Executive LL.M.
THE EXECUTIVE LL.M.
This transformational program opens frontiers for ambitious lawyers who are eager to reinvent their skill set and develop the business knowledge they need to evolve. Its multi-jurisdictional focus equips participants with a 360-degree strategic legal and business vision to empower them to break barriers and develop their career on the global stage.
The Executive LL.M. Program is a joint degree offered by two of the world’s leading law schools: IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Uniting these two academic powerhouses ensures participants get the best of both worlds in a unique program that expertly integrates business administration content into a cross-border legal framework. On completion of the program, participants not only will receive an LL.M./MSL from Northwestern Law but also a Certificate in Law and Business by IE University, establishing their profile as uniquely positioned to act on legal and business matters with challenging international dimensions.
- 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
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 semester in Chicago, where they can enhance their legal expertise through immersive experiences.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE…
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
THE CONTEXT: GLOBALIZATION DEMANDS CROSS-BORDER EXPERTISE
THE CONTEXT: GLOBALIZATION DEMANDS CROSS-BORDER EXPERTISE
Globalization has changed the contours of law, creating new norms and global institutions. In response to the international nature of modern business law and to better serve multinational clients operating in different legal systems, many top law firms have also globalized their practice.
To be a leading global lawyer in this interconnected context requires a nuanced understanding of the laws and business principles that extend well beyond the jurisdiction where you are qualified. It also means adding value to your organization with a broader understanding of the business itself to help them overcome their most challenging obstacles.
The Executive LL.M. has been designed to address this new reality.
Exploring Anglo-American common law and its application in international practice—with a strong focus on corporate law—the Executive LL.M. provides the foundation and expertise for participants to build the skills tomorrow’s lawyers need. Led by top academics and highly experienced legal practitioners, the distinct but interconnected modules build a high-level overview of today and tomorrow’s key legal and commercial principles. Throughout the program, you will adopt a comparative approach to tackle even the most complicated cross-border legal and commercial problems.
In this context, legal expertise is no longer enough. The program addresses the demands of our interconnected business world by empowering you to take a closer look at your clients’ businesses, as well as the forces acting on them from outside. Participants will discover financial accounting, corporate finance, marketing and strategy to complement their legal knowledge, ensuring they become better rounded lawyers capable of adding value to any organization.
Are you ready to acquire a truly global vision and stand out in an evolving and interconnected economy?
OUR EXECUTIVE LL.M., A SURE PATH TO SUCCESS
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.
COMPARATIVE LAW METHODOLOGY
Globalization and digitalization have transformed the way businesses operate. It’s now more important than ever that lawyers are able to seamlessly handle cross-border matters that require input from a range of jurisdictions. Our Comparative Law Methodology consistently adopts a comparative, multijurisdictional perspective to allow Executive LL.M. participants to develop a more international legal vision. This highly practical approach prepares you for working across different legal systems, as you acquire the tools you need to overcome the real challenges facing global law firms of the future.
MATCH LAW WITH BUSINESS
The Executive LL.M. perfectly aligns the parallel modern requirements of global law and business. While the specialization of the program is Anglo-American law, it has a specific focus and expertise in business law. Enhanced understanding of corporate finance, financial accounting, marketing and business strategy are integrated into the legal framework. This holistic approach empowers participants to handle new legal challenges in a global context while simultaneously improving business performance.
BUILD AN ENVIABLE NETWORK
Build a far-reaching network that will boost your career. Access to world-leading industry professionals within top educational institutions on both sides of the Atlantic presents an unparalleled opportunity to increase your reach on the world stage. Your peers will also be senior professionals with a diverse and extensive range of expertise and professional experiences. Sharing insights and learning from each other, you’ll build a network that’s as broad as it is deep.
JOIN INTERNATIONALLY PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law are two academic legal powerhouses with international recognition from the most important legal institutions, such as the International Bar Association, the European Law Students’ Association, the International Association of Law Schools and the Law Schools Global League. The Executive LL.M. further complements and enhances this knowledge thanks to the world-leading business expertise of IE Business School, accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. These leading quality benchmarks prove our status as a world leader in business education.
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
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
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
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.
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?
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Find More about our events
We organize a wide range of events, from conferences and master classes, to networking and informative sessions.
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.