Open to students bound for UC Berkeley Law or other U.S. LL.M. programs, this flexible online program offers a comprehensive curriculum and expert guidance.
Berkeley, CA – February 27, 2025 — UC Berkeley Law has announced the launch of the LL.M. Success Academy, an innovative online initiative designed to prepare international lawyers for success in U.S. LL.M. programs. Launching July 2025, the program offers participants a unique and invaluable opportunity to build essential academic and professional skills while gaining insights from renowned UC Berkeley Law faculty. Open to students planning to attend UC Berkeley Law or other U.S. LL.M. programs, the LL.M. Success Academy combines self-paced modules with live virtual office hours, ensuring participants are equipped to thrive from day one of their LL.M. studies.
“One of the most important things we do is train leaders in law throughout the world in our LL.M. program,” says UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky. “Having taught LL.M. students for many years, I realize that many come to the United States without basic knowledge of American law and law schools. This program is designed to help prepare LL.M. students to thrive in their programs.”
Comprehensive Preparation for Global Lawyers
The LL.M. Success Academy provides a curriculum that extends beyond legal English to cover critical areas of U.S. legal education. Participants must complete the first five of the following eight modules to earn a certificate of completion:
- Fundamentals of Success in U.S. Law Schools
- Legal Research and Writing Fundamentals
- Using Generative AI in Law School
- Oral Communication and Public Speaking Fundamentals
- Professional Networking Fundamentals
- Optional – Legal English Fundamentals
- Optional – Bar Subject Fundamentals (Evidence, Property, Civil Procedure)
- Optional – Corporate Finance Fundamentals
Each module consists of pre-recorded presentations by distinguished educators. The program is enhanced by live office hours, providing participants with opportunities to ask questions and interact with their peers. Participants can complete the course in one month with just a few hours of work per week (not including optional modules), so they can begin their LL.M. degree program with confidence. Participants will also have access to all course material for one year from the program launch date, providing them with a valuable resource that they can refer back to once their LL.M. degree program has begun.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Legal Education
“The LL.M. program goes by so quickly,” says İlke Okan, LL.M. ’25, a Fulbright scholar from Turkey who practiced law at a leading tech firm representing clients like Meta, Apple, and Microsoft. “I’ve only been here for three months, and I already feel like I could have stayed longer to fully experience everything Berkeley Law has to offer. There’s so much to explore and so many opportunities to engage. A program like this would have helped me hit the ground running, giving me the tools to maximize my time here from day one.”
“I’m confident this program will be immensely beneficial to the success of international students pursuing their studies at American universities,” agrees Musab Aljammaz LL.M. ’23, Saudi Arabia.
While registration opens on April 15, 2025, prospective participants are encouraged to visit UC Berkeley Law Executive Education’s website to learn more and add themselves to a Notify Me list. The program team will follow up with additional details and updates.
Setting a New Standard in LL.M. Preparation
The LL.M. Success Academy at UC Berkeley Law sets itself apart by combining a broad, skills-focused curriculum with flexible online delivery. Participants benefit from self-paced learning, live virtual office hours, and access to Berkeley Law’s distinguished faculty, including Dean Chemerinsky. At a competitive price of $1,850, the program is designed to meet the diverse needs of international lawyers. Discounts are available to incoming LL.M. students at UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and UC Law San Francisco, as well as government and non-profit attorneys.
A Legacy of Excellence in LL.M. Education
UC Berkeley Law’s LL.M. program is widely regarded as one of the top destinations for international legal studies. Since its inception, it has graduated thousands of students who have gone on to hold prominent positions in law, business, and government. With innovative offerings like the Certificate in AI Law & Regulation, UC Berkeley Law continues to lead in cutting-edge legal education.
The LL.M. Success Academy reflects Berkeley Law’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers international lawyers to succeed academically and professionally.
For more information, visit UC Berkeley Law Executive Education’s webpage at https://executive.law.berkeley.edu/programs/llm-success-academy/ or contact executive@law.berkeley.edu.