University of Fribourg School of Law

The University

The University of Fribourg is unique in Switzerland and Europe by virtue of its French and German bilingualism.

Approximately 50% of the student population speak German as their native language, 29% French, and 8% Italian. Compared to other universities in Switzerland, the proportion of students from outside the canton at the University of Fribourg is particularly high – a clear indication that its reputation transcends regional boundaries.

Both students and teachers have a wide choice of international teaching schemes and research projects. The University has signed some 40 conventions with foreign institutions and is involved in 150 Erasmus/Socrates projects. It also has numerous cooperation agreements with universities in Central and Eastern Europe. Although it remains a friendly and closely-knit community thanks to its relatively small size, the University of Fribourg has an unmistakably international atmosphere with approximately 10,000 students and over 200 professors representing more than 110 countries.

It is a truly international institution; as much as 20% of the student body and almost one third of its teaching staff hail from abroad.

The Law School

The Law School is one of the most renowned in Switzerland. It is the only Faculty in Switzerland which offers students the opportunity to complete their studies in French and German.

Faculty members include nationally and internationally renowned specialists in European law and Business law. It also hosts famous legal centers such as the Federalism Institute, the European Law Institute, the International Institute of Construction Law and the Economic Law Institute.

The faculty provides its 1700 students with a personalized context and guarantees them the individual support and attention they need. Since 2008, the Law School hosts a new Center for Advanced Studies in Transnational, International and European Business Law which is home to the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Cross-Cultural Business Practice Program and to an interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in European Studies.

This Center is administered together by the Universities of Fribourg and Bern, as part of their many cooperation schemes in the field of International Trade Law and European Law.

The Program

Today international business is multi-cultural. Globalization drives economic actors across national borders and obliges them to develop business solutions abroad. With direct investments, joint-ventures, franchising or distributorship agreements, as well as with many other contractual arrangements, corporations seek to expand their business horizons. Nonetheless, the legal and cultural differences that divide countries and regions represent a major challenge to international transactions. In order to effectively advise and support their clients, lawyers need to understand the legal and cultural background of their clients? foreign partners.

With a strong emphasis on international business contracts, the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Cross-Cultural Business Practice has been designed to teach lawyers the concepts and tools necessary to support companies in their international transactions worldwide. Moreover, the program aims to build intercultural awareness and other skills that are necessary for a successful business lawyer in a global economy. The students, as well as the professors, come from every continent and they bring their cross-cultural experiences to the classroom.

Designed for lawyers aiming for an international career, the Master of Laws in Cross-Cultural Business Practice provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume high ranking positions in law firms, multinational companies and international organizations.

The one year LLM in Cross-Cultural Business Practice program begins in mid-September and mid- February of each year.

Upon completion of the program, students receive the title of Master of Laws (LLM) in Cross-Cultural Business Practice awarded by the Universities of Fribourg, Bern and Neuchâtel.

The Faculty

Over a full-time period of two semesters, high-profile university professors and law practitioners from a wide range of legal traditions, teach lawyers essential tools for the practice of business law in a multi-cultural world.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted in the program, applicants must have received a first complete law degree (such as a “Bologna” Master’s degree, a US J.D. or an LL.B.) or another academic qualification deemed equivalent by the program directors. Preference will be given to lawyers who have already practiced law.

A strong background in commercial law and interest in Business practice is essential.

In order to keep our faculty-student ratio low, we seek to enrol no more than 30 students each year, based on the strength of their record of academic or professional achievements.

Application Procedure

Applicants for admission to the MLCBP program may use the online application system (www.unifr.ch/mlcbp/pages.php?menu=OnlineApplicatio…)
Students are required to send a certain number of required documents for their application to be considered (www.unifr.ch/mlcbp/pages.php?menu=ConditionsAdmiss…).

Tuition and Fees

The tuition fee for the MAS program is CHF 25,000.-- for the year.

The fee is payable in two installments due by the end of July and November of the year of admission. In case of withdrawal, paid installments are not refunded.

Tuition does not include any travel or living expenses in relation with the MLCBP program. A single student will typically need € 10,000.-- to € 15,000.-- to meet living expenses for the academic year.

Location

Situated in the heart of Switzerland and Europe, the Town of Fribourg, nestling at the foot of the Alps, lies on the linguistic border between the French- and German-speaking parts of the country. As a typical university town with a high quality of life particularly conducive to study and research, Fribourg is strategically located on a bend in the river Sarine, at the base of spectacularly steep cliffs formed by the passage of glaciers.

Accommodation

Students are welcome to use the facilities provided by the University of Fribourg.

Student Life

Fribourg has a predominant student population (1 inhabitant in 4 is a student) and it contributes to the lively atmosphere in Fribourg and its unique “town and gown” community. It is also a family-friendly city with excellent schools and pre-school day-care infrastructure.

A multitude of festivals and events contribute to Fribourg’s cultural life – the International Film Festival, the Bollwerk/Belluard Festival, the annual International Festival of Sacred Music, and the Medieval Weeks. There are also numerous events for smaller audiences, such as poetry readings and concerts. Many cosy cafés and restaurants offer first-class delicacies. Fribourg is also a fantastic starting point for excursions to The Way of St James, the Cistercian Abbey of Hauterive and the charming Lake of Gruyère, in the region of the world-famous cheese makers.

The area is a paradise for sports enthusiasts with more than 500 km of cycling routes and 2000 km of signposted hiking trails. Winter sports abound too, as there are hundreds of kilometres of ski trails less than an hour away.