Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Lisbon)

The Law School

The School of Law at Portuguese Catholic University (Universidade Católica Portuguesa) is a highly ranked, progressive and innovative law school.

Its prestigious international programs, based in Lisbon, are attracting students and lawyers from all over the world.

The Program

LL.M. Católica is an intensive, advanced program, directed specifically to those who seek an active and international professional practice. LL.M Católica meets the expectations and goals of both experienced lawyers who want to deepen their skills and knowledge and younger associates seeking to enhance their opportunities in an international career.

Students may choose one of two specializations:

- LL.M. in International Business Law
- LL.M. in Competition Law.

What is unique about the program is its global approach, combining European Law and American Law, taught by European and American faculty.

The LL.M. degree can be completed in one year, divided into three terms, each term spanning a three month period. Classes begin on September.

LL.M. classes have a dual nature, emphasizing both practice and theory. Serious preparation outside of class is required. Class discussion is encouraged and will be factored into the students' final grade. Evaluation of the students will also include written work and practical projects.

Student attendance in class is supplemented with an important on-line platform, which will feature additional study materials and the possibility for interaction with the LL.M. teaching staff.

Please find the interactive website at www.llmcatolica.com.

The Faculty

The LL.M. teaching staff consists of very top law professors from Universidade Católica Portuguesa and from American and European top universities.

Faculty is chosen both for the academic record and for the excellent teaching skills. Klaus Hopt, Jan Dalhuisen, Andrea Biondi, Miguel Poiares Maduro, Raymond Nimmer, Rosa Greaves are among the regular faculty of the program.

Entry Requirements

Basic requirements for application are the completion of a law degree and professional experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong academic record and with rich professional experience.

Application Procedure

You may submit your application any time. The application deadline for academic year 2008-2009 is May 20, 2008. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if places are still available in the program.

LL.M. applications must be completed with all required documentation. Application files will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we advise candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Successful applicants will be sent a formal offer of admission signed by the LL.M. Director.

Applicants should submit the following documents:

Application form
Personal statement of motivation (in English)
Two letters of recommendation (in English or in Portuguese)
Official transcripts from schools attended (in English or in Portuguese)
Curriculum vitae (in English or in Portuguese) with dates and lengths of employment. Maximum of two pages)
Official letter of dispatch for students sponsored by corporations or other organizations
TOEFL or IELTS (or equivalent) scores
Copy of Identity Card or Passport
2 photos

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the LL.M program during the 2008-2009 academic year is:
Full-Time - one year: € 12.000
Part-Time - two years: € 13.200
Master Dissertation (optional) - € 1.500

Financial Aid

Applicants from the United States may apply for one of 5 scholarships granted by Luso-American Foundation (FLAD) to sucessful applicants to this LL.M. program. These scholarships consist of 5 000 Euros (around 7.500 USD) plus flight reimbursement.

Applicants from Poland, Greece and Romania may apply for one of 4 scholarships granted by Millennium BCP Foundation. These grants consist of 15.000 Euros.

Full and half scholarships are also available for outstanding applicants from Brazil.

Location

Lisbon is superbly located on the north bank of the Tagus River, Lisbon’s seven hills are its defining feature.

Our students will benefit from its pleasures and cultural richness. The city has many traditions and various contrasting architectural styles, ranging from traditional areas with narrow alleys, which date from before the 1755 earthquake, to the magnificent open space of Praça do Comércio in the city center, with its neoclassical lines.

Lisbon is very close to Estoril, Cascais and Sintra, areas with beaches and mountains,
and you can enjoy the sunshine almost all year long. Whether you prefer a
night at the opera, a visit to the castles, a soothing game of golf or the rush of great
surf, all this is available just 30 minutes away from campus.

And for students from America, one of the great things about Lisbon is that you
are just a short flight away from Paris, Rome, London…