Northeastern University School of Law’s online Master of Laws (LLM) program offers an optional Bar Examination Preparation track designed for recent law graduates, internationally-trained lawyers and domestic attorneys interested in taking the California bar exam.
This track academically prepares students through a carefully selected sequence of U.S. law subjects commonly tested on the California bar exam. Whether you’re refamiliarizing yourself with foundational legal concepts or approaching the California bar for the first time, this curriculum can help you build the legal knowledge needed to move forward with confidence.
Choosing a track is optional. All LLM students receive the same degree regardless of track selection. Explore our International Business track or learn more about our curriculum in general.
What Skills Will You Learn in the Bar Examination Prep Track?
- Analyze U.S. legal doctrine across foundational subjects such as contracts, torts and constitutional law
- Identify legal issues and construct sound legal reasoning aligned with U.S. case law and statutes
- Interpret the structure and application of California-specific procedural rules
- Strengthen legal writing, analysis and issue-spotting skills relevant to bar exam scenarios
Why Choose Northeastern Law’s Online LLM?
- Industry-informed curriculum: The Bar Examination Prep track is grounded in a curriculum shaped by Northeastern’s global legal advisory board to ensure every course reflects current practice and bar exam topics.
- #1 ranking for practical training: Northeastern University School of Law has earned a #1 ranking for Practical Training from The National Jurist/preLaw, underscoring its commitment to hands-on legal education.
- Tuition scholarships available: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based tuition scholarships. There’s no separate application process; just apply and be considered.
- Finish in as little as 12 months: This program is structured to help working professionals complete the LLM on a timeline that works for their schedule, completely online.
- Legal immersion experience: In the Bar Prep track, you have the option to take part in Northeastern’s Legal Immersion Experience, where you’ll connect with legal and government organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area or Miami.
- Supportive online learning: Our course schedule is asynchronous, with optional live sessions and built-in support systems to help you stay on track.
Curriculum
The Bar Examination Prep track includes the following courses:
- U.S. Law and Legal System (3 credits)
- Contracts (3 credits)
- Torts (3 credits)
- Constitutional Law (3 credits)
- Civil Procedure (3 credits)
- Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
- Criminal Law (3 credits)
- Business Organizations (2 credits)
While the LLM program does not confer eligibility to sit for any state bar exam, it may academically prepare students to take the bar exam in California or other jurisdictions. If you’re wondering, “Can I take a bar exam with an LLM?”, the answer varies by state. The Bar Examination Prep track at Northeastern Law is designed to help you build the academic background needed for this exam.
Connect with an enrollment specialist today to learn more about our program and track offerings.
Online Master of Laws Program
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Learn more about Northeastern Law’s online Master of Laws program by filling out the form fields to download a free brochure. You can also call us at +1 857.754.3734 to talk with one of our enrollment specialists.