UC Davis Law School Hosts International Law Professionals

The UC Davis School of Law becomes a miniature United Nations every summer, when law professionals and students from around the world converge to partake in International Law Summer Programs. Currently 128 professionals from 25 countries are participating in programs ranging from International Commercial Law and Orientation in U.S.A. Law to Financing International Transactions.

Rose Nakayi, a Fulbright scholar from Uganda, describes the UC Davis International Law Summer Programs as "amazing," providing a familiarity with U.S. law and culture that will ease her upcoming transition to the University of Notre Dame, where she'll work toward a doctoral degree. Nakayi says she very much enjoys how the program facilitates group study in a relatively intimate setting with people from around the globe.

Allard Schuering (pictured on left) of the Netherlands is but one of the attorneys from leading global law firm Baker & McKenzie attending the summer program. He says that his firm has had no less than an excellent experience with the program for more than 10 years, earning very positive feedback from past participants. Fernando Sá, an attorney with Brazilian energy giant Petrobras, echoes this statement, explaining that the program is so well-regarded at his firm, participation is a professional milestone. Sá reports that he and fellow Petrobras lawyers in attendance are able to use the information presented in the program in day-to-day work activities due to the global nature of Petrobras's business dealings.

Like Fernando Sá, Judge Akira Yasumi (pictured) of Japan says that the UC Davis International Law Summer Programs are highly evaluated by legal professionals back home. Yasumi, who signed up for the program to broaden his personal and professional repertoire, hopes program offerings will give him new insight into legal proceedings in Japan. Upon completing the program, Judge Yasumi will continue his research in comparative law at Superior Court of Fulton County in Atlanta, Georgia.

International Law Programs at UC Davis School of Law combine a theoretical and practical approach to U.S. and international law. Courses are designed for lawyers, judges, law professors, and pre-LL.M. students who want to learn about theories and practices of the U.S. legal system. Knowledgeable practitioners and business professionals also enroll to learn about complex business and legal transactions. Many of the courses are open to all legal professionals, with no entrance requirements or formal admissions process. Participants receive a certificate of attendance for each course that is satisfactorily completed. Individuals who wish to take courses for credit may request an official transcript.

For those interested in pursuing formal graduate studies, a 10-month Master of Laws (LL.M.) program and a summer International Commercial Law LL.M. program provide unique opportunities for qualified applicants to study at the UC Davis School of Law on either a full- or part-time basis. Graduates of these degrees have gone on to sit for bar examinations in California and other states.

In addition to advanced degree programs, UC Davis offers International Law exchange programs with schools in Europe and Asia, special summer courses, and a visiting scholars program. UC Davis International Law Programs are endorsed by the State Bar of California.

For more information, contact International Law Programs at UC Davis Extension, [email protected].