graduate programs viewbook 2012
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Graduate Programs Viewbook 2012TRANSCRIPT
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Graduate Programs
A Strong Tradition
Today, Penn Law stands as the most interdisciplinary
law school in the United States, fully engaged with our
fellow world-leading professional and graduate schools
at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why is this important to someone considering an LLM degree?
Lawyers today must navigate among fields and approaches,
not only as they serve their diverse clients, but also as they
directly confront our most pressing worldwide challenges –
from energy consumption and climate change to bioethics,
credit crises, fragile global markets and human rights.
A Penn Law legal education is distinct: you will be called
upon to integrate knowledge and to do so within a community
of scholars and students who will challenge and support you.
The educational and professional significance of this unique
confluence cannot be overstated.
University of Pennsylvania Law School3400 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6204
Office of Graduate ProgramsTelephone: 215.898.0407Fax: 215.898.6979Email: [email protected]
http://www.law.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Policy StatementThe University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and stafffrom diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or otherUniversity-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of AffirmativeAction and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228,Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees,curricula, or any other matters announced in this publication or on its website.
Intellectual Vitality
Our distinguished history began with that of the United
States. Benjamin Franklin founded the University of
Pennsylvania in 1740, and James Wilson – signer of the
Declaration of Independence, framer of the U.S.
Constitution, and one of the original U.S. Supreme Court
Justices – presented Penn’s first lectures in law in 1790
to an esteemed audience, including President George
Washington and members of his cabinet.
Since that historic time, Penn Law has been an innovator
in legal education.
A Strong Tradition
Today, Penn Law stands as the most interdisciplinary
law school in the United States, fully engaged with our
fellow world-leading professional and graduate schools
at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why is this important to someone considering an LLM degree?
Lawyers today must navigate among fields and approaches,
not only as they serve their diverse clients, but also as they
directly confront our most pressing worldwide challenges –
from energy consumption and climate change to bioethics,
credit crises, fragile global markets and human rights.
A Penn Law legal education is distinct: you will be called
upon to integrate knowledge and to do so within a community
of scholars and students who will challenge and support you.
The educational and professional significance of this unique
confluence cannot be overstated.
University of Pennsylvania Law School3400 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6204
Office of Graduate ProgramsTelephone: 215.898.0407Fax: 215.898.6979Email: [email protected]
http://www.law.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Policy StatementThe University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and stafffrom diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or otherUniversity-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of AffirmativeAction and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228,Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees,curricula, or any other matters announced in this publication or on its website.
Intellectual Vitality
“I particularly like teaching at Penn because of its sense of community, the regard that students
have for each other and the cooperation and trust between faculty and students. There’s a genuinely
special feeling about the place.”
Paul H. RobinsonColin S. Diver Professor of Law
OUR FACULTY
Accessible Scholars and Devoted Teachers
“Penn Law is fully engaged with our fellow world-leading graduate and professional schools at the
University of Pennsylvania. A legal education that integrates other fields is ideal for teaching law
students how to understand and help solve the most fundamental legal and social problems in
our world.”
Michael A. FittsDean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law
“ Say ‘law and film’ to many people and the first thing they
think of is copyright. But lawyers are increasingly producing
documentaries to tell their clients’ stories in arbitration
and mediation proceedings, and in legislative and executive-
branch hearings.”
Regina Austin L’73William A. Schnader Professor of Law
Director, Penn Program on Documentaries and the Law
“ Penn is a world-renowned university; one of the best
in the academy. It is wonderful to teach at an institution
where students are interested, smart and prepared to
think broadly about issues across fields. It makes a
profound difference to have all of Penn’s graduate and
professional programs within a 10-minute walk.”
Tom BakerDeputy Dean and William Maul Measey
Professor of Law and Health Sciences
“ The law offers opportunities for involvement in a broad range
of activities, from teaching and research to litigation and
legislation. Learning the law at Penn offers an opportunity to
profit from the insights and techniques of other disciplines
while studying with talented and supportive people.”
Stephen BurbankDavid Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice
“ Studying history from the perspective of law as well as
religion gives students and scholars new insight into
the ways that religious life and the rule of law have
interacted – and why conflicts between them have
produced so much controversy.”
Sarah Barringer GordonArlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and
Professor of History
“ The Entrepreneurship Clinic has real clients in the real
world with real consequences and real impact – allowing
students to apply the theoretical law that they’ve learned
in other classes.”
Praveen Kosuri Practice Associate Professor of Law
Director, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
“ China’s importance to the world economy and to
fundamental issues of law and governance cannot be
overstated. Our students need to understand the
origin and evolution of legal institutions and practices
in China and its neighbors.”
Jacques deLisleStephen A. Cozen Professor of Law
Director, Center for East Asian Studies
“ Brains don’t commit crimes; people do. We do not
blame and punish brains; we blame and punish people.
The criteria for responsibility and excuse are behavioral,
including mental states. Neuroscience is learning much
about causes of behavior, but causation alone does
not excuse behavior.”
Stephen J. MorseFerdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law;
Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry
“ The most important issues facing our society are now
debated through the framework of corporate law.”
Edward Rock L’83Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor of Business Law
“ Internet policy must take into account how much the
underlying technology and the demands being placed on
the network are changing.”
Christopher S. YooProfessor of Law and Communication
Director, Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition
FACULTY
Since 2000, we have grown the Penn Law faculty by close to
50 percent while holding the size of the student body steady,
further strengthening our academic rigor and maintaining our
commitment to being a close and supportive community.
ScholarshipOur professors are prolific scholars, publishing broadly
acclaimed books and articles that advance knowledge in
the law and related fields.
TeachingA low faculty-student ratio and small class size lead to close
collaboration among students and professors.
Faculty share their research at informal brown bag lunches,
seeking student feedback on their scholarship.
Professors partner with students on field-based teaching
activities in the U.S. and abroad on areas such as immigration
and international law.
Law School LifeFaculty are actively involved in the Penn Law community, from
competing in the Celebrity Law Chef Cook-off and donating time
and talent to the highest bidders at the Equal Justice Foundation
auction, to participating in student-organized symposia and
conferences.
“ Studying history from the perspective of law as well as
religion gives students and scholars new insight into
the ways that religious life and the rule of law have
interacted – and why conflicts between them have
produced so much controversy.”
Sarah Barringer GordonArlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and
Professor of History
“ The Entrepreneurship Clinic has real clients in the real
world with real consequences and real impact – allowing
students to apply the theoretical law that they’ve learned
in other classes.”
