The William S. Richardson School of Law Master of Laws (LLM) program received acquiescence from the American Bar Association in 2003. Students complete 24 credits (including a maximum of 6 credits from departments outside the Law School) and obtain a general LLM degree, with the possibility of certificates in certain specialized fields. <br><br>The LLM program is primarily designed for foreign law graduates, who generally study for one year on a full-time basis. However, the program also accepts American lawyers who wish to gain additional expertise by taking courses that they did not have the opportunity to complete during their JD degree. American lawyers may elect to complete their LLM degree on a part-time basis over the course of two or more academic years. However, LLM students should be prepared to attend classes during regular business hours (as only a selection of elective courses will be offered during the evening in a given academic year).<br>The Law School offers a wide variety of international and comparative courses each year, especially in Pacific-Asian law, taught by distinguished visitors as well as our core faculty. Many colleagues teach, specialize in, and write on international and comparative issues in their fields, particularly relating to Asia and the Pacific.<br>During their LLM year, students may choose to focus on public international issues or private law and business law issues as they plan their programs. If they wish to concentrate on Pacific and Asian law instead of earning the general international and comparative certificate, they may do so. LLM students may also take advantage of courses and programs offered by the University's School of Pacific and Asian Studies and the world-famous East-West Center, which serves as a magnet for top scholars and researchers from the region.