Cornell Law School

General LL.M. Program

Fall 2022

Discover Cornell Law School

Spend your LL.M. year at an Ivy League law school renowned for international and comparative law. Learn law in a new way and take classes alongside J.D. students.

General LL.M. students at Cornell Law have the freedom to design and customize a program of study that best suits individual academic goals. You will be able to focus on a variety of legal subjects from business law to intellectual property to international human rights. You can even cross-enroll in courses at one of the 13 other colleges and schools at Cornell University. You are certain to find course offerings here that broaden your expertise.

Cornell is a place where you can engage with professors and peers, experience campus life, and explore the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Learn more about what Cornell Law can offer you.

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Engage with a close-knit student body and world-class scholars

With just over 100 General LL.M. students and about 600 J.D. students, Cornell Law is made up of a close-knit community of leaders and learners from around the world. We like to think of ourselves as serious and elite, but accessible.
Connect with classmates outside of the classroom through moot court or mock trial competitions, the Cornell International Law Journal, BRIGGS Society of International Law, or other student organizations.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 5.7 to 1, you will have the opportunity to closely interact with your professors. Cornell Law’s faculty members are nationally recognized scholars and readily accessible. You can even enroll in a faculty-at-home seminar here in Ithaca.

Our small class size fosters a collegial community and ensures engagement with classmates and professors.

Connect with classmates outside of the classroom through moot court or mock trial competitions, the Cornell International Law Journal, BRIGGS Society of International Law, or other student organizations.
“Cornell Law suited me perfectly, not only because it allowed me to link my ideological and professional pursuits, but also because it provided me with extremely important social and living experiences that only a campus life could offer.”
Johnatan Maranhao, LL.M. ’19
Johnatan Maranhao, LL.M. ’19
“Cornell Law helped me personally and professionally all while preparing me for what is next.”
Lydia Song, LL.M. ’19
Lydia Song, LL.M. ’19
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Explore our traditional campus

Experience true American university culture. As a student at Cornell Law School, you will become part of the broader Cornell University community, the youngest Ivy League school, attended by more than 23,000 students.
200 events hosted each year at the Big Red Barn Graduate Student Center
Nearly half of Cornell’s graduate students come from outside the United States. Make the most of your time here in the classroom and across campus—explore the Johnson Museum of Art, attend an ice hockey game, listen to the band during Slope Day, and visit the botanic gardens. Take advantage of our outdoor opportunities and learn to sail on Cayuga Lake, rock climb on the Lindseth Climbing Wall, or ski at Greek Peak.
200 events hosted each year at the Big Red Barn Graduate Student Center
aerial view of clock tower on campus
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Experience a
vibrant college town

The Finger Lakes region is home to more than 100 wineries and dozens of craft breweries.
Located in picturesque central New York State, Ithaca is a true college town and home to spectacular waterfalls and lakes, organic farms and wineries, and a thriving music and arts community.
The Finger Lakes region is home to more than 100 wineries and dozens of craft breweries.
There are over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of Ithaca.
Ithaca is known for having a high overall quality of life with a variety of housing options and a bus service with stops steps away from Myron Taylor Hall. With just over 30,000 residents the population nearly doubles during the academic year.
There are over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of Ithaca.
The FInger Lakes region is home to more than 100 wineries and dozens of craft breweries.
Located in picturesque central New York State, Ithaca is a true college town and home to spectacular waterfalls and lakes, organic farms and wineries, and a thriving music and arts community.
There are over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of Ithaca.
Ithaca is known for having a high overall quality of life with a variety of housing options and a bus service with stops steps away from Myron Taylor Hall. With just over 30,000 residents the population nearly doubles during the academic year.
Ithaca
Nature
Cornell University overlooks Cayuga Lake and there are numerous waterfalls within walking distance of the Law School. You can take a break by hiking trails along the gorges, biking on woodland paths, or picnicking in the area’s many parks.
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“My experience at Cornell Law broadened my perspective about what I could do as a corporate lawyer and my role as a professional and a citizen.”
Kelly Pedro, LL.M. ’19
Kelly Pedro
“I was able to form meaningful bonds with extraordinary professors who offered constant support on my individual journey at Cornell Law.”
Julian Wejlupek, LL.M. ’19
Julian Wejlupek
Food - Ithaca has numerous farm-to-table dining options. Sample local produce at the Ithaca Farmers Market or explore Ithaca's restaurants, bars, and cafes- all just steps from campus.
Arts - See a play at the Hanger Theatre, experience a show at the State Theatre, or watch an independing film at Cinemapolis.
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Expand
your options

