LL.M: Practice What You Eat

The demand is increasing for attorneys who understand the complex issues covered in our LL.M. program in Agricultural and Food Law. Connections between food and health, food labeling and food safety, the impact of climate change on food production, farmed animal welfare, and environmental sustainability are but some of the emerging issues affecting all levels of our food system. For over thirty years, the U of A School of Law has led the nation in agricultural and food law education.

The laws that apply to the production, marketing, and sale of the food we eat have an extraordinary impact on us all.  Explore the full spectrum of law and policy from “from farm to fork” – from the perspective of the farmer, the processor, the retailer and the consumer. Included are issues of sustainability, food security and food-diet health connections.

The program offers a full range of distance components to combine the educational benefits of classroom interaction with the efficiencies and economies of remote participation. Distance students may participate in on-campus classes live through synchronous videoconferencing when scheduling permits. Classroom capture and online exercises provide a convenient alternative. In addition, the program offers innovative hybrid courses, self-paced, guided online study, and condensed on-campus opportunities.

Admission Criteria

Applicants for admission to the LL.M. program in Agricultural and Food Law must have earned a J.D. or LL.B. degree from a fully accredited school in the United States, be admitted to a bar, or in the case of international applicants have completed legal training consistent with the requirements in their home jurisdiction.

All applicants should demonstrate academic excellence coupled with an interest in agricultural law or food law issues. A law school grade-point average of 2.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required; 3.00 or higher is preferred.

Careers in Agricultural & Food Law

Graduates of the Agricultural and Food Law Program are among the leaders in the agricultural law community. Employment opportunities include government service; private practice representing those involved in the agricultural and food industries; regulatory compliance; advocacy and non-profit work; and education. Our network of alumni work in 36 different states and 18 foreign countries.