Feature Story: London LL.M. Program

In 1968, the University of Notre Dame established the first—and still the only—full-time branch of an American law school outside the United States. The London Law Centre offers a summer study program, a year-long study abroad program for second-year law students, and the LL.M. degree in International and Comparative Law. “I saw the LL.M. program as a fantastic opportunity to get an excellent legal education, network with peers from all over the world, and live in one of the best places on the planet,” says Nicolas Roessler of Germany, who graduated cum laude from the program in 2001 and now practices in the Frankfurt office of Mayer Brown International, LLP.

Admission to the LL.M. program is limited to those with a law degree from a recognized law school, and whose academic performance in law school shows a high competency and promise for further legal studies. This LL.M. program allows both American and non-American students to obtain a degree from a U.S. law school while studying in England. The LL.M. program is designed for students from common law countries who seek advanced training, and for graduates of law schools in civil law countries who seek training in common law disciplines or who wish to pursue studies comparing their legal systems with those of the United States and Great Britain.

The program has enrolled lawyers from all over the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, Russia, the U.K., Chile, Taiwan, and Bosnia.

Jose Alfredo Reygadas received his law degree at Universidad Panamericana Law School in Mexico City, and graduated from the London LL.M. program in 1996. He has more than 14 years of experience in business, legal affairs, and management positions in the entertainment, communications, and publishing industries in the United States and Latin America. He is currently the president and CEO of his own firm, Reygadas & Associates, Inc., in Miami, Fla. “In addition to the reputation of Notre Dame, I believe the international experience I gained from living and studying in London definitely aided in furthering my career.”

Roessler also credits the program for getting him to where he is today. “To work in a global firm like Mayer Brown, it is imperative to have a perfect command of the English language, especially legal English, and a common understanding of other legal systems,” he said. “Having a degree from Notre Dame surely increased my chances of being hired.”

For more information on the LL.M. in International and Comparative Law program, click here.

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