From the time you arrive on campus through graduation and beyond, Cornell Law will help you gain the skills you need to pursue your professional interests.
Select experiential courses taken by LL.M. students
The Law School’s curriculum allows you to integrate theory and practice with a variety of applied courses, clinics, and externship opportunities. You will broaden your analytical thinking and be encouraged to look at issues from all sides.

In addition to Cornell Law’s distinguished faculty and rigorous curriculum, students benefit from access to and mentorship from the school’s extensive and highly accomplished alumni. When you enroll at Cornell Law you will join more than a student body.

You will become part of a vibrant alumni network that stretches across the globe into every field of legal practice.

Working with a dedicated career advisor, you will get support in designing an individual job-search strategy. One-on-one counseling appointments can assist you with researching job oppor-tunities, finding internships, networking with alumni, building résumés and cover letters, and developing interview skills.

Select experiential courses taken by LL.M. students: International Human Rights Clinic, Farmworker Legal Assistance Clinic, Gender Justice Clinic, Securities Law Clinic, Labor Law Clinic
Summer and
Post-Graduate Fellowships
To support internships with government agencies (including courts) or nonprofit organizations both inside and outside of the United States, LL.M. students can apply for the following Cornell fellowships if available during your academic year:
  • Berger International and Comparative Legal Studies Summer Fellowships for collaborative partnerships with public, non-profit and non-governmental agencies addressing human rights, international criminal law, and international trade law issues.
  • The Furman Family Fellowship supports an internship at the Supreme Court of Israel.
  • The International Court of Justice Judicial Fellows Program offers the opportunity to clerk for ten months at the Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to Cornell Law School is highly competitive. We evaluate candidates on a variety of factors, including prior academic success, work experience, and recommendations. Apply to our General LL.M. program through the Law School Admission Council. The application must be completed online at www.lsac.org.
ApplicatioN Deadline
The application deadline for the 2022–2023 school year is December 15, 2021.
2021–2022 TUITION AND EXPENSEs
Tuition: US$71,522
Student Activity Fee: US$86
Room: US$11,250
Board: US$5,516
Books and Supplies: US$1,100
Personal/Travel: US$5,000
Cornell Health Insurance Fee: US$3,762
Total: US$98,236

For more information visit https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/admissions/ll-m-admissions.

FINANCIAL AID PROCEDURES
Applicants for scholarships must request financial assistance when they apply. We evaluate and provide notice of awards prior to enrollment. A limited number of tuition waivers are available to General LL.M. candidates including the following named awards:

  • Ambassador William J. Vanden Heuvel Law Scholarship, awarded to candidates from Eastern Europe
  • Baron Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Fellowship, awarded to European candidates who intend to return to Europe to pursue legal practice
  • Cornell Law School Scholarship, awarded to increase diversity and excellence in the entering class
  • Institute for African Development, awarded to African candidates with an outstanding record of academic achievement and engaged in full-time graduate studies in areas related to African development
  • Rudolf B. Schlesinger Fellowship, awarded to candidates pursuing international and comparative law studies
HOUSING OPTIONS
From on-campus graduate housing to private houses, apartments, and cooperatives, there are many options within walking distance of the Law School.

https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/admitted-students/living-in-ithaca/housing

https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing

Contact Us
Graduate Legal Studies
Cornell Law School
Hughes Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

glsadmissions@cornell.edu

+1-607-255-5185  

Ithaca, New York illustration
Cornell Law School
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
General Information
lawschool.cornell.edu/admissions/ll-m-admissions