Study of International Business Law, now in its third decade, sponsors a variety of events on contemporary international business issues and draws influential scholars and practitioners to the Law School. In addition, the new Center for the Study of Business Law and Regulation unites the Law School’s existing diverse business and commercial law programs by providing a forum for scholarship that offers new perspectives on, and solutions to, real world business law and regulatory issues.

Intellectual Property Law

With the increasing exchange of information in cyberspace, IP law is one of the fastest-evolving branches of the law. Our curriculum addresses the pressing need for new policy, both domestic and in the international arena, and a new generation of tech-savvy lawyers. Our IP law faculty includes a range of talented legal experts who are well-known for their outstanding contributions to the field. Our New York City location, home to Silicon Alley and the world’s media capital, offers the advantage of a legal education that is part classroom study, part immersion. Students’ fieldwork will be with the very entrepreneurs, startup companies, and emerging technologies that are driving change.

The Center for Urban Business Entrepreneurship (CUBE) is the hub for exploring legal issues such as entrepreneurship and providing effective legal representation for new commercial and not-for-profit businesses. CUBE also trains the next generation of business lawyers to advise and participate in these sectors. The Center reinforces and capitalizes on Brooklyn’s role as a haven for business, media, energy, technology, creative arts, and social enterprise innovators.

Refugee and Immigration Law

In a time of increasing globalization and concern about issues of national security, refugee and immigration law has never mattered more. Our refugee and immigration law faculty includes scholars, policy makers, and practitioners who have made substantial contributions to the field, including in the areas of asylum law, refugee law, and international human rights law. These experts teach and practice against the backdrop of New York City, a hub of immigration practice and home to two immigration courts, two asylum offices, and one of the busiest federal Circuit Court immigration dockets in the country.

Application Requirements

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the LL.M. program for internationally trained lawyers, prospective students must:

Hold a first degree in law from an accredited foreign university that is substantially equivalent to the legal education provided by an American Bar Association-approved law school in the United States; and

Have a minimum Internet-based TOEFL score of 95 with a minimum of 23 on each of the four sections, or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. Only for candidates whose native and working language is English and whose first degree in law is from a college or university in a country where both the language of instruction and the native language is English, the language proficiency examination requirement may be waived.

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Guaranteed Housing

LL.M. students are very much a part of the Law School’s thriving intellectual and cultural life. To facilitate integration into our community, we provide guaranteed housing in Feil Hall to all applicants meeting our housing deadline. Feil Hall is a modern, furnished residence hall located just a few blocks from the Law School with over 200 apartments.

Feil Hall is also the location of the Jeffrey D. Forchelli Conference Center, the site of frequent academic symposia, and Geraldo’s, a comfortable and relaxing area that hosts various programs of interest to BLS students and is a perfect location for meeting friends. The residence hall is located just three blocks from the Law School’s main building.

The costs for Brooklyn Law School housing are highly competitive for apartments in New York City, especially those in the immediate vicinity of the Law School and the desirable neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. All admitted LL.M. students who submit a completed housing application and deposit by the May 1 application deadline will be guaranteed housing while they complete the program. Family Housing is available for those who qualify.

To Apply for Housing

You must be an admitted student with a username and password from the Admissions Office to access the housing application on Brooklyn Law School's intranet website BLSConnect. If you have lost either of these, please contact the Admissions Office at admitq@brooklaw.edu.

Alumni Testimonials

In Their Own Words - LL.M. Alumni Testimonials

LLM Kaine Agary

Kaine Agary ‘23
Appellate Court Attorney
Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department

A key factor that drew me to Brooklyn Law School was the experiential learning. I participated in an outreach program through CUBE (Center for Urban Business Entrepreneurship) where local businesspeople could come with their legal issues and, under the supervision of the law firm partners, we gave them solutions and answered questions... I also participated in the Brooklyn Law Incubator and Policy (BLIP) clinic where we did real legal work. One of the exciting things that my group did was to file an amicus brief with the Supreme Court. I appreciated the opportunities to get that hands-on experience.

Sophie Jamesley ‘17
Associate Counsel, Global Compliance
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

When I was looking at different law schools, Brooklyn Law stood out to me because it really prioritized career development. They want to equip non-U.S. LL.M. students with the connections and skills needed to succeed. One of the best courses I enrolled in was the Civil Practice externship, where I worked in-house at Thomson Reuters in New York. There, I was able to get involved in a variety of matters under the supervision of their Enterprise Compliance Counsel. Getting that practical, real-world experience and having the opportunity to connect with lawyers in my area of interest was invaluable.

Alex Kozlov ‘23
Immigration Attorney
TLA Law, PLLC

As a foreign-trained lawyer, being 29 years old and studying in a law school in NYC, the U.S. law school education process was a lot different from what I experienced in Ukraine. Brooklyn Law School has a lot more activities, organizations, and clinics for students to choose from. For those who desire to stay and become attorneys in the U.S., my advice is: do not fear the bar exam. Just take it seriously, study appropriately, and make it a priority during the bar prep period. If you are having a hard time, there is always someone ready to help. You just need to ask. Brooklyn Law School is not just a school; it is a community.

Janice Zelmati ‘17
Founder, Attorney at Law
Lex Cordis P.C.

I pursued my legal studies in my home country of France and the United Kingdom, where both institutions had partnerships with Brooklyn Law School. This connection initially piqued my interest. Upon visiting Brooklyn Law, I was impressed by the personal attention we received and the genuine care extended to us. The LL.M. cohort was a small, distinct group, allowing us to cultivate meaningful relationships that set us apart from the J.D. students. We formed a study group to collaborate on our classes and exchange ideas, a practice that continued as we prepared for the bar exam. This sense of community proved to be immensely valuable and is still very present in my practice because I continue to collaborate professionally with some of my former classmates.

