The John Marshall Law School

• A-Z
• eCommons
• ITS
• Webmail
• Directory
• Donate

Enhance Your Marketability with an LLM in Employee Benefits

Established in 1998, our LLM in Employee Benefits is the only ABA-approved program in the nation, attracting students both locally and nationally. Given the amount of regulation and legislation in this area of law, we are constantly adapting the curriculum to the changing practice with continuous input from our faculty and advisory board. As an LLM candidate, our transactional approach to employee benefits law will ensure that you develop the skills necessary to successfully practice in this area of law.

Our curriculum reflects the tax, labor, and employment aspects of employee benefits plans, as well as the interplay of these rules on the administration and maintenance of such plans. Courses are taught by knowledgeable employee benefits practitioners, as well as current and former members of the IRS's Office of Chief Counsel. A mentoring program between our candidates and regional practitioners, designed specifically to make the transition from academia to legal practice smooth and productive, provides exposure to a variety of practices and specialties within employee benefits law before graduation.

Degree candidates can also earn our LLM in Employee Benefits entirely online through John Marshall's eDegrees distance education.

Requirements

LLM in Employee Benefits candidates must complete 30 credit hours in order to earn their degree. In addition to required courses, you will select elective courses and externships/practicum opportunities.

After completing 10 credit hours in the LLM program, you have the opportunity to apply for one of the employee benefits externships or practicum. These programs provide first-hand experience in the practice of employee benefits law. LLM candidates are only allowed to take up to six credits in externships/practicum. Center director approval is required

Our program attracts recent law graduates and practicing attorneys who desire a better understanding of employee benefits. To accommodate the diverse needs and experiences of degree candidates, the program may be pursued full time and completed over 2 semesters or completed part time in less than 5 years. Classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings, and on Saturdays. One-week accelerated courses are also offered during the academic year.

Students who matriculated prior to August 16, 2019, are subject to degree requirements in place when they first enrolled, provided they complete those requirements within the time limit for degree completion and do not interrupt their enrollment without formal approval. Degree requirements in effect prior to August 2019 are available on eCommons; students should consult their degree audit for further information.

Click Here to Apply Online

View This Semester's Courses