William & Mary’s Online LL.M. Program to welcome first students in 2023
William & Mary Law School is accepting applications for its new Online LL.M. Program designed for working professionals who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the U.S. legal system. The degree program begins in August 2023 and is structured to provide flexibility for students who wish to pursue a degree without taking a break from their careers or relocating.
“This is an exciting moment for the Law School,” said Dean and Trustee Professor of Law A. Benjamin Spencer. “We will now offer the exceptional LL.M. legal education William & Mary is known for in a new modality and format. It will be accessible to legal professionals around the world regardless of where they live and practice.”
Professor Catherine Stahl, Director of LL.M. Programs, said the program is ideal for legal professionals in international law firms or corporations, non-profits, NGOs, or in public or government service.
“Contemporary legal practice frequently involves matters that span multiple countries if not continents,” Stahl said. “The program is designed to give students an edge in an increasingly globalized legal world. In addition to the core courses, students will gain practical experience in legal writing, research and fundamental lawyering skills that will support transactional or litigation-focused practices.”
The program is largely asynchronous to enable students to set their own pace and participate from any time zone. Courses will be taught by prominent legal scholars, subject matter experts, and leading practitioners and will incorporate multiple learning modalities, including on-demand pre-recorded lectures, quizzes, practice bar exam-style questions, discussion forums, and simulations. Most courses will offer optional synchronous components in which students can interact live with professors and other students.
According to Amy King, Associate Dean for Online and Executive Education, there is tremendous momentum for online and hybrid learning at the Law School. “In addition to the Online LL.M. Program we are launching a non-credit Corporate Compliance Certificate in March and additional degree and non-degree programs will debut in 2023 and beyond,” she said. “I am delighted to see William & Mary Law School provide these new educational opportunities.”
The Online LL.M. Program will host several live “open houses” and on-demand recorded sessions where prospective students can learn about the program and meet faculty, current students, alumni, and student services personnel.