BEASLEY SCHOOL OF LAW

About the Program

The LL.M. in Trial Advocacy curriculum integrates the development of theory and theme, persuasive storytelling, extemporaneous speech and effective use of technology in the courtroom. The program is performance-based, featuring a “learn by doing” approach. 

Designed for the practicing attorney, the program is a one-year, 24-credit degree program. Classes are scheduled one evening a week from 6-9 PM for the duration of the program. Weekly classes may be attended online if the student works/lives more than a one-hour drive from Temple’s main campus. All students must attend the August Bootcamp and scheduled performance weekends on our Philadelphia campus. 

Students graduate with the LL.M. degree in Trial Advocacy, and those who have already been admitted to a state bar earn 22 substantive CLE credits and two ethics credits. 

The Temple LL.M. in Trial Advocacy is an ideal fit for those who aspire to perfect their litigation tactics, remote advocacy, and courtroom performance. In addition, this program provides training and an introduction for students who wish to pursue teaching in academia. Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak with alumni who have completed the program.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 1 year

Campus Location: Main campus for Bootcamp and performance weekend; weekly online synchronous class meetings

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program is completed on a full-time basis.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students must be matriculated in the program to take courses.

Financing Opportunities: All applicants for financial aid must submit a FAFSA form and complete the online Graduate Law Student Financial Aid Request Form. Students can apply online for federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and/or the federal Direct PLUS Loan at https://studentaid.gov/. For more information, visit our Financial Aid webpage.

A number of partial scholarships to the LLM in Trial Advocacy Program are awarded each year to attorneys practicing in public interest settings. Awards are applied in equal amounts in the Fall and Spring terms.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Summer: May 31

Admission is selective, and class size is limited. Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis. Late applications may be accepted if space is available. The cost to apply is $50.

APPLY ONLINE to this program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: The reference letters must be written by law professors or legal employers who are well acquainted with your academic abilities and/or professional skills.

Degree Required for Admission Consideration: 

Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor or other law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or must hold a first law degree from a foreign law school approved by the appropriate authority in that country.

Applicants who received their first law degree from a U.S. law school that is not, or at the time of the applicant’s graduation was not, accredited by the American Bar Association may be considered for admission if the applicant:

• is licensed to practice law in at least one state within the United States;
• can provide a certificate of good standing from that state’s bar; and
• has a strong interest in or experience in advocacy or related areas of practice.

Official transcripts and certificates of law degree completion must be submitted to Temple Law either electronically or as hard copy received in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution, accompanied by the certified English translation if needed. Transcripts that have been opened and handled by the applicant are not considered acceptable.

Standardized Test Scores:
Unless a waiver is provided, applicants trained in a non-English-speaking country must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 88
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• Duolingo: 115

Interview: An interview with the Program Director is an integral part of the admissions process. Admissions decisions are based on application materials, advocacy and trial experience, career objectives and the interview.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 24

Required Courses:

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Summer II		Credit Hours
MLTA 0500	Orientation	1
MLTA 0501	The Art of Advocacy	2
MLTA 0503	Evidence/Trial Lawyers	3
	Credit Hours	6
Fall
MLTA 0502	Expert Witnesses	2
MLTA 0507	Pretrl Stratgy & Discvry	5
MLTA 0508	The Jury Trial	2
	Credit Hours	9
Spring
MLTA 0504	Speechmaking	3
MLTA 0505	Litigation Strategy	2
MLTA 0506	Lecture Series	2
MLTA 0508	The Jury Trial	2
	Credit Hours	9
	Total Credit Hours	24

Contacts

Department Contacts: