Asian Law Center
Asian and Comparative Law LL.M. Degree Requirements
The Asian & Comparative Law LL.M. program requires a minimum of three quarters (nine months) of residence at the University of Washington, during which the student must complete a minimum of 36 quarter credits.
Comparative Law Seminar
The central requirement of the Asian Law specialization is an independent research project that is satisfied by completing the Law B551 Comparative Law Seminar for 6 credits. Working closely with a faculty advisor, the students individually select their research topics. Classes in this course cover theories of comparative law and law and society; materials and comparative methods for analytical research; topic selection; research strategies; oral presentations and argument; and writing strategies. In the latter part of the course, the students make formal presentations of their research and submit a major research paper.
Legal Analysis
In addition, most of the international students are also required to complete the Law B550A Legal Analysis course. It provides a systematic and structured examination of the U.S. legal system and is designed to introduce students to the methods and materials for legal research and writing on U.S. law.
Asian Law courses
Students are required to take at least two of the Comparative or International Courses:
Other Law School Courses
For the remaining credits, students are free to choose their own courses. Most J.D. program courses are open to LL.M. students. Exceptions are those courses taught in small groups and/or those subject to capped enrolment, such as some clinical course offerings. LL.M. students are also usually permitted to take one or two courses from one of the other specialized LL.M. programs in the Law School, with the approval of both Program Directors.
Courses offered elsewhere at University of Washington
Students may also take approved courses numbered 400 or higher offered elsewhere at the University of Washington that relate to their course of study, for example, in the Jackson School of International Studies, the Graduate School of Business Administration, the Law and Society Program in the Department of Political Science, or the Evans School of Public Policy.