Study Law in New York The practice of law has become increasingly transnational in nature. As a result, lawyers
throughout the world have come to recognize the need to develop an understanding of the law
and legal systems not only of their own countries, but also of other countries that are
important to the international practice of law. Technological advancements have made international travel quick
and inexpensive and communications around the world virtually instantaneous. Business
transactions and foreign investments, in turn, have become increasingly global in character.
The nature of international law itself has also changed in response to developments in
technology and transnational business dealings. This, too, has led to an increasing demand for
lawyers who can practice effectively in the international arena. Changing Needs Law practice has responded to the changing needs of business
by recognizing the need for and rewarding attorneys who can practice effectively across
jurisdictional borders and in both civil and common law systems. Knowledge of the
lingua franca and cultural nuances of multiple jurisdictions is also highly valued.
law firms - from the largest and most prestigious to mid-sized and smaller firms
- have been changing the way they do business. US law firms have been hiring an increasing
number of attorneys from abroad for their home offices to service a growing number of
international clients. At the same time, scores of us law firms have opened branch
offices in cities around the world, seeking to capitalize on the international
growth of business and law practice. Other US law firms have merged with
established law firms around the world. All of these changes in the way that US law
firms operate provide enormous possibilities for lawyers from abroad who are well
versed in the US legal system and US law. Degrees in America In response to these changes in law and the way law firms
do business, large and growing numbers of lawyers from all regions of the world come to
the US to study law. Programs at US law schools offering JD (first degree in law)
and LL.M. (graduate) degrees have responded to this demand. LL.M. programs in
particular have grown in number, size, and scope in recent years. While most of these programs
are not limited to attorneys trained abroad, they are designed to respond to the
needs of such students. Programs at US law schools offer international law students
the opportunity to study US law in an environment that fosters a truly international
perspective. Law students from abroad generally design a curriculum that combines basic
US legal principles with courses in one or more areas of substantive interest. Student may also pursue a pro- gram of study that focuses on
a particular area of specialization, such as intellectual property, corporate
law, or taxation. International students are also introduced to the forms and
methods of legal writing prominent in US law practice. In short, education at a US law
school provides lawyers with an appreciation of the fundamental principles of the US
common law system, exposure to the vocabulary of US law, an understanding of
US substantive law in the areas most relevant to each particular
attorney, and familiarity with US law practice. Opportunities Moreover, because students from abroad take most or all of
their classes with US law students, there are ample opportunities for comparative learning
and the sharing of ideas with law students from the US and around the world. These
dialogues may begin in the class-room but are often continued in informal gatherings
outside of class, law school student activities, language roundtables, and
other events in and around the law school community. Cultural Understanding These opportunities also allow internationally trained attorneys
to develop a deep sense of cultural understanding and language abilities that will help
prepare them for contemporary law practice. In addition, inter- national students
at US law schools typically develop close networks of personal and professional contacts that shape
their professional lives for years to come. New York City offers special advantages for an attorney from
abroad interested in a law degree from a US law school: It is the legal, financial and inter-
national capital of the US, offering the United Nations, the New York Stock Exchange, the home
offices of most of the country s largest and most prestigious law firms, and
myriad other opportunities. It is also among the most culturally rich
environments in the world, bringing together a truly multicultural community consisting of
people of all nationalities, religions, and races. (Not insignificantly,
it also offers world-class theatre, opera, museums, musical venues and performances, and
other sights; exquisite culinary opportunities; and some of the world s best shopping!) The study of law in the US promises to enhance an inter-
national lawyer s professional opportunities. The advantages offered bylaw study in the US
are many - advantages that are magnified by the myriad advantages of New York City. .
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
