American Law Practice LLM
The Master of Laws in American Law Practice (LLM) is available to foreign-trained attorneys to supplement, update, or focus their legal training.
American Law Practice students are fully integrated into Denver Law’s JD classes in order to receive the benefit from a complete immersion into a US law school environment. The program emphasizes small class sizes to maximize individualized attention and enhance each student's academic success and professional development.
Please note that although the LLM in American Legal Practice provides a potential pathway for eligibility to sit for the Colorado bar exam, such eligibility is determined by the Colorado Supreme Court and not the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Students are asked to review the relevant paragraphs of the Rules Governing Admission to the Practice of Law in Colorado found on the Colorado Supreme Court website, here. Among other things, graduates of the degree seeking Admission to the Practice of Law in Colorado with a law degree from a civil law jurisdiction have different requirements from students with a law degree from a common law jurisdiction.
American Law Practice LLM Requirements
Students are required to complete at least 24 semester credit hours. Full-time students may earn the degree in one academic year (over two consecutive semesters). Part-time students (below 12 semester credit hours a semester) may earn the degree within 24 months of matriculation. Please refer to specific F-1/J-1 status requirements. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.7 to remain in good standing.
All American Law Practice students must successfully complete the following 10 credits:
- Introduction to the American Legal System (L4064) (2 credits)
- Legal Research and Writing for Graduate Students (L4034) (2 credits)
- Legal Profession (L4425) (3 credits)
- Legal Analysis Strategies (L4032) (3 credits)
All American Law Practice students must successfully complete 8 elective credits (2 courses) from the following list of courses:
- Contracts (L4175) (4 credits)
- Criminal Law (L4195) (4 credits)
- Civil Procedure (L4120) (4 credits)
- Evidence (L4235) (4 credits)
- Torts (L4610) (4 credits)
- Constitutional Law (L4164) (4 credits)
- Property (L4490) (4 credits)
- Corporations (L4190) (4 credits)
The remaining required 6 credits may be earned by completing any courses offered in the JD curriculum that are offered and completed in an in-person modality.
A full list of course descriptions and courses offered in the JD curriculum may be found in the DU Bulletin, here.
American Law Practice students may also pursue a directed research project if they find a suitable faculty advisor.
Additional Requirements and Considerations for students seeking Admission to the Practice of Law in Colorado
American Law Practice students may not complete more than 4 semester credits in any summer term while in the program.
