Study International Law in a Globalised World

Given the global nature of modern legal practice, it’s essential that attorneys of the future are skilled in the nuances of cross-border interactions – and that’s exactly what you get at the University at Buffalo‘s (UB) School of Law.

Recognising a gap in the market needing reliable expertise to fill it, the school recently announced the launch of its innovative LL.M. program in cross-border legal studies.

The university, a premiere research-intensive public university on the State University of New York’s flagship campus, is in a unique position to capitalise on its close proximity to the Canadian border. Located just 20-minutes away, UB School of Law students have continuous access to cross-border legal issues both inside and outside the classroom, an opportunity unrivalled by any other law school in the country.

A strong network of alumni based in Buffalo, New York and Ontario, Canada serve as community partners in the program and are engaged in cross-border legal practice that covers a huge range of areas including trade, tax, immigration, real estate, and corporate and transactional work. As the program covers such a varied and diverse set of legal areas, students get an appreciation and understanding of a range of topics rather than being pigeonholed at an early stage in their career.

This, along with the international nature of the program, means skills and knowledge imparted by the program can be used across the world and are not limited to just US-Canada transactions.

“The Cross-Border Legal Studies LL.M. will allow us to use our unique border location to expose students to a wide variety of cross-border legal issues, while imparting skills that graduates can then apply to cross-border work they undertake anywhere in the world,” says Professor Meredith Kolsky Lewis, who serves as the School of Law’s Vice Dean for International and Graduate Programs, and as Director of the Cross-Border Legal Studies Center.

The invaluable interaction with practicing attorneys throughout the program, and particularly during the project-based work, means students pick up skills that are in-demand throughout the legal profession, regardless of locale or field.

Working to identify and tackle real-world and relevant legal issues within the cross-border context, students learn lawyering skills such as professionalism, accurately recording billable time, business development techniques, and legal research and writing. These are talents that will serve you well, wherever you end up practising law or choosing a non-traditional legal career.

A truly versatile program such as this will enable you to guide clients through the pitfalls of cross-border interactions and make a difference in communities across the globe, whether that be in your home town or in your dream destination.

Continuing the teaching of universally-valuable legal skills, the school also offers the Environmental Law LL.M.

A subject that is becoming increasingly vital with each passing day, an LL.M. in Environmental Law has the potential to effect real change that can shape the future and transform our planet.

“Whether advocating the position of a public interest group, a corporate client, a government agency or a private citizen, almost every area of legal practice today touches upon some aspect of environmental law,” says Professor Jessica Owley, co-director of the Environmental Law program.

“At a global level, critically important issues such as climate change, sustainability and transnational pollution require an understanding of environmental law and policy.”

Not only do you build up a solid foundation of knowledge in environmental law and policy through traditional classroom study, the program also embraces the experiential approach to learning and gets you out there in the field working alongside practising lawyers.

Personal academic attention is also key in the learning process of all UB’s LL.M. courses. One-on-one guidance and academic advising is on-hand throughout the degree, keeping you on track and making sure you’re happy with your development. This individualised attention means every UB graduate has the tools they need to fulfil their true potential.

Where better to learn about the legal conservation of nature than in a place of truly stunning natural beauty? The university enjoys the best of both worlds being located in a major metropolitan area, densely packed with legal institutions, while also being on the doorstep of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

And Buffalo has experienced and learned from environmental tragedies of its own that have ultimately led to state-wide and national legislation focused on protecting and cleaning our environment

“Buffalo is the perfect setting for the Environmental Law LL.M. program,” says Benjamin Wisniewski, an associate at the Buffalo law firm of Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, and an original recipient of the Environmental Law LL.M. “From nature’s majesty in Niagara Falls, to the cautionary tale of Love Canal, I cannot think of a better setting to educate new environmental lawyers.”

“Beyond its location, I am confident the curriculum developed by the law school provides an ideal blend of practical instruction and academic exploration.”

As well as Cross-Border and Environmental Law, the school also offers Criminal Law and General LL.M. programs. For any lawyers looking to take their careers to the next level but also seeking an education that’s both challenging and rewarding, the School of Law at the University at Buffalo is a great choice for you.

 Follow the School of Law at the University at Buffalo on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn

Liked this? Then you’ll love these…

The benefits of studying law in Connecticut

Leading Law Schools: Where talent meets opportunity