Three Policies of the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice

Based on the diploma policy outlined by Keio University, this program aims to cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in careers that require expertise in global legal affairs. To this end, students who have been enrolled in the Global Legal Practice program for at least one year and have completed the curriculum established in accordance with the program's educational philosophy and objectives are eligible to receive the degree of a Master of Laws (LL.M). Students must earn at least 30 credits (36 credits for newly enrolled students who have insufficient background in basic legal practice) to be awarded the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice.

Objective one: To gain the ability to identify legal problems and resolve disputes from a global perspective.

Objective two: To gain the ability to design business models and draft policy recommendations.

Objective three: To become a well-versed professional in global legal practice via experience in competency objectives one and two.

Objective four: To become a professional capable of making policy recommendations on global governance with a focus on Asia, and of supporting legal development in Asian countries and around the world.

The curriculum for the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Global Legal Practice is systematically structured to cultivate the competencies outlined in the program's diploma policy. It consists of a "Core Program," or set of elective courses designated as key subjects, and an "Elective Program," comprising other courses from which students may select relevant topics. The following points outline our policy for organizing and implementing this curriculum.

This curriculum is designed to include a combination of pedagogical approaches including traditional lecture formats, the Socratic method, mock trials, contract negotiations, and arbitration, as well as research papers and internships.

The criteria for evaluating students' learning outcomes in relation to the competency objectives of this program shall be determined for each course and carried out in accordance with the grading rubrics specified in course syllabi. Specifically, grades are assigned on a five-point scale: S, A, B, C (passing) and D (fail). The proportion of students receiving each grade shall fall within predetermined ranges. Some courses may also be approved to be taken on a pass/fail basis. At the end of each course, students complete a course evaluation survey. In response to the survey results, the instructor submits written comments, which are then used to improve future course iterations.

In addition, all faculty members are required to visit courses taught by other instructors every academic year and provide their feedback, thereby ensuring communal learning and resource sharing. In this way, the course methodologies and teaching practices are constantly refined to improve student learning outcomes.

Furthermore, in accordance with Keio University's overall assessment plan, the program is evaluated using quantitative and qualitative, direct and indirect indicators, including advice from the Advisory Board and data from career-path surveys.

Objective one: This objective is achieved mainly via enrollment in the Core Program (a set of elective courses designated as key subjects: Japanese Law and Asian Law in Global Practical Perspective, Global Business and Law, Global Security and Law, Practical Training) where students gain foundational knowledge and skills in comparative law, corporate law, international law, and global legal practice.

Objective two: This objective is achieved mainly via enrollment in the Elective Program (a set of elective courses designed to enhance expertise according to one's individual goals and interests) where students acquire the ability to develop business models and draft policy proposals.

Objective three: This objective is achieved mainly by enrollment in the research paper course and internship included in the Elective Program, as well as by obtaining, according to each student's interests, professional certifications in areas such as International Dispute Resolution, Business Law, or Intellectual Property Law. Through these opportunities, students develop the skills necessary to engage in more specialized fields of global legal practice.

Objective four: This objective is achieved mainly by enrollment in the research paper course and internship included in the Elective Program, as well as by obtaining, according to each student's interests, professional certifications such as Law and Development in Asia or Japanese Law. Through these opportunities, students develop the competencies required to support the development of governance structures and legal systems in Asian countries and other regions abroad.

The philosophy of this program is to train legal professionals with international awareness, interdisciplinary expertise, and innovative potential, who are capable of assuming leading roles in society. Accordingly, we seek applicants who possess the following interests and abilities.

In order to admit a wide range of applicants, the screening process will be conducted through (1) general entrance examinations and (2) specialized entrance examinations.

In order to admit a wide range of applicants and to accommodate both candidates living in Japan and abroad (international students), the program conducts two rounds of general admissions per academic year, one for enrollment in the spring, and another for the fall. In a given year, the first round in May would allow students to begin enrollment that September or April of the following year. In the same way, the second round held in December would allow for enrollment in April or September of the following year. 

Announcements will be made for successful candidates of each admissions period. The admissions process requires applicants to submit a statement of purpose and career plans, as well as documentation concerning their English language proficiency, character evaluation, academic performance in law and related disciplines, prior acquisition of legal professional qualifications, experience in legal practice, and other matters. Each applicant is subjected to a comprehensive evaluation based on standardized quantitative and qualitative criteria, ensuring that a fair and objective assessment will be made with regards to their eligibility to enroll in the program.

In addition, this program accepts international students under global talent development programs and specialized training programs for highly skilled professionals implemented by the Japanese government and related agencies. In consideration of the timing of these training programs, a special recommendation-based admissions process is offered each year from March to April for eligible applicants. In addition to the documentation required for general admissions candidates (see (1) above), candidates applying through the specialized admissions process must undergo an interview.