"After 30 years spent in courtrooms in Texas, ... I am comfortable that SMU's emphasis on how to think as opposed to what to think has been instrumental in procuring justice for a number of deserving clients."
- Frank Branson '69, '74
Partner, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, PC
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Graduate Programs

The Dedman School of Law offers two graduate degree programs for lawyers trained outside of the United States:

The LL.M. degree for Foreign Law School Graduates is a one- year, full-time program for students who hold a basic law degree from a recognized foreign law school. Students enrolled in this degree program must complete 24 credit hours including the required two-credit course in Perspectives of the American Legal System. The remaining courses are elective and offer a wide range of choices. Students may take courses in international and comparative law that focus on such areas as business, banking and finance, trade, taxation, intellectual property, environmental law, criminal law, and human rights. They may also choose from a large selection of basic and advanced U.S. law courses, including first year foundation courses and upper division elective courses that cover such diverse topics as antitrust, securities, family law, criminal law and procedure, bankruptcy, corporate law, taxation (including partnership, corporate, and federal income tax), environmental law, oil and gas, employment law, intellectual property (including patent, trademark, and copyright), internet technology, and constitutional law (including free speech, freedom of religion, and civil rights).

The S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) is the highest post-graduate degree offered by the Dedman School of Law. It is primarily a research and writing degree program in which the candidate conducts extensive post-graduate level legal research leading to submission of an acceptable doctoral dissertation of publishable quality within a five-year period. This program is intended for highly qualified candidates seeking a legal academic career or a high level, policy-oriented governmental or inter-governmental position.

For more information about academic requirements for these two programs, see Degree Requirements.

For more information about admission to these programs, contact the Admissions Office at lawadmit@smu.edu.