More in Master of Laws (LLM)
Contact Us
For more information about the Master of Laws (LLM) Program, please email us at lawllm@hawaii.edu.
Master of Laws (LLM) Program
Overview
A Master of Laws, or LLM, is a graduate qualification in the field of law. This internationally recognized postgraduate law program allows lawyers to gain advanced, specialized legal training by choosing classes within a specific area of law to develop their expertise. Our LLM Program is designed for both US-trained and foreign-trained students and practitioners who have earned a U.S. JD or foreign law degree and/or are qualified to practice law in any jurisdiction. For international lawyers and law graduates interested in taking a bar exam, our Director of Bar Success can help guide students in understanding the requirements, and select the jurisdiction that is best suited for them.
Beginning Fall 2026, we will have an Online LLM Program available for students interested in a General LLM and select specializations. Please reach out to lawllm@hawaii.edu for more information.
In addition to the academic advantages an LLM offers, students also have opportunities to network with colleagues and professors from all over the world and build a lasting, professional network. Applicants to the LLM Program must hold a law degree from a recognized law school. Both graduates with a foreign law degree and graduates with a U.S. JD are encouraged to apply.
Our LLM Program allows a great deal of flexibility, allowing students the freedom to choose their classes, in consultation with our LLM Faculty Advisor. Other than our two specialized LLM courses for foreign lawyers, our LLM students take the same classes as our JD students. LLM students may choose to pursue a General LLM or an LLM with a Specialization. Though a U.S. JD is generally required to take to the Hawai‘i Bar, students may take courses that will help prepare them to take bar exams in the other states with other requirements.
Bar preparation courses are available for LLM students and our LLM Advisors and Director of Bar Success are available to assist with course planning and bar preparation.
LLM Program Requirements
- Credits required: minimum 24
- The Richardson Law School course catalogue is available online:
- Up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits can be taken in other UH departments with approval
- See our UH Mānoa Catalog for a complete list of courses
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research can be taken for up to 3 credits per semester with approval
- Not all courses are available every semester
- Some courses are available in-person only
- Introduction to U.S. Law for International Students – General introduction to the fundamental principles and distinctive aspects of the American legal system and its institutions. International LLM and International Visiting Students only
- U.S. Legal Research and Writing for International Students (optional) – Introduction to the basic principles of American legal research and writing. Students review techniques of case and statutory analysis and learn to write a professional legal memoranda and client opinion letters. International LLM and International Visiting Students only
- Legal Oral Communication (optional) – This is a variable-credit course designed for non-native English speakers to develop legal English listening and speaking skills for US legal settings.
LLM Pathways
Students enrolled in Hawaii’s LLM Program may pursue a General LLM or they may choose an optional specialization to deepen their understanding and expertise in a specific area of law. Students may also work with the LLM Faculty Advisor to design a special concentration. Specialization requirements: 4 courses and 10 credits within the specialization.
For international lawyers and law graduates interested in taking a bar exam, our Director of Bar Success can help guide students in understanding the requirements, and selecting the jurisdiction that is best suited for them.
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 572 International Protection of Human Rights
LAW 579 Introduction to Space Law & Policy
LWEV 528 International Environmental Law
LWEV 593 International Ocean Law
LWPA 514 Law & Society in Japan
LWPA 553 Asian Pacific Insolvency Law
LWPA 556 Asian Comparative Labor Law
LWPA 564 International Criminal Law
LWPA 565 Law and Society in Korea
LWPA 569 Human Rights in Asia
LWPA 579 International Business Transactions
LWPA 580 Foundations for Kānāwai
LWPA 581 Native Hawaiian Law
LWPA 585 International Law
LWPA 586 Law & Society in China
LWPA 587 Comparative Law
LWPA 590 International Economic Law
LWPA 594 Pacific Islands Legal Systems
LWPA 596 International Intellectual Property
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 507 Employment Discrimination
LAW 527 Federal Indian Law
LAW 533 Constitutional Law I
LAW 534 Constitutional Law II
LAW 541 Criminal Procedure
LAW 544 Race, Culture, and Law
LAW 547 Gender: Law & Conflicts
LAW 548 Immigration Law
LAW 559 Labor Law
LAW 572 International Protection of Human Rights
LAW 578 Artificial Intelligence and Social Justice
LAW 589 Labor and Employment Law
LAW 594 Native Health Ethics, Law, and Policy
LWEV 528 International Environmental Law
LWEV 530 Climate Change Law & Policy
LWEV 582 Environmental Law
LWPA 556 Asian Comparative Labor Law
LWPA 569 Human Rights in Asia
LWPA 580 Foundations for Kānāwai
LWPA 581 Native Hawaiian Law
LWPA 583 Legal History of Hawaiʻi
LWPA 584 Emerging Hawaiʻi Water Issues
LWPA 585 International Law
LWPA 587 Comparative Law
LWPA 594 Pacific Island Legal Systems
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 503 Historic Preservation Law
LAW 549 Admiralty Law
LAW 561 Administrative Law
LAW 580 Land Use Management & Control
LWEV 503 Wildlife & Natural Resources Law
LWEV 504 Conservation Transactions
LWEV 512 Environmental Compliance & Regulated Industries
LWEV 528 International Environmental Law
LWEV 529 Environmental Litigation Seminar
LWEV 530 Climate Change Law & Policy
LWEV 582 Environmental Law
LWPA 584 Emerging Hawaiʻi Water Issues
LWEV 588 Legal Aspects of Water Resources & Control
LWEV 592 Domestic Ocean & Coastal Law
LWEV 593 International Ocean Law
