Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
Master of Law (LLM) in Cross-Border Legal Studies
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies at UB is a 24-credit hour program, typically completed within one year of full-time study. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of legal issues that transcend national boundaries, with a strong emphasis on practical application. A distinctive feature is the required Cross-Border Legal Studies experiential capstone course, which provides hands-on engagement with real-world cross-border legal issues. Students also fulfill a minimum of three credits of experiential learning through externships, clerkships, clinical programs, or practicums, ensuring practical skill development. The program is flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their specific interests within the broad field of cross-border law.
Curriculum: The 24-credit curriculum for the LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies is designed for deep specialization. The central component is the required Cross-Border Legal Studies experiential capstone course (or in Fall 2025-2026, the Cross-Border Dispute Resolution course). Students must also take at least twelve (12) credits from an approved list of courses that directly relate to cross-border legal issues. These often include subjects like international business transactions, international trade law, business immigration, international finance, corporate and transactional work, and various tax and real estate courses with a cross-border dimension. The remaining coursework comprises electives from the entire law school's offerings, providing further opportunities for specialization. International students additionally take dedicated courses in legal research and writing and an introduction to the U.S. legal system.
Research Focus: The LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies at UB has a strong research focus, particularly on the practical application of legal principles in a globalized context. The program recognizes the increasing complexity of cross-border interactions in areas such as trade, tax, immigration, and corporate transactions, and the need for skilled attorneys to guide clients through these challenges. Faculty members are actively engaged in research related to international economic law, international trade law, and other facets of transnational legal practice. Students are encouraged to develop their research skills through rigorous coursework, and the experiential capstone course often involves project-based work that allows students to identify and analyze relevant legal issues in real-world cross-border contexts.
Industry Engagement: The LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies program at UB boasts exceptional industry engagement, stemming from its strategic location just 20 minutes from the U.S.-Canada border, the largest trading partnership in the world. The School of Law has a robust network of alumni in both Buffalo, New York, and Ontario, Canada, who are actively engaged in a wide range of cross-border legal practice. These practitioners serve as "community partners" and informal mentors, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities. The experiential learning component, including externships and the capstone course, directly connects students with practicing private-firm attorneys, allowing them to work on real cross-border legal issues and learn practical skills such as professionalism, time management, and business development techniques relevant to global legal practice.
Global Perspective: The LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies at UB is inherently global in its very design and mission. It explicitly recognizes the "increasingly global nature of legal practice" and the necessity for legal professionals to navigate cross-border interactions. The program's proximity to Canada and its strong ties with legal communities on both sides of the border provide a unique "living laboratory" for studying international legal issues. The curriculum is built around topics like international business, trade, and immigration law, all of which have profound global implications. The program aims to impart skills that graduates can apply to cross-border work "anywhere in the world," ensuring a comprehensive global perspective that is crucial for modern legal careers.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 34690
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an LL.M. in Cross-Border Legal Studies from UB are highly sought after for specialized roles that demand expertise in international and transnational legal issues across various sectors.
International Business/Corporate Lawyer: Advise multinational corporations on cross-border transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with international business laws.
International Trade Lawyer: Counsel clients on trade agreements, import/export regulations, customs laws, and trade disputes between countries.
Immigration Lawyer: Specialize in business immigration, family immigration, or refugee and asylum law, assisting individuals and companies with cross-border movement.
Tax Lawyer (International/Cross-Border): Advise individuals and corporations on the tax implications of international transactions and investments.
Real Estate Lawyer (International): Handle legal aspects of property acquisition, development, and financing across national borders.
Compliance Officer (Global): Ensure multinational organizations adhere to international laws, regulations, and ethical standards, particularly in areas like anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and data privacy.
International Dispute Resolution Specialist: Work in arbitration or mediation, resolving commercial or legal disputes between parties from different countries.
Government Advisor (International Law/Trade): Work for government agencies (e.g., Department of Commerce, State Department) advising on international trade policy, treaties, or diplomatic relations.
Legal Counsel (International Organizations/NGOs): Provide legal expertise to international governmental organizations (e.g., UN, WTO) or non-governmental organizations working on global issues.
Academic/Researcher (International Law): Pursue doctoral studies or research positions to teach and conduct scholarship on international law, comparative law, or cross-border legal issues.