Praveen Kosuri Practice Associate Professor of Law
Director, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
“ China’s importance to the world economy and to
fundamental issues of law and governance cannot be
overstated. Our students need to understand the
origin and evolution of legal institutions and practices
in China and its neighbors.”
Jacques deLisleStephen A. Cozen Professor of Law
Director, Center for East Asian Studies
“ Brains don’t commit crimes; people do. We do not
blame and punish brains; we blame and punish people.
The criteria for responsibility and excuse are behavioral,
including mental states. Neuroscience is learning much
about causes of behavior, but causation alone does
not excuse behavior.”
Stephen J. MorseFerdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law;
Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry
“ The most important issues facing our society are now
debated through the framework of corporate law.”
Edward Rock L’83Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor of Business Law
“ Internet policy must take into account how much the
underlying technology and the demands being placed on
the network are changing.”
Christopher S. YooProfessor of Law and Communication
Director, Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition
OUR CURRICULUM
Innovative Integration of Knowledge
Penn Law’s graduate programs offer lawyers f rom across the globe a dizzying
array of courses in tradit ional legal topics and emerging f ie lds, f rom both U.S.
and international perspectives. Students can also supplement their legal
education with courses at the esteemed graduate and professional schools at
the Univers ity of Pennsylvania through our cross-discipl inary program.
Our Graduate Students
The majority of students who enroll in our LLM program are foreign-
trained law graduates who seek to become familiar with aspects of
U.S. law and legal institutions or who would like to study and
conduct research in a specialized field.
Our LLM program admits a select and diverse group of approximately
95 full-time students to work with our faculty in a rich, involving
and cross-disciplinary curriculum. Graduate students, who study
alongside their upper level counterparts in the JD program, choose
from a range of over 90 courses per semester including Socratic
classes, interactive seminars and clinical offerings. LLM students
may also take one complementary course in any of the University’s
outstanding professional and graduate schools.
“ Penn Law’s world-class professors and rigorous academic
training make me feel better prepared to take on new
challenges and pursue future goals. My experience here
has been a great addition to my life; one that I will
always reflect fondly upon. ”
Samreen MalikHome Country: PakistanLLB, University of the Punjab; LLB, University of London (External Program) BA, Kinnaird College for Women Bachelor of Arts
Penn Law students thr ive on the intel lectual energy of their faculty and classmates.
LLM students are ful ly integrated members of the Law School and take c lasses
alongside upper level JD students.
Degree Requirements
The LLM degree requires full-time attendance in both the fall andspring academic semesters. Students choose from the wide array ofcourses and research seminars that are part of the Law School’s JDprogram.
(Legal study in the U.S. towards the JD degree is conducted on a post-baccalaureate level; students in Penn Law’s JD program areadmitted following one of this country’s most competitive admissionsprocesses.)
LLM students may follow one of two tracks:
Course Track: 23 semester hours of courses and seminars
Thesis Track: 20 semester hours and a senior writing project (typically done in conjunction with a seminar course)
All LLM students can design a personal curriculum that focuses on aparticular topic (e.g., international trade, cross-border regulation, criminal law or human rights) or one that samples widely from topicsin U.S. and international law.
Even if you do not take courses outside the Law School,
you will be taught and challenged by interdisciplinary
scholars. Nearly three-fourths of our professors hold
an advanced degree in another field, in addition to law.
Almost 50 percent have a PhD.
Summer Program
Penn Law offers a distinctive summer orientation program thatfeatures course work in U.S. legal systems and research. The mandatory program is designed to give LLM students an understanding of the U.S. legal system through two credit bearingcourses:
Foundations of the U.S. Legal System
This is an intensive survey course at an advanced level that addressescertain aspects of U.S. legal thought and practice that are likely to beunfamiliar to international lawyers.
U.S. Legal Research
This course provides an opportunity to learn the effective use of U.S.legal materials and gives an introduction to the Socratic style that typifies teaching in U.S. law school classrooms. It draws on the professional, technological and textual resources of one of the world’spre-eminent legal research collections, the Biddle Law Library.
An August 2007 evaluation by the American Bar Associat ion praised Penn Law for
our dist inct ive emphasis on integrating knowledge with other discipl ines through
our col laborations with the professional and graduate schools at Penn.
Other Graduate Programs
Master of Comparative Law (LLCM)
This program is a one-year course of advanced study for students who have already earned their LLM degree. LLCM candidates typicallypursue a curriculum that concentrates on a particular field.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The SJD program provides an opportunity to conduct extensiveresearch, culminating in a dissertation, under the guidance of facultyfrom Penn Law and, where appropriate, other professional schools andgraduate departments of the University of Pennsylvania. Candidatesmust hold the LLM or equivalent degree from Penn Law or another lawschool of similar stature. The program is extremely selective, anddesigned for students with specific, important research goals andexceptional promise as academics.
Complete application instructions for these programs are available atwww.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/.
Students can take a course outside the Law School as part of theirLLM degree at one of the world-renowned graduate and professionalschools within the University, including Wharton and the AnnenbergSchool for Communications.
INSTITUTES, CENTERS AND PROGRAMS
Col laborate Across the Academy
Law School professors lead cross-school centers at the Univers ity that attract
scholars, experts, pract it ioners and graduate and professional students f rom al l f ie lds
and from around the globe to their lectures, symposia and events.
In recent years, students have worked with Penn Law professors to:
Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives.
Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
Institutes, Centers & Programs
Institute for Law and Economics
Institute for Law and Philosophy
Center for East Asian Studies
Center for Tax Law and Policy
Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition
Criminal Law Program
Legal History Consortium
Penn Program on Documentaries and the Law
Penn Program on Regulation
National Constitution Center Partnership
“ LLM candidates brought not only real world legal
knowledge, but their respective cultures and diversity
of experiences, into the classroom at Penn Law. I truly
enjoyed the opportunity to become friends with people
from Belgium, Greece and Holland during my time
at Penn.”
Anthony Heckman L’10Hometown: Los Angeles, CABA 2005 University of Southern California Associate, Morrison & Foerster (San Francisco)
GITTIS CENTER FOR CLINICAL LEGAL STUDIES
Develop Practical Ski l ls
Recently, clinic students:
Won a two-day trial in state court preventing a family’s evictionfrom subsidized housing.
Coordinated business transactions involving real estateacquisition and multi-staged financing.
Mediated conflicts ranging from employment discriminationclaims to international child custody disputes.
Obtained a grant of asylum for a client facing certain harm ifreturned to his home country.
Successfully mediated a custody agreement between two veryacrimonious parents involving their two children (ages 8 and 10).
Drafted an employee handbook for a client, and consulted onemployment law matters to help the company avoid future litigation.
