At CLS, we are proud of our longstanding and deep commitment to internationally-focused legal education. We believe that globalization poses new challenges, and offers new opportunities, in a world of greater economic integration and political and social inter-dependence. Indeed, the nature and scope of law is changing dramatically. We are witnessing the emergence of whole bodies of new law, such as the law of the WTO and the law governing international investment disputes. We are also observing the proliferation of new governance arrangements, including private governance mechanisms in areas ranging from financial transactions to human right, criminal justice and environment protections. All of our programs are designed to maintain our pioneering role in international legal education and to provide our students with the best possible legal education.
In 1994, Columbia was the first U.S. law school to establish a double degree program providing participants with a U.S. Juris Doctor and a foreign law degree, the French Maitrise en Droit. Today, with 29 programs in 12 countries, Columbia Law School offers the broadest array of double-degree, certificate and study abroad programs among U.S. law schools. In addition, students are able to create an independent program at universities around the world.
All students currently abroad, or preparing to go abroad, should regularly check the U.S. Department of State website for information and any warnings about countries you may visit.
Note - Transfer of Credit Policy for the LL.M. Program: LL.M. candidates are required to earn twenty-four (24) points of academic credit and complete the LL.M. Writing Project Requirement to be awarded the LL.M. degree. The Law School does not accept transfer credits for the LL.M. Program, including credits earned in any other degree or non-degree program at Columbia.
