Master of Laws in Cross-Cultural Business Practice

Home , Bern, Fribourg, University of Fribourg

University of Fribourg Law School University of Bern Law School University of Neuchâtel Law School Switzerland | www.mlcbp.ch

16 1 INDEX

PROGRAM 4

TOWN AND GOWN 5

CURRICULUM 9

TEACHING STAFF AND STYLE 10

ADMISSION 10

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY 12

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID 12

TIMELINE 12

ORGANIZATION 13

ADVISORY BOARD 14

CONTACT 15

2 3 PROGRAM TOWN AND GOWN Fribourg

he program is hosted in Fribourg, with some Tclasses also taking place in Bern and Neuchâtel. Situated in the heart of Switzerland and Europe, the town of Fribourg, nestling at the foot of the Alps, lies on the lin- guistic border between the French- and German-speaking parts of the country. This privileged geographical location makes Fribourg a natural bridge between different languages and cultures. As a typical university town with a high his new LL.M. program offers a unique opportuni- ethics, sociology, psychology and anthropology is also quality of life particularly conducive to study and research, the Cistercian Abbey of Hauterive and the charming Tty for advanced legal studies in the field of business. provided, together with an introduction to core trans- Fribourg is strategically located on a bend in the river Sa- Lake of Gruyère, in the region of the world-famous Over a full-time period of two semesters, high-profile national and international economics for business rine, at the base of spectacularly steep cliffs formed by the cheese makers. The area is a paradise for sports en- university professors and law practitioners from a wide lawyers. Through this comprehensive approach to busi- passage of glaciers. Founded in 1157, the old part of town thusiasts with more than 500 km of cycling routes and range of legal traditions, teach lawyers essential tools ness matters, the courses are designed to help students with its gothic cathedral, narrow streets, wooden and 2’000 km of signposted hiking trails. Winter sports for the practice of business law in a multi-cultural world. develop a better understanding of the strategic and stone bridges, museums, cafés and picturesque squares, abound too, as there are hundreds of kilometers of ski Crossing the traditional boundaries between Civil Law cultural challenges arising in multi-national contexts. is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medie- trails less than an hour away. Fribourg is easily acces- and Common Law, among others, this course of study Upon successful completion of the program, students are val ensembles in Europe. Its predominant student popu- sible by road and rail. Geneva and Zurich airports, for addresses all pertinent areas of private and public law, awarded the title of «Master of Laws in Cross-Cultural lation (1 inhabitant in 4 is a student) contributes to the instance, are only about 90 minutes away by train; it preparing students for careers in the private sector as Business Practice» by the Universities of Fribourg, Bern lively atmosphere in Fribourg and its unique «town and takes only 40 minutes to get to Lausanne and Mont- well as in government and international organizations. and Neuchâtel. In addition, the students are given the op- gown» community. It is also a family-friendly city with reux, and only 20 minutes to the country’s capital, Bern. While resting on a strong theoretical background in portunity to enroll in paid internships in specialized law excellent schools and pre-school day-care infrastructure. The University of Fribourg | www.unifr.ch | is unique in European, international and comparative law, the teaching firms around the world. The program also supports ap- Switzerland and Europe by virtue of its French and German method is problem-based and draws on real cases pro- plications for internships in interna¬tional organizations A multitude of festivals and events contribute to Fribourg’s bilingualism. Its five Faculties (Schools), with study pro- viding broad exposure to procedural and international mainly located in Geneva. cultural life – the International Film Festival, the Bollwerk / grams taught in both languages, offer a welcoming intellec- dispute settlement mechanisms. Clinics that run all year Belluard Festival, the annual International Festival of tual environment in Switzerland’s only bilingual university. round and culminate in moot courts provide students with Sacred Music, and the Medieval Weeks. There are also Approximately 50 % of the student population speak unparalleled experience in working with clients and com- numerous events for smaller audiences, such as poetry German as their native language, 29 % French, and 8 % munities of different cultural backgrounds and improve readings and concerts. Many cozy cafés and restaurants Italian. Compared to other universities in Switzerland, their effective capacity to solve difficult legal problems. offer first-class delicacies. Fribourg is also a fantastic the proportion of students from outside the canton at In addition to law, instruction in crucial aspects of starting point for excursions to The Way of St James, the University of Fribourg is particularly high – a clear

