The Two-Year LLM in Banking & Financial Law Program is specifically designed for internationally trained lawyers seeking advanced training in the laws governing the American and international banking and financial services industries. This comprehensive program immerses students in the intricacies of the U.S. legal system, providing a deep understanding of how US lawyers are trained to analyze legal questions and advocate on their clients’ behalf. Through rigorous coursework, engaging discussions, and hands-on experiences, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and legal research skills. They gain proficiency in legal writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation, enabling them to effectively communicate and advocate within the American legal context and beyond. Additionally, the program fosters an appreciation for ethical considerations and the broader societal impact of the law.

The Two-Year LLM in Banking and Financial Law Program is specifically designed to prepare internationally trained lawyers for the challenge of global practice. This comprehensive program immerses students in the intricacies of the U.S. legal system during their first year of study. The second year of the Program prepares internationally trained lawyers for leadership positions in the American and international banking and financial services industries.

Optional Concentrations

The program offers five optional concentrations in the student’s second year, which will be noted on a graduating student’s transcript:

• The Business of Banking offers a full range of courses involving banking regulation and products designed for students who intend to practice law or work in the banking industry.
• Compliance Management focuses on designing compliance systems for financial institutions in a post-crisis regulatory environment of heightened risk and compliance management expectations.
• Financial Services Transactions (residential students only) is designed for lawyers seeking to gain experience in conducting complex financial services transactions, by complementing theory with a working knowledge of the practical aspects of structuring and executing a deal through in-class negotiation sessions and an internship. Students in this concentration are required to complete the Financial Services Law Internship.
• Lending & Credit Transactions is geared for lawyers who wish to specialize in various forms of lending, including issues involving domestic and transnational loan structuring, perfection of security interests in property, and bankruptcy.
• Securities Transactions focuses on matters involving equity and debt securities and the management of collective investment vehicles, including the obligations of issuers, their directors, and officers, as well as fund managers and distributors.

Internships 

The Financial Services Law Internship course provides students with real-world experience in the practice of financial services law. Subject to academic requirements, during their second year, students may work at a law firm, financial services organization, or regulatory agency under the supervision of a lawyer and a faculty advisor. In recent years, students have completed internships at ACCION International, Allston Brighton CDC, Cambridge Savings Bank, Computershare, the City of Boston, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA Division of Banks, Natixis Advisors, Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, People’s United Bank, John Hancock Financial Services, and American Consumer Credit Counseling, among others.

Student Activities

The program is administered by a team of professionals dedicated to the academic and personal growth of each student. The program frequently collaborates with the Boston Bar Association and other professional groups to organize lectures, symposia, and round-table discussions on issues affecting the financial services sector. 

After the Program—and Beyond

Career Paths

The Two-Year LLM in Banking and Financial Law Program is specifically designed to prepare internationally trained lawyers for the challenge of global practice. This comprehensive program immerses students in the intricacies of the U.S. legal system during their first year of study. The second year of the Program prepares internationally trained lawyers for leadership positions in the American and international banking and financial services industries.