The Law School has always recognized that international peace, global trade and communication flow require more, not less, attention to the distinct legal cultures of the world, including those often ignored by the West. The practicing lawyer, whether he or she works for the government, an international organization, or a law firm, has a greater need to understand how other nations regulate particular transactions - not only because there are more of them, but because how any particular government chooses to regulate these transactions may be shaped by transnational factors. Columbia Law School has developed a comprehensive programs of study of legal systems by geographical area of any law school in the world.
In addition to the region-specific centers at the law school, other centers and programs organize important conferences and engage in substantial field work, in most of the world's legal hot spots. These centers and programs take the study of international law beyond the Columbia borders - either through student programs, research, faculty exchanges, visiting scholars, conferences and international collaboration - strengthening the Law School's international profile and global impact. These innovative and groundbreaking centers include:
