Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business and Economic Law

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Georgetown University

Program Overview

The LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law provides advanced legal education for lawyers seeking expertise in international trade, corporate law, global finance and economic regulation. The programme combines national and international legal frameworks with specialised coursework in business transactions, investment, taxation, securities and dispute resolution, allowing students to customise their studies according to their professional interests.

Curriculum Structure

Full-Time (1 Academic Year): Students begin with foundational courses such as Corporations and International Law I, covering business organisations, accounting, investment, treaty law, international jurisdiction and state responsibility. They then select advanced courses in international business, corporate law, international trade, securities and commercial law.

Advanced Coursework: Students deepen their expertise through electives in International Business Litigation, International Commercial Arbitration, International Trade Law and International Finance. They may also pursue a Certificate of Specialization or choose a practice-oriented track involving an externship or practicum.

Focus Areas

International business law, international economic law, corporate law, international trade, investment law, securities regulation, taxation, international finance, commercial arbitration and dispute resolution.

Learning Outcomes

Understand international legal frameworks, analyse corporate and financial regulations, evaluate international trade policies, interpret commercial agreements, develop legal research skills, resolve cross-border disputes, understand investment regulations and advise on international business transactions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The LL.M. is an advanced law degree for graduates who already hold a qualifying first law degree. Foreign-trained lawyers may also plan their coursework to meet applicable New York Bar eligibility requirements.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

International Diversity: Georgetown Law enrols approximately 300–400 LL.M. students annually from around 50 countries.
Professional Exposure: Access to Washington, D.C.-based law firms, government agencies, international organisations and corporate institutions.
Career Support: Dedicated Graduate Careers services, international recruitment opportunities and professional networking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can connect legal theory with professional practice through Georgetown Law's practice-oriented degree track, which incorporates supervised off-campus legal experience. Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown Law provides access to law firms, government agencies, international organizations and NGOs, allowing students to explore practical applications of international business and economic law.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Legal Externships: Work with private law firms, companies, government agencies, NGOs and international organizations on supervised legal projects.
Fieldwork-Based Practicums: Participate in weekly seminars alongside 5–15 hours of fieldwork per week at an external organization, developing specialized legal knowledge and practical skills.
Corporate and Financial Law Organizations: Engage with the Corporate & Financial Law Organization and Georgetown International Arbitration Society through professional activities and networking.
Research Opportunities: Explore the Institute of International Economic Law, Center on Transnational Business and the Law, and Center on Inclusive Trade and Development.
Legal Research and Publications: Explore opportunities associated with the Georgetown Journal of International Law, which publishes research on public international law, private international law and transnational law.
Professional Networking: Participate in conferences, symposia, workshops and networking receptions organized by Georgetown Law's research centres and institutes.
Pro Bono Activities: Participate in voluntary legal and community service activities during and after the program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law can pursue specialized legal careers involving international commercial transactions, corporate governance, financial regulation, international trade and cross-border dispute resolution. The program's flexible curriculum and professional exposure prepare lawyers to work with international law firms, multinational businesses, financial institutions, government agencies and international organizations.

Potential career opportunities:

International Business Lawyer
Corporate Legal Counsel
International Trade Compliance Specialist
International Arbitration Associate

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career Services: The Office of Graduate Careers provides individualized career advising, professional development support, employment resources and access to Georgetown's legal alumni and faculty network.
International Student Interview Program (ISIP): Foreign-trained LL.M. students can participate in this annual recruitment program, involving more than 30 law schools and attracting over 140 legal employers from around the world.
Postgraduate Fellowships: The LL.M. Post-Graduate Fellowship Program supports eligible graduates interested in gaining professional experience with public-service, public-interest and international organizations.
Industry Connections: Georgetown Law provides opportunities to connect with private law firms, corporations, government agencies, international organizations and dispute-resolution institutions.
Professional Recognition: The LL.M. offers advanced legal specialization and can strengthen professional credentials in international business and economic law.
Employment Statistics: Georgetown does not publish a specific employment percentage or salary range for graduates of this particular LL.M. specialization.
Bar Eligibility: Foreign-trained graduates may plan their studies to meet New York Bar educational requirements, subject to individual eligibility assessment and applicable regulations.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the LL.M., graduates interested in academic or advanced legal research can consider the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) at Georgetown Law or doctoral programs in Law, International Economic Law and related disciplines at other universities. They may also pursue further specialization through research in international trade, corporate governance, financial regulation, taxation, international arbitration and cross-border commercial law. Admission to the S.J.D. is competitive and is not guaranteed by completion of the LL.M.