4 5 Bern

indication that its reputation transcends regional choose this bilingual option, while a number of even more he City of Bern is the Capital of Switzerland and boundaries. Both students and teachers have a wide ambitious students choose the intensive, advanced Thosts the federal government and related services. choice of international teaching schemes and research «bilingue plus» program in the non-native language and Crammed onto a steep-sided peninsula in a crook of the projects. The University has signed some 40 conventions culture. Faculty members include nationally and inter- fast-flowing river Aare, the city’s quiet, cobbled lanes, with foreign institutions and is involved in 150 Erasmus nationally renowned specialists in European law and lined with sandstone arcaded buildings, have changed / Socrates projects. It also has numerous cooperation Business law. It also hosts famous legal centers such as little in over five hundred years. Bern offers a rich cul- agreements with universities in Central and Eastern the Federalism Institute | www.federalism.ch |, the Eu- tural life, in terms of music, theatre and museums, and Europe. Although it remains a friendly and closely-knit ropean Law Institute | www.unifr.ch/euroinstitut |, the students enjoy swimming in the Aare during summer community thanks to its relatively small size, the Uni- International Institute of Construction Law | baurecht. time. The new Zentrum Paul Klee has opened its doors versity of Fribourg has an unmistakably international at- unifr.ch | and the Economic Law Institute. The faculty to art lovers from all over the world. mosphere with approximately 10’000 students and over provides its 1700 students with a personalized context 200 professors representing more than 110 countries. It and guarantees them the individual support and atten- The prestigious University of Bern | www.unibe.ch | has of excellence in the fields of civil, public and internatio- is a truly international institution; as much as 20 % of tion they need. Since 2008, the Law School hosts a new eight faculties with a total of some 12’000 students and nal law. The World Trade Institute | www.wti.org | hosts the student body and almost one third of its teaching Center of Advanced Studies in Transnational, Internati- 160 Institutes and Departments. It has a long-standing the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research staff hail from abroad. onal and European Business Law which is home to the tradition of cooperation with the University of Fribourg in international trade, combining research and teaching Master of Laws in Cross-Cultural Business Practice Pro- and staff members are regular passengers on the Fri- in international law and economics | www.nccr-trade. gram and to an interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in bourg-bound train. The Law School offers a wide varie- org |. The WTI and the Departments of Civil and Eco- he Law School is one of the most renowned in European Studies. This Center is administered together ty of programs, ranging from Bachelor, Master, LL.M nomic Law add their expertise to this program and TSwitzerland. It is the only Faculty in Switzerland by the Universities of Fribourg and Bern, as part of their and Doctorate to specialized programs in the field of assist in shaping its unique features. which offers students the opportunity to complete their many cooperation schemes in the field of International public health administration, criminal law and interna- studies in French and German. Some 25 % of the students Trade Law and European Law. tional trade regulation. Its faculty has a long tradition

6 7 Neuchâtel CURRICULUM

Successful applicants are admitted for one academic year of study in residence in Fribourg (Septem- ber through June). To obtain the degree of Master of Advanced Studies in Law (equivalent to an LL.M.), students must also complete an independent research and writing project.

uilt from yellow sandstone, Neuchâtel is located on The curriculum includes: Bthe northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel and nestles against the Jura hills. With museums such as the Dür- Introductory modules at the beginning of each Two tailor-made moot courts at the end of each renmatt Centre and the Art History Museum, as well as semester clinic in European and International Law an archaeological park and an important research centre featuring an observatory known for precision in Swiss Core modules in International Business Law A 50-page Master’s Thesis timing, Neuchâtel exudes charm and is ideal for a stroll. (1st Semester) and in European Business Law (2nd Semester). These include in particular: Field-trips and visits to European and international The University of Neuchâtel | www.unine.ch | accom- Competition Law, Tax Law, Business Contracts, institutions and organizations modates around 4000 students and the Faculty of Law Investment Law, Intellectual Property and Business has 560 students, led by 30 teaching professionals who Crimes Opportunities to participate in major local, regional are themselves associated with 12 professorships, prin- and international conferences and colloquia cipally in the areas of private law, public law and inter- Final modules at the end of each semester may include: national and European law. The faculty comprises vari- Doing Business in Asia, Doing Business in Africa, An activity in the Swiss Alps ous institutes and research centers, such as the Health and Business Psychology, 2nd Semester: Doing Law Institute (IDS), the Leasing Law Seminar, and the Business in the Middle East, Doing Business in Latin Alternative and Jurisdictional Conflict Management Re- America and Business Antropology search Center (CEMAJ). Other institutes are associated with the Faculty by agreement, such as the International Permanent clinics (weeks 4 –13 in each semester): Courses, which are taught in English, are held mainly in Sport Studies Center (CIES) and the Swiss Police Docu- International Dispute clinic (1st Semester) and Fribourg, with some of them taking place in Bern and mentation Center. European Dispute clinic (2nd Semester) Neuchâtel.