In recent years, students have worked with Penn Law professors to:
Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives.
Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
“ Our clinics help students build strong relationships
with diverse clients, develop essential lawyering skills,
and apply their talents and creativity in a real world
professional setting.”
Louis RulliDirector of Clinical Programs and Practice Professor of Law
Apply theory to practice as you engage in legal advocacy and
partner with lawyers and professionals from other disciplines.
We offer live-client clinics and a public interest seminar
that provide you with expansive opportunities to apply your
legal education at the intersection of law and a broad range
of subject areas. LLM students may enroll in the following clinics:
Entrepreneurship
Lawyering in the Public Interest
Mediation
Transnational Law
We offer diverse externships with government and non-profit organizations such Community Legal Services, Delaware Riverkeeper,U.S. Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia LegalAssistance, Women’s Law Project, and in areas including FederalAppellate Litigation and Death Penalty Litigation.
TOLL PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER
Integrate Service into Your Professional L i fe
• Gain valuable hands-on experience.
• Develop core professional skills.
• Explore cross-disciplinary solutions to complex societal needs.
• Experience the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others.
Experience service through a diverse and
dynamic public interest community.
Whether you are pursuing a career dedicated to
public service or a life-long commitment to pro
bono work, you will:
Penn’s ABA Award-Winning Pro Bono Program
Our innovative program allows students to integrate pro bono serviceinto their studies. While providing public service support to the community, students also gain opportunities to challenge themselvesin new areas of practice and research.
Recently, LLM students:
Staffed the CNN war room on election night, working with voter protection groups to document voter irregularities throughout the country.
Advocated in court for low-income individuals who lost their jobs or homes.
Promoted community development by teaching urban youth aboutentrepreneurship.
“ The opportunity that Penn provides in public interest
prepares Penn Law students to go out in the world more
prepared to contribute to the ideals of narrowing the
gaps in society and the awesome appreciation of service
to humanity.”
Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson Home Country: Liberia LLB, University of LiberiaBSc Economics, Cuttington University College
Public Interest Week
Our annual Public Interest Week features an Honorary Fellow inResidence and collaborative programming, culminating in the annualSparer Symposium.
TOLL PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER
Integrate Service into Your Professional L i fe
• Gain valuable hands-on experience.
• Develop core professional skills.
• Explore cross-disciplinary solutions to complex societal needs.
• Experience the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others.
Experience service through a diverse and
dynamic public interest community.
Whether you are pursuing a career dedicated to
public service or a life-long commitment to pro
bono work, you will:
IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
The Toll Public Interest Center welcomes LLM students who would
like to participate in pro bono service while at the Law School.
Although participation in the program is not mandatory for graduate
students (JD students must complete pro bono service as a
requirement of graduation), LLM students are welcome to volunteer
with an organization that is of interest. Pro bono service provides
an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand about how law and
civil society intersect in the United States, and to participate in the
representation of underserved populations in our community.
Penn’s ABA Award-Winning Pro Bono Program
Our innovative program allows students to integrate pro bono serviceinto their studies. While providing public service support to the community, students also gain opportunities to challenge themselvesin new areas of practice and research.
Recently, LLM students:
Staffed the CNN war room on election night, working with voter protection groups to document voter irregularities throughout the country.
Advocated in court for low-income individuals who lost their jobs or homes.
Promoted community development by teaching urban youth aboutentrepreneurship.
“ The opportunity that Penn provides in public interest
prepares Penn Law students to go out in the world more
prepared to contribute to the ideals of narrowing the
gaps in society and the awesome appreciation of service
to humanity.”
Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson Home Country: Liberia LLB, University of LiberiaBSc Economics, Cuttington University College
Public Interest Week
Our annual Public Interest Week features an Honorary Fellow inResidence and collaborative programming, culminating in the annualSparer Symposium.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Explore Global Chal lenges and Opportunit ies
International Studies at Penn Law
Choose from dozens of courses focusing on topics in international and comparative law as you
make contacts and establish life-long bonds with attorneys from around the world.
An International Experience
Penn Law offers an exceptional legal curriculum that is infused
with global analysis at all levels of study. Students choose
from varied curricular offerings in international, comparative
and foreign law, which expose them to key issues across these
areas. Within the Law School, cross-disciplinary institutes,
programs, lectures and symposia have become a focal point,
attracting international scholars, experts, practitioners and
students to lectures, symposia and events.
Across the University, further programs provide for unique
opportunities for learning in the spheres of both public and
private international law.
An International Community
Study alongside classmates from more than 40 countries,
who come from careers overseas as sitting judges, government
officials, NGO leaders, bankers, academics and attorneys with
the world’s leading law firms.
Take a short course with a Bok Visiting International Professor.
We host several every year.
“ Having grown up in a Tibetan-Buddhist family, living in
China forced me to revisit deep-rooted political and cultural
views. I hope to utilize this experience to contribute to the
ongoing development of rule of law in China.”
Dorje Glassman L’11 JD/MA in International Studies with Wharton’s Lauder InstituteHometown: Chestnut Ridge, NYBA 2006 Oberlin
AfricaBotswana •Congo (DRC) •Ghana •••Mauritis •Namibia •Nigeria •Rwanda •Senegal ••Sierra Leone •South Africa •Tanzania •Uganda ••
EurasiaBelarus •Russia •••Tajikistan •Ukraine •
East AsiaChina ••••••Hong Kong ••••Japan •••••••South Korea ••••Taiwan •••
Southeast AsiaCambodia •••East Timor •Singapore ••Philippines •Thailand •Vietnam ••
South AsiaIndia ••Nepal •Maldives ••Pakistan •
OceaniaAustralia ••••East Timor •New Zealand •••
North AmericaCanada ••••Mexico ••••
Central AmericaCosta Rica •Cuba ••Dominican Republic •El Salvador •Guatemala •
South AmericaArgentina ••Brazil •••Chile •Columbia •Ecuador •Uruguay •Venezuela •
EuropeAustria •Belgium ••Denmark •Finland •France ••••••Germany •••••Greece •••Hungary •Ireland ••Italy •••••Netherlands •••••Norway •Poland •Portugal •Serbia ••Slovenia •Spain •••••Sweden •Switzerland ••Turkey •United Kingdom ••••••
Middle East/North AfricaEgypt ••Iran •••Israel •••••Qatar •United Arab Emirates •
Study Abroad Sites
Public Interest Work
Student/Faculty Projects
Faculty Teaching Abroad
Other Faculty Activities Abroad
Student Organizations
Alumni Clubs
Wharton Lauder Institute
Visiting Faculty and Researchers
Summer Interns and Associates
International Programs
Penn Law is pioneering new approaches to teaching international and
comparative law.
