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LLM in Employee Benefits

Enhance Your Marketability with an LLM in Employee Benefits

Effective Fall 2020, new students are not currently being admitted to the LLM or JD/LLM Joint Degree programs. Please contact the program directly for more information. (Last updated March 2024).

Enhance Your Marketability with an LLM in Employee Benefits Heading link

Established in 1998, our LLM in Employee Benefits is the only ABA-approved program in the nation, attracting students, recent law graduates and practicing attorneys, both locally and nationally, who desire a better understanding of employee benefits. 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.

Requirements and Curriculum Heading link

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. Degree candidates can also earn our LLM in Employee Benefits entirely online.

General 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
  •  Classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings, and on Saturdays. One-week accelerated courses are also offered during the academic year. To accommodate the diverse needs and experiences of degree candidates, the program may be pursued full time or part time. Most of our degree candidates complete the program within two years. Please read the Time Limits on Degree Completion Policy.
  • 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. Students should consult their appropriate Center regarding their degree requirements.

Required Courses

Please review each course description to determine what prerequisites apply.

Elective Courses

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