Do you want to get a LL.M degree, but don’t have the time to attend classes in person? Or maybe you’re already working and can’t take a break from your job to go back to school?
The LL.M, or Master of Laws, is a highly sought-after legal degree that can open the doors to a career in law. However, it may not be feasible for many to attend traditional law school in person due to time commitments or geographical restrictions.
Fortunately, there are now a number of accredited online LL.M programmes available for those looking to advance their legal education and career prospects without having to commit to an on-campus experience.These programmes are designed with working professionals in mind, allowing them to complete their studies while still managing their day-to-day responsibilities.
Choosing the right online LL.M programme can be difficult. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which one is the best for you. That’s why we created this list of the 10 best distance learning masters of laws (LLM) programmes! We looked at a variety of factors, including cost, accreditation, and curriculum, to come up with our final list. Whether you’re looking for a general LL.M or one in a specific area of law, we have something for you!
7 Reasons Why You Should Enrol for Masters of Laws (LL.M)
The LL.M, or Master of Laws, is an advanced legal degree that can help individuals build a successful career in law and access higher-level positions. With the growing trend of online education, it is now possible to pursue this degree without having to leave your home or workplace. The following are reasons why your should enrol for an LL.M:
- An LL.M can help you to specialize in a certain field of law, such as international law or tax law.
- An LL.M can open doors to better job opportunities since employers value the specialized knowledge and experience that comes with an advanced degree in law.
- You can gain access to more resources for research, writing, and other activities related to your field of study when you enroll for an LL.M program online or on-campus at a university or college near you.
- With an LLM program, you could qualify for higher salaries due to the extra qualifications and knowledge gained during your studies which may be beneficial in career advancement opportunities later on down the line too!
- Online programs are convenient and allow students to balance their studies with work schedules more easily than traditional classroom-based courses do because they provide flexibility when it comes to completing assignments and attending lectures or seminars remotely from home or another location of choice without having disruptions due to travel time as well as other factors such as childcare commitments etc..
- Completing an online LLM also allows students who may not have had the chance previously (due either financial reasons/time constraints)to pursue their educational goals and achieve their dream of becoming a lawyer or law professional.
- Lastly, an LLM can help to hone your skills as a legal researcher, writer, and thinker. With the support of experienced faculty members and access to resources from around the world, you’ll be able to deepen your understanding of legal principles in ways that would not have been possible otherwise.
Top 17 LL.M Programmes You Can Take Online
The University of London’s Online LL.M Programme
The first programme to consider is the LL.M from the University of London’s School of Law. This highly respected programme allows students to specialise in a range of areas, such as Commercial Law and International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution, while receiving instruction from world-leading faculty members. What sets it apart from other online offerings is its flexibility
The University of Arizona School of Law
The second online LL.M option to consider is the programme from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, which offers students a wide range of specialisations, such as Taxation and Intellectual Property.
The programme also offers an optional concentration in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of Native American law and its implications for modern society. This course has full accreditation from the American Bar Association and provides students with access to exceptional research resources, including a world-class library and legal databases.
The University of Miami School of Law
For those looking for an even more flexible approach, the LL.M University of Miami School of Law offers an online LL.M that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students can choose from a variety of specialisations
Fordham University School of Law
The fourth programme to consider is the online LL.M from Fordham University School of Law, which allows students to specialise in areas such as Corporate Compliance & Regulation and International Business Transactions.
This programme also boasts a strong emphasis on ethics, with courses dedicated to understanding ethical rules and regulations in the legal field. The course material is regularly updated to keep up with current developments in the law, ensuring that students are kept up-to-date with the latest legal landscape.
Georgetown University Law Center
The fifth option is an online LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center, which offers a range of specialisations such as Human Rights Law and International Financial Regulation & Compliance.
This course focuses on developing practical skills that can be applied in real-world settings, helping students gain the experience they need to succeed in their chosen legal field. Moreover, students can choose between full-time or part-time programmes, making it highly flexible for those with busy schedules.
Cornell Law School
The sixth online LL.M programme of note is offered by Cornell Law School and provides opportunities for advanced research in many areas of law. Through this programme, students can gain expertise in fields such as Environmental Law and Intellectual Property while still being able to work at their own pace from home or anywhere else they have internet access.
This course is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and provides access to Cornell’s extensive library resources for additional research needs.
