Areas of Study
The globalization of our world has led to a greater need for attorneys who understand foreign legal systems, governments, cultures and economies. Focusing your studies on international and comparative law at St. Thomas can set you up for a legal career in business, diplomacy, technology, finance, trade, intellectual property, immigration, human rights—and the list goes on.
St. Thomas Law offers a broad, yet distinctive curriculum that combines practical skills, theoretical knowledge and comprehensive mentoring to prepare you to achieve your professional ambitions.
Experiential learning opportunities will help you build your advocacy skills and apply what you are learning in the classroom.
Our world-class faculty, culture of scholarship and commitment to convening thought leadership will enhance your understanding of global issues and practice in the public sector, in a corporation or at a private firm.
Professor Gonstead is the founder and director of the St. Thomas International Dispute Resolution Research Network. Her research explores how Dispute Systems Design can create more participatory models that lead to broader inclusion in the process.
Professor Berg is a co-author of the book "Patents on Life: Religious, Moral, and Social Justice Aspects of Biotechnology and Intellectual Property" and he has been a leader in writing on the relationship between global intellectual property and religious thought.
Professor Kahn is the author of "Holocaust Denial and the Law: A Comparative Study." His subsequent research has focused on hate speech directed at Muslims (including the Danish Cartoons), defamation of religions, cross-burning and memory laws.
Below are examples of some of the courses offered at St. Thomas Law for students interested in pursuing a career in international law.
Experiential Learning
Accelerate your professional development and substantive understanding of the law in a legal externship or clinic.
Business Externship
Gain pragmatic, real-world experience through both observation and hands-on work projects at a multinational corporation.
Immigration Law Practice Group
Represent immigrants seeking asylum as a result of persecution or a fear of persecution in their home countries.
Mentor Externship Program
Each law student is matched with a mentor, who complements their interests and professional goals. Our mentors allow students to engage in legal work, professional networking and meaningful reflection.
LL.M. in U.S. Law Students
St. Thomas Law's one-year LL.M. in U.S. Law program brings attorneys from across the globe to campus to learn the U.S. legal system. The J.D. student experience is enhanced by the international legal knowledge these students bring to class and the cultural perspectives they bring to the law school community.
See the World
Immerse yourself in a new culture, learn another legal system and enhance your global perspective by studying abroad during law school. St. Thomas Law students have studied a wide range of topics related to international law across the globe.