IRVINE, Calif. (June 11, 2025) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law has earned national recognition in International Jurist’s 2025 Honor Roll of the best LL.M. programs for foreign-trained attorneys. UC Irvine Law’s LL.M. Program in American Law, which received an “A” rating, and the Graduate Tax Program made the list as the highest rated programs of their kind on the West Coast.
The International Jurist Honor Roll highlighted 30 U.S. law school programs that provide exceptional academic, professional, and student life experiences for foreign-trained attorneys. Programs were selected following a rigorous data-driven review of 23 metrics, including faculty strength, mentorship opportunities, externships, bar exam support, and job placement. Student experience was the most heavily weighted category, reflecting what international students value most: integration with J.D. peers, meaningful academic and career support, and a clear path to legal employment.
Our Global LL.M. program reflects UC Irvine Law’s broader mission to prepare ethical, engaged lawyers who can lead across borders. We’re honored to be recognized for creating an environment where international students thrive not only academically, but professionally and personally.
Khary D. Hornsby
Assistant Dean and Chief Global and Executive Programs Officer
“This recognition speaks to the strength of UC Irvine Law’s faculty, the innovation of our curriculum, and the dedication we bring to supporting every student’s success,” said Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen Parrish. “Our LL.M. and Graduate Tax programs combine academic excellence with a dedication to public service, practical training, and global engagement — hallmarks of our mission to prepare the next generation of lawyers to lead in a complex, interconnected world.”
UC Irvine Law’s Global LL.M. program promotes a forward-thinking curriculum, strong emphasis on public service, and robust international partnerships. The program has recently expanded its reach by forging new collaborations with premier universities around the world and offering tailored scholarships to support the academic and professional development of global legal professionals.
“Our Global LL.M. program reflects UC Irvine Law’s broader mission to prepare ethical, engaged lawyers who can lead across borders,” said Khary D. Hornsby, Assistant Dean and Chief Global and Executive Programs Officer. “We’re honored to be recognized for creating an environment where international students thrive not only academically, but professionally and personally.”
The program’s success is made possible by a dedicated team committed to delivering a world-class experience for international students. Led by Assistant Dean Hornsby, Maryam Meechka Zomorodian, J.D., Ph.D., Director of Global Programs; Mary Germain, Senior Global Programs Administrator; and Marty Chao, Global Programs Professional Development Advisor, each play a critical role in supporting students through every stage of their academic journey — from admissions and orientation to career development and bar exam preparation.
Our Graduate Tax Program combines deep technical instruction with a focus on real-world impact. This recognition affirms our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in government, public interest, and beyond.
Natascha Ryan Fastabend
Executive Director of the Graduate Tax Program
UC Irvine Law’s Graduate Tax Program, launched in 2019, was also acknowledged for its rapid rise and national impact. Frequently ranked as the top tax LL.M. program on the West Coast and among the top 10 in the country, the program emphasizes practical training, academic rigor, and public service. With a 100 percent employment rate for graduates, a $20,000 tuition scholarship for admitted students who have volunteered or worked with a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC), and a new $20,000 scholarship initiative for federal tax attorneys impacted by the recent hiring freeze, the program continues to demonstrate leadership and innovation in legal education.
“Our Graduate Tax Program combines deep technical instruction with a focus on real-world impact,” said Natascha Ryan Fastabend, Executive Director of the Graduate Tax Program. “This recognition affirms our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in government, public interest, and beyond.”
For more information about UC Irvine Law’s LL.M. Program, contact Khary D. Hornsby at khornsby@law.uci.edu. For details on the Graduate Tax Program, contact Natascha Ryan Fastabend at nfastabend@law.uci.edu.
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. At UC Irvine Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UC Irvine Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UC Irvine School of Law.