Select Page

LLM for International Lawyers

by | May 13, 2019 | Undergraduate

Law is increasingly practiced on a global scale, with attorneys that understand how the laws of their home country and that of the U.S. intersect.

Outstanding lawyers from over 45 countries have chosen NORTHAMPTON to boost their career with a master’s degree. One-on-one academic and career counseling, supportive faculty, and access to worldwide legal networks are just a few benefits of our LLM Program for International Lawyers. And your educational experience will be enhanced by your immersion with U.S. students.

As a NORTHAMPTON student, you will study with leading practitioners in the same classes as your U.S. peers. You may choose to complete one of two tracks:

TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS
Designed for foreign lawyers who seek to develop an expertise in American law, the rigorous curriculum immerses you in the foundations of U.S. law and legal thought and provides a thorough training in legal skills critical to advising clients in the U.S. or globally. The students in this track plan to sit for a bar exam and/or stay in the US to practice.

TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS
Designed for students interested in private and public international law, you may earn a focus certificate in any of NORTHAMPTON’s specialty areas, all of which include strong international and comparative components: arbitration, mediation, negotiation; business and corporate; child and family; competition; health; human rights; intellectual property; tax; or trade law. Under the guidance of our engaged international faculty, you also may develop your own focus to match your academic interests and professional goals.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Upon graduation with an LLM from NORTHAMPTON, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:

In the Immersion in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers program, you will demonstrate:

A foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system and the U.S. substantive and procedural law relevant to your specialty focus
Familiarity with the rules of professional ethics
An understanding of U.S. legal discourse, case analysis, and legal reasoning
In the International Law with a focus program, you will demonstrate:

A foundational understanding of international law from a U.S. perspective and the U.S. substantive and procedural law relevant to your specialty focus
A familiarity of cultural issues raised in international and U.S. law
An understanding of U.S. legal discourse, case analysis, and legal reasoning

You will be able to:

Use U.S. legal authority and perform legal analysis and problem-solving methods employed by U.S. lawyers
Demonstrate proficiency in Legal English, in both written and oral communications
Communicate effectively on sophisticated legal topics, both orally and in writing
Market your professional skills
Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the U.S. legal profession’s values and standards

You will be prepared to exercise the professional and practical skills that are essential for effective and responsible participation in the legal profession.

56

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN THE LAST 6 YEARS

91%

BAR PASSAGE RATE

3

NUMBER OF TIMES LISTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL JURIST FOR BEST LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL LLM PROGRAM

CURRICULUM

 

You can choose to start the program in the fall term (late August) or spring term (mid-January). The program is designed to be completed within one year, but you may choose to complete the program part-time over two years.

You will enroll in two mandatory classes that are designed exclusively for all international LLM students to introduce core concepts of the U.S. legal system and legal research and writing methods. We work with you to choose which courses suit your academic interests and professional goals best.

TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS

TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS

The curriculum for Track I is designed to include the core courses currently required by the New York State Board of Law Examiners for foreign lawyers obtaining an LLM degree. While we provide you with the required courses to satisfy the eligibility and admissions requirements to sit for New York’s bar exam, we make no representation or guarantee that any student or graduate of our LLM Program for International Lawyers will be qualified or eligible to sit for the New York or any other state bar examination.

REQUIRED COURSES

Introduction to U.S. Law and the Legal System
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers I
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers II
Professional Responsibility
Six credits of subjects tested on the New York bar examinations:
Administrative Law
Advanced Business Organizations, Including a Comparative Perspective
Advanced Civil Procedure
Agency and Partnerships
Business and the Law
Business Organizations
Child, Parent and State
Civil Procedure
Conflict of Laws
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure: Adjudication
Criminal Procedure: Investigation
Estates
Evidence
Family Law
Federal Courts
Property
Real Estate Transactions
Remedies
Sales
Secured Transactions
Torts
Unincorporated Business Organizations

ELECTIVE COURSEWORK

You may complete nine credits of course work. You may select from over 250 courses and seminars offered each year. We recommend that you focus on additional subjects tested on the bar exam.

TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS OPTION

TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS OPTION

In Track 2, you will enjoy flexibility in designing your own curriculum to match your academic interests and professional goals. You must complete the required courses and at least 7 credits in international law and 7 credits in any specialty area.

