Child and Family Law (LLM)
What defines a family? How are children's rights evolving? The practice of child and family law requires both a sensitive manner and a discerning legal mind. The Master of Laws (LLM) in Child and Family Law degree program is designed to sharpen and inform both needs. We offer a comprehensive study of the latest in child law trial practice and legislation, international rights for children, adoption law, and domestic violence.
The opportunity to work closely with nationally-recognized faculty members and experienced practitioners in the field means you'll be well-versed in this evolving discipline.
Related Programs
Master's
Certificate
Combined
Curriculum
Students can start the LLM in Child and Family Law program in the fall or spring term. The program is designed to be completed in 6 terms (two calendar years). Students have the option of completing the program fully online or in a hybrid modality.
Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| LAW 651 | LL.M. Childlaw Thesis | 3 |
| Elective Options | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Elective Option Samples
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 667 | Introduction to Children's Law, Policy and Practice | 2 |
| LAW 668 | Leadership Development | 4 |
| LAW 669 | Education Law and Policy | 3 |
| LAW 670 | Child Welfare Law and Policy | 2 |
| LAW 671 | Juvenile Justice Law and Policy | 2 |
| LAW 673 | Mental Health Law and Children | 2 |
| LAW 678 | International Children's Rights | 2 |
| LAW 680 | ChildLaw MJ Independent Study | 1 |
| LAW 683 | Legal Issues in School Discipline | 2 |
| LAW 687 | Introduction to Legislative and Policy Advocacy | 3 |
| LAW 689 | Family Law | 3 |
| LAW 690 | Financial Aspects of Divorce | 3 |
| LAW 692 | Special Education Law and Advocacy | 2 |
Campus Elective Options
Child Law LLM students also have the option of taking certain on-campus courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 110 | Labor and Employment Law in the Education Workplace | 2 |
| LAW 166 | Education Law Practicum | 1-4 |
| LAW 198 | The Fundamentals of School Law | 2 |
| LAW 249 | Human Trafficking: Advancing Protections for Children Practicum | 1-2 |
| LAW 312 | Street Law | 3 |
| LAW 348 | Law & Poverty | 3 |
| LAW 426 | Special Education Law and Advocacy | 2-3 |
| LAW 456 | Mediation Seminar | 1-2 |
| LAW 554 | Family Law Practicum | 1 |
| LAW 572 | Special Education Dispute Resolution | 1 |
| LAW 578 | Student Disciplinary Hearing Workshop | 1 |
| LAW 602 | ChildLaw Trial Practice (Intensive) | 3 |
| LAW 608 | Juvenile Justice | 2 |
| LAW 620 | Civitas ChildLaw Clinic | 1-4 |
| LAW 631 | ChildLaw Graduate Extern | 1-3 |
| LAW 641 | Childlaw Directed Study | 1-3 |
| LAW 643 | Children's Legal Rights Executive Journal Editor | 1-3 |
| LAW 644 | Chldrn Leg Rights Jrnl Assoc Editors | 1-3 |
| LAW 645 | Children's Legal Rights Journal Senior Editors | 1-2 |
Education Immersion Weekend
In addition to the required curriculum, students are highly encouraged to travel to Loyola's Chicago campus during their tenure in the program for an Education Immersion Weekend (EIW). Each year a current event topic is selected which intersects with our Child, Compliance, and Health Law Programs to present significant findings and similarities from a legal perspective. During the weekend, students gather in person to workshop, thesis/capstone project, attend experiential learning workshops, and meet with faculty, students and alumni. This event provides students an opportunity to further network and connect with faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
| Term 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| Electives | 2 | |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| LAW 651 | LL.M. Childlaw Thesis | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Degree Requirements
To earn an LLM in Child Law degree, you must compete a total of 24 hours, including the 3 credit hour LLM thesis. Visit our Registrar for a complete list of degree requirements, academic calendars, and registration process. You may access full course descriptions here.
Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:
- Conduct complex and specialized legal research and analysis
- Participate in scholarship that contributes to the greater understanding of law and policy as it affects children and families
- Explain how child development and family dynamics influence child and family law and policy
- Compare perspectives on issues facing children and families in a global environment
- Describe the historical, socio-economic and cultural context in which child and family laws, policies and practices are developed and implemented
- Identify and articulate areas in which laws and policies should be improved to promote positive outcomes for children, families and communities
- Identify the unique legal and ethical needs and circumstances of child and adolescent clients