Strong rankings. Personal attention. Top value.
Temple’s Master of Laws (LL.M.) for Foreign-Trained Lawyers & LL.M. Exchange Program is designed to give international law students and graduates training in the foundations of American law and the U.S. legal system. The program welcomes both full-degree candidates for one year and exchange students from partner universities who may study at Temple for one or two semesters.
You will take courses together with J.D. students, become part of a tight-knit community, and live in the affordable city of Philadelphia, strategically located between New York City and Washington D.C. We invite you to join the Temple family to advance your career.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) for Foreign-Trained Lawyers welcomes:
- Recent law graduates
- International attorneys
- Legal academics, counsel, and government officials
- Any student who has earned a first degree in law
The LL.M. Exchange Program welcomes:
- Partner university exchange students
The LL.M. degree for Foreign-Trained Lawyers is the equivalent of what other schools refer to as a “General” or “Traditional” LL.M. or an “LL.M. in American Law.” Prospective full degree candidates must have earned their first law degree (such as an LL.B.) outside of the United States.
The LL.M. exchange program offers students from partner institutions the opportunity to study in Temple’s LL.M. program for one or two semesters, allowing them to apply those credits towards the completion of the full degree, which requires a total of 24 credits. Exchange students may return to complete the LL.M. degree within two years after finishing their exchange.
Why Choose Temple Law for Your LL.M.?
Our LL.M. program is one of the longest running in the U.S., with alumni around the world. U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple Law as a top law school, particularly in trial advocacy, legal writing, healthcare law, tax law, and international law. Courses within our specialty rankings are popular with our international students.
Full degree candidates can apply through LSAC or apply directly.
Exchange students should contact their home institution’s study abroad coordinator for more information on how to apply and the nomination process.
Location
Philadelphia
Your New Favorite American City
Temple Law is located in Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., conveniently located between New York City and Washington, DC. The cost of living in Philadelphia is lower than that of other east coast cities, allowing students to live affordably in a large city while pursuing an excellent education and building a network.
Philadelphia is a UNESCO World Heritage City and was just named one of the best destinations to visit in 2024 by Lonely Planet, Time Out & AFAR. Many young professionals flock from New York to Philadelphia. We believe that you, too, will fall in love with Philadelphia.
In addition, LL.M. students may also be able to study abroad at our Rome or Tokyo campuses as part of their degree.

Testimonials
Our Team
At Temple Law, we equip our students to create or further meaningful careers in international law. Whether it’s earning a U.S. Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree or taking advantage of our J.D. study abroad opportunities at our Rome or Tokyo campuses or one of our many partner schools, we take great pride in helping our students identify and achieve their career goals in international law.
As a student, your Temple Family includes a staff of three full-time professionals who are accessible before, during, and after graduation.
We want to meet you! Please take a moment to reach out to our office to explore these possibilities.
John Smagula
Assistant Dean, Graduate & International Programs
intllaw@temple.edu
Request More Information
Our Graduate and International Programs team is eager to answer any questions you may have about the LL.M. for Foreign Trained Lawyers.