REQUIRED COURSES

Introduction to U.S. Law and the Legal System
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers I
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers II

ELECTIVE COURSEWORK

You may complete 18 credits of elective coursework, tailored to match your interests and career goals:

International law, 7 credits
area of focus courses, 7 credits
additional courses, 4 credits

Degree Requirements

To earn your degree, you must complete 24 credit hours of coursework, while maintaining the GPA requirement.

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

Fee

MJ in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW)

by | May 13, 2019 | Undergraduate

Applying the rule of law in a country undergoing economic growth requires thinking more globally. The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to become a rule of law innovator and leader in your country and geographical region.

The PROLAW MJ is a practice-oriented degree program for non-lawyers at Northampton’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy. Living and studying abroad is an opportunity for you to get the hands-on training to work as advisors in promoting the rule of law in economies in transition and developing countries.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with an MJ 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; legal methods and concepts needed to carry out rule of law initiatives; 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
Advise on how applicable institutional and legal frameworks affect the way in which rule of law advisory work can be undertaken
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
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

Legal Systems and Methods
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
The curriculum is supported by the PROLAW Visiting Lecturer Series with prominent rule of law professionals.

Degree Requirements

To earn a PROLAW MJ, you must complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including ten 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

Fee

MJ in Health Law

by | May 13, 2019 | Undergraduate

As a health care professional, you know there’s always more to learn. And, with health care constantly changing, there are always opportunities to develop new skills and enhance your career, be it in compliance, risk management, patient safety, privacy, consulting, or leadership. But you’re also very busy. The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Health Law is an online degree program designed to help you build the skills and knowledge to expand your career on your own schedule. You’ll interact with faculty and leaders in the field, acquiring the expertise to navigate issues of health care law, regulation, and policy.

Should you choose to focus in compliance through our accredited program, you will be eligible to receive a Certificate in Compliance, enabling you to sit for compliance industry examinations.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with an MJ in Health Law, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:

You will be able to describe the various laws and regulations that impact the health care industry and understand the challenges and opportunities they pose for providers, suppliers, payors, patients, and industry partners.

You will be able to:

Integrate laws and regulations into operational policies and procedures to yield best practice and compliance in a variety of health care provider and industry settings
Analyze ways that governmental, institutional, and professional policies directly and indirectly influence the health care industry
Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the Compliance Certification Board Certified Healthcare Compliance (CHC) certification exam (for students enrolled in the Compliance Certificate option) or other professional certifications
Communicate effectively in a professional and credible manner

You will be able to advocate for the changes necessary to advance social justice and equity in the health care system.

CURRICULUM

 

You can choose to start the program in the fall term (early September), spring term (starting in January) or summer term (starting in May). Offered exclusively online, you can complete the program in 6 semesters (2 years, including summers).

TERM 1

Introduction to Legal Study and Legal Writing

TERM 2

Introduction to Health Law and Policy
Introduction to Legal Research

TERMS 3

Health Care Business and Finance
Health Care Regulation and Policy

TERM 4

Electives

TERM 5

MJ Thesis Project, Term 1
Electives

TERM 6

MJ Thesis Project, Term 2

Electives

ELECTIVE COURSEWORK IN TERMS 3–6

Advanced Health Care Compliance
Clinical Research Compliance
Compliance Seminar Series
Compliance Training Methods
Conducting Internal Investigations
Corporate Health Care Transactions
Drafting Policies and Procedures
Enterprise Risk Management
European Union Privacy Law
Food and Drug Law
Global Compliance
Health Care Compliance
Health Care Contracts
Health Care Privacy and Security
Health Insurance and Health Care Regulation
Health Law Seminar Series
Human Subjects Protection
Law and Bioethics
Leadership and Management Seminar Series
Legal Issues in eHealth
Liability and Dispute Resolution in Health Care
Medical Record Billing and Coding
Privacy Breach Incident Management & Reporting
Privacy Program Management
Public Health and the Law
Risk Management, Patient Safety and Quality

EDUCATION IMMERSION WEEKENDS

In addition to the required curriculum for the MJ in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management, you are required to travel to Northampton’s campus at least twice during your program for Education Immersion Weekends (EIWs). Though you are encouraged to attend as many EIW sessions as you would like at any time in the program, you should plan to attend one EIW in your first or second term of the program to participate in orientation sessions. The second EIW or on-campus event can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you (for example, to attend a symposium event or to participate in commencement). EIWs offer programming to reinforce learning objectives, provide a venue for networking, and foster communication among students, alumni, and faculty.