Two of our newest programs, the Global Research Seminar and the Global
Forum, exemplify our mission to deepen ties with experts overseas and to
place students in direct contact with practitioners and academics in a wide
range of fields.
Our support ive community encourages students to take intel lectual r isks.
It is our bel ief – confi rmed by feedback we receive f rom leaders in the
profession – that students who learn the law in an environment that
encourages and supports this r isk-taking make exceptional lawyers
and leaders.
OUR STUDENTS
Engage with a Smal l and Support ive Community
“The warmth and support of the Law School community brings out the best in every student.
Even the professors temper their demands for excellence with compassion and humor.
Penn Law has given me, as an LLM student, a home away from home and friendships that
will last beyond my time in the United States.”
Sharmini Selvaratnam Home Country: SingaporeLLB, National University of Singapore
“ Penn is a fulfilling experience – a melting pot of academic
excellence, social activities and cultural diversity. One year
is way too short, try to get the best out of it!”
Antonio Arias Etchebarne Home Country: Argentina
Abogado, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
“ You will study with the cream of the crop from all over the
world and enjoy countless social events – and still have
time with your family.”
Yoko Motoyanagi Home Country: Japan
BA Law, University of Tokyo
“ What best exemplifies my time here is great learning in
a great environment. My time at Penn exceeded all my
expectations.”
Vijit ChaharHome Country: India
LLB, National Law School of India University
“The warmth and support of the Law School community brings out the best in every student.
Even the professors temper their demands for excellence with compassion and humor.
Penn Law has given me, as an LLM student, a home away from home and friendships that
will last beyond my time in the United States.”
Sharmini Selvaratnam Home Country: SingaporeLLB, National University of Singapore
ALUMNI CLUBS
Penn Law’s Alumni Clubs are around the world:
Brazil
China
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Japan
Korea
United Kingdom
And we have Affinity Clubs:
PAALAS (Penn African-American Law Alumni Society)
PLAAN (Penn Law Asian-American Alumni Network)
PLES (Penn Law European Society)
Penn Law JD/MBA Alumni Club
Penn Law Lambda Alumni Association
Plus Alumni Clubs from around the world.
http://www.law.upenn.edu/cf/alumni/clubs/map/
“ Penn is a fulfilling experience – a melting pot of academic
excellence, social activities and cultural diversity. One year
is way too short, try to get the best out of it!”
Antonio Arias Etchebarne Home Country: Argentina
Abogado, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
“ You will study with the cream of the crop from all over the
world and enjoy countless social events – and still have
time with your family.”
Yoko Motoyanagi Home Country: Japan
BA Law, University of Tokyo
“ What best exemplifies my time here is great learning in
a great environment. My time at Penn exceeded all my
expectations.”
Vijit ChaharHome Country: India
LLB, National Law School of India University
Penn combines a leafy, architecturally distinguished campus with all the advantages
of a dynamic, culturally rich metropolis. Whatever your background and interests,
you will find activities and communities to make you feel welcome.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
An Exceptional Campus Environment in One of the United States ’ Most Vibrant Cit ies
Penn combines a leafy, architecturally distinguished campus with all the advantages
of a dynamic, culturally rich metropolis. Whatever your background and interests,
you will find activities and communities to make you feel welcome.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
An Exceptional Campus Environment in One of the United States ’ Most Vibrant Cit ies
Student GroupsJoin an established student group (we have more
than 90) or find like-minded colleagues to start your
own. We are home to groups that consider substantive
legal issues, run symposia, welcome speakers on
career exploration, perform musicals and bowl
competitively.
Campus within a CampusOur four interconnected buildings around a lovely
central courtyard support interaction and engagement
among faculty, students and staff.
Affordable HousingChoose from an array of housing options, on campus
and off. Graduate student housing is only one block
from the Law School and the neighborhoods of
University City and elsewhere in Philadelphia offer
options that are a short walk, bike or bus ride away.
DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
We are an Ivy League Univers ity proud of our emphasis on integrating
knowledge across our schools and col leges, our spir i t of innovation,
and our picturesque urban campus.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
We are an Ivy League Univers ity proud of our emphasis on integrating
knowledge across our schools and col leges, our spir i t of innovation,
and our picturesque urban campus.
Penn is distinct in offering the rare blend of an inviting
University campus in the heart of a great city.
Admire award-winning architecture while strolling
through our historic Ivy League campus. Partake of
world-class cultural performances at the Annenberg
Center for the Performing Arts. Tour inspiring exhibits
at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the
Institute of Contemporary Art and the Fischer Fine Arts
Library. Attend conferences and guest lectures at our
sister schools. Work out in our state-of-the-art
fitness facility, the Pottruck Center, with its four floors
of fitness equipment, an Olympic-size pool and
climbing wall.
Visit University City’s popular stores, restaurants
and cafes, cinema complex and lovely parks. Admire
the fine Victorian houses, many of which have been
divided into affordable apartments. Head to the east
across the Schuylkill River and partake of everything
that downtown Center City has to offer.
It is all – ALL – within walking distance of the Law
School!
CAMPUS
PHILADELPHIA
“ Philadelphia is one of the few American cities whose
history is a fully integrated part of the urban landscape.
Cars still roll along the city's cobblestone streets,
people live in homes dating back to the 18th century
and bars Ben Franklin frequented are popular today.”
— CNN
“ The city is on a roll.”
— The New York Times
Think dynamic, sophisticated and affordable.
That’s Philly.
Historic, yet hip and vibrant, Philadelphia enjoys
National Geographic’s designation as “the Next
Great City.”
You can meander through a “city of neighborhoods”
. . . enjoy fantastic restaurants and sidewalk cafes . . .
attend shows and concerts . . . shop interesting stores
and boutiques . . . watch collegiate and professional
sports . . . wander past skyscrapers and quaint
brownstones . . . visit the museums along the Parkway
. . . or run or bike through Fairmount Park, the largest
landscaped city park in the United States.
Students find Philadelphia affordable and exciting.
And you can leave your car at home!
THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA
STUDENT SERVICES
A Support ive Environment, in the Classroom and Beyond
Career Planning & ProfessionalismThe Career Planning and Placement Office counsels students
interested in learning about the U.S. legal job market. While the
great majority of our LLM students return directly to careers in their
home countries, each year many explore the possibility of staying
in the U.S. to work after obtaining their degrees. Foreign trained
attorneys attending any U.S. law school should be forewarned that
there are substantial barriers, including restrictions on licensing, to
the employment of LLM graduates in this country. Only a very
restricted group of U.S. law firms will consider hiring foreign-trained
attorneys who – regardless of their other achievements – lack the
JD degree awarded by a U.S. law school.
