Executive LL.M.
Executive LL.M.
THE EXECUTIVE LL.M.
THE EXECUTIVE LL.M.
This transformational program is designed for ambitious lawyers who want to reinvent their skill set and gain essential business knowledge. Its multi-jurisdictional focus offers a strategic legal-business vision to advance globally.
Offered jointly by IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, it combines top academics in a unique program that blends business administration with a cross-border legal framework.
Graduates receive an LL.M./MSL from Northwestern and a Certificate in Law and Business from IE, positioning them to handle international legal-business challenges and qualify for the California Bar Exam, expanding U.S. career opportunities.
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- Germán VivasProgram Specialist
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Two Decades of Leading What’s Next
Two Decades of Leading What’s Next
The upcoming September 2025 intake marks 20 years of the Executive LL.M. program. This milestone presents a unique opportunity to bring together our community of alumni, faculty, and staff who have been part of the program throughout these two decades of collaboration between IE and Northwestern. We are pleased to invite you to join us in celebrating this special occasion, which will feature extraordinary events and activities throughout the intake, making this edition truly unforgettable.
DISCOVER OUR PRESTIGIOUS PARTNER
DISCOVER OUR PRESTIGIOUS PARTNER
The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, known for its prestige and forward-thinking approach, opens doors to an exceptional legal education and offers connections for students on both sides of the Atlantic. This collaboration empowers students to establish a global network that will benefit them as they embark on their professional journeys. Moreover, students have the distinctive chance to spend a career-defining period in Chicago, where they can enhance their legal expertise through immersive experiences.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE…
ambitious and highly motivated to become well-rounded lawyers with a deep understanding of their clients’ business coupled with a global vision for international practice.
LOOKING FOR…
a multidisciplinary program featuring in-depth multijurisdictional legal training coupled with top business skills and in-depth knowledge of US legal frameworks.
TO BECOME...
- A leader in the evolving field of global business law
- Head legal counsel
- Head of governance
- Head of corporate strategy and research
- Senior business development executive
- Strategic development manager for global M&A
4 REASONS TO STUDY THE EXECUTIVE LL.M.
4 REASONS TO STUDY THE EXECUTIVE LL.M.
Drawing on the expertise of two internationally renowned law schools, this Executive LL.M. is a holistic educational experience that provides a unique, multi-perspective view of law and business to address today’s complex global context.
- 01.
COMPARATIVE LAW METHODOLOGY
In our current globalized and digital landscape, lawyers must be prepared to handle complex cross-border matters involving multiple jurisdictions. Our program takes a comparative, multijurisdictional approach that enables Executive LL.M. participants to develop a truly international legal perspective. Through practical, experiential training, you will gain the tools to navigate diverse legal systems and address the evolving challenges faced by global law firms.
- 02.
MATCH LAW WITH BUSINESS
The Executive LL.M. combines global legal and business expertise with a focus on Anglo-American and business law. It integrates corporate finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy within a legal framework, empowering participants to address international legal challenges and boost business performance.
- 03.
BUILD AN ENVIABLE NETWORK
Create a powerful career network by connecting with top industry professionals across leading educational institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. Collaborate with senior peers who bring diverse expertise, allowing you to share insights and expand your influence on the global stage.
- 04.
JOIN INTERNATIONALLY PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offer global legal recognition from top international associations. The Executive LL.M. combines elite legal education with world-class business expertise from IE Business School, accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA - ensuring a premier educational experience.
EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE IN THE UNITED STATES
EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE IN THE UNITED STATES
Become a U.S. attorney
IE Law School remains at the forefront of legal education. Forever driven by our need to innovate, our graduates of the Executive LL.M. may now qualify to take the California Bar Exam, whether qualified or not in their home countries and provided that they have a valid first-degree in law and meet all other requirements set by the Bar Association. While IE Law School does not guarantee bar exam eligibility to students in this program for any state, the California State Bar has notified Northwestern Law that the current Executive LL.M. may qualify a student to take the California Bar Exam.
While LL.M. programs from other ABA-approved universities only allow their students to apply to the Bar if they are qualified as lawyers in their countries, we have included a course on Ethics and Professional Responsibility to the program enabling our students to apply for the California Bar. This online course, a two-week elective, will be taught by a professor from Northwestern University. It will provide our students with the necessary expertise to attain this prestigious certification.
*Please refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements for more information on bar exam eligibility requirements for any state.
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
Executive LL.M. students talks about their experience completing the program at IE Law School & Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
MADRID: A GLOBAL LEGAL HUB
MADRID: A GLOBAL LEGAL HUB
A number of the world’s top law firms are headquartered or represented in the Spanish capital. Indeed, the Law Society has named Madrid as a world center for legaltech, so you’ll be right in the heart of the industry, in a city at the forefront of the legal world, with most of the major firms on your doorstep.
No city caters to a young professional’s needs better than Madrid: famed for its student-friendly environment, it offers everything you’d expect of a global city with an international outlook. Vibrant and diverse culture, day and night life and affordable and efficient public transportation make Madrid the ideal place to indulge your interests and discover new ones.
DEGREE BY NORTHWESTERN’S PRITZKER SCHOOL OF LAW
DEGREE BY NORTHWESTERN’S PRITZKER SCHOOL OF LAW
Upon fulfillment of the Executive LL.M. Program and meeting all necessary requirements, students will be receive a degree from Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law.
CERTIFICATE BY IE UNIVERSITY
Furthermore, participants who successfully complete the Executive LL.M. program will also be awarded the Certificate in Law and Business by IE University. This credential aims to enhance your managerial and business proficiencies, particularly in addressing intricate international issues.
Discover our events
Discover our events
Everything you need to know about our LL.M. Degrees
LEADING EXPERTS AT IE LAW SCHOOL
LEADING EXPERTS AT IE LAW SCHOOL
At the heart of IE Law School, we firmly believe that learning extends beyond textbooks and lectures, and that meaningful connections play a pivotal role in shaping one's professional growth and future success. By hosting a diverse array of experts and thought leaders, we empower our students to gain insights into a wide range of topics that shape the global landscape.
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
Discover the Executive LL.M related programs:
Find More about our events
Find More about our events
We organize a wide range of events, from conferences and master classes, to networking and informative sessions.
FAQ's
FAQ's
What is an Executive LL.M.?
An Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a transformative legal program for ambitious lawyers who want to take the next step of their career on the global stage. At IE University, our Executive LL.M. is delivered jointly with Northwestern Pritzker School of Law to give our students the best access to the world's legal leaders and knowledge. Our part-time format allows students more flexibility to continue their professional development without sacrificing their work-life balance.
Is an Executive LL.M. the same as an LL.M.?
An Executive LL.M. is a Master of Laws (LL.M.) that is offered in a part-time format, combining online learning with face-to-face classes. It is tailored for those who already have experience in the legal industry and are ready to become leaders in global business law, without having to put their busy lives on hold to pursue further education.
Is an Executive LL.M. higher than a J.D.?
Yes: a J.D. is an initial degree that allows you to start practicing law. An Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) is an additional degree that further deepens your legal expertise and your business acumen, allowing you to expand your practice of law.