Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to LLM, Master’s, and Certificate Programs
Introduction
Revitalize Your Legal Career in an Expanding Global Legal Market!
With the increasing demand for dual-qualified attorneys, Cardozo School of Law in New York City prepares students to thrive in an international legal environment. Excel in growing areas of the law, including Dispute Resolution and Advocacy; Intellectual Property; Fashion, Arts, Media, & Entertainment Law; Corporate & Business Law; Public Law; and Human Rights.
Brilliant faculty with a clear passion for teaching a rich and engaging curriculum will help you immerse in the complex jurisprudence of the United States. No matter where you come from, our tight-knit community will seamlessly welcome you, and make you feel right at home. Cardozo is located in New York City’s vibrant and historically rich Greenwich Village, a dynamic and welcoming neighborhood for students. The city that never sleeps will be your campus, and we will challenge you to capture the extracurricular opportunities that are offered here through various community events, student bar societies, and social gatherings.
Innovative Curriculum for Real-World Success
Experience a rigorous, transformational education led by renowned experts. Cardozo’s curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with real-world experience through our moot courtroom, clinics and externships throughout NYC, so you develop essential skills in research, teamwork, and leadership.
International students are especially supported with courses tailored to prepare for the New York Bar Exam, offering a comprehensive educational journey.
We encourage you to engage with us throughout the admissions cycle as this will give you a sense of Cardozo’s vitality and afford you the opportunity to speak with an admission counselor, join virtual information sessions hosted by our students, and take a tour of the law school if you are in town.
Specialized LLM Tracks for Your Career Goals
Cardozo offers a variety of specialized LLM tracks to align with your career aspirations, along with the benefits of a vibrant New York City location, an inclusive community, and generous scholarship opportunities. Select the path that best meets your interests and ambitions, and take the next step in your legal career with confidence.
- General Studies LL.M.: Cardozo’s General Studies LL.M. offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to curate their own curriculum from nearly the entire law school offerings. With a requirement of 24 credits, students can focus on diverse legal areas or choose a concentration, such as Alternative Dispute Resolution or Intellectual Property Law. This program is ideal for both international lawyers and U.S. J.D. graduates seeking to broaden their legal expertise.
- Comparative Legal Thought LL.M.: The Comparative Legal Thought LL.M. emphasizes interdisciplinary study, integrating legal theory, philosophy, and humanities. Students must earn 27 credits, including a thesis. The program is designed for those interested in legal academia and offers a concentration in Jewish Law, making it ideal for students exploring the philosophical dimensions of law.
- Dispute Resolution and Advocacy LL.M.: The LL.M. in Dispute Resolution and Advocacy at Cardozo prepares lawyers for a career in dispute resolution through a combination of theoretical study and intensive skills training. With a minimum of 24 credits required, students participate in clinical work and externships, and engage in scholarship opportunities. The program is led by experts in the field, providing students with a solid foundation to build successful careers in dispute resolution, both in the U.S. and internationally.
- Intellectual Property LL.M.: Cardozo’s Intellectual Property Law LL.M. offers an in-depth exploration of copyright, patent, and trademark law. Students complete a minimum of 24 credits, engaging in foundational courses and specialized electives. The program emphasizes practical experience through externships at leading firms, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of intellectual property law.
Application Procedure
- Applications may be submitted electronically through LSAC or on Cardozo's website The deadline for the spring class (entry in January) is December 1. The deadline for the fall class (entry in August) is June 15.
- Current résumé/curriculum vitae
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal statement, no more than two double-spaced typed pages
- Official or certified copies of transcripts from each college, university, graduate school, and law school attended
- TOEFL/IELTS score (if the language of instruction for the law degree was not English)
Financial Aid
At Cardozo Law School, we are committed to making legal education accessible to all admitted students. Our Office of Student Finance offers a variety of financial aid options, including institutional merit scholarships, federal and private student loans, and external resources to help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Scholarships: Over $1 million is available annually for merit-based scholarships;
Loan Options: A range of federal, Cardozo, and private loan programs are available to support students' educational expenses.
Payment Plans: Flexible payment options, including monthly payment plans, online banking, credit cards, and wire transfers.
New York City
Cardozo is located in a vibrant neighborhood in Greenwich Village, just blocks from Union Square. It is easily accessible from all points in New York City, including the courts, Wall Street, Midtown, and the art and music centers on the East and West Sides of Manhattan. The law school’s state-of-the-art facility includes a moot courtroom, additional library space, a center for student life, student and faculty offices, and fully wired classrooms and seminar rooms.
Housing
The newly renovated Cardozo residence hall, the Benjamin, occupies a seven-story building on Lexington Avenue and Twenty-Ninth Street in Manhattan. Students may apply for three kinds of furnished rooms (studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments), all of which have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and access to a laundry room, exercise room, a large ground-floor common area with comfortable lounge seating, a top-floor solarium study room, and a rooftop patio with views of New York City. The majority of law students find off-campus accommodations around Manhattan, the outer boroughs, or New Jersey.
Career Services
At Cardozo Law School, we provide LL.M. students with essential tools to shape their career paths. Our Office of Career Services offers personalized guidance, allowing students to meet with career advisors, network with leading employers, and receive constructive feedback on resumes and cover letters.
Key resources available to our students include:
- Individual Career Counseling and Strategy Sessions
- Mock Interviews and Resume/Cover Letter Reviews
- Alumni Mentorship Programs for professional networking
- Networking Events and Career Fairs with top employers
Under the leadership of Carey Bertolet Grand, our dedicated team of career counselors—who are all former practicing lawyers—works year-round to connect students with meaningful opportunities across a wide array of legal sectors. We leverage our extensive alumni network to foster connections and enhance career prospects for our students.
Law School Enrollment
Our LLM program is well-known for being a welcoming community in the heart of Manhattan. Each year, Cardozo Law welcomes approximately 65–75 LLM students from over 25 different countries.
The intimate size of the LLM program enables the faculty and administrative staff to provide personalized service and focus on the special concerns of LLM students.
Contact Information
For additional information about Cardozo Law’s LLM programs and admissions procedures, please visit the LLM Admissions website, or contact the Admissions Office directly:
Juliette Fontela
LLM Admissions,
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Yeshiva University
55 Fifth Avenue (10th Floor)
New York, NY 10003-4391
USA
Phone: +1.212.790.0357
Email: llm@yu.edu