To address this challenge, a designated counselor in the Career
Planning & Professionalism advises students about strategies for
identifying opportunities and approaching potential employers
in the most effective manner.
“Whether your career goals include seeking employment in the U.S. or elsewhere or returning to your employer,
the Career Planning & Professionalism team is committed to helping you further develop professional skills during
your LLM year. We provide both LLM-specific career programming and individual counseling for LLM students.”
Heather Frattone L’98Associate Dean, Career Planning & Professionalism
Penn Law prides itself on providing LLM and other
students with unusually strong administrative support.
Our Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs works
closely with individual class members, encouraging all
to take advantage of the wide variety of resources
available to them. These go beyond the Law School’s
academic offerings to include programming aimed at
fostering social and professional interaction between
graduate students and their JD counterparts, Penn
Law faculty, and Law School alumni who have returned
to their homes around the world.
Penn’s historically important position in Philadelphia
allows the Law School to offer a mentor program that
links graduate students with internationally oriented
members of the city’s legal community. LLM students
enjoy access to alumni from Penn’s JD program,
participate in networking events with international
practitioners, and other opportunities for interaction
with legal, business and other professionals based in
Philadelphia and beyond.
STUDENT SUPPORT
STUDENT SERVICES
A Support ive Environment, in the Classroom and Beyond
Career Planning & ProfessionalismThe Career Planning and Placement Office counsels students
interested in learning about the U.S. legal job market. While the
great majority of our LLM students return directly to careers in their
home countries, each year many explore the possibility of staying
in the U.S. to work after obtaining their degrees. Foreign trained
attorneys attending any U.S. law school should be forewarned that
there are substantial barriers, including restrictions on licensing, to
the employment of LLM graduates in this country. Only a very
restricted group of U.S. law firms will consider hiring foreign-trained
attorneys who – regardless of their other achievements – lack the
JD degree awarded by a U.S. law school.
To address this challenge, a designated counselor in the Career
Planning & Professionalism advises students about strategies for
identifying opportunities and approaching potential employers
in the most effective manner.
“Whether your career goals include seeking employment in the U.S. or elsewhere or returning to your employer,
the Career Planning & Professionalism team is committed to helping you further develop professional skills during
your LLM year. We provide both LLM-specific career programming and individual counseling for LLM students.”
Heather Frattone L’98Associate Dean, Career Planning & Professionalism
Course Listing
A Curriculum Rich in Substance and Choice
Here, to give you a sense of the breadth of the curriculum, is a listing
of courses taught in recent semesters. Note that, because our faculty
is engaged in cutting-edge scholarship in all fields, our course and
seminar roster changes frequently, and we cannot guarantee that
any given course will be taught in any specific semester.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND GOVERNMENTAdministrative Law Advanced Seminar in Local
Government LawAnalytical Methods in the Law Constitution Outside of the CourtsCost-Benefit Analysis: Law,
Policy and Practice FDA Law and Policy Foundations of Climate Change
Law and Policy Health Law and PolicyInternational Trade Regulation Law and Economics LegislationLegislative ClinicLocal Government LawNatural Resources Law & Policy Policy Analysis Public Health Law & Policy Regulation of Financial Institutions Regulation of Health Insurance Markets Risk Regulation Seminar Securities Regulation Shaping Communications Policy in the
Obama Administration
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS ANDFINANCIAL INSTITUTIONSAccounting Administrative Law Advanced Issues in Private Finance &
Corporate Reorganization Advanced Topics in Corporate Law Advising the Board of Directors Analytical Methods in the Law Anatomy of a Merger Antitrust Bankruptcy Business Strategy and Corporate Law Chapter 11: Corporate Reorganization Commercial Credit I Commercial Litigation Strategy Contract Drafting Corporate Finance Corporate Governance Corporate Lawyering Corporate Taxation Corporations
Deals: Economic Structure of Transactions & Contracting
Empirical Finance Employment Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic Federal Crimes Seminar Federal Income Taxation Financial Accounting Financial Crisis & Bailout IP & Corporate Lawyering Insurance Insolvency Insurance Law International Bankruptcy International Business Transactions International Finance International Tax Issues in Corporate Law Labor Law in Comparative Perspective Law and Economics Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Mergers and Acquisitions Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Partnership Taxation Policy Analysis Privacy Regulation of Financial Institutions Regulation of Health Insurance Markets Risk Management Risk Regulation Seminar Securities Regulation Sports Law Structured Finance and Securitization Taxation of Business Entities White Collar Crime and Capital Markets
COMMERCIAL LAWAccounting Advanced Issues in Private Finance &
Corporate Reorganization Advanced Topics in Commercial Real
Estate Seminar Analytical Methods in the Law Antitrust Bankruptcy Chapter 11: Corporate Reorganization Commercial Credit I
Commercial Litigation Strategy Common Law Contracts Contract Drafting Contracts Corporate Finance Corporations Cross-Border M&A Deals: Economic Structure of
Transactions & Contracting Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic Financial Accounting IP & Corporate Lawyering International Bankruptcy International Business Transactions International Commercial Arbitration Introduction to IP Law and Policy Issues in Corporate Law Law and Economics Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Patent Law Policy Analysis Real Estate Transactions Structured Finance and Securitization Taxation of Business Entities Trial Advocacy
CONSTITUTIONAL LAWAdministrative Law Advanced Constitutional Law Church and State Comparative Law Conflict of Laws Constitution Outside of the Courts Constitutional Law Constitutional Litigation Constitutional Theorizing Criminal Procedure: Prosecution and
Adjudication Death Penalty & Habeas Corpus Election Law Employment Discrimination Evolution of International & Constitutional
Legal Constraints on War Family Law Federal Courts Federalism First Amendment in the 21st Century Immigration Law
Intellectual Property & National EconomicValue Creation
International Human Rights International Human Rights and
National Security Jurisprudence and Constitutional Theory Jurisprudence of War Crimes Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and the Holocaust Legal Responses to Inequality Legal Revolutions in America:
1750-1880 Legislation Mental Health Law Parents, Children and the State Political Philosophy of the Constitution Privacy Public International Law Religion, Law and Lawyering Right to Counsel Shaping Communications Policy in the
Obama AdministrationSports Law Supreme Court Clinic Supreme Court Practice and Process Supreme Court: Great Cases Topics in Defamation
