LL.M. Program Overview and Policy

　

In April 2017, Keio University Law School (KLS) established a master's degree program (LL.M.) in Global Legal Practice. This is a professional graduate master's degree course with instruction in English language - the first of its kind within a Japanese law school.

　　　　　　　　　　　　

KLS was established in 2004 under the founding principles of "internationalism, multidisciplinarism and pioneerism". KLS has come to occupy a position as one of Japan's top law schools, educating many promising legal professionals each year. Further, KLS has established a strong track record of internationalism, with numerous non-Japanese adjunct and full-time research faculty members and a curriculum that includes more than 15 courses conducted in English, generally with a focus on business law. In addition, KLS accepts between 10 and 20 exchange students each year from partner law schools in America, Asia and Europe.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

With this background, as we approach KLS' 12th anniversary, we are preparing to undertake further training of legal professionals who can be active in many fields that have developed as a result of our globalized society. We have added, within KLS, a new Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Legal Practice program, while retaining our current Juris Doctor (J.D.) program for prospective Japanese legal professionals. The new program permits many students to obtain an LL.M. degree in one year, taking instruction in English, and has been the first program of its kind at a Japanese law school.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

In order to train students who will be globally active legal professionals and legal staff of global companies and international institutions, the LL.M. program targets Japanese lawyers and graduates of law schools who wish to improve their practice skills via an English language program, and students from abroad who are interested in Japanese and Asian law. In addition, the program opens its doors to university graduates who wish to work in the future in an international organization. In the Keio LL.M. program, it will be possible, through a "double degree" arrangement, also to receive an LL.M. from a partner law school, initially in the United States, faster and at a much lower cost than would typically be required to obtain both degrees separately.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

■Diploma Policy
[Educational Goals]
Based on the diploma policy outlined by Keio University, this program aims to cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in careers that require expertise in global legal affairs. To this end, students who have been enrolled in the Global Legal Practice program for at least one year and have completed the curriculum established in accordance with the program's educational philosophy and objectives are eligible to receive the degree of a Master of Laws (LL.M). Students must earn at least 30 credits (36 credits for newly enrolled students who have insufficient background in basic legal practice) to be awarded the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice.
[Competency Objectives]
Objective one: To gain the ability to identify legal problems and resolve disputes from a global perspective.
Objective two: To gain the ability to design business models and draft policy recommendations.
Objective three: To become a well-versed professional in global legal practice via experience in competency objectives one and two.
Objective four: To become a professional capable of making policy recommendations on global governance with a focus on Asia, and of supporting legal development in Asian countries and around the world.

