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Advance your career in legal finance
If you’re considering levelling up your legal career with an LLM in Finance, you’re tapping into one of the most complex -- and fastest‑moving -- corners of the global economy. Finance, banking, and securities are governed by legal frameworks that shift with every innovation, crisis, and regulatory update. Lawyers who can navigate that landscape are no longer part of a useful department in any financial institution. They’re now essential.
Enter the Institute for Law and Finance (ILF) at Goethe University Frankfurt. Since 2002, ILF has offered rigorous programmes designed to prepare students for real-world challenges. You’ll study alongside a diverse community of peers, learning from faculty who bring years of professional experience into the classroom. Each case study and discussion is designed to sharpen your practical reasoning and decision-making skills.
ILF’s location in Europe’s financial hub adds another advantage. Being close to the European Central Bank, the German Stock Exchange, and other major institutions keeps your curriculum current. You can practically see and feel its relevance. More importantly, this is also a location with access to internships, networking events, and career opportunities, the kind that link you directly with industry. In fact, everything at ILF is built around providing you with hands-on experience while connecting you directly to the world of financial law.
77%
of LLM Finance students have a law background, and 16% have a business or economics background.
22
countries are represented by students who come to ILF each year.
Postgraduate programmes in finance law
Postgraduate programmes in finance law
Postgraduate programmes in finance law
Postgraduate programmes in finance law
This programme is ranked among the top 10 worldwide for Banking, Finance, and Securities Law, and it earns that position by merging legal theory with financial practice. Its interdisciplinary structure shows you exactly how law and finance intersect in real‑world scenarios. You will still use textbooks but you’ll also gain the ability to see the mechanics of global markets.
You can shape the experience of this LLM to fit your goals, choosing from more than 35 specialised law and business courses. Options include Accounting, Compliance Management, Global Economic Environment, Nuts & Bolts of M&A, Law of Commercial Banking and International Capital Markets. Later, a seven‑ to eight‑week internship at a leading international institution gives you the chance to apply your skills in a high‑stakes environment, gain experience, and build the connections that could just open more doors for you professionally in the future.
LLM Finance
This programme is ranked among the top 10 worldwide for Banking, Finance, and Securities Law, and it earns that position by merging legal theory with financial practice. Its interdisciplinary structure shows you exactly how law and finance intersect in real‑world scenarios. You will still use textbooks but you’ll also gain the ability to see the mechanics of global markets.
You can shape the experience of this LLM to fit your goals, choosing from more than 35 specialised law and business courses. Options include Accounting, Compliance Management, Global Economic Environment, Nuts & Bolts of M&A, Law of Commercial Banking and International Capital Markets. Later, a seven‑ to eight‑week internship at a leading international institution gives you the chance to apply your skills in a high‑stakes environment, gain experience, and build the connections that could just open more doors for you professionally in the future.
LLM Finance
The LLM International Finance programme is a one-year postgraduate degree that provides intensive, practice-oriented training in international and European banking, securities, and finance law. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, helping you understand how global finance and law intersect.
Courses cover areas such as Capital Markets and Securities Law, Drafting of Contracts, Law of Corporate Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure Investments and Law of Project and Acquisition Finance, among others. You’ll learn from leading professors at Goethe University Frankfurt and experts from the legal and financial industries, gaining both academic knowledge and professional insights.
LLM International Finance
LLM Finance
This programme is ranked among the top 10 worldwide for Banking, Finance, and Securities Law, and it earns that position by merging legal theory with financial practice. Its interdisciplinary structure shows you exactly how law and finance intersect in real‑world scenarios. You will still use textbooks but you’ll also gain the ability to see the mechanics of global markets.
You can shape the experience of this LLM to fit your goals, choosing from more than 35 specialised law and business courses. Options include Accounting, Compliance Management, Global Economic Environment, Nuts & Bolts of M&A, Law of Commercial Banking and International Capital Markets. Later, a seven‑ to eight‑week internship at a leading international institution gives you the chance to apply your skills in a high‑stakes environment, gain experience, and build the connections that could just open more doors for you professionally in the future.
The LLM International Finance programme is a one-year postgraduate degree that provides intensive, practice-oriented training in international and European banking, securities, and finance law. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, helping you understand how global finance and law intersect.
