LL.M. Specializations for International Legal Practitioners (Focus on Technology and Global Intellectual Property Issues)

Southwestern Law School invites inquiries from foreign law firms and individual international practitioners in the fields of technology, entertainment, and intellectual property, for specialized training proposals leading to the award of the LL.M.

In an age-accelerated information and communication, the practice of law is becoming increasingly global. Southwestern Law School, located in the most culturally diverse city in the U.S., and a hub of entertainment and technology industries, offers individualized expertise and domain-specific knowledge in these and other areas. Beyond core courses in intellectual property and contract law, Southwestern offers the largest number of electives in entertainment and technology law, allowing for customized specializations for global practitioners. What will be the impact of re-negotiated international trade deals between the US and its neighbors? Who are the winners and losers in the U.S. net neutrality debate? How will the EU's Data Privacy Law impact innovation and competition? What is China's evolving position on trade secrets? How does Hollywood interact with international film industries in China, India, Nigeria, (and most recently Saudi Arabia)? In a world where the questions change as quickly as the answers, Southwestern trains its students to master fundamental legal concepts as well as industry-specific business practices, providing them the relevant context and skills to navigate emerging needs of their employers and clients.

Southwestern offers advanced expertise in emerging areas such as Technology Law and Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property Law (including patent, Trademark, and Copyright), Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, and American Law and Legal Systems. Students may specialize in these and other approved areas with 12 dedicated units within a 24 unit program (up to a maximum of 30). Coursework includes classes integrated with American J.D. students as well as smaller dedicated seminars for international graduate students, and may also include dedicated internships with transnational practitioners based in California. Southwestern has numerous relationships with foreign universities and organizations (including Jindal Global Law School in India, the NACLE consortium of North American schools, and the David and Raymond Intellectual Property Group in Shanghai), helping to facilitate the rapidly evolving demands of a global legal practice.

This is Southwestern Law School—a history of public service, innovative teachers, brilliant scholars, and trailblazing alumni. Prepare to succeed through our innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The vibrant mid-city campus provides the ideal setting for the study of law, fostering an emphasis on community, diversity, and public service.

Founded more than 100 years ago, Southwestern has developed a reputation for graduating lawyers who are well-rounded, entrepreneurial, and prepared to succeed.

If you’d like to be one of them, visit our admissions page for prospective students.

Southwestern students have a strong sense of community. They come from virtually every state, more than a dozen countries, and represent over 200 undergraduate institutions. In the most recent entering class, women represent 53 percent, while minorities make up 49 percent, and students report fluency in over 20 foreign languages. The average age is 27, with a range from 21 to over 50. In recent years, Southwestern has had the highest representation of African American students and second highest of Latino/Hispanic students of any California law school. The Student Bar Association sponsors award-winning student welfare and community outreach programs and oversees over 50 student organizations, including legal fraternities; minority, cultural, political, and religious groups; and societies focused on specific areas of law.