Studying for an LLM (Master of Laws) in North Carolina

LLM in North Carolina

North Carolina is famous for its agriculture and natural produce. The state produces many crops – tobacco, vegetable crops, cotton, peanut, and so on. However, in recent times the state has gradually deviated from agriculture and textiles industry to knowledge-intensive industry of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. In fact the state is currently the foremost producer of mica and lithium in America. As a result North Carolina was ranked third best state for business by Forbes magazine in 2010.

It is bordered by Georgia and South Carolina on the south side, Tennessee on the west side and Virginia on the north side.

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What & where to study in North Carolina

There are many prestigious law schools across the state of North Carolina, including: Campbell University Wiggins School of Law (Buies Creek, NC), Charlotte School of Law (Charlotte, NC), Duke University School of Law (Durham, NC), Elon University School of Law (Greensboro, NC), North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, NC), University of North Carolina School of Law (Chapel Hill, NC), and Wake Forest University School of Law (Winston-Salem, NC). Out of these institutions only four are currently offering LLM programs to international applicants, these are: University of North Carolina School of Law, Duke School of Law, Wake Forest School of Law, and Charlotte School of Law.

These institutions offer specialisations in the following Master of Laws programs: Corporate and Commercial Law, Banking and Finance, Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, Health Care Law, Human Rights and Civil Rights Law, International and Comparative Law, Public Law and Regulation.

Law student's perspective

“The LLM course is intense and laborious but I feel I have the support of the faculty, they are readily available to help with any enquiries.”

Applications & admissions

The LLM programs on offer at universities in North Carolina are aimed at lawyers trained internationally and have achieved a good first LLB degree (bachelors). The Master of Laws programs allow students to specialise in any field they choose, the programs also introduce students to the American legal system. The LLM helps students develop mastery of the core foundational areas of law such as: Contract law, Constitutional law, Criminal law and Civil law.
To apply to for an LLM in North Carolina, you will need to fill in the application form of your chosen university, application fee, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and the appropriate IELTS/TOEFL scores.

Once you have written your personal statement (which is very important part of the application). Your letters of recommendation will show how much you’ve impressed other people, which could be former employers and university lecturers. Your referees will write a reference based on their judgment or assessment of you – letters of recommendations are a crucial part of your application.

Tuition fees & living costs

Tuition fees for a one-year full-time LLM program in North Carolina start from $35,000 to $50,000. Weave in the cost of other expenses like accommodation; medical insurance, food, transport, and books could raise the total cost to more than $60,000 for the one-year full-time course.

Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans are available for US citizens and, in some cases private funding is available to international students. Enquire from each institution the type of funding you are eligible for.

What to do when you aren't studying

North Carolina is abound with many scenic attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge National Parkway, the Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, Guilford Courthouse and Moores Creek National Military Parks, Carl Sandburg's home near Hendersonville, and the Old Salem Restoration in Winston-Salem. All of these attractions are very unique and well worth a visit!

What other US states can you study in?

There are plenty of LLM opportunities for those interested in the living and studying in the United States and we have essential LLM study guides to over 20 US states, including: