Dear Counsellor:

Thank you for your interest in the unique International Trade and Business Law program offered by the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.  We hope that these web pages, our on-line application process, and our electronic brochure will provide you with all necessary information on the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree programs.  

Applications are accepted year-round, but LL.M. candidates begin their studies only in the Fall term. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is March 1; however, early applications are encouraged. The program begins three weeks in advance of Fall term with an intensive program in legal and academic writing, analysis and research.

The LL.M. program, in cooperation with the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade, is designed to provide candidates with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand current developments in the areas of international trade and commercial law.

The implementation of a complex web of international agreements, rules, regulations and international arbitral decisions indicate a clear need for rigorous graduate-level legal education in the area of international trade law, international commercial law and international investment which this program seeks to meet.

Foreign LL.M. candidates arrive 30 days in advance to receive an introduction to American Law as well as U.S. research and writing techniques, as a part of our a summer intensive program.  All LL.M. candidates complete a thesis, requiring extensive legal research and analysis under the guidance of Professors Kozolchyk, Gantz, or other faculty members, and may focus on any area of interest within the broad context of international trade and commercial law.

Recent research projects include the development of an electronic commercial registry; comparison of and suggestions for harmonization of banking law; transportation documentation; environmental legislation; customs law and procedures; common rules for recognition of judgments; dispute settlement at the WTO and under NAFTA Chapter 11; industrial incentives legislation in Central America; and comparative real estate law, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. The National Law Center's methodology contemplates analysis of the various laws and regulations as written, the "living law" -- how the law operates in practice -- consultation with government and private practitioners as to what changes are needed, and drafting of recommendations, new legislation, regulations or uniform rules. Other dissertations have taken a more theoretical approach.  It is our expectation that graduates of the program will be well-prepared for future careers in private practice, law teaching, and/or government service.

The LL.M. Program has received generous financial support from James E. Rogers, a member of the University of Arizona College of Law class of 1962, for which the College is named.

David A. Gantz

Samuel M. Fegtly Professor of Law

Director, International Trade Law Program