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
The seventh option is an online LL.M from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, which features an innovative curriculum designed to help students become effective practitioners in their chosen field of law. Students can specialise in contemporary issues such as Cybersecurity & Data Privacy or Media & Entertainment Law while receiving instruction from leading faculty members from across the globe.
Additionally, this programme also includes a unique practicum experience that allows students to apply what they have learned into real contexts under the supervision of experienced lawyers and professionals.
Harvard Law School
For those looking for a more traditional approach, one should consider enrolling for an online LLM at Harvard Law School which focuses on core subjects such as Constitutional Law and Torts Lawyers must understand if they wish to practice law successfully after graduation. This programme has been designed by renowned scholars who strive to provide their students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for thriving within today
University of Virginia School of Law
The ninth option for an online LL.M programme is the University of Virginia School of Law, which offers students the opportunity to specialize in a variety of areas such as International Trade, Taxation and Business Law.
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of local and global legal principles involved in various fields, offering them a unique edge over their peers. With guidance from experienced faculty members and access to UVA’s leading research resources, this programme is perfect for those seeking to deepen their knowledge on important topics related to the law.
The George Washington University Law School
The tenth online LL.M programme worth considering is offered by The George Washington University Law School.
Specialising in areas such as Cyberlaw & Technology or Government Contracting & Procurement, this course has been designed for those who wish to pursue a career in public service or private sector roles that involve working with legislation, regulations and policies. It also allows students to learn from world-renowned faculty members and gain access to GWU’s state-of-the-art library facilities for additional research requirements.
University of California Berkeley School of Law
The eleventh option for an online LL.M can be found at the University of California Berkeley School of Law which offers students specialisations such as Intellectual Property Law or International Human Rights & Transnational Equity & Development Issues. This course has been accredited by the American Bar Association and provides access to UC Berkeley
Georgetown University Law Center
The twelfth online LLM programme of note is offered by Georgetown University Law Center. This course has been designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of international law, and offers students specialisations such as International Trade & Investment or Comparative & Transnational Law.
Students enrolled in this programme will gain an understanding of global legal systems and their practical applications, with guidance from leading faculty members who have worked extensively in the field. Additionally, they will also have access to Georgetown’s extensive library resources, providing them with further research opportunities and other academic materials needed to excel in their chosen field of study.
Duke University School of Law
The thirteenth option for an online LL.M programme can be found at Duke University School of Law, which provides students with specialisations such as Financial Regulation & Compliance or Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility.
This course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge on current laws that affect businesses and organisations around the world, while giving them the opportunity to gain valuable insights into how these systems work within different countries and markets. With rigorous instruction from experienced professors and access to Duke’s state-of-the-art library facilities, this programme is perfect for those looking for advanced education in topics related to business and international law.
New York University School of Law
The fourteenth online LLM worth considering is offered by New York University School of Law which focuses on specialisations such as International Business Transactions or Criminal Justice & Human Rights Advocacy.
This course has been designed by experts from various fields, who strive to give their students a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to legal practice both locally and internationally. They will also have access to NYU’s renowned library resources which provide them with more research opportunities should they need it during the duration of this course.
The University of Texas School of Law
The fifteenth option for an online LLM is provided by The University of Texas School of Law which offers specialisations such as Health Care Regulatory Compliance & Litigation or Energy & Environmental Regulation & Policymaking.
This programme has been accredited by the American Bar Association and allows its students to deepen their knowledge in contemporary issues that affect businesses today while learning from respected faculty members across multiple disciplines related to law and policy making.
Additionally, they can also take advantage of UT’s renowned library resources which provide them with further research options if needed during their studies.
Stanford University Law School
The sixteenth option for an online LLM worth considering is offered by Stanford University Law School which focuses on areas such as Cyberlaw & Digital Rights or Intellectual Property Management & Licensing Strategies Among Others.
This course has been designed for those who wish to practice law successfully after graduation, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of applicable regulations within different contexts while allowing them access to Stanford’s extensive library resources for additional research needs should they require it during the duration of their studies.
Cornell University Law School
The seventeenth option for an online LLM programme is offered by Cornell University Law School and provides specialisations such as International Human Rights or Conflict of Laws. This course has been designed to explore the complexities of international law and how it interacts with domestic legal systems.
Students taking this course will benefit from Cornell’s renowned library resources and can gain valuable insights into the rules, regulations, and policies that govern our society. In addition to this, they will also be able to sharpen their skills on topics related to human rights, civil liberties, and international relations among others.
