Law School creates LL.M. program for foreign lawyers
Program addresses growing need abroad for lawyers trained in U.S. law
The University
of Southern California Law School has established a Master of
Laws degree program for foreign lawyers and students who hold
foreign law degrees. The LL.M. program, which is now admitting
students for the fall 2002 semester, will introduce students to
American law and the U.S. legal system and prepare them for leadership
positions in the global market.
"The USC Law is known for its world-class faculty,
innovative research programs and rigorous academic tradition,
and it has long been a leader in American legal education,"
said Matthew L. Spitzer, dean and Carl Mason Franklin Professor
of Law. "Our LL.M. program will extend that leadership around
the globe."
Attorneys practicing around the world have an increasing need
to understand foreign legal systems, particularly the American
legal system. Many legal transactions handled in international
centers of commerce and politics use U.S.-style documentation,
and the United States is a model for developing legal systems
worldwide.
USC’s LL.M. program is accepting students from throughout
the world. USC Law has focused initial recruiting efforts
in Pacific Rim countries, taking advantage of USC’s strong
ties to Asia and the growing interdependence of Pacific Rim economies.
Dean Spitzer traveled to Asia last fall to discuss the program
with representatives of top law firms and legal educators. "Our
meetings confirmed that there is an intense demand for LL.M. programs
in these countries, particularly in China, Japan and Korea,"
he said. "I think we’ll be able to welcome some of the
best and brightest students from Asia to USC’s program."
The full-time, two-semester program will be highly selective,
enrolling just 10-12 students in its inaugural year. To earn the
degree, students must be in residence at USC during both semesters
and must successfully complete 21 units of credit. Students will
be required to take two foundational courses, "Introduction
to the U.S. Legal System" and "Legal Research";
remaining credit requirements will be satisfied by courses and
seminars offered through USC Law’s juris doctorate
program. The program is directed by Edwin
Smith, the Leon Benwell Professor of Law and International
Relations at USC and an expert in constitutional law and foreign
affairs.
The University of Southern California Law School is one of the
most prominent law schools in the United States, nationally recognized
for its rigorous academic tradition, stellar faculty and diverse
student body. With a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary
study, USC Law offers a wide range of courses and research
opportunities in fields including law and economics, communications
and technology, health and ethics, and public policy and government.
For information
about the LL.M. program or to receive application materials, see
www.law.usc.edu/llm or
contact the LL.M. office at (213) 821-5916 or llm@law.usc.edu.