Courses cover areas such as Capital Markets and Securities Law, Drafting of Contracts, Law of Corporate Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure Investments and Law of Project and Acquisition Finance, among others. You’ll learn from leading professors at Goethe University Frankfurt and experts from the legal and financial industries, gaining both academic knowledge and professional insights.
LLM International Finance
LLM Finance
This programme is ranked among the top 10 worldwide for Banking, Finance, and Securities Law, and it earns that position by merging legal theory with financial practice.
LLM International Finance
The LLM International Finance programme is a one-year postgraduate degree that provides intensive, practice-oriented training in international and European banking, securities, and finance law.
This programme is ranked among the top 10 worldwide for Banking, Finance, and Securities Law, and it earns that position by merging legal theory with financial practice. Its interdisciplinary structure shows you exactly how law and finance intersect in real‑world scenarios. You will still use textbooks but you’ll also gain the ability to see the mechanics of global markets.
You can shape the experience of this LLM to fit your goals, choosing from more than 35 specialised law and business courses. Options include Accounting, Compliance Management, Global Economic Environment, Nuts & Bolts of M&A, Law of Commercial Banking and International Capital Markets. Later, a seven‑ to eight‑week internship at a leading international institution gives you the chance to apply your skills in a high‑stakes environment, gain experience, and build the connections that could just open more doors for you professionally in the future.
LLM Finance
The LLM International Finance programme is a one-year postgraduate degree that provides intensive, practice-oriented training in international and European banking, securities, and finance law. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, helping you understand how global finance and law intersect.
Courses cover areas such as Capital Markets and Securities Law, Drafting of Contracts, Law of Corporate Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure Investments and Law of Project and Acquisition Finance, among others. You’ll learn from leading professors at Goethe University Frankfurt and experts from the legal and financial industries, gaining both academic knowledge and professional insights.
LLM International Finance
Hear from the graduates
"I can confidently say that the ILF provided me with the essential legal, financial, and analytical skills that enabled me to secure this position and set me on a clear path toward professional success. The courses were taught by industry-leading professionals who perfectly blended theoretical knowledge with practical insights drawn from real-world scenarios. This was further enhanced by the invaluable opportunity to intern at a top-tier law firm in Frankfurt.
Through the ILF, I not only applied what I learned in a practical setting, but I also sharpened my professional skills, forged lifelong friendships, and significantly expanded my professional network. Shortly after graduating, I began working as an Associate in the Corporate and M&A Department at a leading Mexican law firm."
Isaac Fuentes
LLM Finance graduate 2023-24
“One of the fondest memories from my time at the ILF is the thought-provoking class discussions, where we learned from the experiences of distinguished faculty members who were experts in their respective fields. I particularly enjoyed the case study approach, which allowed me to apply what I had learned in class.
Plus, networking during my studies at ILF was an enriching experience. Frankfurt, being a major financial hub, provided ample opportunities to connect with professionals in the finance and legal sectors. Moreover, the ILF facilitated networking events, seminars, and industry conferences, making it relatively easy to establish meaningful connections.”
Ketki Kulkarni
LLM Finance graduate 2021-22
“Recalling the period of my studies at ILF, I value it as a demanding yet fruitful experience. The programme features an interdisciplinary and broad syllabus, allowing students to pursue either a specialisation path in a particular sector or adopt a macroscopic approach and attempt to grasp the “bigger picture,” acquiring the necessary foundations for further expertise in a specific legal or regulatory field.
As a person who opted for the latter, such knowledge enabled me to develop a holistic perspective of the intertwined legal, regulatory, economic, and financial framework, allowing me to apply this approach in legal practice. I am currently working at a leading law firm in Athens, with a specialisation in Project Finance.”
Theodoros Fostieris
LL.M. Finance graduate 2018-19
“From the quality of the subjects taught to the excellence of the faculty members, I felt both relieved and proud to have made the decision to put my career on a brief hold to complete this programme. The knowledge acquired during my year at the ILF helped me become a better professional and achieve new standards for my career.
My experience at the ILF and its internship introduction to the Frankfurt job market strongly influenced my decision to stay in the city. I am currently working as an Associate in the M&A Department of the German law firm Hengeler Mueller (Frankfurt office). It was through the ILF that I first became acquainted with the team I currently work with.”
