The LL.M., or Master of Laws, illustrates a higher degree of understanding of the law than the Juris Doctor (J.D.), the traditional law degree. The program typically takes one year to complete for full-time students. The LL.M. can be completed as a general course of study or with a specific concentration, including labor and employment law. All LL.M. students receive the same degree upon graduation, regardless of their chosen fields of concentration.
To be considered as a candidate for the LL.M. degree, you must first have a J.D. degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school. To get a J.D. degree, you must first have a bachelor's degree. If you meet these requirements, you can start the application process, which is similar to the one for acquiring a J.D. You will normally be required to submit your academic records, two or three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose in which you describe why you wish to acquire an LL.M.
There are several courses you might take as an LL.M. candidate wishing to focus in labor and employment law. American University Washington College of Law (AU WCL) requires students to take 12 credits from a list of courses including Disability Law, Sex-Based Discrimination, Pension and Employee Benefits Law and Legal Issues of Work and Parenting. At AU WCL, successful completion of this program earns you a certificate of specialization in labor and employment law.
One common benefit of a specialization in labor and employment law is that it allows the candidate to define himself as a specialty lawyer, especially if he had not pursued a concentration in his J.D. program. Another benefit is that it can greatly help those who wish to become law professors, as most schools require more than a J.D. to teach law.
Some schools offer labor and employment law concentrations or specializations, such as American University. Then there are schools like Columbia Law School that offer no specializations, but will tailor each individual's program of study to his needs and goals. Nearly every law school provides several courses in labor and employment law. And, because competition is not as steep as for the J.D., many find they can get into top-tier schools like Columbia to earn their LL.M.s.