Pioneer LLM programme in Europe for working lawyers

In September, Instituto de Empresa and Northwestern University School of Law
(Chicago) officially opened the first edition of their Executive LLM Program, an
integral part of the alliance between two of the world’s leading institutions in law and business education.

Following the opening ceremony in Madrid, Professor Gregory J. Marsden, Director of the Executive LLM Programme, said that “one of the most impressive aspects of this new group of students is the breadth of perspectives and experience they bring from their professional practice in some of the leading law firms and corporate legal departments in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.”

This pioneering programme in Europe is intended for working lawyers with experience in international practice, and who wish to obtain their LLM degree without having to dedicate an entire year to fulltime study. The programme is taught in English and combines brief on-campus periods in Madrid and Chicago with on-line instruction. Content focuses on the common-law based legal system of the U.S., its practical application in European and international practice, and key aspects of business administration.

Since its inception, this LLM has appealed to a number of law firms and companies interested in sponsoring their partners or associates to undertake the programme. It fills a need for lawyers and other legal professionals, based in Europe and beyond, who wish to continue working while they advance their professional development with an LLM degree from one of the top U.S. law schools, in partnership with one of the leading business schools in the world.

IE Dean Santiago Iñiguez states that “today the practice of law has become a truly globalized profession, with principles and models of the common law informing the structure of transactions all over the world. This programme will provide lawyers with the legal and business knowledge and skills necessary to progress in their international careers.”

In turn, Dean David Van Zandt of Northwestern Law remarks that “it is an honour for us to offer this opportunity to professionals working in the international law and business sector. It is vitally important for them to know and understand the European and the U.S. legal systems, not only for their success as international counsel and executives, but also for the success of their firms and companies. Participants in this programme will be able to immediately apply the knowledge that they acquire in their work.”

Founded in 1859, Northwestern University School of Law is dedicated to facilitating the understanding of law and legal institutions, and preparing its students to succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. Among its main strengths: faculty of international renown; studies centred in real-world experience and teamwork; a united community that provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment. With over 10,000 alumni around the world, Northwestern Law is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top law schools in the United States.