LL.M. in International Legal Studies
LL.M. in International Legal Studies
The LL.M. in International Legal Studies educates legal professionals in different areas of comparative and international law, including international economic law and human rights, with the goal of preparing them for a successful and impactful legal career in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. Using a practical and hands-on approach, this LL.M. program explores how international law is evolving to address new challenges presented by technology and globalization. The need for legal professionals to navigate this new international legal framework, accelerated by the internet and information and communication technologies, is greater than ever. These evolutions challenge our traditional approaches to the different branches of public international law, private international law and transnational law, as well as the different domestic laws around the world and, in particular, in the evolving fields of International Economic Law and Human Rights in the Digital Society. With this in mind, this LL.M. program allows professionals to specialize in both fields of expertise guided by a faculty of leading academics and sector practitioners and led by the Academic Director, Joseph Weiler, Professor at NYU School of Law and Senior Fellow at the Center for European Studies at Harvard.
At IE University, you’ll be joined by other professionals from all over the world as you gain an in-depth understanding of the interconnection of different legal systems by adopting a holistic approach to different social, economic and political contexts.
To enhance your educational journey in international law, you will benefit from additional resources, expertise and networking opportunities offered by our strategic partner, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
You’ll also enjoy an optional immersion experience in Paris at ICC, a mentoring program and the chance to study in one of the world’s global legal hubs in this new and forward-thinking LL.M. in International Legal Studies.
- José Ignacio Fernández-SalvadorProgram Specialist
ANY DOUBTS?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE…
Internationally minded and eager to make an enduring impact as a problem-solver in international law, human rights in the digital society and other key social and economic issues at a global level.
*You must have a first degree in Law from an accredited university to apply for this LL.M. program. Applicants with other backgrounds, such as International Relations, Politics or Economics, can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
LOOKING FOR…
A comparative, multidisciplinary approach with a practical methodology that covers the key branches of International Law, Public Law, International Private Law, International Economic Law and Human Rights, and addresses the impact of technology on the profession. You’re looking to make an impact wherever your legal career takes you.
TO BECOME...
- A lawyer working in an international law firm, multinational company or international organization in areas such as International Trade, Environment, ESG or Cybersecurity, among others.
- An officer, advisor or consultant with an international organization such as the UN, Amnesty International, the European Commission or the International Law Commission, working on the protection of human rights and in policies that safeguard privacy, data protection and digital freedoms.
- A sustainability, compliance or social justice specialist within a consulting firm, NGO or private enterprise.
- A legal officer of a multinational company ensuring the businesses' compliance with data protection laws, safeguarding digital assets, facilitating cross-border transactions and advising on digital trade practices.
- A researcher on international law, human rights and international justice.
BENEFITS OF OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ICC
In partnership with the ICC, we offer LL.M. in International Legal Studies participants an enhanced learning experience, complemented by a range of enriching opportunities. Through our partnership, students will gain access to exclusive seminars, workshops, and events organized by the ICC, designed to broaden their knowledge and network within the field of international law.
Additionally, as part of the program, students will have the unique chance to embark on a week-long journey to ICC’s headquarters in Paris, where they can engage directly with international law experts and immerse themselves in real-world applications of their studies.
Furthermore, students will have the flexibility to enroll in an ICC distance learning course, providing them the opportunity to earn a valuable certificate either in Digital Trade Strategy or Export/Import.
Lastly, our partnership with ICC opens doors to a mentoring program and internship opportunities, enabling students to further develop their skills and gain practical experience within international law.
- EUGENIA CASTRILLÓN, VICE-DEAN OF PROGRAMS AT IE LAW SCHOOL“The core of the program is that students understand what is the evolution of international law while addressing these new challenges presented by technology and globalization”
- AMAYA ÚBEDA, PROFESSOR AT IE LAW SCHOOL “AI brings huge opportunities to be used for social good, but it also raises concerns about the impact on fundamental rights and this is part of this LL.M. program, which is proposed in the master, referring to privacy, data protection, freedom of speech, among others”
- JOHANNA JACOBSSON, PROFESSOR AT IE LAW SCHOOL “Nowadays, technological issues are closely linked to the geopolitical tensions we are witnessing today, due to the increase in fragmentation, as each country is developing its own regulatory models. Therefore, there is an increasing connection between these two disciplines that we are addressing in this master's program, Human Rights and International Economic Law”
LL.M. in International Legal Studies —MAKE YOUR OWN IMPACT
This LL.M. program will transform you into a solutions-focused legal professional, able to navigate the international legal environment’s complex landscape and be at ease dealing with its many modern challenges.
IE Law School values open dialogue, constructive debate, giving sound arguments and the exchange of perspectives and viewpoints. The nurturing of these skills is conspicuous in the consistent top positions awarded in Moots and Debate competitions, including but not limited to International Law and Human Rights.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN AREA OF LAW STUDY
With the LL.M. in International Legal Studies program, students will also specialize in one of four areas of expertise:
Each specialization is designed in unique collaboration with top companies, law firms and renowned institutions. Providing academic and professional development programs in one of four discrete areas of international law, a specialization will empower you to follow the career path in the legal sector that most interests you, demonstrating your experience, passion for and excellence in the speciality to potential employers.