■Curriculum Policy
[Curriculum Design]
The curriculum for the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice is systematically structured to cultivate the competencies outlined in the program's diploma policy. It consists of a "Core Program," or set of elective courses designated as key subjects, and an "Elective Program," comprising other courses from which students may select relevant topics. The following points outline our policy for organizing and implementing this curriculum.
1. The program for the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice comprises nine course categories to realize the objectives stated in its diploma policy. These categories are, 1) Japanese Law and Asian Law in Global Practical Perspective, 2) Global Business and Law, 3) Global Security and Law, 4) Innovations and Intellectual Property Law, 5) Area Studies, 6) Comparative Law, 7) Current Legal Issues, 8) Legal Research and Writing, and 9) Practical Training.
2. To ensure that students acquire the basic legal knowledge and critical thinking skills needed when working in global legal affairs.
3. To provide a constructive educational environment for faculty members and students to meet and engage in collaborative discussions.
[Program Delivery]
This curriculum is designed to include a combination of pedagogical approaches including traditional lecture formats, the Socratic method, mock trials, contract negotiations, and arbitration, as well as research papers and internships.
[Evaluation and Grading Criteria]
The criteria for evaluating students' learning outcomes in relation to the competency objectives of this program shall be determined for each course and carried out in accordance with the grading rubrics specified in course syllabi. Specifically, grades are assigned on a five-point scale: S, A, B, C (passing) and D (fail). The proportion of students receiving each grade shall fall within predetermined ranges. Some courses may also be approved to be taken on a pass/fail basis. At the end of each course, students complete a course evaluation survey. In response to the survey results, the instructor submits written comments, which are then used to improve future course iterations. In addition, all faculty members are required to visit courses taught by other instructors every academic year and provide their feedback, thereby ensuring communal learning and resource sharing. In this way, the course methodologies and teaching practices are constantly refined to improve student learning outcomes. Furthermore, in accordance with Keio University's overall assessment plan, the program is evaluated using quantitative and qualitative, direct and indirect indicators, including advice from the Advisory Board and data from career-path surveys.
[How Courses Reflect the Competency Objectives]
Objective one: This objective is achieved mainly via enrollment in the Core Program (a set of elective courses designated as key subjects: Japanese Law and Asian Law in Global Practical Perspective, Global Business and Law, Global Security and Law, Practical Training) where students gain foundational knowledge and skills in comparative law, corporate law, international law, and global legal practice.
Objective two: This objective is achieved mainly via enrollment in the Elective Program (a set of elective courses designed to enhance expertise according to one's individual goals and interests) where students acquire the ability to develop business models and draft policy proposals.
Objective three: This objective is achieved mainly by enrollment in the research paper course and internship included in the Elective Program, as well as by obtaining, according to each student's interests, professional certifications in areas such as International Dispute Resolution, Business Law, or Intellectual Property Law. Through these opportunities, students develop the skills necessary to engage in more specialized fields of global legal practice.
Objective four: This objective is achieved mainly by enrollment in the research paper course and internship included in the Elective Program, as well as by obtaining, according to each student's interests, professional certifications such as Law and Development in Asia or Japanese Law. Through these opportunities, students develop the competencies required to support the development of governance structures and legal systems in Asian countries and other regions abroad.

■Admissions Policy
[Desired Qualities in Potential Students]
The philosophy of this program is to train legal professionals with international awareness, interdisciplinary expertise, and innovative potential, who are capable of assuming leading roles in society. Accordingly, we seek applicants who possess the following interests and abilities.
• Individuals who aim to become legal professionals active on the global stage and who have internship or work experience at multinational corporations, international organizations, law firms, or similar institutions.
• Individuals who possess the willingness, ability, and required English proficiency to acquire knowledge of legal systems not only in Japan but worldwide and to communicate their insights in English as they take on difficult challenges.
• Individuals who, as government officials in courts, parliaments, or ministries of justice, or as legal professionals such as lawyers in developing countries, have engaged in addressing critical issues related to societal development.
[Student Screening Process]
In order to admit a wide range of applicants, the screening process will be conducted through (1) general entrance examinations and (2) specialized entrance examinations.
(1) General Admissions
In order to admit a wide range of applicants and to accommodate both candidates living in Japan and abroad (international students), the program conducts two rounds of general admissions per academic year, one for enrollment in the spring, and another for the fall. In a given year, the first round in May would allow students to begin enrollment that September or April of the following year. In the same way, the second round held in December would allow for enrollment in April or September of the following year. Announcements will be made for successful candidates of each admissions period. The admissions process requires applicants to submit a statement of purpose and career plans, as well as documentation concerning their English language proficiency, character evaluation, academic performance in law and related disciplines, prior acquisition of legal professional qualifications, experience in legal practice, and other matters. Each applicant is subjected to a comprehensive evaluation based on standardized quantitative and qualitative criteria, ensuring that a fair and objective assessment will be made with regards to their eligibility to enroll in the program.
(2) Specialized Admissions
In addition, this program accepts international students under global talent development programs and specialized training programs for highly skilled professionals implemented by the Japanese government and related agencies. In consideration of the timing of these training programs, a special recommendation-based admissions process is offered each year from March to April for eligible applicants. In addition to the documentation required for general admissions candidates (see (1) above), candidates applying through the specialized admissions process must undergo an interview.

●Press Release
[English]
Keio University Law School LL.M. in Global Legal Practice Receives Official Approval https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/press-releases/2016/Sep/6/49-18368/

[Japanese]
慶應義塾大学大学院法務研究科グローバル法務専攻 専門職学位課程（法務修士）の設置認可について https://www.keio.ac.jp/ja/press-releases/2016/8/26/28-18337/