Hello all and happy new year,

I am interested in applying to the Catolica Global School of Law for the International Business LLM programme and have a few questions that perhaps people who have been admitted or are currently studying there could answer.

Firstly, what would you say is the emphasis they put on prior work experience? By the end of the summer I would have nearly two years of experience at a leading law firm, but simply as a trainee (I worked over the summers when I wasn't at university). Would this be a problem?

Secondly, I graduated with a 2.1 from the University of Manchester and am not sure whether this is high enough for the purposes of being admitted to the LLM programme.

Finally, what would you say are my prospects of continuing my career in a law firm in the EU (not necessarily in Lisbon) after completing this programme? Did you find the programme interesting and practice oriented?

Thank you in advance!

Dear "blancpain",

My name is Dzhamil, I am currently enrolled in the International Business LLM programme at Catolica Global School of Law and I am happy to help you with your questions.

With regard to the "emphasis on prior work experience", I understand that this is somehow important. However, at the time I applied I was also a trainee lawyer in a Portuguese law firm, with some summer work experience, and this situation did not represent any problem. There is also another colleague of mine that did not have so much work experience and was accepted. So I don't think that this fact will pose a major problem.

With regard to your second question, concerning your grades, it is probably better to visit LLM's website (http://www.catolicalaw.fd.lisboa.ucp.pt/en/news-events/recent-news-and-spotlights/early-bird-applications) or speak directly with Tânia Abreu Godinho (tagodinho@fd.lisboa.ucp.pt). She is the best person in place to explain you all the requirements and provide you with all the necessary information about the LLM (and she is also one of the nicest persons I know).

Lastly, and considering that you graduated in an English Faculty of Law, I think that the prospects of you getting a job in a law firm in EU are quite good and Catolica LLM programme actually "reinforces" your knowledge and CV. The majority of the professors of the Catolica LLM are actually professors in several prestigious Faculties from all over the World (EU, USA, etc.). The course is very complete and gives you a very practice oriented view of International Business Law, covering a wide range of different matters (e.g., corporate law, financial regulation, IP, common law contracts, competition, securitization, international arbitration, energy law, etc.). It is also used a Socratic method of teaching and there is usually a lot of interaction in the classes between the professors and the students. So, I can definitely say that I am really enjoying this programme.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me at d.oda@mlgts.pt.

Cheers,
Dzhamil