Graduate Programs for Foreign Lawyers

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Section on Graduate Programs for Foreign Lawyers
Santa Rosa, South Tower/Level 1, San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

The Changing Role of U.S. Graduate Programs for Foreign Lawyers

An LL.M degree from a U.S. law school serves as an important credential for foreign lawyers in procuring positions in public service, policy positions, and careers in legal education. New methods of accessing this credential are evolving. While the traditional one year residential program at a U.S. law school is still an important model, it is not the only model. New models including the extensive use of electronic education are common. In other programs, foreign lawyers are resident in the U.S. for part of the program, and in their home countries for the balance. New LL.M programs are formed, and are funded by governmental and private sources, to encourage the development of the rule of law in specified countries. New dual LL.M degree programs between U.S. law schools and foreign law schools are beginning to grow. These new models may be increasing international student access to graduate legal education, but much remains unclear about them. What can we learn about such new program models and what are their implications?

Professor Cooper will moderate the program, and will also speak on the use of electronic education in LL.M programs. Professor Eddy will speak on the Afghan educators LL.M program at the University of Washington (hopefully a few of the Afghan students will be present). Professor Emmert will speak on the LL.M program in international and comparative law by Indiana law faculty to Egyptian students in Alexandria, and Cairo, Egypt. Dean Hellman will speak on a non-degree certificate in American law program that has been offered at Oklahoma City University to Chinese law students from Nankai University in Tianjin, China, and to lawyer members of the Tianjin (China) Bar Association.  This program has served as a gateway to LL.M. programs for some of its participants. Professor Chesterman will speak on the dual LL.M degree program administered by NYU and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The inaugural class began in May 2007 with students from 23 countries. Students are based in Singapore and earn an LL.M. in Law and the Global Economy from NYU and an LL.M. from NUS. Courses are taught by both NYU and NUS faculty.

Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.