COURTS AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICEAdministrative Law Advanced Problems in Federal Procedure Analytical Methods in the Law Appellate Advocacy Civil Practice Clinic Civil Procedure Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution Conflict of Laws Constitution Outside of the Courts Constitutional Litigation Criminal Defense Clinic Criminal Law Criminal Procedure: Investigation Criminal Procedure: Prosecution and
Adjudication Cybercrime Seminar Death Penalty & Habeas Corpus Evidence
FDA Law and Policy Federal Courts Insurance Law International Civil Litigation International Human Rights Judicial Clerkship Seminar Jurisprudence and Constitutional Theory Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and Economics Law and the Holocaust Lawyering in the Public Interest Seminar Legal Responses to Inequality Legislation Legislative Clinic Litigation for Social Change Seminar Mediation Clinic Policy Analysis Political Law and Race Psychological Analysis of Legal
Decision-Making Public Health Law & Policy Refugee Law Remedies Right to Counsel Shaping Communications Policy in the
Obama AdministrationSocial Welfare and American Law Supreme Court Clinic Supreme Court Practice and Process Supreme Court: Great Cases Torts Trial Advocacy
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDUREAdvanced Criminal Law Analytical Methods in the Law Criminal Defense Clinic Criminal Law Criminal Law Theory Criminal Procedure: Investigation Criminal Procedure: Prosecution
and Adjudication Cybercrime Seminar Death Penalty & Habeas Corpus Evidence Federal Crimes Seminar Freedom & Responsibility Seminar Intention and the Law International Human Rights Introduction to IP Law and Policy Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and Economics Law and the Holocaust Legal Imagination: Criminals & JusticeAcross Literature Mental Health Law Policy Analysis Privacy Right to Counsel Supreme Court Clinic Trial AdvocacyVisual Legal Advocacy White Collar Crime and Capital Markets
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURALRESOURCE LAWAdministrative Law Analytical Methods in the Law Animal Law and Ethics Comparative Environmental Law
and Economics Cost-Benefit Analysis: Law, Policy
and Practice Environmental Law Environmental Lawyering Foundations of Climate Change
Law and Policy International Environmental Law Law & Policy of Cost-Benefit Analysis Law and Economics Natural Resources Law & Policy Policy Analysis Risk Regulation Seminar
FAMILY AND ESTATE LAWAnalytical Methods in the Law Anatomy of a Divorce Bioethics, Babies and Babymaking Family Law Gender, Law and Psychology Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and Economics Mental Health Law Parents, Children and the State Policy Analysis Privacy Sexuality and the Law Social Welfare and American Law Trusts and Estates
HUMAN RIGHTS LAWAnimal Law and Ethics Bioethics, Babies and Babymaking Constitutional Litigation Death Penalty & Habeas Corpus Employment Discrimination First Amendment in the 21st Century Global Research Seminar: The
Globalization of Corporate Governance Gender, Law and Psychology Human Rights Lawyering in the
21st Century Immigration Law International Human Rights and
National Security Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and the Holocaust Legal Responses to Inequality Litigation for Social Change Seminar Policy Analysis Public International Law Refugee Law Sexuality and the Law Social Welfare and American Law Transnational Legal Clinic UN Security Council in the 21st Century
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TECHNOLOGY LAWAnalytical Methods in the Law Copyright Copyright Theory Cultural Heritage and the Law Cybercrime Seminar Development of US Intellectual
Property Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic First Amendment in the 21st Century IP & Corporate Lawyering Intellectual Property & National Economic
Value Creation Intellectual Property: Trademarks International Communication:
Power & Flow Seminar Internet Law Introduction to IP Law and Policy Law and Economics Patent Law Patent Litigation Seminar Policy Analysis Privacy Risk Regulation Seminar Taxation of Business Entities Technology Policy
INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE LAWAdvanced Issues in Private Finance &
Corporate Reorganization Approaches to Islamic Law China & International Law Chinese Law Civil Law: It’s Cultural Importance,
Jurisprudential Value & Practical Utility
Comparative Law Conflict of Laws Cross-Border M&A Evolution of International & Constitutional
Legal Constraints on War Federalism
Foundations of Climate Change Law and Policy
Global Research Seminar: The Globalization of Corporate Governance
Globalization and Domestic Courts Globalization and Public Law Human Rights Lawyering in the
21st Century Intellectual Property & National Economic
Value Creation International Bankruptcy International Business Transactions International Civil Litigation International Communication:
Power & Flow Seminar International Environmental Law International Finance International Human Rights International Human Rights and
National Security International Tax International Trade RegulationIntroduction to Comparative Law Introduction to European Union Law Jurisprudence of War Crimes Justice System Reform in Japan Labor Law in Comparative Perspective Law and the Holocaust Philosophical Foundations of
International Law Public Health Law & Policy Public International Law Refugee Law Research in International and
Foreign Law Transnational Legal Clinic UN Security Council in the 21st Century
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAWAnalytical Methods in the Law Employee Benefits Employment Discrimination Employment Law Labor Law in Comparative Perspective Law and Economics Litigating Employment Class and
Collective Actions Policy Analysis Risk Regulation Seminar Sports Law
LAW AND THE HEALTH SCIENCESAdministrative Law Analytical Methods in the Law Animal Law and Ethics Bioethics, Babies and Babymaking Cost-Benefit Analysis: Law,
Policy and Practice Criminal Law Doctors, Death Panels & Democracy Drug Product Liability Litigation FDA Law and Policy Freedom & Responsibility Seminar Gender, Law and Psychology Health Care Law Health Law and Policy Insurance Law Intellectual Property & National Economic
Value Creation Law and Bioethics Law and Economics Mental Health Law Patent Law Policy Analysis Privacy Public Health Law & Policy Regulation of Health Insurance Markets Risk Regulation Seminar
PERSPECTIVES ON THE LAWAdvanced Legal Research Analytical Methods in the Law Animal Law and Ethics Approaches to Islamic Law Christianity and American Law:
1880-present Civil Law: Its Cultural Importance,
Jurisprudential Value & Practical Utility
Comparative Law Criminal Law Theory Cultural Heritage and the Law Family Law Federalism Fiction Writing About the Law First Amendment in the 21st Century Freedom & Responsibility Seminar Gender, Law and Psychology Globalization and Domestic Courts Human Rights Lawyering in the
21st Century IP & Corporate Lawyering Intellectual Property & National Economic
Value Creation International Human Rights International Tax Introduction to IP Law and Policy Introduction to Trial Advocacy Jewish Law Justice and Fiction Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and Bioethics Law and Economics Law and Literature Law and the Holocaust Lawyer as Persuasive Advocate Lawyering in the Public Interest Seminar Legal Imagination: Criminals & Justice
Across Literature Legal Responses to Inequality Legal Revolutions in America: 1750-1880 Litigation for Social Change Seminar Mental Health Law
Philosophical Foundations of International Law
Policy Analysis Political Authority & Political Obligation Political Philosophy of the Constitution Practice of Law Privacy Problems in Law and Morality Public International Law Religion, Law and Lawyering Remedies Research in International and
