LL.M. Specializations for International Legal Practitioners (Focus on Technology and Global Intellectual Property Issues)

Southwestern Law School invites inquiries from foreign law firms and individual international practitioners in the fields of technology, entertainment, and intellectual property, for specialized training proposals leading to the award of the LL.M.

In an age-accelerated information and communication, the practice of law is becoming increasingly global. Southwestern Law School, located in the most culturally diverse city in the U.S., and a hub of entertainment and technology industries, offers individualized expertise and domain-specific knowledge in these and other areas. Beyond core courses in intellectual property and contract law, Southwestern offers the largest number of electives in entertainment and technology law, allowing for customized specializations for global practitioners. What will be the impact of re-negotiated international trade deals between the US and its neighbors? Who are the winners and losers in the U.S. net neutrality debate? How will the EU's Data Privacy Law impact innovation and competition? What is China's evolving position on trade secrets? How does Hollywood interact with international film industries in China, India, Nigeria, (and most recently Saudi Arabia)? In a world where the questions change as quickly as the answers, Southwestern trains its students to master fundamental legal concepts as well as industry-specific business practices, providing them the relevant context and skills to navigate emerging needs of their employers and clients.

Southwestern offers advanced expertise in emerging areas such as Technology Law and Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property Law (including patent, Trademark, and Copyright), Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, and American Law and Legal Systems. Students may specialize in these and other approved areas with 12 dedicated units within a 24 unit program (up to a maximum of 30). Coursework includes classes integrated with American J.D. students as well as smaller dedicated seminars for international graduate students, and may also include dedicated internships with transnational practitioners based in California. Southwestern has numerous relationships with foreign universities and organizations (including Jindal Global Law School in India, the NACLE consortium of North American schools, and the David and Raymond Intellectual Property Group in Shanghai), helping to facilitate the rapidly evolving demands of a global legal practice.