Degree Requirements

To earn your degree, you must complete 24 credits, including completion of a master’s thesis. You must attend two Education Immersion Weekends at Northampton’s campus.

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

Fee

MJ in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management

by | May 13, 2019 | Undergraduate

By staying ahead of the changing regulatory landscape, you can position yourself and your business for the future. In Northampton’s Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degree program in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management you will focus on learning key compliance and risk management concepts across industries.

This online program is designed to help you build the legal knowledge and develop the skill set to create proactive solutions to day-to-day business challenges. You’ll also be eligible to sit for compliance industry examinations to earn additional credentials to advance your career.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with an MJ in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management from Northampton, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to lead in the field of compliance:

You will be proficient in various laws and regulations that impact the highly regulated business world across a variety of industries.

You will be able to:

Analyze ways in which policies directly and indirectly influence various business sectors and can give rise to ethical or compliance violations
Integrate laws and regulations to operational policies and procedures to yield best practice and affirm ethical business conduct
Be prepared to successfully pass the Compliance Certification Board Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) certification exam
Communicate effectively in a professional and credible manner
Serve as a compliance professional across a number of industries

You will be able to advocate for the changes necessary to advance social justice and equity across a variety of industries.

CURRICULUM

 

You can choose to start the program in the fall term (early September), spring term (starting in January) or summer term (starting in May). Offered exclusively online, you can complete the program in 6 semesters (2 years, including summers).

TERM 1

Introduction to Legal Study and Legal Writing

TERM 2

Business Organizations
Introduction to Legal Research

TERMS 3

Corporate Compliance
Enterprise Risk Management

TERM 4

Electives

TERM 5

MJ Thesis Project, Term 1
Elective

TERM 6

MJ Thesis Project, Term 2
Elective

ELECTIVE COURSES

Case Studies in Compliance
Compliance Seminar Series
Compliance Training Methods
Conducting Internal Investigations
Contract Drafting
Drafting Policies and Procedures
European Union Privacy Law
Financial Institution Regulation
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Global Compliance
International Business Law
Leadership and Management Seminar Series
Privacy and Security of Corporate Information
Privacy Breach Incident Management & Reporting
Privacy Program Management
Securities Regulation
Transactional Skills

EDUCATION IMMERSION WEEKENDS

In addition to the required curriculum for the MJ in Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management, you are required to travel to Northampton’s campus at least twice during your program for Education Immersion Weekends (EIWs). Though you are encouraged to attend as many EIW sessions as you would like at any time in the program, you should plan to attend one EIW in your first or second term of the program to participate in orientation sessions. The second EIW or on-campus event can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you (for example, to attend a symposium event or to participate in commencement). EIWs offer programming to reinforce learning objectives, provide a venue for networking, and foster communication among students, alumni, and faculty.

Degree Requirements

To earn your degree, you must complete 24 credits, including completion of a master’s thesis. You must attend two Education Immersion Weekends at Northampton’s campus. 

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

Fee

MJ in Children’s Law and Policy

by | May 13, 2019 | Undergraduate

Advocating for children and families takes more than a good heart. You need a firm understanding of the law and an ability to function effectively in the legal system.

The Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Children’s Law and Policy is a degree program tailored to help nonlegal professionals better serve children and families. Whether your field is social work or education, health care or law enforcement, a deeper knowledge of family law enables you to make a difference while it prepares you for a leadership position.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with an MJ in Children’s Law and Policy from Northampton, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to advocate for children and families:

You will comprehend the basic structure of the American legal system, including the allocation of power among the branches of the federal government and between the federal and state governments. You will also be able to describe the legal relationship among children, families, and the state.

Be familiar with substantive and procedural laws of relevance to child-serving professionals
Engage in various forms of legal research, including electronic research
Analyze statutes, rules, and cases in the field of child and family law
Write analytically sound and persuasive documents (letters, memoranda, reports, etc.) appropriate to the goals of child-serving professionals
Understand and apply professional leadership skills

You will have a solid foundation that will prepare you to use your knowledge and skills to enhance outcomes for children, youth and families and improve child and family-serving systems. You will be able to:

Integrate professional values of honesty, civility and respect for others in your advocacy work;
Exercise ethically responsible judgment in interactions with clients and your peers;
Respect and abide by court procedures governing conduct of legal professionals; and
Understand the importance of using your knowledge and skills in service to those most in need of support and in service of advocacy for effective ways to meet their life’s challenges.

