Customize Your U.S. Law Curriculum
Students in the online Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law at WashU Law offers a structured yet flexible curriculum designed for both U.S. and internationally trained lawyers seeking to deepen their practice within the American legal system.
You can choose from six optional concentrations to build focused knowledge in specific areas of legal practice, which are regularly reviewed to reflect developments in law and industry. Students may also choose a general study path, allowing for a flexible approach to coursework based on individual interests.
In addition to electives or concentration coursework, all students will complete two required core courses that establish a foundation in the U.S. legal system.
“We have concentrations that will work for a diverse range of people. Our students gain the expertise that works best for their career.
— Michael Koby, Professor of Practice and Associate Dean for International and Graduate Programs
Concentrations
Interested in learning about the available pathways? Connect with an enrollment specialist.
AI in the Law
The Master of Laws with a concentration in AI in the Law is designed for lawyers who want to understand and incorporate emerging artificial intelligence technologies into their practice, or those who want to specialize in the practice of AI law. As AI continues to reshape industries and legal frameworks, this concentration prepares you to engage with emerging technologies confidently and responsibly.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Interpret and apply emerging legal frameworks governing artificial intelligence
- Learn to identify and mitigate the legal risks that arise when organizations adopt and deploy AI systems
- Advise organizations, policymakers and stakeholders on the legal implications of AI technologies
Sample Courses:
- Artificial Intelligence Law
- Intellectual Property
- Modern Law Meets AI: Innovative Legal Research Approaches for Law Professionals
Business Law
An LLM with a concentration in Business Law is designed for lawyers ready to deepen their expertise in corporate and business law. You’ll build the legal and strategic expertise needed to advise organizations across the business lifecycle, including initial formation, complex transactions and ongoing regulatory compliance. WashU Law’s LLM with a concentration in Business Law equips attorneys to navigate the frameworks that shape corporate operations, risk and decision-making.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Draft, interpret and negotiate contracts, mergers and corporate agreements
- Analyze the regulatory frameworks governing corporations, securities and commercial activity
- Advise business clients on strategic, high-stakes legal decisions
Sample Courses:
- Contracts
- Business Associations
- Negotiations
Conflict Resolution
The Master of Laws in U.S. Law with a concentration in Conflict Resolution is built for a variety of attorneys who manage complex business or interpersonal interactions in specific legal areas, including litigation, family law, corporate law, real estate law and insurance law. The Conflict Resolution concentration focuses on negotiating business transactions, finding solutions to difficult situations and implementing workplace policies to prevent conflict before it starts.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Utilize arbitration techniques to resolve disputes outside the courtroom
- Apply negotiation strategies that lead to faster, more favorable resolutions for clients
- Evaluate when litigation or negotiation best serves your client’s objectives
Sample Courses:
- Negotiations
- Mediation and Arbitration
- Cross Cultural Dispute Resolution
Employment Law
The LLM in U.S. Law with a concentration in Employment Law prepares attorneys to address complex issues across employment contracts, hiring practices, wage and hour regulations, discrimination and compliance. Strengthening your ability to navigate the legal frameworks that govern workplace relationships doesn’t just enhance your career, it prepares you to make a meaningful impact protecting employees and organizations from harm.
This Employment Law concentration emphasizes practical application in advising clients and managing organizational risk.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Manage employment-related disputes, compliance requirements and regulatory risk
- Analyze and apply I evolving federal and state labor laws
- Counsel employers and employees on rights, obligations and potential legal exposure
Sample Courses:
- Employment Law
- Negotiations
- Business Associations
Litigation
The LLM in U.S. Law with a concentration in Litigation is designed for attorneys who want to navigate their practice, building advanced skills in civil procedure, trial preparation and courtroom advocacy that translate directly to stronger outcomes for clients.
Litigation is where attorneys showcase all of their skills, and they need an expert education in order to litigate effectively. They demonstrate their legal knowledge, but also their strategic and analytical thinking, precision and ability to perform under pressure.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Navigate the procedural and strategic dimensions of civil litigation
- Advance trial advocacy skills across all phases of litigation
- Evaluate and leverage evidentiary standards in litigation contexts
Sample Courses:
- Civil Procedure
- Professional Responsibility
- Constitutional Law
Regulatory Compliance
The laws and regulations governing corporations, economic markets and institutions are constantly changing, and attorneys and in-house counsel need to have expertise on these issues before they impact their practice or organization. One way to gain these skills is through an LLM with a Regulatory Compliance concentration.
WashU Law’s Master of Laws with a concentration in Regulatory Compliance allows attorneys to gain the knowledge to build or lead in-house compliance departments and to carve a niche in different highly regulated industries, including financial services, health care, technology and government contracting.
Through this concentration, you will:
- Analyze and apply complex regulatory frameworks
- Advise organizations on compliance strategy, risk mitigation and regulatory exposure
- Draft and evaluate regulatory submissions and compliance documentation
- Lead cross-functional legal and policy initiatives
Sample Courses:
- Contracts
- Corporate Compliance
- Business Associations
Request Information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Laws in U.S. Law offered by WashU Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 314-597-3365.
General Study Path
The general track offers the flexibility to select electives across multiple areas of law, allowing you to build a broader understanding of legal principles relevant to your role. This option is well-suited for professionals whose work intersects with multiple regulatory or legal considerations.
Ready to learn more? Visit the curriculum page