Best Arbitration LL.M. Programs Ranked: What to Consider Before You Apply

lL.M. in International Arbitration: My experience

International arbitration is an exciting and highly sought-after field, and a specialized LL.M. in this area can open many doors for those looking to enter it. A few years ago, when I applied for an LL.M., I applied to both general programs and specialized arbitration programs, including the MIDS (Master’s in International Dispute Settlement) in Geneva and NYU’s LL.M. program in International Business Regulation, Litigation, and Arbitration. I got the admission and full CHF 40,000 scholarship from the MIDS and admission and a $30,000 Dean's scholarship from NYU. Ultimately, I chose to attend Harvard, but I still believe there are excellent LL.M. programs out there that can do a lot for you if your goal is to join the world of international arbitration. This blog post is an overview of some of those programs if you are considering this path.

Before diving into the specific features of each program, I want to emphasize that choosing the right LL.M. program is a deeply personal decision. While there are objective characteristics defining each program, subjective factors unique to your circumstances will also play a critical role. For example, you may feel a stronger connection to one country over another, and that's ok. There is no need to force it. I firmly believe that your success depends on you enjoying what you do. While you might succeed without enjoyment, it's likely to be much more challenging. Therefore, it’s crucial not to disregard your preferences and inclinations simply because one program seems better on paper than another.

Now, let’s explore the options available.

Arbitration LL.M. no. 1: MIDS (Master in International Dispute Settlement)

The MIDS program in Geneva is deeply integrated into the international arbitration industry.

Some of the pros:

• Industry Expertise: The faculty consists of experienced arbitration practitioners. This means they bring not only hands-on industry knowledge but also connections to the dispute resolution world, which can ease the post-LL.M. career transition.
• Scholarships: Full scholarships are available and achievable, although they require high academic performance. I personally know several individuals who have successfully secured these scholarships, including myself.
• Institutional Connections: MIDS maintains strong ties with key arbitration institutions. For instance, there is an agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and MIDS provides a stipend to a graduate who becomes a PCA fellow.
• Strategic Location: MIDS is located in Switzerland, a major hub for international arbitration, and offers close proximity to Paris, another leading arbitration hub.
• Program Design: The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, offering a combination of lectures, workshops, and visits to major dispute resolution institutions. It also includes an internship, which facilitates the transition from LL.M. studies to the professional world.
• Career Opportunities: The integration with the industry and its practical focus make it an excellent choice for those aiming for a successful career in arbitration.

Cons:

• If you don’t secure a scholarship, the program can be quite expensive. However, the cost may be offset by the career growth and potential employment at a prestigious law firm.

Arbitration LL.M. no. 2: NYU (New York University)

NYU also has a specialized LL.M. in International Business Regulation, Litigation and Arbitration which I applied for a few years ago. Some of its features include:

• Large Program: NYU’s LL.M. program is one of the largest, with an annual intake of over 400 students. This size may make it more challenging to build close relationships due to the sheer number of people. On the other hand, there is a strong potential for building your future network.
• Prestige and Resources: Despite its size, NYU offers a wealth of resources and has a strong reputation in the legal field.
• LL.M. Job Fair: Students gain access to the International Student Interview Program (ISIP), a valuable job fair for law graduates seeking to secure a job offer. More details here.
• Scholarships: NYU offers highly competitive scholarships, such as the Dean’s Scholarship and the Global Hauser Scholarship. I received a half-tuition Dean’s Scholarship when I applied.
• Specialized Focus: The program’s specialized nature provides targeted knowledge and industry connections, helping to pave the way for post-LL.M. success.

Arbitration LL.M. no.3: Humboldt University of Berlin – Dispute Resolution Program

The Humboldt University's LL.M. program in international dispute resolution, like MIDS, is well-integrated into the local legal industry and designed to facilitate the post-LL.M. transition. Some of its features include:

• Small Cohort: The program admits only 25–35 students, ensuring more personalized attention from faculty and closer relationships with classmates.
• Emerging Arbitration Market: While Germany, and Berlin in particular, may not be as prominent as Paris, London, or Switzerland, there are still many law firms engaged in international arbitration.
• In terms of career, it may not be as strong as MIDS, but due to its integration into the local dispute resolution market it still increases your chances of success. I attended the 2024 Berlin Dispute Resolution Days and was pleasantly surprised by how many graduates secured positions at law firms in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.

Arbitration LL.M. no. 4: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

Queen Mary University of London offers a specialized LL.M. program in comparative and international dispute resolution as well. QMUL also has a fantastic faculty, with many of its members actively working as arbitration practitioners. This integration into the arbitration community makes QMUL an attractive option for students seeking to enter the field.

Furthermore, QMUL’s employability rankings are impressive. According to their website, 96% of their graduates secure full-time employment or pursue further studies after graduation. This statistic underscores the program’s value, even though I opted for a different path.

While I seriously considered applying to QMUL, I ultimately decided against it. At the time, I recall that QMUL either did not offer full scholarships or, if they did, the opportunity felt more uncertain than at other places. Interestingly, this contrasts with my decision to apply to NYU, which had comparable financial challenges, and is located in an even more expensive city. However, at the time I believed the NYU LL.M. would yield a higher return on investment, given its location in the U.S. (my target jurisdiction), global reputation and extensive resources.

Arbitration LL.M. no. 5: Sciences Po in Paris

The Sciences Po LL.M. in Transnational Arbitration & Dispute Settlement (TADS LL.M.) is another highly regarded program in the field of arbitration. Much of what I mentioned about MIDS applies to Sciences Po as well. Located in the heart of Paris, one of the world’s most prominent dispute resolution hubs, the program benefits from a faculty made up of esteemed arbitration practitioners. This helps facilitate a smooth transition into the profession after graduation.

The curriculum strikes a balance between theoretical and practical training. It covers key theoretical issues in international dispute resolution while also offering hands-on experience. Practical skills are developed through partnerships with prominent law firms and institutions like the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Sciences Po also organizes regular information sessions for prospective LL.M. applicants. If you consider applying, I highly recommend attending one of those to get a feel for the program and have your questions answered.

Final Thoughts

There are definitely more specialized programs in dispute resolution, including, but not limited, the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program at Miami Law School and the LL.M. Assas World Arbitration and Dispute Settlement at the Paris-Panthéon-Assas University. Maybe, they'll be the ones you'll feel attracted to the most.

If you'd like more guidance, I've created a comprehensive course on major aspects of an LL.M. application. If you'd like me to review your LL.M. application or help you get started, you are welcome to reach out.

Hope this helps and good luck! ☺️