Frequently Asked Questions for LL.M.

Am I required to take the English proficiency test?

A high level of English proficiency is required for the successful completion of the LL.M. Program. Your level of proficiency, as demonstrated by all aspects of your application, is a significant factor in the Admission Committee’s decision-making process. All applicants, except those whose native and working language is English or who earned their first law degree entirely in English in an English-speaking country, must take either the Internet-based TOEFL iBT Test or the IELTS Examination. Applicants should be tested for English proficiency within two years prior to submitting their LL.M. admission application.

What is the minimum English proficiency test score requirement?

TOEFL (minimum score of 95)
IELTS (minimum score of 7.0)
Duolingo (minimum score of 120)

Can I request an English proficiency test waiver?

Applicants whose native and working language is English and applicants whose first degree in law is from a university in a country where both the language of instruction and the native language is English may request a waiver of the language proficiency examination. Please submit a brief statement in your application indicating the factual basis for the request. Waivers are not granted automatically. In many cases, in-person or evaluative online interviews will be required. Waivers are granted at the sole discretion of the Office of International Programs. Requests for TOEFL/IELTS waivers by applicants who do not clearly satisfy the above waiver requirements are seldom granted.

There are no in-person TOEFL or IELTS tests scheduled in my area. Does Brooklyn Law School accept scores from Home Edition versions of these tests or Duolingo?

Yes.

Can I transfer from the LL.M. to J.D. program?

Yes. Students may transfer from the LL.M. to the J.D. program. Applications to do so must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

What kind of scholarships and assistantships are available for international LLM applicants?

Merit scholarships are offered to entering LL.M. students whom the admissions committee have reason to expect outstanding academic achievement. Awards are based on academic accomplishment and demonstrated aptitude for law study. Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. Research and Teaching Assistantships open throughout the academic year, and LL.M. students are eligible to apply. These positions are paid at an hourly rate. A student may not work more than twenty (20) hours per week while attending the Law School on a full-time basis.

Can you offer some help with obtaining a visa?

As an admitted student, you are eligible for the F-1 Visa (Student Visa). Once an offer of admission is accepted and the seat deposit is paid, The Office of International Programs will initiate the process for issuing the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), a key document necessary in the visa application process.

When does the program start? Classes typically start the last week of August. Students are required to attend mandatory orientation the week before classes begin.

Can I submit my application directly to Brooklyn Law School rather than through LSAC?

No. All application materials should be submitted through LSAC. The one exception is that we allow Duolingo English Proficiency test scores sent directly from Duolingo.

Do you offer evening classes?

There are some courses offered in the evening that you may register for but note that some courses may only be available during daytime hours.

Can I enroll part-time in the LL.M. program?

The part-time LL.M. program is only available to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or those whose status in the United States allows part-time study. It requires a minimum of one and a half years (three semesters) of study.

What is the deadline for submitting my application?

The Law School practices a form of rolling admissions. This means that there is no universal acceptance date. We review files year-round and give notification of acceptance, wait-listing, or denial, as decisions are made. If you need to apply for a student visa, you are strongly encouraged to submit your application with all supporting materials no later than June 1.

How do I apply for one of the specializations (Intellectual Property Law, Refugee and Immigration Law, Business Law)?

Complete a Specialization form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar. Once you have met the requirements, a certificate will be awarded to you at graduation.

What is the cost of the program?

The most current estimated costs are here. These amounts do not include the cost of health insurance, SEVIS fees, or additional expenses for dependents (spouse or children).

Does the curriculum include the NYS Bar requirements for International Students?

All LL.M. students are required to take a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours. All LL.M. students are required to take the following courses: Fundamentals of American Law and Legal Writing and Research for LL.M. All other course selections are at the discretion of the student based on their plans and interests. Therefore, students should work with their academic advisor and the Registrar to develop a course plan that will help them meet the NYS Bar requirements.

Does the LL.M. give me the possibility to take the Bar Exam?

LL.M. students seeking to meet the New York Court of Appeals requirements for bar exam eligibility pursuant to Rule 520.6 must also take: A course in professional responsibility and a minimum of six (6) credit hours in other courses in subjects tested on the New York State bar examination. The principal focus of these courses must include material contained in the Content Outline for the New York State bar examination published by the State Board of Law Examiners. They will also be required to complete an online foreign evaluation and submit to the New York StateBoard of Law Examiners(NYS BOLE) prior to sitting the bar exam.

How long is the LL.M. program?

The full-time LL.M. program requires a minimum of one academic year (two non-summer semesters) of full-time attendance. Full-time students must complete the entire program of study within twenty-four (24) months from the date of matriculation at the Law School.

The part-time LL.M. program requires a minimum of one and a half years (three semesters) of study. Part-time students must complete the entire program of study within twenty-four (24) months from the date of matriculation at the Law School.

Can I take online courses to satisfy the credit requirements for the LL.M. degree?

All LL.M. students are required to take a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours, which except as otherwise permitted below, shall be in classroom courses at the Law School in substantive and procedural law and professional skills. Furthermore, to qualify for the NY bar exam all 24 credits (except as otherwise permitted) must be in courses requiring classroom instruction.

There is a long wait to get a visa appointment in my country, when can I receive the Form I-20 to start the visa application process?

When you receive an admission letter, it will include a deadline for paying the seat deposit, your confirmation of an intent to enroll. Once the deposit is paid, The Office of International Programs will contact you to request documentation needed to issue a Form I-20, , a key document necessary in the visa application process.