LWPA 580 Foundations for Kānāwai
LWPA 581 Native Hawaiian Law
LWPA 585 International Law
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 511 Professional Responsibility
LAW 523 Law and Psychology
LAW 531 Business Associations
LAW 532 Health Law
LAW 535 Intellectual Property
LAW 545 Licensing Intellectual Property
LAW 560 High Growth Entrepreneurship
LAW 563 E-Discovery
LAW 578 Artificial Intelligence and Social Justice
LAW 579 Introduction to Space Law & Policy
LWEV 530 Climate Change Law & Policy
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 506 Contracts
LAW 507 Employment Discrimination
LAW 508 Negotiation & Alternate Dispute Resolution
LAW 509 Contracts I
LAW 510 Contracts II
LAW 511 Professional Responsibility
LAW 515 Business Reorganization in Bankruptcy
LAW 531 Business Associations
LAW 535 Intellectual Property
LAW 539 Remedies
LAW 540 Contract Drafting
LAW 545 Licensing Intellectual Property
LAW 549 Admiralty Law
LAW 550 Corporate & Partnership Taxation
LAW 554 Secured Transactions
LAW 558 Corporate Finance
LAW 559 Labor Law
LAW 560 High Growth Entrepreneurship
LAW 561 Administrative Law
LAW 562 Debtors’ & Creditors’ Rights
LAW 566 Non-Profit Organizations
LAW 567 Federal Income Taxation
LAW 578 Artificial Intelligence and Social Justice
LAW 580 Land Use Management & Control
LAW 583 Real Estate Development and Financing
LAW 589 Labor & Employment Law
LWEV 504 Conservation Transactions
LWEV 512 Environmental Compliance & Regulated Industries
LWPA 553 Asian Pacific Insolvency Law
LWPA 579 International Business Transactions
LWPA 596 International Intellectual Property
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Pre-approved courses:
LAW 508 Negotiation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW 511 Professional Responsibility
LAW 572 International Protection of Human Rights
LWPA 585 International Law
LWPA 587 Comparative Law
Courses offered through the
Matsunaga Institute for
Peace & Conflict Resolution
PACE 629 Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
PACE 647 Mediation: Theory & Practice
PACE 668 Facilitating Community & Organizational Change
With LLM Faculty Advisor approval:
- LAW 520 Advanced Legal Studies: selected topics presented by WSRSL faculty or visiting faculty focused on their areas of specialty or expertise
- LAW 546 January-Term: these specialized, short courses provide students the opportunity to explore contemporary legal topics with national and international experts
- LAW 599 Directed Study and Research: one (1) Directed Study per semester for up to three (3) credits each. Students must first make arrangements with a faculty member to supervise their proposed project. Students will need to complete the Directed Study Approval Form before be allowing to register for a Directed Study.
- up to six (6) graduate-level (600 and above) credits from other UH departments
Note: not all courses are offered every semester
Students may also work with our LLM Faculty Advisor to design a personalized concentration. For students interested in incorporating an extensive writing project, we offer a thesis option that can be combined with a General LLM or any of our specializations.
How to apply
Fall 2026 applications now open through LSAC!
Fall 2026 applications for the LLM Program will be considered on a rolling basis from September 1, 2025 to June 1, 2026 and on a space-available basis after June 1, 2026. Applications received by February 5, 2026 will have priority consideration for scholarships.
Spring 2027 applications now open through LSAC!
Spring 2027 applications for the LLM Program will be considered on a rolling basis from September 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026 and on a space-available basis after October 1, 2026. Applications received by February 5, 2026 will have priority consideration for scholarships.
For Summer 2026 application information, contact lawllm@hawaii.edu for application instructions.
Eligibility
Applicants to the LLM Program must hold a law degree from a recognized law school. Both graduates with a foreign law degree and graduates with a U.S. JD are encouraged to apply.
Application Materials
Tell us about your experience and qualifications, your reasons for seeking an LLM degree and the course of study you wish to pursue (about 800 words).
Paid online; Non-refundable/Non-transferable
We prefer that one of the letters be from your former or current law professor, if possible. If a recommendation letter is not written in English, an English translation must accompany the original recommendation letter.
Official transcripts from all institutions (graduate and undergraduate) where you have studied. These must be sent directly from the school. If the transcripts are not in English, a certified English translation must be submitted with each transcript.
Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore are exempt from providing English proficiency test scores.
If an applicant’s legal education at the university level was conducted entirely in English in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, or Hong Kong, they may attach an official statement from the university verifying English was the medium of instruction in lieu of providing English proficiency test scores.
Other applicants may provide the following test scores to show English proficiency:
- TOEFL Score (UH school code: 8395)
90+ on traditional scale
4.5+ on banded scale (starting January 2026) - IELTS Score
6+ - Cambridge English Exam Score
180+
Waiver: Applicants wishing to request a TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge waiver for other reasons not listed above may do so directly in the application. The English Proficiency section of the application includes an optional section for applicants to provide an explanation of how they satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
Interview
Once all application materials are received, the Admissions Committee may request a Zoom interview before making their decision.
Visa Information
We work with the UHM International Student Services to assist international students with I-20 and Visa paperwork.
For more information about the Master of Laws (LLM) Program, please email us at lawllm@hawaii.edu.