Foreign Law Risk Regulation Seminar Social Welfare and American Law U.S. Legal Research Visual Legal Advocacy
PROPERTY AND LAND DEVELOPMENTAdvanced Topics in Commercial Real
Estate Seminar Analytical Methods in the Law Deals: Economic Structure of
Transactions & Contracting Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic Environmental Law Environmental Lawyering Land Use Law Law and Economics Local Government Law Policy Analysis Property Real Estate Transactions
TAXATIONAnalytical Methods in the Law Corporate Taxation Employee Benefits Federal Income Taxation International Tax Law and Economics Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Partnership Taxation Policy Analysis Structured Finance and Securitization Tax Policy Seminar Taxation of Business Entities
URBAN AND PUBLIC INTEREST LAWAdvanced Seminar in Local
Government Law Analytical Methods in the Law Animal Law and Ethics Constitution Outside of the Courts Constitutional Litigation Cultural Heritage and the Law Election Law Employment Discrimination Employment Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic Family Law Federal Courts Federalism Juvenile Justice Seminar Law and Economics Lawyering in the Public Interest Seminar Legal Responses to Inequality Litigation for Social Change Seminar Parents, Children and the State Policy Analysis Religion, Law and Lawyering Remedies Social Welfare and American Law Visual Legal Advocacy
CLINICAL/EXPERIENTAL, PROFESSIONALRESPONSIBILITY & ETHICSAppellate Advocacy Bioethics, Babies and Babymaking Civil Pre-trial Litigation Commercial Litigation Strategy Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic Keedy Cup Preliminaries Lawyering in the Public Interest Seminar Mediation Clinic Mock Trial Team Competition Policy Analysis Professional ResponsibilityRefugee Law Research in International and
Foreign Law Transnational Legal Clinic Trial Advocacy
How to Apply
Admissions
Each year, Penn Law enrolls a select class of approximately 100 LLM students:
academically gifted, professionally accomplished, intellectually curious, and
culturally and geographically diverse.
In addition, Penn Law enrolls a limited number of exceptional graduate students
pursuing the LLCM and SJD degrees.
Our students come from all over the world, representing more than 30 countries
in a typical year. They come from a broad spectrum of academic, professional,
ideological and economic backgrounds. The majority of our LLM students have
had at least one year of work experience following their law studies, and a
significant percentage hold an advanced degree. This exciting diversity is, in
itself, an integral component of our LLM program. It inspires a cross-fertilization
of ideas and initiatives that enhances the intellectual rewards and professional
transformation that characterize a Penn Law education.
We welcome your interest in joining this extraordinary community.
Matthew Parker
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies
Application Requirements
Applicants to the LLM program must hold a JD or LLB degree, or the equivalent
from a law school that, if in the United States, is accredited by the American
Bar Association and is a member of the Association of the American Law
Schools, or, if outside the United States, has comparable standing.
The International Programs Committee (which oversees all graduate programs)
can, in exceptional circumstances, admit students to the LLM program who do
not already hold a law degree. Typically, such students will hold a PhD, MD or
an equivalent graduate degree, will have already embarked on an academic or
professional career, and will be able to show how legal training is important to
the advancement of their career and/or their scholarly work. Applicants to the
LLCM program must generally have received an LLM degree from the University
of Pennsylvania Law School or comperable institution.
Applicants to the SJD program must have already earned an LLM or equivalent
degree from Penn Law or another, comparable institution. All applicants must
have a well-stated scholarly agenda, with an area of research and appropriate
research methodology clearly outlined. Candidates who do not hold a Penn
Law graduate degree must, in addition, provide copies of scholarly work
published in the English language. More information is available at our website
at www.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/coursestudy.html.
English Proficiency
A high level of English proficiency is essential to successful graduate study.
Most coursework at Penn Law centers on a Socratic dialogue between the
instructor and members of the class. Consequently, a student should be able
to understand rapid, idiomatic English as spoken in class and in seminar
discussions. Students must be able to express thoughts clearly in both spoken
and written English and must read the language with ease. The quantity and
quality of academic work required at Penn Law cannot be accomplished
without such mastery of the English language.
Students must achieve such language proficiency prior to enrollment.
Applicants who feel the need to refresh English skills, however, may want to
enroll in the summer ESL course offered prior to, and separately from, the
mandatory Summer Program. Information on this course is available at our
website at www.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/courstudy.html. LLM
applicants whose native language is not English must take either the Test of
English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS exam. Individual language
assessments, conducted in person or by telephone, may also be required at
the Law School’s discretion. The TOEFL and IELTS are administered at testing
centers throughout the world. Tests should be taken no later than January of
the year in which a student proposes to enroll at Penn Law; the deadline for
submission of a completed application for admission to the LLM program is
November 15 for Early Notification applications, and February 1 for all others.
Please note that early notification is only available to applicants applying
online.
Application forms and further information may be obtained online at
www.toefl.org and www.ietls.org. For TOEFL registration purposes,
please note that:
• The University of Pennsylvania Law School’s code is 2926
• The department code is 03
In unusual cases where it is apparent that the test is unnecessary, the
TOEFL or IELTS requirement can be waived. An applicant seeking a waiver
should first submit a request at www.law.upenn.edu/cf/adms/
gradcontactus/
A waiver will not be granted merely because the applicant asserts that he
or she is proficient in English. An applicant must include a copy of his or
her notice of waiver approval when submitting an application that does not
otherwise include a TOEFL or IELTS score (or notice that such score is en
route). Requests to waive the TOEFL requirement should be submitted as
early as possible in the admissions process.
Application Process
Applications for admission to graduate programs at Penn Law are reviewed by
the International Programs Committee on a rolling basis. Candidates who
submit completed applications – and use the online application form – prior to
the November 15 “Early Notification” deadline, and who ensure that the Law
School receives all supporting documents by the same date, will receive a
response by February 8. At that time, applicants in the early notification pool
will be notified whether their application has been accepted, rejected or held
over for further evaluation in the context of applications submitted in the
general application pool. We strongly advise all candidates to submit their
completed applications at the earliest possible date.
