LLM in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW)

You will comprehend how the rule of law develops in society and the role and practices of domestic and international institutions in establishing and maintaining the rule of law. You will be able to describe legal methods and concepts employed when carrying out rule of law initiatives. You will also comprehend the current frameworks for sustainable development, the environment and the rule of law, and the dynamic relationship between models of governance and the rule of law.

You will be able to:

• Conduct research on rule of law and development topics and carry out assessments of rule of law problems
• Draft documents relating to rule of law and development
• 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 rule of law initiatives and economic activity that are consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
• Develop and manage rule of law programs, projects and national initiatives that employ appropriate methods and project management tools
• Prepare funding proposals for rule of law projects
• Advise on how applicable institutional and legal frameworks facilitate or place limitations on 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 state instability, and peacebuilding

You will be able to inspire, lead, and manage efforts to strengthen the rule of law and prospects for national development, considering the interests of all stakeholders, incorporating diverse viewpoints, being willing to accept iterative progress, and respecting equality and human rights.

• History, Theory and Practice of Law for Development
• Research and Writing on the Rule of Law
• Principles of International Economic Law
• Comparative and Ethical Lawyering for the Rule of Law

• International Development Architecture
• Theory and Practice of Assessments in Rule of Law Advising
• Design of Rule of Law Programs and Proposal Preparation
• Rule of Law Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Rule of Law in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Loyola’s PROLAW program attracts a diverse student population. It is comprised of attorneys with practice experience as well as other professionals with experience in the rule of law field. The program follows a cohort model, where you take your courses in a prescribed order with the same group of students. Your PROLAW cohort will be from around the world. Typically, each cohort has representation from fifteen countries with men and women with 2 to 15 years of professional work experience. You will find your fellow students will bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to your studies.

Courses are taught by experienced practitioners who have multijurisdictional experience in supporting national initiatives aimed at improving the rule of law. Fall courses are offered online, asynchronously, through Loyola’s learning management system. Students will undertake their spring term courses at Loyola’s Rome Center campus in Italy. You will find that this experience will help you establish unique bonds with your fellow students, enhancing your learning and expanding your network. The Rome location provides opportunities to develop valuable networks with leading international rule of law, development and humanitarian relief organizations headquartered in Rome, as well as other Italian and European institutions.

For students interested in completing the program at a slower pace, there is an option to complete over 5 terms, two academic years. This part-time option provides more flexibility for busy professionals. Students begin the program with a series of required foundational courses online but are still required to partake in a term abroad at Loyola’s Rome Campus in Italy. Students complete the program with a capstone project delivered at the end of the second academic year. Students interested in the part-time option should communicate their interest, during the application phase or as soon as possible, via email at prolaw@luc.edu.

The capstone project allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to your own area of interest. Past students have focused their projects on: avoiding conflict or re-building peace and security following conflict; protecting vulnerable citizens from violence, displacement and trafficking; strengthening constitutions and key governing institutions; spurring economic development and trade; building inclusive economies where men and women have equal opportunities; preventing and combating corruption; providing access to justice; and mitigating the consequences of climate change on the poor. Some students have chosen to develop their projects together with an external organization, thereby supporting its efforts to address a specific problem or challenge within its mandate and providing a close collaboration opportunity.

Due to the unique nature of the PROLAW program, all of the courses in the Rule of Law for Development LLM are mandatory and there is no opportunity for students to transfer credits from other programs or institutions.

Most international applicants are required to submit a current official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson Test of English (PTE) score report. The law school requires the following minimum overall scores: TOEFL 95 (IBT) with minimum scores of 24 in the writing and reading sections, IELTS 7 with minimum scores of 7 in the writing and reading sections, Duolingo 125, and PTE 75. Scores must be received directly from the testing service and are valid for two years from the test date. Loyola’s code for receiving official TOEFL and IELTS scores is 1412. The English Proficiency Exam requirement is waived for applicants from the countries listed here, or who are currently completing or who have completed a bachelor’s degree or master's degree in the U.S. or at a recognized institution in the listed countries at which the language of instruction is English. Note that Loyola offers admission through the international conditional admission program (ICAP) for students who have demonstrated academic achievement, but who may need additional English language preparation in order to succeed in their courses. Contact prolaw@luc.edu for more information.

If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit your official education credentials (e.g., transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates, graduation diplomas, etc.) and evaluation fee directly to any NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) member company or the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Please note that only official documents should be submitted to the transcript evaluator, as Loyola only accepts official documents and not copies. You should request a General Evaluation with Grade Average. You should request your chosen evaluation agency to send the evaluation directly to Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management (GPEM) at gradapp@luc.edu, and that they send your evaluated transcripts along with the report. Learn more completing your transcript evaluation here.

More than 220 women and men from over 60 countries have attended the program since its launch in 2011. Most graduates have returned to their home countries or regional organizations across five continents and have become recognized rule of law leaders in their communities. Others have launched successful international careers. The PROLAW Alumni Network is an alumni-led initiative that aims to provide professional resources to fellow PROLAW students and alumni, and serves as a forum to foster a strong international rule of law community with strong ties to the PROLAW program.