Program Overview

Overview

The Maritime Law LL.M. Program comprises a rigorous study and training experience in the field through a focused theoretical and practical curriculum. The program requires a total of 24 credits completed with a grade point average of 2.3/4.00, of which a minimum of 12 credits must be maritime law courses.

Admission Requirements

Domestic J.D. Students

Prior to enrollment, full-time and part-time applicants must have earned a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

International Students

• International applicants must hold a J.D. degree or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
• International lawyers must present evidence of graduation from an international law school: official transcripts from all schools attended and listed on the application for admission; certified, translated copy of the transcripts; and photocopies of diplomas received.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of not less than 580 on the written, not less than 237 on the computer-based or not less than 92 on the internet-based TOEFL test is required to be considered for admission. In the alternative, applicants may take the International English Language Test System exam (IELTS), in which event a score of not less than 7 is required.

Curriculum Requirements

For U.S.-Trained Students

• Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses:
  • LAW 300: Admiralty (3 credits)
  • LAW 303: Coastal Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 312: International Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 318: Law of the Sea (3 credits)
• Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental, and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work): 12 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 24

For Foreign-Trained Students

• Required Coursework for Foreign-Trained Lawyers:
  • LAW 999: Introduction to U.S. Law (2 credits)
  • LAW 19: Legal Communication and Research I (2 credits)
• Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses:
  • LAW 300: Admiralty (3 credits)
  • LAW 303: Coastal Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 312: International Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 318: Law of the Sea (3 credits)
• Elective Courses (including maritime, environmental, and international law courses, the Maritime Law LL.M. Practicum, and general law course work): 8 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 24

Sample Plan of Study

For U.S.-Trained Students

• Fall:
  • LAW 303: Coastal Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 300: Admiralty (3 credits)
  • Elective Courses: 6 credits
• Spring:
  • LAW 312: International Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 318: Law of the Sea (3 credits)
  • Elective Courses: 6 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 24

For Foreign-Trained Students

• Fall:
  • LAW 19: Legal Communication and Research I (2 credits)
  • LAW 999: Introduction to U.S. Law (2 credits)
  • LAW 303: Coastal Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 300: Admiralty (3 credits)
  • Elective Courses: 2 credits
• Spring:
  • LAW 312: International Law (3 credits)
  • LAW 318: Law of the Sea (3 credits)
  • Elective Courses: 6 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 24

Mission

The University of Miami and International Graduate Law Program’s mission is to foster the intellectual discipline, creativity, and critical skills that will prepare its graduates for the highest standards of professional competence in the practice of law in a global environment subject to continual transformation. The Maritime Law LL.M. Program prepares attorneys to become specialists in the domestic and international legal problems associated with the use of navigable waters and the protection of the marine environment.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Maritime Law students will demonstrate an advanced proficiency and practical understanding as it relates to Maritime Law, including substantive rules, relevant procedures, ethical considerations, and lawyering skills specific to the practice of maritime law in a global environment.
2. Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in legal drafting and written communication as it relates to Maritime Law.
3. To ensure that students complete the Program requirements, graduate, and either secure employment or advancement opportunities.