I was wondering if anyone have some information about LLM at Católica Global School of Law and its program, the courses, work after graduation, exchange semester after the first year...
Besides, I would like to know what you guys think about their program and chances of getting in...
Thank you!

Hi,
I'm an American currently enrolled in the Law in a European and Global Context LLM, and would be happy to answer any specific questions related to the LLM and to life in Lisbon.

If you (or any other serious candidates) would like to chat in detail, I am best reachable at my personal email: yuriy.vilner@gmail.com.

Best wishes in your search.

I was also a student in the LL.M. Law in a European and Global Context and I have just finished the additional semester of the exchange program.

What can I tell you?
The program is demanding. It requires a lot of critical thinking, strong research skills and the adaptability to debate in varied subjects.
The exchange semester was also a great opportunity. There is a broad array of law schools from which you can choose: I was in Duke University; others went to Cornell; some to Tilburg
Work after graduation is equally varied. I am currently pursuing an internship with the United Nations, while others are working in Law Firms and some are planning to become Law Professors.
The chances of getting in thinking of my LL.M. experience, I felt the program stood out especially for the quality selection of Professors and students. I had a great year interacting with dynamic, curious people with the most varied talents and interests.

All the best!
Dont hesitate to contact me with any doubt.

Católica Global School of Law is a great place to come and do an LL.M.

Besides having a truly unique and unrivaled faculty (some of the best professors and legal professionals from all over the world), it's in Lisbon which is a wonderful place to live.

I studied the LL.M. Law in a European and Global Context and would be very happy to share my experiences and thoughts on the programme. I undertook all classes, and I have stayed on at Católica writing my thesis, so please feel free to contact me for any information.

It is a good decision coming here! Check out the faculty:

LL.M. Law in a European and Global Context:
http://www.fd.lisboa.ucp.pt/resources/documents/LL.M/LLM%20Law%20in%20a%20European%20and%20Global%20Context/2012-2013/LLM_LawEuropeanGlobalContext_LisbonCatolica.pdf

LL.M. International Business Law:
http://www.fd.lisboa.ucp.pt/resources/documents/LL.M/AdvancedLLM2011.pdf

send me a message if you have any questions about the two LL.M.s, the courses, schedules, anything :)

Hello Diogo,
I would love to know a bit more about this LL.M.

I went to Lisbon on vacation a week ago. Fell in love with the city and its people. Heard about Católica's excellence and now I am very interested in applying for the Law in a European and Global Context LL.M.

In the new brochure they say that we can submit our application at any time. But the course starts September/12.
What makes me believe that I have a very short deadline in order to apply.

So, what I would firstly like to know is how the application/admissions process really happen. I am mostly concerned with the recommendation letter requirement, given the fact that I don't have any contact with my college teachers anymore and that, at my current job, I can't ask for one.

Could you please tell me how this process and everything else worked out for you?

Thank you,
Deborah

Hi Deborah,

Lisbon is indeed a really lovely city, it's hard not to fall in love with it.

Regarding applications, Católica Global School of Law adopts a unique rolling application system. I believe their objective is to admit the best students possible so as to ensure that students are motivated and willing to put in the work in a very diverse and high quality class and this might mean, best students or students with the right profile for this programme. In any case they are always searching for extraordinary students, so it is not too late to apply. I myself applied in July 2010 and was accepted for September 2010.

The reason why I say it is a unique rolling system is that I do believe that they rather have the best group/class possible, with students that are interested in the subjects and prepare the lessons for class discussion. They rather have that even if they don't necessary fill all positions.

Please don't get the wrong idea though, you don't necessarily need to have a first in your degree (or really strong averages), for as in my case they also take into account the reasons why you want to be a part of the programme your academic or professional profile, your drive and determination, your interest in the courses.

I would encourage you to apply. Tania, the Programme Assistant, is lovely and very helpful. Speak to her about the recommendation letter, I am sure that they would be open to receiving recommendation letters from other references you might have.

Let me know what more I can help with,

I was working when I decided to apply, and it worked out very well for me :)

I participated in the LL.M. Bolagna for two years ago when the program first was introduced. I totally agree with what has been said about the faculty and the opportunity to spend one year in wonderful Lisboa. Another bonus is the small size of the classes (approximately 20 students but sometimes even less than 6 on the intensive courses). If I should say anything negative I presume it would be the lesser possibility to write a thesis than in any of the competing programs (although this is not required to receive a formal LL.M.).

And finally, I don't think you have to worry to send in an late application (but be aware that the university will be closed for summer vacation very soon). If you come from outside the Portuguese speaking world I also strongly encourage you to negotiate about the tuition fee since it is the policy of university to create a larger diversity among the students.

Diogo/Eagle 1,

I am working on my application now. I'll probably have everything finished by the end of the week.

How long does it take for them to give us a feedback on our application?

Thanks again for your help!