Diana Rosa
LLM Finance graduate 2021-22
"I can confidently say that the ILF provided me with the essential legal, financial, and analytical skills that enabled me to secure this position and set me on a clear path toward professional success. The courses were taught by industry-leading professionals who perfectly blended theoretical knowledge with practical insights drawn from real-world scenarios. This was further enhanced by the invaluable opportunity to intern at a top-tier law firm in Frankfurt.
Through the ILF, I not only applied what I learned in a practical setting, but I also sharpened my professional skills, forged lifelong friendships, and significantly expanded my professional network. Shortly after graduating, I began working as an Associate in the Corporate and M&A Department at a leading Mexican law firm."
Isaac Fuentes
LLM Finance graduate 2023-24
“One of the fondest memories from my time at the ILF is the thought-provoking class discussions, where we learned from the experiences of distinguished faculty members who were experts in their respective fields. I particularly enjoyed the case study approach, which allowed me to apply what I had learned in class.
Plus, networking during my studies at ILF was an enriching experience. Frankfurt, being a major financial hub, provided ample opportunities to connect with professionals in the finance and legal sectors. Moreover, the ILF facilitated networking events, seminars, and industry conferences, making it relatively easy to establish meaningful connections.”
Ketki Kulkarni
LLM Finance graduate 2021-22
“Recalling the period of my studies at ILF, I value it as a demanding yet fruitful experience. The programme features an interdisciplinary and broad syllabus, allowing students to pursue either a specialisation path in a particular sector or adopt a macroscopic approach and attempt to grasp the “bigger picture,” acquiring the necessary foundations for further expertise in a specific legal or regulatory field.
As a person who opted for the latter, such knowledge enabled me to develop a holistic perspective of the intertwined legal, regulatory, economic, and financial framework, allowing me to apply this approach in legal practice. I am currently working at a leading law firm in Athens, with a specialisation in Project Finance.”
Theodoros Fostieris
LL.M. Finance graduate 2018-19
“From the quality of the subjects taught to the excellence of the faculty members, I felt both relieved and proud to have made the decision to put my career on a brief hold to complete this programme. The knowledge acquired during my year at the ILF helped me become a better professional and achieve new standards for my career.
My experience at the ILF and its internship introduction to the Frankfurt job market strongly influenced my decision to stay in the city. I am currently working as an Associate in the M&A Department of the German law firm Hengeler Mueller (Frankfurt office). It was through the ILF that I first became acquainted with the team I currently work with.”
Diana Rosa
LLM Finance graduate 2021-22
“The MBA at ESCP provided me with a well-rounded business education, equipping me with both strategic and analytical skills essential for my role today. Studying alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds broadened my thinking and helped me develop a more adaptable and open-minded approach to problem-solving. The collaborative projects, case studies, and real-world business challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I built a strong network of peers who continue to inspire me.”
Desislava Miteva
MBA Class of 2020
Senior Associate at JP Morgan
“The programme equipped me with solid business skills that allow me to seamlessly take on multiple roles in my daily job – whether in marketing, sales, negotiations, or finance. This was particularly valuable during my hands-on experiences with iStarter in Turin and AiSight in Berlin. Additionally, serving as an Ambassador provided me with exposure to dozens of successful entrepreneurs worldwide.”
Pietro Gagliano
MBA Class of 2020
Head of Sales at Navee
“Beyond reputation, the access to a multi-country experience and immersion in a highly culturally diverse study environment was a must-have. I had a very enriching experience on the Paris, Berlin and Madrid campuses. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the alumni network and the career services, [as seen] through extensive coaching sessions, interview preparation workshops, meetings with senior professionals from various industries, and career weeks.”
Ludovic Bamou Nyamsi
MBA Class of 2022
Senior Account Manager at Google
“My experience at ESCP was genuinely transformative. The programme allowed me to delve into subjects that bolstered my business acumen in the international market. I particularly valued the programme’s duration, diverse multi-campus experiences, and the meaningful connections forged with fellow cohort colleagues.”
Cecilia Zhu
Class of 2020
Senior Programme Manager at Amazon
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