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Law School welcomes largest ever LLM class

August 11, 2021

An impressive cohort of 156 globally-trained lawyers, judges, and diplomats will join the Law School in the fall of 2021.

On August 2, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School welcomed the LLM program’s Class of 2022, a diverse and talented group of 156 lawyers, judges, and diplomats from 30 countries. The incoming class includes both students who deferred their admission last year due to COVID and the typical number of LLMs (around 115-120) admitted this past year.

The Law School’s unique five-week summer Pre-Term Program, which includes co-curricular programming, social events, and five academic credits, prepares LLMs to be an integral part of the Law School, both academically and socially. This year, the pre-term program is available remotely with some accompanying in-person content, including a welcome lunch in the Law School courtyard attended by about 115 of the incoming students on August 2. The hybrid format allows students who are already in Philadelphia the opportunity attend classes and programs at the Law School, while allowing others time to arrive safely for the fall semester.

Elise Luce Kraemer L’93, Executive Director of Graduate Programs, expressed excitement about the incoming class.

“After the past 18 months, we were thrilled to welcome international students in person while still providing flexibility for those en route to Philadelphia this summer,” said Kraemer. “Some of these students have been trying to get here since July of 2020 and it is particularly satisfying to finally see them in person after many, many Zoom conversations.”

Wharton Business and Law Certificate

During their time at the Law School, about half of the LLM students opt to pursue the Wharton Business and Law Certificate (WBLC). The WBLC is a custom program taught by Wharton faculty selected for their teaching skills, subject expertise, and ability to offer applied concepts and examples to Penn Law’s LLMs. The certificate equips foreign trained attorneys with the additional business skillsets they need to excel when their return to their careers around the world.

Moreover, many LLM students gain hands-on experience practicing law in the U.S. by serving local communities through impactful pro bono work.

Learn more about the Law School’s LLM program.