8 9 TEACHING STAFF ADMISSION AND STYLE

The program draws together some of the most promi- To be admitted to the program, applicants must Certified English translations of documents in nent experts in each field of European, International and have received a first complete law degree (such as a languages other than English, French, German, Transnational Business Law from around the globe, and «Bologna» Master’s degree, a US J.D. or an LL.B.) or an Italian or Spanish in particular from Europe, Asia and the United States. other academic qualification deemed equivalent by the program directors. Preference will be given to lawyers Two reference letters by referees in a position to Members of the teaching staff come both from aca- who have already practiced law. vouch for the applicant’s professional and/or academic demia and practice. High-profile attorneys from law abilities. The reference letters (sealed and signed on the firms and institutions specialized in business matters In order to keep our faculty-student ratio low, we seek back by the referee) may be attached to the application worldwide teach tailor-made courses in the program. to enroll no more than 30 students each year, based on or sent directly to the Center of Advanced Studies the strength of their record of academic or professional Class size is kept relatively low (about 15–30 students) to achievements. The table of contents and 10-page excerpts of the main ensure maximum interaction between faculty members essay or dissertation written by the candidate in the and students. Applicants for admission to the MLCBP program course of university studies. In case such texts are not must send the following documents, directly to the available in English, French, German, Italian or Spa- Center of Advanced Studies by regular mail or using nish, applicants are asked to submit a translation the online application system at www.mlcbp.ch TOEFL or IELTS score (see below) A proof of payment of the application fee

A completed application form

A personal statement explaining the applicant’s interest in the program It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that all A curriculum vitae items are delivered to our offices before the application deadline. Admitted students are registered at the Uni- Final official transcripts (degrees, diplomas) from versity of Fribourg. For all admissions inquiries, please each university attended contact our Center of Advanced Studies.

10 11 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TIMELINE ORGANIZATION

The program is taught in English. Program Directors

Applicants whose primary language is not English and The deadline for all MLCBP applications is at the end of who did not receive their university education in the April each year. Early application is strongly encouraged, English language must take a language proficiency test as selection is an ongoing process. (TOEFL or IELTS). The admissions committee looks for All applications and other documents must be sent to Prof. Pascal Pichonnaz Prof. Thomas Cottier a TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the Center of Advanced Studies (see contact information). University of Fribourg University of Bern the computer-based test and 79 on the Internet-based The MLCBP program begins in mid-September each year. Law School Law School test, or an IELTS overall score of 5.5. Applicants with at least two years of professional legal experience in Eng- lish may request a waiver of this requirement. A passive understanding of French or German is an asset, albeit not a prerequisite. Prof. Isabelle Romy Prof. Dorothea Herren University of Fribourg University of Bern Law School Law School

TUITION & Prof. Franz Werro Prof. Eveyne Clerc FINANCIAL AID University of Fribourg University of Neuchâtel Law School Law School

For information about tuition fees and financial aid, please visit our website at www.mlcbp.ch

Prof. Petros Mavroidis University of Neuchâtel Law School

12 13 ADVISORY BOARD CONTACT

Prof. Mauro Bussani, Comparative Law, Trieste University Law School; Prof. Richard Buxbaum, International Law, Center of Advanced Studies Berkeley Law, UC Berkeley; Dr Dominique Dreyer, Former Swiss Ambassador to India and China; Prof. Anwar Fazal, Director of Citizens International and Chairperson of Taiping Peace Initiative, Director – Right Livelihood College, School of Law University Sains Malaysia; Prof. Charles Gustafson, Tax Law and International Law, Georgetown University Law School; University of Fribourg Prof. Ellen Hertz, Anthropology, Director of the Institute of Anthropology, University of Neuchâtel; Prof. Daniel Jutras, Av. de Beauregard 11 | Office 5.608/5.610 Private and Comparative Law, McGill University, Montreal; Dr Fatou Kiné Camara, Family Law, School of Law and CH – 1700 Fribourg Politics, Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar University; Prof. Pierre Legrand, Comparative Law, Paris I-Sorbonne University; Tel +41 26 300 8150 | Fax +41 26 300 9625 Prof. Miguel Poiares Maduro, European Law, Euro¬pean University Institute and Advocate General, European Court [email protected] | www.mlcbp.ch of Justice, Luxembourg; Prof. Ana Laura Magaloni, Constitutional Law, Division of legal studies, Centro de Inves- tigación y Docencia Económicas, Mexico; Prof. Jan-Anders Månson, Vice-President of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne; Prof. Stephen P. Marks, Health and Human Rights Law, Harvard School of Public Health and Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health; Prof. Ugo Mattei, Comparative Law, Turin University Law School and Hastings College of Law, San Francisco; Prof. Petros Mavroidis, European Law and International Law, University of Neuchâtel Law School and Columbia Law School, New York; Prof. Carrie Menkel-Meadow, Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure, Georgetown University Law Center; Dr Zhang Mingjie, Boss & Young, Attorneys at Law, Shanghai and Beijing; Prof. Laura Nader, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Berkeley University; Prof. Jan Paulsson, Head of the international arbitration group at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, President of the London Court on International Arbitration, President of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal and Dundee University Law School; Prof. Ruth Sefton-Green, Private Law, Comparative Law, Paris I-Sorbonne University; Prof. em. Pierre Tercier, Law of Obligations, University of Fribourg Law School and President of the International Court of Arbitration, ICC, Paris; Prof. em. Roland von Büren, Commercial Law, Competition Law and Intellectual Property Law, University of Bern Law School; Prof. Hans-Peter Walter, Private and Economic Law, University of Bern Law School

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