CURRICULUM

 

The online MJ program is designed to be completed in 2 calendar years by taking 4 credits in each of 6 consecutive terms (including summers). In terms 3-5, you will complete six elective courses of your choosing.

TERM 1

Introduction to the Study of Law and the Legal System
Introduction to Children’s Law, Policy and Practice

TERM 2

Leadership Development

TERMS 3–5

In terms 3–5, you will complete six elective courses of your choosing

Children’s Health Law and Policy
Child Welfare Law and Policy
Education Law and Policy
Family Law and Policy
International Children’s Rights
Juvenile Justice Law and Policy
Legislation and Law Reform
Mental Health Law and Children

TERM 6

Thesis/Capstone Project

EDUCATION IMMERSION WEEKENDS

In addition to the required curriculum, you are required to travel to Northampton’s campus at least once during your program for an Education Immersion Weekend (EIW). During the weekend, students gather in person to workshop or present their thesis/capstone project, attend workshops, participate in graduation activities, and meet with faculty, students and alumni.

Degree Requirements

To earn your degree, you must complete 24 credit hours of coursework, including the Capstone Project and one Education Immersion Weekend. 

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

Fee

Weekend JD

by | May 12, 2019 | Undergraduate

Imagine a part-time JD program that fits into your busy schedule.

A PROGRAM COMBINING on-campus classes with one of the leading providers of online legal education in the country. A program that features nationally renowned professors in a world-class city. Now, imagine that program meeting just every other weekend. This is Northampton Weekend (part-time) JD program—thoughtfully designed to turn your law school ambitions into reality.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Upon graduation with a JD degree from Northampton, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary for your professional success:

 

You will be proficient in substantive and procedural law, including the influence of the administrative state, political institutions, and other academic disciplines.

You will be able to:

Utilize skills derived from participation in supervised live-client experiences, externships, or litigation and transactional practice simulations, such as interviewing, counseling, negotiation, mediation, fact development and analysis, problem solving, design thinking, trial practice, document drafting, and collaborative work
Determine your clients’ needs and objectives
Determine relevant facts and understand their relevance to your client’s legal position
Conduct legal research
Analyze and apply relevant legal principles
Find solutions to legal problems
Communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

You will have a solid foundation that will prepare you to use your knowledge and skills to promote truth, justice, and the rule of law. You will be able to:
Integrate professional values
Exercise ethically responsible judgment in your legal practice and your work within the legal system
Understand the rules, ethics, and values of the legal profession, such as honesty, civility and work-ethic
Know the significance of a commitment to your clients and to the legal system
Understand the importance of using your knowledge and skills in the service to those less fortunate
and in need of legal assistance

8

NUMBER OF WEEKENDS YOUR CLASSES WILL MEET AT Northampton EACH SEMESTER

#14

Northampton’S PART-TIME PROGRAM IS RANKED #14 IN THE COUNTRY BY US NEWS & WORLD REPORT, TOP IN CHICAGO AND MIDWEST

91%

OF Northampton JD GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED WITHIN 10 MONTHS OF GRADUATION

CURRICULUM

 

The core Weekend JD curriculum blends classroom instruction with online learning. In-person classes meet every other weekend: Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. All online course components are offered through Sakai, a highly interactive, collaborative online learning environment.

FIRST YEAR FALL SEMESTER

Legal Writing (2 credits)

Civil Procedure (4 credits)

Torts (4 credits)

FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER

Legal Writing II (2 credits)

Contracts (4 credits)

Criminal Law (3 credits)

SEMESTER 3

Advocacy (2 credits)

Property (4 credits)

Administrative Law or Federal Income Tax (3 credits)

SEMESTER 4

Constitutional Law (4 credits)

Business Organizations or Evidence (4 credits)

Perspective Elective (2-3 credits)

SEMESTER 5

Professional Responsibility (3 credits)

Administrative Law or Federal Income Tax (3 credits)

Elective Courses (3-6 credits)

SEMESTER 6

Experiential Learning (3 credits)

Business Organizations or Evidence (4 credits)

Elective Courses (3-5 credits)

SEMESTER 7

Experiential Learning (3 credits)

Elective Courses (6-8 credits)

SEMESTER 8

Elective Coursework (9-12 credits)

Degree Requirements

To earn a JD degree, you must complete 86 credit hours of coursework. A minimum of 6 credit hours of experiential learning are required. Your first four semesters provides a strong, structured foundation. During the next two years you will tailor your courses, experiential learning, and course delivery to meet your goals and interests.

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

Fee