Penn State Dickinson School of Law

The University

One of America’s great research universities, The Pennsylvania State University combines strength in traditional academics with a forward thinking approach to interdisciplinary studies and internationalization. Penn State is one of the most popular universities in the United States and it is famous for its large, loyal alumni base. With members in every state and most countries around the world, the Penn State alumni are as well-known for their achievements and influence as they are for their love of the Nittany Lions football team.

The Law School

Trickett Hall, Carlisle

Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law is one of America’s oldest law schools, with a long tradition of training remarkably distinguished graduates, including the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, five governors, three U.S. senators, more than 100 federal, state and county judges and innumerable prominent lawyers and civic leaders. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for legal practice in a world where law is increasingly interconnected with science and technology and where knowledge of international and comparative law is critical. Penn State is investing more than $110 million in new law facilities and programs and recently established a School of International Affairs, which operates closely with the School of Law and adds to our international studies and joint degree opportunities

The Program

Law Library

Penn State Dickinson is a leader in the internationalization of legal studies. With one of the oldest and most prestigious LL.M. programs, we admit a select class of international lawyers each year from a variety of countries and backgrounds. LL.M.s study together with J.D. students in a comfortable, collegial setting and design their own course of study from traditional courses in American law, specialized fields of study or a unique combination of courses. Faculty members are available to work with students and a friendly staff of professional advisors provides guidance on everything from American life to career planning. LL.M. graduates leave the program with an advanced degree in law, a worldwide network of colleagues from every field of endeavor and a close group of friends who stay in touch through e-mail, the school’s Web site and alumni gatherings around the world as well as in Pennsylvania.

The Faculty

The current dean, Philip McConnaughay, spent ten years as a leading lawyer in Hong Kong and Tokyo and has been an advisor to economic law reform efforts in Indonesia and Vietnam. Associate Dean for International Affairs Tiyanjana Maluwa was the first legal advisor to the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, and is the immediate past legal advisor to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Professor William E. Butler, the John Edward Fowler Distinguished Professor of Law, is an authority on the legal systems of Russia and former Soviet nations. He is the author, co-author, editor or translator of more than 120 books on Soviet, Russian, Ukrainian and other Commonwealth of Independent States legal systems. Professor Stephanie Farrior served as legal director of Amnesty International's London Secretariat. Professor Tom Carbonneau is one of the world's foremost scholars of comparative and international arbitration. Professor Louis Del Duca is the former president of the International Academy of Commercial and Consumer Law and a leader in the internationalization of legal education in the U.S. Professor Laurel Terry is a leading scholar with respect to the cross-border practice of law. Professor Larry Backer is a leading scholar of comparative corporate and constitutional law.

Location

Location:
Penn State Dickinson is one law school with two great locations, situated ninety miles apart and connected by a state-of-the-art audio visual communications system. LL.M. candidates may choose either of these locations.

Carlisle, PA
The scenic community of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is situated just 20 minutes from the state capital of Harrisburg and within a few hours driving distance of major metropolitan areas such as Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Founded in 1751, Carlisle is the County Seat of Cumberland County and home to Dickinson College and the United States Army War College. Its historic district proudly displays buildings dating to the Revolutionary and Civil War era and the Gettysburg battlefield is a short drive away. It is easy to live in Carlisle and there are plenty of interesting activities if you need a break from studying, such as seeing a show at the historic Carlisle Theater, visiting one of the museums, visiting Hershey Park theme park, dining out or getting outdoors for excellent fishing, boating, skiing, camping or hiking on the many miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail.

University Park, PA
University Park is Penn State’s flagship campus and is situated in the classic American university town of State College. Home to over 42,000 graduate and undergraduate students from America and abroad, this stimulating intellectual center was recently named by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine as one of its “50 Smart Places to Live” and was named by Kaplan’s as one of the “most beautiful suburban campuses.” The locale is within driving distance of Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City and boasts an assortment of attractions and entertainment. Leisure activities include attending Big Ten football games, attending concerts by major entertainers at the Bryce Jordan Center, visiting museums, skating at the Penn State Ice Pavilion, golfing on beautifully kept golf courses, skiing at Tussey Mountain Ski Resort or exploring the nightlife downtown.

Student Life

Beaver Stadium, University Park

Both campuses provide great opportunities to grow intellectually and participate in law school and campus life. The law school has over forty student organizations which welcome LL.M. students who want to participate in the law school community outside the classroom. In addition, as one of several thousand international graduates at Penn State, you will be able to participate in academic and professional organizations, over twenty five nationality clubs, intramural sports from rugby to bowling, music and other cultural associations and international student government. Both campus communities are welcoming to international visitors and provide relative safety, comfort and affordability; housing is readily available, living costs are inexpensive and Penn State’s international administrative support systems are efficient, student-conscious and friendly.