Friday, July 10, 2015
Fri, 10 Jul 2015
Dave Thompson
Liberty University School of Law will offer three master’s-level programs online, after the American Bar Association granted permission for the programs to commence.
Though the ABA does not formally approve degree programs other than a juris doctorate, the process of acquiescence essentially states the ABA has no objection to the program.
The ABA granted acquiescence for Liberty’s Master of Laws (LLM) in International Legal Studies, Juris Master (JM) in American Legal Studies, and JM in International Legal Studies.
Students who already hold a Juris Doctorate can apply for the LLM degree, while the JM programs will be open to those who do not already have a JD.
The LLM program will provide an opportunity for future international lawyers, corporate lawyers, diplomats, and legal scholars with legal ideas consistent with the rule of law.
“In an increasing global economic context, American lawyers also need to know international legal doctrines and norms that influence their practice in business law and human rights law,” said Professor Yuri Mantilla.
The online nature of the program will allow overseas students to study without having to spend money on travel or obtaining a US visa in order to study.
Regarding the JM degrees, Mantilla emphasized the increasing number of professionals who want to gain legal knowledge in order to enhance professional careers. Often, however, they lack the intense time and money required to obtain a law degree.
“The JM degree will increase their opportunities to gain employment in areas of the marketplace where there is an interaction and interrelation between the law and other areas of knowledge.”
The start date of the programs has not yet been announced as SACSCOC approval is pending.