Albany Law School

Introduction

Albany Law School, North America's oldest independent law school, is at the heart of graduate legal education in New York's capital. Our location offers unmatched access to state and federal courts, the legislature, and a thriving tech and business community—creating hands-on learning and career opportunities from day one.

We offer flexible graduate programs designed for legal professionals, non-lawyers, and internationally trained attorneys:

• Residential LLM Programs – Advanced legal study ideal for U.S. and internationally trained lawyers.
• Online LLM – A fully online program offering specialization in five distinct areas, designed for lawyers seeking to deepen their expertise.
• Online Master's Degrees – Fully online programs designed for professionals looking to expand their legal expertise in high-demand fields.
• Advanced Certificates – Shorter, targeted programs for those seeking specialized legal knowledge without committing to a full degree.

At Albany Law, tradition drives innovation. Our faculty are dedicated mentors, and our curriculum prepares graduates for the evolving legal landscape. Whether advancing your legal career or integrating legal knowledge into your field, our programs provide the tools to succeed.

Degree Programs Offered

Residential LLM Programs

• LLM for International Lawyers – Designed for foreign-trained attorneys seeking to qualify for the New York Bar or advance their legal careers in the U.S.
• LLM in Advanced Legal Studies – A customizable program allowing lawyers to deepen their expertise in a chosen legal area.
• LLM in International Law – Focuses on global legal issues, preparing lawyers for cross-border practice and policy work.

Online Graduate Programs

Each of our online graduate programs offers specialization in one of five high-demand areas:
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy | Financial Compliance & Risk Management | Health Law & Compliance | Government Affairs & Advocacy | Human Resources: Law, Leadership & Policy

• LLM – A fully online program designed for lawyers seeking advanced expertise in a focused legal area.
• Master of Science – Designed for professionals without a law degree who are ready to expand their legal expertise to advance in their careers.
• Advanced Certificate – Shorter, targeted programs for those seeking specialized legal knowledge without committing to a full degree.

Each program is designed for flexibility, allowing professionals to gain valuable legal expertise while balancing work and life commitments.

LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization

Advanced Specialization in Law for Graduates of ABA-Approved Law Schools in the United States

The LLM program offers several different study options. Candidates may specialize in Government Administration and Regulation, Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, or International Law, or may design a course of study other than those specialized programs.

LLM candidates are required to earn 24 credits in approved courses. Students are strongly encouraged to earn academic credits, up to a limit of 6, by engaging in faculty-supervised research and writing projects. A minimum GPA of 2.0, current and cumulative, is required.

Students are expected to complete their degrees within three years and be continuously enrolled (full or part time) during fall and spring semesters until all degree requirements are met.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Our 100% online Cybersecurity & Data Privacy programs provide a unique blend of legal and technical expertise tailored for today’s digital world. Whether pursuing an LL.M., Master of Science, or Advanced Certificate, students gain the specialized skills to address cyber threats, data protection laws, and information security challenges. Our programs emphasize real-world application, allowing professionals—from practicing attorneys to IT and compliance experts—to immediately integrate their learning into their work. With courses designed to bridge the gap between law and technology, graduates are prepared to lead in areas like cybercrime prevention, regulatory compliance, and data governance. Flexible and career-focused, this program connects students to a growing network of professionals tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Financial Compliance and Risk Management

The fully online Financial Compliance & Risk Management programs equip professionals with the expertise to navigate complex financial regulations and mitigate risk. Designed for attorneys, compliance officers, and industry professionals, these programs offer an LL.M., Master of Science, and Advanced Certificate, providing the right fit for any career stage. Our asynchronous format allows students to learn on their schedule, balancing education with professional commitments. Courses emphasize real-world application, incorporating practical assignments that mirror industry challenges. Led by faculty with deep experience in financial law and regulation, graduates gain the skills to ensure compliance, manage risk, and adapt to the evolving financial sector—all while earning a credential from the nation’s oldest independent law school.

Health Law and Healthcare Compliance

The healthcare industry is one of the most heavily regulated fields, requiring professionals who understand legal requirements and industry operations. Albany Law School’s fully online Health Law & Compliance programs equip students with the skills to manage legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges in healthcare. Whether pursuing an LL.M., Master of Science, or Advanced Certificate, students gain a deep understanding of healthcare compliance, risk management, and policy. Designed for legal and healthcare professionals, these programs provide practical, real-world problem-solving that can be applied immediately in roles across hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, and beyond. With a flexible, asynchronous format, students can balance coursework with their careers while building connections in a diverse professional network. Graduates emerge with the expertise to drive compliance and shape the future of healthcare law and policy.

Human Resources: Law, Leadership, and Policy

Successful HR professionals don’t just manage policies—they shape workplace culture and drive organizational success. Albany Law School’s fully online Human Resources: Law, Leadership & Policy programs provide the legal and strategic knowledge needed to lead in corporate, nonprofit, and government settings. Whether pursuing an LL.M., Master of Science, or Advanced Certificate, students gain employment law, workforce management, and regulatory compliance expertise. The curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, preparing professionals to navigate workplace disputes, develop forward-thinking policies, and confidently handle compliance challenges. Designed for those who want to lead, the flexible, asynchronous format allows students to advance their careers while balancing professional commitments.

Government Affairs and Advocacy

With its location in New York’s capital, Albany Law School offers an unparalleled Government Affairs & Advocacy program led by faculty active in local, state, and federal government and experienced lobbyists. This fully online program—available as an LL.M., Master of Science, or Advanced Certificate—provides professionals with the legal and strategic expertise to influence public policy, navigate government procedures, and advocate effectively. Courses emphasize real-world application, giving students insight into legislative processes, regulatory compliance, and lobbying strategies. Designed for attorneys, policymakers, and professionals working in or with government, the flexible, asynchronous format allows students to gain practical skills without disrupting their careers. With direct access to a network of government insiders and policy experts, graduates are prepared to lead, advocate, and drive meaningful change at all levels of government.

