Overview

As the only financial services LLM program in the country with its own faculty and a curriculum designed exclusively for graduate study, we have prepared legal professionals to handle the regulatory, transactional and compliance needs of financial services organizations for over 40 years. Our graduates are well placed at banks, governments, law firms, corporations, financial institutions, and multilateral and nongovernmental organizations.

Degree Type

  • Graduate

Formats

  • In-Person
  • Online

Availability

  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time

Location

  • On-Campus

Minimum Requirements

  • 2 Semesters
  • 12 Courses
  • 24 Credits

The program of study, focusing on regulatory courses and transactional courses in the areas of banking, securities, investment management, regulatory compliance, and financial services law, leads to the degree of Master of Laws in Banking and Financial Law. Students may choose to focus their studies in up to two of the optional program concentrations in The Business of Banking, Compliance Management, Financial Services Transactions (offered only to students studying in the residential format), Lending and Credit Transactions, and Securities Transactions. Upon graduating, students will have a broad knowledge of law and how to apply it to banking and financial institutions as transactions.

Students supplement their coursework beyond the classroom with a variety of program-sponsored activities and networking opportunities. From time to time BU Law hosts topical conferences and lectures, often co-sponsored with groups such as the American Bar Association, the Boston and Massachusetts Bar Associations, and Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMLS).

Who Should Apply?

The typical student in the Graduate Program in Banking and Financial Law has a demonstrated interest in financial services as evidenced by their academic studies, internships and/or work experience. Many applicants are experienced lawyers who have worked for several years before enrolling in the Graduate Program. Some students use the Graduate Program to prepare for professional careers in the financial sector, others to sharpen skills already developed, and still others to change their fields of specialization. Every year, a number of students are sponsored by their employer law firms, financial institutions, or government agencies to which they return upon completion of their studies.

Admission Requirements

US-trained applicants must be graduates of accredited law schools, while internationally-trained applicants must demonstrate English proficiency and hold a first degree in law or its equivalent from an accredited or comparably recognized law school, or be admitted to the national bar of their home countries.

Enrollment Options

The Banking & Financial Law LLM is also offered in a part-time online format, an attractive alternative for domestic and internationally trained attorneys whose jobs preclude them from attending our traditional on-site program in Boston. Part-time students can take up to 4 years to complete their LLM degree requirements. The online courses are taught by the same faculty. No distinction is made between residential and online study on a student’s transcript or diploma. Applicants must meet the same admissions requirements as those who apply to the residential program.

Two-Year LLM Program

Internationally-trained lawyers who want to improve their fluency in English and their academic skills before covering specialized coursework in our Banking & Financial Law LLM program may find our two-year program provides the optimal format.

Six-Semester JD/LLM Degree

This accelerated dual degree option enables BU Law students to earn both their JD and LLM degrees in six semesters.

Seven-Semester JD/LLM Degree

This dual degree option is available to BU Law students who take qualifying courses during the second and third years of their JD program and complete the remaining LLM requirements in an additional semester.

Financial Services Fundamentals

This 3-week August preparatory program provides necessary foundational preparation to international students entering the Graduate Banking and Financial Law Program who may not have a strong prior background in American law. This course will provide an introduction to eight financially- related subject areas. This non-credit course offers the added benefit of introducing incoming international students to lectures, discussions and readings on financial topics in English.

Why Pursue an LLM in Banking and Financial Law?

Renowned Faculty

Industry-leading practitioners provide practical teaching and support, within a curriculum designed exclusively for graduate study

Inclusive Learning Environment

One-on-one academic advising, accessible faculty, and state-of-the-art technology

Career Support

Dedicated LLM professional development office for personalized guidance and assistance with US bar qualification

Manageable Pace

Professionals working full time can pursue advanced studies in person or at home, with part-time ond online options

Active Community

Abundant opportunities for networking through student organizations, exclusive BU Law events, and partner organizations and firms

Featured Instructors

The Graduate Program in Banking & Financial Law is the only financial services LLM program in the US with its own dedicated faculty of leading practitioners and an extensive course curriculum designed exclusively for graduate study. Get to know our full team.

Concentrations

With more than 25 courses offered, students may choose from a variety of Graduate Courses in Banking & Financial Law that suit their professional needs and objectives. With the exception of the required course in Banking Structure and Regulation, all courses are elective. The Graduate Program in Banking and Financial Law offers five optional concentrations to help you focus your studies:

The Business of Banking

A full range of courses involving banking regulation and products designed for students who intend to practice law or work in the banking industry.

Eligible Courses

Compliance Management

A concentration which focuses on designing compliance systems for financial institutions in a regulatory environment which seeks to meet the heightened expectations for risk and compliance functions in regulated financial institutions in a post-crisis environment.

Eligible Courses

Financial Services Transactions

Designed for lawyers seeking to gain experience in conducting complex financial services transactions by complementing theory with a working knowledge of the practical aspects of structuring and executing a deal through in-class negotiation sessions and an internship. Students in this concentration are required to complete the Financial Services Internship.

Eligible Courses

Lending and Credit Transactions

Geared for lawyers who wish to specialize in various forms of lending, including issues involving loan structuring, perfection of security interests in property, foreclosure, and bankruptcy.

Eligible Courses

Securities Transactions

For those interested in matters involving equity and debt securities and the management of funds, including the obligations of issuers, their directors, and officers as well as fund managers and agents, and brokers and dealers.

Eligible Courses