Hey Deborah, my name is Marta and I've already applied to the LL.M. law in a european and global context (and got in), so maybe I can provide some helpful information. The process is really quick, depending on your availability. Once you deliver the application, the admissions committee takes about less than a week to give you some feedback. If they find your profile adequate, they'll schedule and interview with you in order to find out your career objectives, your motivations and your use of english language. And that's pretty much it! I'm really happy that the programme is attracting so many international students, as it should, for it seems an excellent programme. If there's anything else I can help you with, feel free to contact me.
Marta

Hey Marta,
I will send my application this week and It is very good to know they won't take too long to give me some feedback.
It does seem to be an excellent programme and I can't wait to be (hopefully) accepted.
Thank you for this information. I am definitely more relieved.
And it's great to hear from someone who's already in!

Deborah

That is great news Deborah :)

let me know how it goes. I will be at Catolica this week so if you need anything just send me a message.

Hope it goes well.

A short video about Lisbon, although I personally think the city is even more colorful and beautiful than portrayed here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Lbvadh7p80Y

Here is an interesting article from the FT, focusing on "International law: Legal studies in a globalised era", in which Catolica Global School of Law features

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/655c092a-29b7-11e2-a604-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2CdAKnYLq

some highlights:

Law can no longer be looked at in national terms, as it has been historically, says Luís Barreto Xavier, dean of the Católica Global School of Law, part of the Catholic University of Portugal.

The legal landscape has been fundamentally altered by the march of globalisation. As individuals and businesses conduct complex interactions across borders, lawyers are increasingly required to understand and engage with multiple legal systems, both national and transnational. Law schools are facing a corresponding challenge to equip todays lawyers with the skills to operate in this evolving environment.

Dear all,

Could you please provide me with information regarding the course?

Thanks and kindest regards,

Justine Calleja

http://www.llm-guide.com/university/629/universidade-catlica-portuguesa-lisbon-catlica-global-school-of-law

Hey Justine,

Here is a link to the programs offered at Catolica.

http://www.catolicalaw.fd.lisboa.ucp.pt/en/programmes

Let me know if you have any questions regarding courses, faculty or the programs themselves. As an alumnus and former student, I can say that the LL.M. program at Catolica was one of the most important achievements in my academic and professional lives. One is never quite the same after this experience, you develop a certain intellectual and analytical acuity that is uniquely fostered by the outstanding professors and colleagues there.

I firmly believe that the academic and professional opportunities I have accrued since then where only possible because of what I learned and achieved at Catolica Global School of Law.

Hope this helps

Hello,
I am really interested and hope to enjoy the LLM program in Global Context this year, therefore i have few questions:
1- Did you enjoy the whole course? Was it worth?
2- I have few work experiences, do you think this can prejudice my application?
3- Anty other tips?
4- How was the interview step after the application?
Hope to hear from you soon!
Once again, thank you!

Hi @jamilygomes

I would be happy to answer your questions. First of all, great choice in considering Catolica, in my opinion it is one of the best LL.M. programs in Europe and it certainly rivals top tiered LL.M. programs in the U.S. as well.
As you are aware, two programs are offered, the Law in a European and Global Context LL.M. and the International Business Law LL.M. They are both excellent choices, but obviously different in structure and tailored for different ambitions. Let me know which program you are considering and I will tweak my answers further. In short
1) I thoroughly enjoyed it all. The faculty is comprised of internationally renowned legal scholars, most of them who teach in prestigious universities from all over the world (Yale, Cornell, Duke, KCL, Harvard, etc) and come to Lisbon specifically to teach at Catolica. Courses are structured either as intensive seminars (ranging to 1 to 4 weeks) or last the whole semester. Because the amazing ensemble of faculty travel to Lisbon specifically to teach at Catholica, and because the classes are purposively small in number, for 2/3 weeks, you have access and the complete attention of prominent legal scholars. It is therefore never dull, in fact it was one of the most stimulating academic experiences of my life, well worth it. It assures a great return on your investment if you apply yourself and make the most of it. For me at least it has enabled many opportunities.
2) Work experience is more instrumental, and comprehensively so, if you are considering the International Business Law LL.M. However, do not let that deter you from applying and from reaching out to the Dean of the Law School, who is one of the most remarkable persons I know, and who, among many other great qualities, always looks through applications thoroughly and fairly, weighing in all of the candidates qualities.
3) The more you put into this program the more you will get out of it! Go to class prepared and participate! Talk to the Professors outside of the classroom, they are extremely interesting and accessible, and genuinely care about the students. You will also get to meet outstanding students from all over the world, your colleagues will become like your family and many of them you will find later on in top tiered law firms or institutions.
4) The interview is in almost most cases conducted by the Dean himself and consists mainly of a talk where he gauges your interest, your goals and your awareness of the program. As I mentioned before, he is a truly remarkable person. I was nervous at first, put at ease very shortly and we had a delightful conversation. Show interest, read about the programs, think about your curriculum and your aspirations and how they can benefit the program as much as you can benefit from it.
Hope this helps,

Hi, @diogo.magalhaes, thanks for your attention, you really helped me!!
I am planning to apply for LLM in European and Global Context, do you have any further tip about this course? And how can i reach Dean? I've been talking to Tania, who is a lovely person.
Hope hear from you soon!!

Hello,
To reach the Dean, you can please write to catolica.law@ucp.pt
Thank you.
Best regards,
Vera