Our Community

The Albany Law School community is intimate, respectful, and supportive. We welcome students and faculty with diverse backgrounds and talents, and provide an outstanding environment for the pursuit of scholarship, teaching, and public service. The small size of our student body fosters an environment that encourages camaraderie and frequent contact between students and faculty. Our affiliation with the State University of New York’s University at Albany provides opportunities for students to access the offerings of a major research institution.

Career Services

Albany Law’s career services system includes flexible, dynamic, and intuitive job-search features as well as access to a Personal Job Search Agent to find jobs matching your interests and skills. Résumés of students can also be forwarded electronically to employers. In addition to helping you set your goals, we offer a variety of programs and services to make sure you reach them, including

• Interviews On and Off Campus: Hundreds of interviews are held on campus each year with law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and businesses. We arrange interview programs in cities across the country, including New York; Boston; Washington, DC; and Chicago.
• Career Counseling: Working with a professional counselor, you will examine your interests, consider your options, identify possible employers, and plan your studies to match your career objectives.
• Career Education Programs: Learn from workshops, meetings, panel discussions, and other activities with alumni and other practicing professionals.
• Job-Search Skills: Get help building a résumé, writing cover letters, networking, and learning other job-search essentials. We also provide interview coaching—videotaped and professionally critiqued mock interviews that prepare you for the challenges you will face when you do it for real.
• Job Fairs and Employer Information Sessions: Take advantage of opportunities to meet potential employers from an array of fields and learn what they are looking for.
• Alumni: With more than 10,000 alumni working in every state of the country and numerous countries around the world, our students benefit from Albany Law’s close network of successful graduates.

Residential Student Life

You have dozens of opportunities to participate in student organizations and activities centered around specific academic, professional, social, cultural, or athletic interests. The Capital Region is home to 16 colleges and universities and boasts museums, galleries, restaurants, shops, theaters, nightclubs for every taste, venues that host professional sporting events, and performing arts centers. The Adirondack, Berkshire, and Catskill Mountains offer skiing, camping, hiking, and water sports, and the historic Saratoga Race Course offers thoroughbred and harness racing. Metropolitan centers in New York City, Boston, and Montreal are all within an easy drive, and about 10 trains provide daily service to New York City. All major air carriers operate from the Albany International Airport and provide daily nonstop service to most eastern US cities, with connections worldwide.

Our Campus

Albany Law School shares a 50-acre campus with three colleges. Our facilities honor 165 years of history, while supporting a twenty-first-century legal education. The open design of the 53,000-square-foot Schaffer Law Library—a federal depository library—provides an inviting environment for study and research. The main building of Albany Law School has been renovated and houses contemporary lecture halls, seminar-style classrooms, two modern moot courtrooms, and smart classrooms with wireless Internet access and advanced audio, video, computing, and conferencing systems. A 45,000-square-foot building, built in 2000, houses the Albany Law School Clinic, Government Law Center, and administrative offices, as well as several classrooms.

Housing

The Capital Region is composed of the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. The area near the law school is considered residential, though within walking distance to downtown Albany and the capital buildings. Housing is readily available, with the majority of apartments within walking distance of the school. Because of the proximity to so many colleges and universities, housing is also very affordable. The law school does not screen or investigate any listing; however, a certificate of occupancy is required of all landlords listing properties located in the city of Albany. A residential facility for students, called College Suites, is located on the University Heights campus adjacent to the law school.

Alumni Connections

Albany Law School takes pride in its close-knit and active alumni network, which plays a vital role in our community. Our graduates are leaders in various fields, and their ongoing engagement enriches the experiences of current students and fellow alumni.

Alumni Engagement

Our alumni are deeply involved in mentoring, networking, and professional development initiatives. They frequently collaborate with JD students, providing guidance and sharing insights from their professional journeys. This mentorship fosters a supportive environment that bridges academic learning and practical application.

Career Services for Alumni

We are committed to the lifelong success of our graduates. Albany Law School offers career services to alumni, including job search assistance, career counseling, and access to exclusive job postings. These resources support our alumni in achieving their professional goals at every career stage.

Alumni Events and Networking

Regular events, both virtual and in-person, provide platforms for alumni to connect, share experiences, and expand their professional networks. These gatherings strengthen the bonds within our community and open doors to new opportunities.
By staying connected with Albany Law School, our alumni continue to contribute to the institution's legacy of excellence and support the next generation of legal professionals.

Tuition and Scholarships

Admissions

For Information on applying to a Residential LLM Program click here.

For Information on applying to an Online Graduate Program click here.

Dates and Deadlines:

• Residential LLM:
  • Spring (mid-January) start (LLM) Application Deadline:  December 1 or November 1 for International applicants
  • Fall (mid-August) start (LLM) Application Deadline: August 1 or July 1 for International applicants
• Online Graduate Program:
  • The Online Graduate Program offers six term starts per year, with admissions open on a rolling basis. Click here to view all term dates and deadlines.

Accreditation Statements

Albany Law School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the American Bar Association (which accredits only J.D. programs).

Contact Information

Additional information about our LLM programs may be found on the law school website or by contacting

Albany Law School Admissions Office
80 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
USA

Phone: 518.445.2326
Fax: 518.445.2369
Email: admissions@albanylaw.edu

We encourage you to visit Albany Law School—meet our faculty, speak with our students, and tour our beautiful facilities. We look forward to meeting you.