LLM in Elder Law and Estate Planning
The only live, interactive, online LLM in Elder Law and Estate Planning in the U.S., our program offers a unique opportunity for you to take your practice in a new direction or strengthen your expertise to advocate for elders and their families. In this 24-credit program, you will gain an extensive knowledge of and training in a number of diverse areas of law, including wills and trusts, estate and fiduciary administration, income taxation, federal wealth transfer taxation, and the use of various entities and products (particularly trusts and insurance products) in wealth planning and management. The program also develops expertise in social security law, Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state laws and regulations that directly affect these clients. You can enroll part-time or full-time in the fall or spring.
Why Choose the Online LLM?
A pioneer in live, online Elder Law and Estate Planning education, Western New England University School of Law is accredited by the ABA. Taught live, not asynchronous, by leading experts, our program’s unique online delivery experience makes the LLM available to busy professionals nationwide who are looking to enhance their skills while studying part-time in just two or more years. Students have attended class from Alaska, Hawaii, while serving in the military in Germany, and while traveling in India! A one-year full-time option is also available.
What Will you Study?
The program teaches the practical aspects of drafting estate plans, administering the settlement of estates, and representing elderly clients and families. In your final project, you will create a complex plan and develop your own set of planning documents. The in-depth knowledge gained from this experience will help you distinguish your practice and help you to inform and educate your clients on a very personal level.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates for an LLM degree in Elder Law and Estate Planning must hold a JD from an ABA-accredited law school or be admitted to practice in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Learn more about the admissions requirements for this program.
Our Live, Online Experience
All courses are live and taught online so you get immediate interaction with faculty and classmates through the use of virtual classrooms in real-time. Both the video and audio of all of our online classes are recorded so students do not miss out on material if they miss a class session. Many of our graduates also archive the recordings as a part of their own personal legal education reference library. All courses are taught Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, either at 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm (eastern time). Each course consists of one two-hour session per week and, on average, students spend two hours per week on class preparation/assignments.
Full-time Option (One Year)
Full-time students take 12 academic credits in each semester and complete the program in just two semesters. This requires students to register for 6 two-credit courses in the first semester and 4 two-credit courses plus the four-credit capstone course in the second semester. Full-time students should expect to be in class on classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm (eastern time).
PART-TIME OPTION (Two or more years)
Our program offers a flexible part-time option. Students may complete the program in two years by taking three courses per semester, or in three years by taking two courses per semester. If necessary, students may also complete the program at a slower pace. Please note that the maximum time allowed to complete the program is 84 months.
Note: Students must take at least six credits per semester to be eligible for federal student loans through FAFSA
Fall 2021 Entering Class Profile
Average Age: 43
Age Range: 25-56
69% Female / 31% Male
9 States Represented
Average Law School GPA: 3.08
Online Information Sessions
The LLM in Elder Law and Estate Planning offers online Information Sessions (evenings) to help you learn more about this dynamic learning opportunity to enhance or expand your practice and skills. Register for an Upcoming session.
Book list and Electronic Resources
Click here to utilize Elder Law Research and Resources.
Learn More
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73 Million Reasons to Grow Your Practice
The aging of the population provides unprecedented need for informed advisors who can help individuals and families navigate healthcare legal issues, provide for special needs children, and plan for the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history. According to the Insured Retirement Institute, Baby Boomers will retire at a rate of 10,000 per day through at least 2030, when almost 73 million Americans, comprising more than 20 percent of the U.S. population, will be age 65 or older.
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Expert Faculty
You will receive personalized attention from our stellar faculty who are recognized experts in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Special Needs, including current and past presidents of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the National Elder Law Foundation.
Faculty