J.D. & LL.M. Programs

J.D. Programs

Southwestern is the only American Bar Association-approved law school offering four programs of study leading to a J.D. degree that differ in scheduling and instructional approach. In addition to a full-time day and part-time evening programs, Southwestern has developed two innovative options: PLEAS, one of the only part-time day programs in the country designed to meet the needs of students with child- or elder-care responsibilities, and SCALE®, a unique two-year J.D. course of instruction with an alternative approach. SCALE is the first ABA-approved program of its kind in the U.S., featuring small classes, practical skills training, and real-world experience since 1975.

Southwestern also offers concurrent J.D./M.B.A. degree programs with The Drucker Graduate School of Management.

We also offer a a 3+3 B.A./J.D concurrent degree program with California State University, Northridge.

For law graduates who wish to pursue a post-J.D. degree, Southwestern offers two Master of Laws programs—a General LL.M.  and the Entertainment and Media Law LL.M. 

Please note that we are not accepting applications to the General LL.M. program for the 2023-24 academic year.

For summer programs—open to Southwestern students, transfer students, and visiting students—as well as Study Abroad programs, click here.

LL.M. Programs

For law graduates who wish to pursue a post-J.D. degree, Southwestern offers two Master of Laws programs—a General LL.M. and the Entertainment and Media Law LL.M. (Southwestern's General Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program will not be accepting applications for the 2023/24 Academic Year.) 

GENERAL LL.M. (Individualized Studies)

Southwestern's General Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program will not be accepting applications for the 2022/23 Academic Year.

A special LL.M. in Civil Liberties and Human Rights or Advocacy is available to outstanding Argentine lawyers who are selected for Southwestern's Fulbright-Jose Siderman Human Rights Fellowship.

LL.M. in ENTERTAINMENT and MEDIA LAW

Drawing on the resources and activities of the law school's Donald E. Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute, Southwestern established the first Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Entertainment and Media Law in the country. This exciting program is designed to prepare the next generation of effective and talented entertainment, media and intellectual property lawyers.

If you have any questions contact Southwestern's Entertainment LL.M. Program.