The deadlines are:
November 15 for LLM and LLCM applications submitted for “Early
Notification” (response by February 8)
Feb 1 for all other LLM and LLCM applications (absent special authorization)
March 15 for all applications to the SJD program
As detailed in the application materials, a completed application to any of
Penn Law’s graduate programs must include:
• An application data form
• A personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• A transcript from each degree-granting post-secondary school attended
• Results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination or an indication that the
applicant has received a waiver
• A scholarly project proposal and copies of prior publications
(SJD applicants only)
• An application fee (Information available at
http://www.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/apply/)*
• (SJD candidates must also submit a scholarly project proposal and an
English-language writing sample on a legal topic)
* The application fee may, in exceptional cases, be reduced or waived at
the discretion of the International Programs Committee. Candidates
requesting a fee waiver or reduction should do so by submitting a
request at www.law.upenn.edu/cf/adms/gradcontactus.
Online and Paper Forms
The International Programs Committee strongly encourages candidates to
submit their application data form, personal statement, and application fee
online via Penn Law’s website, www.law.upenn.edu. Materials sent online
are often received in a more complete and efficient manner that
better facilitates the Committee’s own prompt action. Furthermore, those
applying online may pay their application and acceptance fees by credit card
and track the status of their application via our website. The Law School is
unable to accept credit card payment from applicants submitting their
applications via paper forms.
Rather than have their schools submit copies of relevant transcripts,
applicants who plan to apply to several law schools in addition to Penn Law
may wish to submit their transcripts and test scores online via the LLM
Credential Processing Service. This service, described on the Law School
Admission Council website at www.lsac.org, simplifies the process by
requiring original transcripts to be submitted only once. The LSAC then
translates the transcripts, confirms their validity, and distributes electronic
copies and verified TOEFL scores to select law schools as instructed by the
applicant.
Letters of Recommendation
A completed graduate application to Penn Law must include two letters of
recommendation, ideally from law professors or others who have personal
experience instructing and evaluating the candidate. We appreciate the burden
this requirement places on recommenders. Such subjective evaluations from
knowledgeable references, however, are important factors in weighing the
relative merits of international candidates whose objective credentials
necessarily reflect many distinct grading systems and national standards for
legal education.
An applicant may, alternatively, submit letters from academic instructors
outside of the field of law, from employers, or from others with a personal
knowledge of the candidate’s intellectual and other strengths. The International
Programs Committee strongly advises that all letters be submitted in
conjunction with the Recommender Form, but it will review letters submitted
without the form attached. Please note, however, that the online “Status Page”
cannot track the receipt of letters that lack an accompanying Recommender
Form or come from individuals other than those recommenders listed on an
applicant’s online data form.
Financing Your LLM Education
Information on the student budget, including tuition and fees, the Summer
Program Fee, room and board, books, health insurance and miscellaneous
budget items can be found on our website at
http://www.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/financial.html.
As is evident from these figures, attending law school in the United States is a
very expensive endeavor. At Penn Law, we are a tuition-driven institution,
meaning that every dollar of tuition revenue is required to support the academic
program. Accordingly, the resources available to provide tuition assistance to
LLM students are extremely limited. A limited number of merit grants
are awarded to LLM applicants each year; all students are considered for
these grants. We will notify all students selected to receive these awards
during the month of March or April each year. One or two students are select-
ed, on the basis of merit, as Penn Law European Society Scholars. Information
about these highly competitive grants is available at our website,
www.law.upenn.edu.
Because our ability to award assistance is very limited, we encourage you to
seek other funding sources to support your education. You may wish to seek
sponsorship from your employer or your government, or from foundations,
fellowships, and organizations sponsoring fellowships. The Rotary Club
International, for example, has information about scholarship opportunities
available at www.rotary.org. Some students arrange private loans; U.S.
government lending programs may be available to students with U.S. citizenship
or permanent residence status. You can learn about some of these opportunities
from the resources we have collected and placed on our website,
www.law.upenn.edu.
PENN LAW PROFILE
Students at Penn Law thr ive social ly, academical ly and professional ly, thanks
to a smal l , support ive community; the preeminence of our School and Univers ity;
and a focus on redef ining what it means to be a lawyer.
Examples of LLM prior experience:
• Ambassador • Bank manager • Coordinator –
Human Rights Watch • Corporate litigator • Deputy director –
Ministry of Economics, • Trade and Industry;
Ministry of Foreign Affairs • District court judge • Executive officer –
Ministry of Finance • Executive producer • Federal prosecutor • M&A transactional attorney
Sample international employers represented:
• Baker & McKenzie • Bank of Tokyo • Citizens for Justice & Peace • Clifford Chance • Deloitte Touche • DLA Piper • Embassy of Japan (Tehran, Iran) • Greenburg, Traurig • Gross, Kleinhendler, Hodak,
Berkman, & Co.• Hitachi • Hogan & Hartson • Kirin Holding Co. • KPMG
Among Penn Law's historic achievements isour pioneering LLM program. Since the late 19th century, international lawyers, law professors, judges, government officials andothers have come here to further their understanding of United States and international law.
Graduate alumni include a member of theIsraeli Supreme Court; a sitting Justice of South Africa’s Constitutional Court; and a recent Presidential candidate in thePhilippines. Their graduate classmates includehundreds of practitioners working in manyfields across six continents.
• Linklaters • Microsoft • Nippon Oil Corp. • Nissan Motor Co.• Proskhauer Rose • Shearman & Sterling • Skadden Arps • Sony • SOREQ Nuclear
Research Center • Tokyo Stock Exchange
Group
• Head of section - Ministry of Justice
• Human rights attorney • Human rights expert • In-house counsel • Law professor • Legal advisors to
Deputy Mayor, a Prime Minister
• Legal analyst – Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries(JAPAN)
• Legal expert – European Union Group
• Newspaper columnist
A Strong Tradition
Today, Penn Law stands as the most interdisciplinary
law school in the United States, fully engaged with our
fellow world-leading professional and graduate schools
at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why is this important to someone considering an LLM degree?
Lawyers today must navigate among fields and approaches,
not only as they serve their diverse clients, but also as they
directly confront our most pressing worldwide challenges –
from energy consumption and climate change to bioethics,
credit crises, fragile global markets and human rights.
A Penn Law legal education is distinct: you will be called
upon to integrate knowledge and to do so within a community
of scholars and students who will challenge and support you.
The educational and professional significance of this unique
confluence cannot be overstated.
University of Pennsylvania Law School3400 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6204
Office of Graduate ProgramsTelephone: 215.898.0407Fax: 215.898.6979Email: [email protected]
http://www.law.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Policy StatementThe University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and stafffrom diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or otherUniversity-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of AffirmativeAction and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228,Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees,curricula, or any other matters announced in this publication or on its website.
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Graduate Programs