The Two-Year LLM in Banking & Financial Law Program is specifically designed for internationally trained lawyers seeking advanced training in the laws governing the American and international banking and financial services industries. This comprehensive program immerses students in the intricacies of the US legal system, providing a deep understanding of how US lawyers are trained to analyze legal questions and advocate on their clients’ behalf. Through rigorous coursework, engaging discussions, and hands-on experiences, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and legal research skills. They gain proficiency in legal writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation, enabling them to effectively communicate and advocate within the American legal context and beyond. Additionally, the program fosters an appreciation for ethical considerations and the broader societal impact of the law.
No thesis requirement! This program is classroom focused, though students will likely write one or more lengthy research papers in seminars. Writing coaches are available to help with academic writing projects.
What happens in the second year?
The Two-Year LLM in Banking and Financial Law Program is specifically designed to prepare internationally trained lawyers for the challenge of global practice. This comprehensive program immerses students in the intricacies of the US legal system during their first year of study. The second year of the Program prepares internationally trained lawyers for leadership positions in the American and international banking and financial services industries.
Concentrations
The program offers five optional concentrations in the student’s second year, which will be noted on a graduating student’s transcript.
The Business of Banking
This concentration offers a full range of courses involving banking regulation and products designed for students who intend to practice law or work in the banking industry.
Compliance Management
Compliance Management focuses on designing compliance systems for financial institutions in a post-crisis regulatory environment of heightened risk and compliance management expectations.
Financial Services Transactions (On-Campus Only)
This concentration is 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 Law Internship.
Lending & Credit Transactions
Lending & Credit Transactions is geared for lawyers who wish to specialize in various forms of lending, including issues involving domestic and transnational loan structuring, perfection of security interests in property, and bankruptcy.
Securities Transactions
Securities Transactions focuses on matters involving equity and debt securities and the management of collective investment vehicles, including the obligations of issuers, their directors, and officers, as well as fund managers and distributors.
Internships
The Financial Services Law Internship course provides students with real-world experience in the practice of financial services law. Subject to academic requirements, during their second year, students may work at a law firm, financial services organization, or regulatory agency under the supervision of a lawyer and a faculty advisor. In recent years, students have completed internships at ACCION International, Allston Brighton CDC, Cambridge Savings Bank, Computershare, the City of Boston, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA Division of Banks, Natixis Advisors, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, People’s United Bank, John Hancock Financial Services, and American Consumer Credit Counseling, among others.
What Our Students Are Saying
The Two-Year LLM at Boston University School of Law offers a unique progression. My first year allowed me to build a strong foundation in US legal principles and thoughtfully adapt my prior experience to a new legal and academic environment. Between the first and second year, I completed an internship that was instrumental in applying what I had learned in the classroom to real-world practice. This experience strengthened my practical skills and gave me the confidence to approach my second year with a deeper understanding of international legal practice.
The program truly helped me develop all my English skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. As for my fears regarding US legal concepts, I reached a point where I could stand in front of my classmates and deliver presentations comparing the Saudi and American legal systems. I also participated in mock trial and presented testimony for bill proposal, which simulate real-world practice and applications.
An Immersive University Experience
Pro Bono Program
Students can dedicate their legal skills and expanding knowledge to address unmet legal needs in the Boston area, throughout the United States, and around the world.
LLM Discovery Series
Spending two years at BU Law allows students the opportunity to become Boston locals and to appreciate the city’s rich history. Students in the Two-Year program will also have more opportunities to visit court proceedings, attend talks by guest lecturers, and participate in the many social events hosted by the law school.
Professional Skills Lab
A one-and-a-half-day interactive program focusing on developing core professional competencies, practical skills, and long-term career management tools.
Beyond the Classroom
A full menu of extracurricular activities connects students with fellow LLM and JD classmates, the city of Boston, and the beauty of New England.