REASONS TO STUDY LL.M. in International Legal Studies AT IE LAW SCHOOL
Why choose IE Law School? Because on top of our outstanding and rigorous academic offering, your experience will involve so much more. Our programs, just like our whole learning environment, are designed to get you out of the classroom to gain real-world experience that will open doors for you at the start of your career and give you an advantage throughout your professional life.
- 01.
PIONEERS IN INTERNATIONAL LEGAL EDUCATION
Convinced of the importance of following a comparative methodology in legal education, we have worked with experienced lawyers with an international focus since 1973. We are sector leaders and active participants in the leading international lawyers’ associations: the Law Schools Global League (LSGL), the International Bar Association (IBA), the American Bar Association (ABA) and the International Association of Lawyers (UIA). As experts in the integration of international law with other disciplines such as business and technology, IE Law School is an elite institution in the sector.
- 02.
A GLOBAL LEADER IN RESEARCH
IE University’s position at the forefront of research in the legal sphere, the digital world and beyond is evident in the work on global governance and transnational realities being undertaken by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for Law and Automation (Lawtomation), the Center for the Governance of Change, the Center for the Environment, the Center for Social Innovation & Sustainability, the Center for Diversity in Global Management, the China Center, the Africa Center and the Saudi-Spanish Center for Islamic Economics and Finance.
- 03.
BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
IE Law School provides unmatched expertise in the integration of Law with different disciplines, from business and management, through finance, to philosophy, politics and economics. Technology is central to all of our programs and research initiatives, reflecting the digitalized world in which legal professionals must now operate confidently. Our programs address the development and ramifications of digital law, intellectual property and technology law, research in law and automation, AI and law, and more.
STUDYING AT OUR LAW SCHOOL, AN ENRICHING TASTE OF REAL LAWYERING
Even a complete grasp of legal theory will not be enough to drive you to career success without experiencing international law in action. That’s why the LL.M. in International Legal Studies provides a grounding in real-world experience that will give you a jump-start to your career with exposure to real clients, real lawyers and courtroom cases.
Legal Immersion Experience
The optional Legal Immersion Experience allows you to work in real law firms and institutions operating in a European city. You’ll get a firsthand view of legal professionals’ work, not only at the top of the sector, but in the field you’re most passionate about.
Moot Courts
You can choose to take part in some of the most prestigious moot court competitions in the world, including the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition in Vienna, or the highly esteemed European Law Moot Court and Moot Court Madrid.
Real-world, practical experience with social responsibility
Want to get started providing real legal advice on real cases? Thanks to the IE Legal Clinic , you can offer pro bono services to NGOs and startups working on social projects around the world. This opportunity is subject to candidate selection, and professors and lawyers will provide guidance to participants.
Mentoring Program
From day one of the LL.M. in International Legal Studies, students may join a mentorship program and receive guidance from a leading professional at a top law firm. This is an incredible opportunity to build a strong bond with an experienced and senior international law professional, expand your network and receive invaluable counsel and support. You’ll also have the chance to gain an internship at a leading international law firm.
Madrid — a global legal hub
A number of the world’s top law firms are headquartered or represented in the Spanish capital. Indeed, the Law Society has named Madrid as a world center for legaltech, so you’ll be right in the heart of the industry, in a city at the forefront of the legal world, with most of the major firms on your doorstep.
No city caters to a young professional’s needs better than Madrid: famed for its student-friendly environment, it offers everything you’d expect of a global city with an international outlook. Vibrant and diverse culture, day and night life and affordable and efficient public transportation make Madrid the ideal place to indulge your interests and discover new ones.
OFFICIAL DEGREE
Students must fulfill the following requirements to be able to request the issuance of the Official University Degree upon completion of the Master Program. If educational prerequisites are not provided and/or if the requirements are not met on time, the student will not be able to request the official university degree as issued by the Spanish government. In this case, the studies will not be official under Spanish educational regulations.
LEADING EXPERTS AT IE LAW SCHOOL
At the heart of IE Law School, we firmly believe that learning extends beyond textbooks and lectures, and that meaningful connections play a pivotal role in shaping one's professional growth and future success. By hosting a diverse array of experts and thought leaders, we empower our students to gain insights into a wide range of topics that shape the global landscape.
Life at IE Law School
CHASING NEW HORIZONS
IE Law School takes great pride in the diversity of our entire community. Not only will you learn alongside international law professionals from around the globe and a variety of backgrounds, but our world-renowned faculty comprises experienced practitioners from every part of the planet and the profession. What’s more, our cutting-edge classrooms offers access to the latest technology and ample spaces to explore the career pathways that lay before you.
Campus Life
Outside the classroom, the Campus Life office is the beating heart of your experience, coordinating a wide range of activities to enable you to broaden your personal horizons and discover passions you never knew you had. And with plenty of opportunities for networking, you’ll build a rich and diverse network of peers from over 160 countries and every conceivable subject and sector. Your experience at IE Law School will be just as enriching as your academic life—with more than 120 student clubs to choose from, the adventure you have at IE Law School is up to you.
Well-being at IE University
IE Law School along with the IE Center for Health & Well-being strive to create a supportive and thriving community by prioritizing our students’ well-being. The Center offers a diverse range of activities, such as workshops to raise awareness of well-being's importance, resources for mental health support, weekly mindfulness sessions and extracurricular courses. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to join themed events like Happiness Week and Kindness, Empathy and Compassion Week.
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