lawyer

The graduate programs at GW draw strength from their close relationship to the JD program. With the exception of the program in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, which is limited to LLM degree candidates, graduate law students take courses with JD students, and the resulting exchange of ideas is beneficial for both groups. Graduate students are able to combine traditionally taught courses with in-depth seminars, internships, skills training, and clinical experience for a comprehensive approach to legal education. Full-time faculty members in each specialized field provide instruction, academic advising, and thesis supervision.

All of GW’s graduate programs benefit from the Law School's location in Washington, DC, which provides access to unparalleled academic opportunities as well as the many distinguished expert practitioners, government officials, and judges who teach on an adjunct basis.

All candidates for the LLM complete 24 credit hours, including 4 hours of thesis. Non-U.S. law school graduates may waive this requirement. Those working toward the General LLM should consult with the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the designated thesis adviser in order to design a comprehensive program of study. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in one or more areas, such as constitutional law, labor law, corporate law, and health care law. Those working toward a specialized degree must complete the minimum required hours of courses listed for that program. Related courses are recommended for the remaining course work. Specialized degree candidates must have their program of study approved by the program director.

Thesis Requirement

The thesis is expected to be a scholarly paper of the same quality and length as a law review article. Full-time students take Law 6690–91, Thesis, during the first and second semesters of their program; part-time students, during their third and fourth semesters. With the approval of the program director or thesis adviser, an extension of up to one calendar year may be granted for completion of the thesis; continuous enrollment must be maintained during the period of the extension. Those who, due to extraordinary circumstances, require an extension beyond one calendar year must receive approval from the program director and thesis adviser; continuous enrollment must be maintained.