圣約翰大學

The LL.M. in Transnational Legal Practice (TLP) is designed to train foreign attorneys in the rapidly expanding cross-border practice of law, to educate global attorneys within the New York City legal community - the center of global legal practice - and to enhance non-native English speaking attorneys’ skills in practicing law in English, the lingua franca of the global legal profession.

Train foreign attorneys in the rapidly expanding cross-border practice of law: All TLP students receive an in-depth education of transnational practice. In addition to the capstone Transnational Legal Practice courses, our students take courses focusing on the increasing legal interconnectedness of the world. In addition to learning the law in traditional lectures, TLP students learn the law by engaging in supervised simulations meant to mimic transnational practice.

Educate global attorneys within New York City: TLP students benefit from St. John’s location in New York City. Our TLP students are able to attend events focused on transnational practice at the New York City Bar Association, attend panels at major conferences like International Law Weekend, and visit the United Nations. We also bring esteemed practitioners onto campus to provide real-world insight to our students.

Enhance non-native English speaking attorneys’ skills in practicing law in English: The TLP program places a strong emphasis on communicating in legal English, and works with non-native English speakers to enhance these skills. TLP students take specialized courses focused on legal research, writing, and analysis. They also present during role play simulations and work on weekly writing assignments to improve their English. Our students leave TLP with an enhanced ability to work in English.

Pathways to the Profession

Every student entering the Transnational Legal Practice LLM Program comes from a different background, has a different area of academic interest, and has a different plan for post-graduate opportunities. With that in mind, TLP offers four Pathways, allowing students within the same program to focus on different areas of transnational practice.

Cross-Border Transactions: The Pathway designed specifically for students interested in working in private practice with a focus on corporate law. Topics in this Pathway include project development, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, global corporate compliance, cross-border employment law, international competition (antitrust) law, and cross-border IP licensing.

International Trade & Investment: The Pathway designed specifically for students interested in working in international trade, customs, and investment positions. Topics in this Pathway include regional trade agreements (NAFTA, CAFTA, TPP), EU trade law, trade and development, TRIPs agreement, trade preferences, international banking regulation, and bilateral investment treaties.

Public International Legal Practice: The Pathway designed specifically for students interested in working at the United Nations, an international organization, a non-governmental organization, or a government agency focused on international law. Topics in this Pathway include public international law theory, treaties, international courts and tribunals, the law of international organizations, statehood and recognition.