More than half the world’s population live outside the rule of law. The Master of Laws (LLM) in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) is designed to prepare students to become rule of law advisors, particularly in countries that are developing, in economic transition, or recovering from violent conflict.
The PROLAW LLM is a practice-oriented degree program for law graduates and lawyers offered at NORTHAMPTON’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy. Living and studying in Rome, you’ll receive the advanced hands-on training and skills you need to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen both the rule of law and prospects for national development in your country and geographical region.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Upon graduation with an LLM in Rule of Law for Development from NORTHAMPTON, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:
You will understand how the rule of law develops in society; the role of global and international institutions in establishing and maintaining rule of law; current frameworks for sustainable development and the rule of law; and the relationship between democracy, governance, and the rule of law.
You will be able to:
Conduct research on rule of law development topics and carry out assessments of rule of law problems, and organize, format, and draft memoranda and other documents to advise;
Develop a conceptual framework or theory of change to create optimal sequencing of legal reform for development;
Support the implementation of rule of law initiatives which take into account varied legal cultures and systems;
Guide specific rule of law initiatives to support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals;
Develop rule of law projects that include key international development project management tools and monitoring and evaluation plans of rule of law initiatives;
Devise and apply strategies for effective international and inter-organizational engagement and cooperation for rule of law and governance development in conflict prevention, reducing instability, and peacebuilding; and
Design, implement and lead projects with institutional partners to further the rule of law.
You will be able to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen the rule of law and prospects for national development, including maintaining respect in dealing with all stakeholders, incorporating diverse viewpoints, willingness to accept iterative progress, and respect for human rights.
CURRICULUM
You’ll complete all onsite courses at NORTHAMPTON’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy from September to February. After this, you’ll complete two online courses from March to April and your capstone project requirement by July 15 from your home country through online interaction with your project advisor.
FALL TERM
History, Theory and Practice of Law for Development
Comparative and Ethical Lawyering for the Rule of Law
Theory and Practice of Assessments in Rule of Law Advising
Research and Writing on the Rule of Law
SPRING TERM
International Development Architecture
Advising for Economic, Social, and Institutional Reform
Design of Rule of Law Programs and Proposal Preparation
Rule of Law Project Management
Rule of Law in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
SUMMER TERM
Rule of Law Capstone Project
Degree Requirements
To earn a PROLAW LLM, you must complete 27 credit hours of coursework, including nine courses and a major rule of law capstone project.
FEES
The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable