Future LLM StudentsLLM
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
55 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1391, USA
Phone: 614.688.5328 | Fax: 614.292.0560
E-mail: moritzllm@osu.edu | Website: moritzlaw.osu.edu/programs/llm
Introduction
Nestled within one of the country's most comprehensive research universities, the Moritz College of Law has one of the smallest enrollments of comparable law schools, and, therefore, boasts small class sizes. Our LLM program is intentionally limited to 25 students, so that we can provide individualized academic advising. You'll receive the one-on-one attention you deserve in law school while relishing the many resources available on a campus that hosts nearly 4,000 international students each year.
We are located in Columbus, capital city of Ohio and home to 1.9 million people—the 15th largest city in the US. It is home to nationally recognized companies, including Abercrombie & Fitch, CompuServe, Express, Limited Brands, Nationwide Insurance, Red Roof Inns, and Wendy's International. Our metropolitan library system and zoo are both ranked number one in the nation, and we are home to professional soccer and hockey teams. While Columbus boasts all the advantages of a major metropolitan city, it is affordable and maintains the charm and friendliness for which the Midwest is famous.
Law School Enrollment
- Total JD enrollment: 693
- Total LLM enrollment: 17
Physical Facilities
The Moritz Law Library, one of the largest law libraries in the country, boasts 24-hour access to its collection. Students receive free subscriptions to the Lexis and Westlaw online research databases, and can print free from these sources at the library's computer lab. At Lou's Café, students don't have to leave the building to grab lunch or coffee. All students have access to the university's wireless network. Moritz' "smart" classrooms allow professors to access and present online materials to enliven the class experience.
Across the street from the college, the Ohio Union offers 318,000 square feet of restaurants, a market, study rooms, meeting rooms, conference and auditorium space, and a dedicated prayer room. If you are interested in physical fitness, the university's Recreation & Physical Activity Center (RPAC) is one of the largest state-of-the-art recreation centers in the world.
Housing
Limited on-campus housing exists for graduate law students, but there are many opportunities in the neighborhoods surrounding campus. We can assist you in finding a roommate.
LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization
At Ohio State, LLM students have an option to enroll in courses that will qualify as a specialization in a selected area of law. By taking a minimum of 12 semester hours of related courses, the student earns a transcript designation for a concentration in that area.
The following six concentration areas are predesigned to meet the needs of many LLM students:
- Business Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Intellectual Property and Information Law
- International and Comparative Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Labor and Employment
Each concentration is described more thoroughly below. However, additional information about Ohio State's LLM programs is also available on the Master of Laws website, or by contacting:
Jessica Richman Dworkin
Assistant Dean, Graduate and International Programs
55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1391
USA
Phone: 614.688.5328
Fax: 614.292.0560
E-mail: moritzllm@osu.edu
Business Law
LLM students who wish to focus on business law can take advantage of dozens of courses and extracurriculars in this area. Basic courses like Contracts will allow LLM students to learn what is involved on the American side of cross-border transactions. More advanced courses focus on international business, trade, and development. In addition, the college welcomes some of the top American judges and practitioners to campus as part of its Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Distinguished Practitioners in Residence Program in Business Law. Previous speakers have included partners from major international firms who are practicing in areas like mergers and acquisitions, to a judge in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Criminal Law and Procedure
Moritz has several faculty members with impressive backgrounds in criminal law. Professor Joshua Dressler has authored criminal law casebooks that are used in more than half of all American law schools, Professor Sharon Davies worked as an assistant US attorney in the Criminal Division, and Professor Douglas Berman is one of the nation's leading experts in sentencing law. The college offers a number of seminar courses that focus on international criminal law, in addition to those that focus on the intricacies of the American criminal justice system.
Intellectual Property and Information Law
Students can enroll in a basic intellectual property course, and then expand their studies with courses that delve more deeply into the subjects of copyright, patent, trademark, and international intellectual property, along with other specialized topics. With the advent of the Internet, the college's offerings have expanded to include issues such as the examination of copyright of digital media, a new concept of fair use, and the role of search engines. For example, Professor Peter Swire, who was appointed to work in the administrations of two US presidents and served as President William Clinton's chief privacy officer, offers courses on cyberlaw and privacy in the digital age.
International and Comparative Law
Pursuing a concentration in international and comparative law courses will provide students with a background in private and public international law concepts. Each faculty member brings a unique, in-depth perspective to the questions faced by practitioners and government officials alike. Focusing on the private sector, Chinese native Professor Daniel C.K. Chow is an expert on China and counterfeiting, international trade, and international intellectual property. One of the foremost authorities on the Palestinian conflict from the Palestinian viewpoint, Professor John Quigley offers courses focusing on human rights, conflict in the Middle East, and a seminar on law in Africa.
Dispute Resolution
Moritz's Alternative Dispute Resolution program is one of the leading programs in the United States, and its faculty are regularly called upon to lecture throughout the world. Their passion for the subject and their significant experience in other countries informs their teaching. For example, Professor Amy Cohen, who teaches international alternative dispute resolution, has taught in Italy, and in Nepal and India as a Fulbright Scholar. She has also worked on development initiatives in Nepal, Thailand, and Ghana. Professor Ellen Deason, former clerk to US Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun and former legal assistant in the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal in The Hague, offers courses in comparative dispute resolution and international business arbitration.
Labor and Employment
The Moritz College of Law has several faculty members focused on labor and employment law as well as equality in the workplace. Many are internationally recognized for their expertise. Professor Camille Hébert focuses her research primarily on employee privacy and employment discrimination. Additionally, Professor Marc Spindelman's expertise on sexual orientation law and Professor Ruth Colker's pioneering work on disability discrimination law provide students the opportunity to evaluate workplace issues from a human rights standpoint.
Customized
While the above concentrations have historically been the most popular, LLM students may design a customized concentration in consultation with the assistant dean.
Student Services and Organizations
At Moritz, you will earn your degree in a learning environment that is second to none. LLM and JD students take classes together and enjoy close contact with professors in a collegial environment. The Moritz College offers over 150 student organizations, with many structured around career fields, public/volunteer service, ethnic identity, and hobbies. The staff of the LLM office provides lunchtime sessions on studying and exam preparation, career services topics, and US life and culture; they also schedule fun activities outside of class. Our office provides a "home away from home" where LLM students can feel free to seek advice on any topic.
Career Services
Due to the limited size of the program, each LLM student benefits from personalized attention and career guidance geared especially for them. Group and individual coaching is provided on US expectations for résumé and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, professional etiquette, researching job opportunities, registering for bar examinations, and optional/curricular practical training.
