IE Law School - Northwestern Law Executive LLM Program

Published September 2009, last updated April 2010

Name of Program	Type of Degree	Language of instruction
Executive LLM	LLM + Business Certificate	English

Short program description

The Executive LLM Program offers experienced lawyers the chance to complete the LLM degree from Northwestern University School of Law, without taking a whole year away from work.

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive the Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Northwestern University School of Law, plus the Certificate in Business Administration from IE.

The Executive LLM Program lasts for one academic year, from September to May.

Detailed program description

Since its inauguration in September 2006, the Executive LLM Program created by IE Law School and Northwestern University School of Law continues to allow experienced lawyers to earn the LLM degree from one of the top US law schools In addition to the LLM, graduates also earn the Certificate in Business Administration from IE, one of Europe’s leading institutions in postgraduate law and business education.

The unique structure of this program, combining three intensive on-campus periods of approximately two weeks each, plus on-line coursework, allows participants to complete the program without taking a year away from their professional and personal obligations.

Program content combines fundamental subjects of US law, their application in European and international practice, plus fundamentals of business administration. This latter category includes subjects which are vital to the success of today’s business lawyer, including financial accounting, corporate finance, negotiation, marketing and business strategy.

Structure

The Executive LLM Program runs from September to May, and offers candidates maximum flexibility thanks to its two timetable options.

Traditional Executive Program. The first option is specifically designed for a working lawyer who cannot take an extended period of time away from his or her professional obligations. This option combines three intensive on-campus periods, each roughly two weeks in duration. Two of these periods are held in Madrid on the IE campus (starting in September and November), and the third and final period is held at the Northwestern Law campus in Chicago (April/May). In between the on-campus periods, participants continue their studies on-line, using our Campus On Line courseware platform.

Residential Option in Chicago. The second option of study is ideal for candidates who can take more time away from their professional and personal obligations. This alternative lets participants complete the first two terms on-campus in Madrid. Then, from early January to mid-May, participants travel to Chicago and spend the spring semester in residence at Northwestern Law, where they may choose courses from among the wide variety of subjects offered to Northwestern JD and LLM students.

Regardless of the study option chosen, all Executive LLM Program graduates will have the opportunity to attend the Northwestern Law all-campus graduation ceremony, held in Chicago at the end of the third on-campus period.

On-Campus and On-Line Education

The combination of traditional classroom instruction and interactive on-line education allows students to complete this LLM program in one academic year without extended periods away from their career.

On campus sessions are intensive to enable you to get the most out of your precious time with professors and colleagues in both Madrid and Chicago. Following these face-to-face sessions, the learning and networking continue via our on-line resources, when the On-lineCampus On Line becomes the fundamental point of reference for group work and professor-led virtual discussions.

On average, participants spend around 15 hours per week during these computer-based periods, including both on-line work and offline study. The asynchronous nature of the on-line periods means that participants are not restricted by strict timetables and can take part in the on-line sessions at their own convenience.

Whether on campus or on-line, all courses in the Executive LLM Program are taught by renowned professors from both Northwestern Law and IE. These top scholars, teachers and practitioners draw on their own extensive experience, as well as the diversity and background of the class members themselves, to create a unique and innovative learning experience.

 

http://www.executive-llm.ie.edu/

Contact Address

Name: Admissions Department
Phone: +34 915 689 610
Fax: +34 915 689 710
Email: admissions@ie.edu
Website: http://www.ie.edu/law

Address:
Maria de Molina 11, 13, 15
28006 Madrid, Spain

Requirements

- A first degree in law (LLB or similar), or its equivalent. By exception, applicants with a first degree in subjects other than law may apply as candidates for the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree.
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Application form + personal statement + 1 letter of recommendation
- Interview

Application Process

1. Application and Supporting Documents
This form and its supporting documents provide the Admissions Committee with fundamental information when it comes to evaluating each application. The application form is available on-line.

2. Interview
Having evaluated the application form and additional documentation, the Admissions Committee may invite you to take part in a personal or telephone interview.

3. Admissions Committee Decision
Following the interview, your application will be subject to a final analysis by the IE / Northwestern Joint Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will evaluate all aspects of your candidature and will subsequently notify you of its decision in writing.

Participants Profile

Executive LLM Program students come from a variety of backgrounds, including law firms of all sizes as well as in-house legal departments, business enterprises and international organizations.

Candidates for the LLM degree are expected to have a first degree in law; MSL candidates must hold a first degree in another subject. All candidates are expected to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

Average Age: 33.7
Average work experience: 8.5 years

Countries Represented:
Belgium
Brazil
Colombia
China
Dominican Republic
Egypt
France
Germany
Greece
Guatemala
Ireland
Italy
Mexico
Nigeria
Panama
Philippines
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
UK
USA
Uruguay
Yemen

Application Dates

The Executive LLM Program operates a rolling admissions process. We therefore do not have any deadlines for receiving applications. However, we recommend that candidates apply up to a year in advance in order to ensure themselves a place on the program of their choice.

Tuition / Fees

€ 34,400 plus € 1,100

Duration of Study

The Executive LLM Program lasts for one academic year, starting in September and finishing in May.

Financial Aid

There are many scholarships available as well as other financial aid options, for more information please consult IE’s website. www.ie.edu/financialaid

Accreditation

Northwestern University School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). IE is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. IE Law School is a member of IALS

Career Perspective

The goal of the  Executive LLM is to take an experienced lawyer, and provide him or her with the tools necessary to take the next step up the ladder of professional success. To this end, we offer participants unsurpassed knowledge of law and business subjects, as well as the skills required for success in the international legal and business worlds.

As a program designed for the working lawyer, the career perspectives available to our graduates are primarily focused on upward mobility within their organizations, whether this involves promotion to partnership or executive management responsibility.  In addition, a number of Executive LLM Program graduates have successfully completed lateral career moves, including moves within the same sector and those from legal practice to business and vice-versa.

Program Emphasis

The Executive LLM Program is designed primarily for working lawyers with a civil-law background, who seek additional knowledge and skills in business administration and the common law. Its main appeal is to those lawyers who must continue their careers while they study and master a broad range of legal and analytical skills.

Recruiting

Participants have access to the full range of services provided by IE’s Careers Management Center, which handles 3,500 job offers each year as well as organizing many activities designed to further increase the career prospects of IE graduates.

In addition, participants in the Residential Option in Chicago benefit from special advisory services for LLM students provided by Northwestern Law’s Center for Career Strategy, which is primarily focused on career opportunities within the US market.

Executive LLM Program