In June, I wrote about Online LL.M. programs for foreign-educated lawyers living abroad. This month, I write about another type of LL.M. degree: Executive LL.M. programs (“ELLMs”). Compared with other types of Non-JD programs, I did not know much about ELLMs from my first two positions in U.S. law schools.
In August, I started a new position at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and spent a lot of time researching these programs as I prepared for my interviews. Northwestern Law, along with Berkeley Law and Columbia Law School, offer well-known ELLM programs. They even host information sessions together and you can learn more about these programs in the link at the end of this article. In my new role, I will work closely with our three ELLM programs, and so I thought I’d use this piece to share the knowledge I have gained with experienced foreign-educated attorneys considering enrolling in an ELLM.
I reached out to Janet Garesche, director of Executive LL.M. and Tax Programs at Northwestern Law; Anya Grossmann, senior director of Admissions and Recruiting for Advanced Degree Programs at Berkeley Law; and Amanda Roden, assistant director of Executive LLM at Columbia Law School for insight into ELLMs.
LL.M. or ELLM?
Each year, lawyers from around the world determine that the ELLM programs at these three schools make more sense for their specific goals than a Residential LLM program or an Online LL.M. program. But why? What makes an ELLM program different from other types of LL.M. degrees?
An Executive LL.M. (ELLM) program is distinctively designed for the modern professional, offering a blend of flexibility, tailored curriculum, and advanced networking opportunities. Unlike a traditional LL.M. program, which often requires a full-time commitment, the ELLM caters to working lawyers, allowing them to continue their practice while advancing their education. The ELLM curriculum is often more specialized, focusing on the challenges and needs of active professionals. Furthermore, ELLM programs attract a diverse group of mid-to-senior level professionals, enriching the learning experience through peer interactions and building a robust network of established legal experts. The ELLM provides an optimized balance of practicality, depth and professional advancement.
Who are the ideal students for ELLM programs?
Unlike the programs I referenced in June, ELLM programs are really designed for experienced attorneys. This is particularly helpful in cultivating the connections with classmates that can lead to business development, career growth, and new educational perspectives. So what do these schools look for in their ELLM candidates?
An ideal candidate for an Executive LL.M. program would possess several key qualities, given the program’s unique structure and objectives. As ELLM programs are tailored for experienced attorneys, having professional experience is crucial to contribute to discussions, share real-world experiences, and understand advanced legal topics. ELLM students should be deeply committed to personal and professional growth with a clear understanding of what they aim to achieve from the ELLM. The blend of traditional learning and executive schedules means candidates need to be adaptable. Balancing work, study, and personal commitments requires efficient time management and the ability to balance varying demands.
They’re not just “Online” LL.M. programs
While Executive LL.M. participants at all three schools are busy practitioners, they are not looking for an entirely online experience. At all three law schools, a crucial component of the ELLM experience is actually the summer (or summers) on campus. In addition to being able to experience Chicago, New York City, or the San Francisco Bay Area, these in-person gatherings help the Executive LL.M. participants forge deeper relationships with their classmates and a stronger connection to the schools they attend.
Can you take a state bar exam?
In addition to the coursework students complete in their Executive LL.M. programs, the topic of whether or not they can qualify to take a State Bar Exam comes up. The California State Bar is very friendly to applicants who have already been admitted to practice law anywhere in the world, and many ELLM students fall into that category.
Career pivots possible?
While many ELLM students seek to use the degree to deepen their knowledge for their existing positions, some ELLM students do seek to use the ELLM as a career pivot. The Executive LLM option can enhance your professional journey by enabling you to gain unique insights, refine critical skills, and cultivate a global network that will propel you forward in today’s competitive legal landscape.
Without taking too much time away from your existing job, you can pursue an ELLM in a subject area new to you, gain cutting edge legal knowledge, and demonstrate to potential employers that you’re serious about your career pivot. Many of the students have been inspired to change the direction of their career just by taking the time to fall in love with law again.
Networking with classmates and fellow alumni
One of the important points is to use the ELLM to grow your network among other lawyers and business professionals from your school. That takes place among your ELLM cohort, the ELLM alumni base overall, and the larger law school community. Alumni networks are important at all three schools, and colleagues shared examples of how their ELLMs assist one another.
The alumni have found each other jobs, gone into business together, and enhanced their own careers by being able to quickly reach out to top notch lawyers in other jurisdictions. The benefits of your increased global network don’t start and stop immediately after graduation. Alumni are still in touch with the friends they made during their ELLM, even years later.
All three schools have informative websites about their programs.
