The world needs changemakers like you
Are you ready to reimagine how we navigate global challenges through international law? As international legal systems evolve, the practice of law increasingly takes place outside the courtroom. Fletcher’s LLM program offers a singularly comprehensive approach to studying and applying international law. Join a program that will prepare you to lead in complex international environments—and stand out in the field with a degree that goes beyond the traditional.
Become a Leader in International Law
The LLM degree is designed for legal professionals seeking specialized international law training. You’ll learn from faculty with real-world experience in diplomacy, human rights, trade, cybersecurity and international negotiation. Embedded within a global affairs school, the LLM offers unmatched legal depth and contextual breadth, helping you develop a versatile foundation across disciplines—all in one academic year.
I wanted a program that took law seriously but left room for broader questions about diplomacy, institutions and governance. That balance made the Fletcher LLM intellectually rich and practically useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fletcher’s LLM prepares students for careers grounded in international law, but widely varied in sector and purpose. Below are a few of the recent organizations our LLM students have gone on to work for:
- European Commission
- United Nations
- Goldman Sachs
- The World Bank
- Foreign ministries (Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Romania)
- Human Rights Watch
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Navy
- Private law firms
You will take a total of eight Fletcher courses that span the following concentrations.
- Five to six courses in International Law and Organizations (ILO)
- One course in Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
- One course in Economics and International Business (EIB)
Fletcher’s LLM is designed for legal professionals, military personnel, government officials and others seeking to deepen their expertise in international law within a global context. This is not a traditional law school experience—it's an immersive, interdisciplinary program for those who view law as a tool for shaping global policy and advancing international cooperation.
Ideal candidates are motivated to understand how international legal frameworks intersect with diplomacy, security, human rights and global business. In this collaborative environment, you’ll learn alongside diplomats, entrepreneurs, development experts and human rights advocates—gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical insight. Graduates leave with a well-rounded understanding of international law and the ability to apply it meaningfully in today’s complex world.
Yes—students work on a final, written capstone project with a faculty advisor to focus on an area of interest and build expertise. You will also participate in a capstone retreat at the end of the year to present summaries of your theses and discuss with legal practitioners and scholars. You can learn more about capstones here.
Yes. Students may pursue a joint degree with Fletcher's Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) program. A joint LLM/MALD degree requires 5 semesters to complete.
Additionally, Fletcher partners with the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland to offer a joint LLM and Master in International Law (MIL) from St. Gallen. Students can begin the program at either institution and cross-count courses to fulfill all requirements.
Successful applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold a J.D. degree from an ABA approved law school in the United States
- Have completed in another country the university-based legal education required to take the bar examination in that country
- Admitted to the bar and qualified to practice in another country.
No. Rules for bar admission vary from state to state—but the LLM degree is not intended to qualify students to take the U.S. bar exam.
Our graduates work across the private sector, government, international organizations and NGOs. Many build careers spanning multiple sectors, perhaps starting in government and later moving to the private sector, or the other way around. Recent graduates have pursued work at in legal offices, security and defense, public policy and environmental sustainability. There’s no single pathway, and that flexibility is one of the degree’s strengths.
Your Global Career
We are here to help you define your career and provide the tools you need to succeed. The success of our graduates illustrates that mission. At Fletcher, you will discover the resources to explore the different professional pathways in international affairs. Fletcher graduates drive environmental policy at major technological companies, negotiate peace treaties, craft law at multi-lateral organizations, facilitate groundbreaking dialogue with NGOs and more.
Experiential Education
Gain the practical experience you need to thrive in today’s global job market—while pursuing the issues you’re most passionate about. With more than 30 student-led conferences and clubs, you'll find meaningful opportunities to build your resume and leadership skills. Whether you're organizing delegations to the Arctic Circle Assembly, participating in Army War College Simulations or contributing to cutting-edge legal research, Fletcher empowers you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Below are just a few of the hands-on opportunities available specifically to LLM students:
- High Table Series: convene for discussions with leading thinkers, policy makers, practitioners and faculty to consider issues from different points of view, gain exposure to the work others are doing in the field and access networking opportunities.
- Moot Court: compete in Moot Courts around the world with the support of our faculty to flex your legal expertise and delve into today’s most pressing issues.
- International Law Practicum: work with real clients as a student legal consultant, contributing to final reports and unpacking the nuances of practical international law.
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