Unique dual graduate degree program between two leading law schools officially launched in Singapore
In a move that will transform the very concept of global legal education, New York University School of Law and the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Law are launching a dual degree program in Asia’s commercial and legal hub, Singapore.
Entitled NYU@NUS, the program allows students from around the world to experience two educational universes, earning Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees from both a leading U.S. institution and a leading Asian law school.
The formal launch took place on Wed., May 16 at the residence of the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Singapore, the Honorable Patricia L. Herbold. Ambassador Herbold hosted the event together with the deans of the two law schools.
“Today we celebrate the realization of a dream for two pioneering partners, the New York University School of Law and the National University of Singapore,” said Ambassador Herbold. “Their vision of a dual degree program in law marks a milestone for the education sector in Singapore, and strengthens educational linkages between the United States and Singapore. As a former practicing lawyer, I am excited by the international composition of the entering class, and look forward to the growth of this innovative partnership.”
The first cohort of students, who begin studies this month, is drawn from 23 countries across six continents. This includes students from Chile and China to Rwanda and the Russian Federation. All have basic law degrees and many have significant work experience.
The new initiative reflects both law schools’ commitment to the global study of law.
“For NYU School of Law this is a natural step,” said Dean Richard L. Revesz. “Over a decade ago, we recognized that important changes in the way law was being practiced required changes in the way it was taught. This led to the creation of our highly successful Hauser Global Law School Program. Our partnership with NUS is an important extension of that insight.”
“The NUS and NYU law schools have similar goals of developing globally oriented teaching programs and research,” said Professor Tan Cheng Han, senior counsel and dean of the NUS Faculty of Law. “This is one of many ways that we are embracing the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization - and ensuring that our students do the same. We are also pleased that many NUS undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to join classes with their international colleagues.”
The NYU degree offered is the LL.M. in Law and the Global Economy. Students may choose an optional concentration in either U.S. and Asian business and trade law or justice and human rights. To ensure a rich range of choices, 20 members of NYU’s faculty will teach in Singapore, offering intensive courses over a “Summer Term” from May to August and during the regular NUS semester beginning in August.
Students enrolled in the NYU@NUS program also take courses towards the NUS LL.M. degree and can choose to focus their studies on one of five specializations such as Asian Law or Intellectual Property and Technology Law. Most students will complete the two degrees in 10 months, with many of them going on to internships in Singapore or around the region. Their new qualifications and global experience will make them particularly attractive to employers with a presence or interest in Asia.
Up to 50 scholarships are available for each of the first four years of the program.
“We are pleased that NYU has chosen to partner with NUS to offer a dual graduate law degree program in Singapore,” said Mr. Lim Siong Guan, chairman of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB). “This partnership between two leading universities provides a two-fold benefit to Singapore. It will boost our legal services sector by building up our legal capabilities and talent pool. The program will also enhance Singapore’s status as a key education hub in the region by adding to the course offerings available here. We expect to see even more global talent coming to Singapore to tap into the variety of quality education available here. Students will not only receive quality education, but will also be able to form important networks which will aid them in their future careers and lives. Global minds will be connected through Singapore.”
“The new program attracts two broad categories of applicants,” said Chair and Faculty Director of NYU’s Hauser Global Law School Program, Professor Joseph Weiler. “The first is Asian students who hope to acquire proficiency in American law and benefit from the distinct methodology and style of American legal education. The second is students from the rest of the world who recognize the importance of Asia and want to combine the rigor of an American law degree whilst simultaneously acquiring proficiency in Asian law and institutions.”
NYU is represented in Singapore by Professor Simon Chesterman, who directs and teaches in the program. “This new program brings together one of the top international law faculties in the United States and Asia’s Global Law School,” said Chesterman. “It is tremendously exciting not only for the students but also for the two faculties.”
For more information, please contact:
Simon Chesterman
Global Professor and Director
NYU School of Law Singapore Programme
Faculty of Law
National University of Singapore
Telephone: (65) 6516 7342
Email chesterman@nyu.edu
Lawrence Chai
Manager, Media Relations
Office of Corporate Relations
National University of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6516 1355
Email: ocrlc@nus.edu.sg