Boston University School of Law
Finally, The eighteenth choice for an online LLM is provided by Boston University School of Law which offers specialisations such as Health Care Regulatory Compliance, Mergers & AcquisitionsLaw or International Taxation Among Others.
This programme has been designed to help students gain an understanding of the basic concepts related to legal practice while delving deep into topics related to businesses around the world. It also provides students with access to BU’s renowned library resources which can help them with additional research opportunities should they require it during the duration of their studies.

What is the Cost of an Online LL.M Course? and How does it Compare to a Physical LL.M?
The cost of an online LL.M course can vary greatly depending on the university and program chosen. Generally speaking, it is usually more affordable than a physical degree program as universities do not need to pay for infrastructure and facilities associated with a physical campus.
In addition, students usually require fewer credits to complete an online LL.M than they would if they were to take a traditional degree which often requires more credits due to in-person experiences such as lectures and seminars. The average cost of an online LL.M degree is typically between $10,000 – $20,000 USD; this price may be higher or lower depending on scholarship and financial aid opportunities that may be available through the university.
When comparing the cost of an online LL.M course to a standard LLLM degree, there are several crucial points that must be taken into account. First and foremost, physical degrees require more credits than their virtual counterparts do as universities have more overhead costs associated with their upkeep such as staff salaries for in-person professors and classes; therefore, tuition fees tend to be higher for a physical degree compared to an online one. Furthermore, living expenses should also be considered when making this comparison since taking a physical degree often means relocating while attending college which implies additional costs such as rent expenses or monthly housing bills apart from tuition fees and textbooks related to regular studies at university campuses.
Finally, students should take into consideration their own personal learning style when considering the cost comparison between online and physical LLMs: while there are advantages that come with attending lectures in person such as better interactivity with teachers, improved communication skills and increased motivation through peer pressure amongst other benefits; virtual courses offer convenience since you don’t have to physically travel or commute in order to attend classes which can save a lot of time and money.
How Long is an Online LL.M Course? Is is Shorter Compared to Physical Studies?
An online LL.M program typically requires the same length of study as a traditional, on-campus degree would. That usually means one full academic year (two semesters) plus any summer courses offered, though some programs may be shorter or longer depending on course selection and availability. As with any degree program, the amount of time spent studying and completing coursework will vary depending on the individual’s dedication to the subject matter and their chosen pace for completing the requirements for graduation.
Though an online LL.M program is likely to take the same amount of time as a physical one, there are certain advantages that come with studying from home that can help speed up progress and make the process more efficient. For example, many online programs are self-paced, so students can work at their own speed without having to wait for the next class cycle or semester to pick up where they left off. Additionally, online LL.M programs often offer opportunities for concentrations in specialized areas of law such as intellectual property or litigation – this allows students to hone in on specific topics and complete them faster than if they were taking a more general degree program in person.
On top of this, there is less pressure to attend physical classes and lectures when studying from home which can free up more time to focus on research or extra reading material related to your desired area of expertise. Finally, since most virtual courses use digital materials rather than printed textbooks it can save quite a bit of money in comparison to purchasing expensive books with each semester. All in all, online LL.M programs can offer a great deal of flexibility and convenience for those looking to pursue their legal education without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

Pros and Cons of an Online Masters of Laws – LL.M
Pros for an Online Masters of Laws – LL.M:
- It can be done from anywhere in the world.
- It can save money on tuition fees and travel expenses.
- You will have access to a wide range of materials online, including books, videos, and lectures from experts in the field.
- You have more flexibility with your schedule since you don’t need to attend classes in person every day or week like traditional university courses require you to do so
- You can select specialised courses that are tailored towards your interests and career goals
Cons for an Online Masters of Laws – LL.M:
- There is less face-to-face interaction with professors or classmates than there would be at a traditional university program which could make it difficult for some students to stay motivated throughout their studies
- The online format makes it more challenging to get help when needed since you cannot simply walk into a professor’s office hours whenever required
- The course material may be harder to understand without someone physically walking you through each concept as they could do in a physical classroom setting
- You may not receive enough feedback on assignments since grading is often done online, which makes it more difficult to improve your understanding of a subject
- It can be more difficult to stay disciplined and motivated when studying an online program, as it requires more self-discipline than a traditional classroom setting.
Conclusion
Overall, an online Masters of Laws – LL.M programme can be beneficial for those looking to deepen their understanding of the legal system without having to attend classes in person. With that said, it is important to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision as there are some differences between online and traditional university courses which may make one more suitable than the other depending on your individual needs and circumstances.