Columbia University's application form asks the following question:

Briefly state the field(s) and topic(s) in which you plan to do the principal part of your graduate work, being as specific as possible.

Can somebody please explain the exact meaning of this question? An example could be useful.

Cheers,
AJ

Hi there

Maybe this may help; At least this was my understanding of the kind of disclosure in the application they are probably looking at:

Example -

Field: Commercial Law

Topic: Securitization of assets

It sounds like they are using the same application form for foreign LLMs as they are for US law grads wanting to do an LLM. Most foreign LLMs don't necessarily seek to specialize, but gain a comparative overview of the US legal system and US law. My first semester I did Constitutional Law (which really is a must for all foreign LLMs), Property Law, Securities Regulation, US Legal History, and Legal Research & Writing. So, quite a mix. I chose the course based upon what sounded interesting, what was most different to English Law, and the reputed quality of the professor. Eventually I did the entire JD and so had to take the mandatory 1L classes during my second year.

Thanks a lot masteroflaws2007, UnderemployedLawyer for your replies.

Underemployed, I have a situation similar to yours. I wish to take up courses in International Commercial Arbitration, Transnational Litigation and Arbitration, Conflict of Laws and Jurisdiction, Negotiations Workshop, Law of the WTO, Trademarks etc.

So, you see, there is a mix of various subjects although the bent is more towards Dispute Resolution. In that case, even if I mention that my Field of interest is Dispute Resolution, I still can't understand what they mean by my topic(s) of interest in the field chosen by me. Do they want to know a specific aspect of Arbitration that interests me, say, for example enforceability of arbitral awards?

This question puzzles me. Anybody got any inputs.

Cheers,
AJ.

"I wish to take up courses in International Commercial Arbitration, Transnational Litigation and Arbitration, Conflict of Laws and Jurisdiction, Negotiations Workshop, Law of the WTO, Trademarks etc."

I think you answered their question right there! Just elaborate somewhat and write it better than that. But that's it, in a nutshell. You don't need to get any more specific than that - you are not going to find an entire course dedictated to the enforcement of arbitration awards! And subjects like the WTO and transnational litigation will (usually) only be a component of broader courses in public and private international law.

Therefore, the "field" of law you are interested in is international public and private dispute resolution (by the sounds of it). As for "topics" - just look at their online syllabus and you will see the topics they have on offer which are within or associates with that field e.g., civil procedure, evidence, conflicts of law, federal courts, public international law, international organizations, advanced litigation etc - those are "topics" my school offered. It's a good idea to actually check their syllabus and use the same titles for the topics/courses on offer. That way, it shows them you've done your homework.

BTW, my school offered a course called International Commercial Arbitration - the first semester was substantive law and exam-based whereas the second semester involved preparing for and participating in the Jessup International Moot Court Competition, which is a truly international moot court competition. I think it's a must for someone with your aspirations. So brush up on your public speaking and confidence. I think mosr law schools in the first and second tiers have a similar course tied to the competition.

Hi Underemployed,

Thanks for your answer. Surely, Jessup is a good moot. But for somebody with an interest in Arbitration I strongly recommend the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot held annually in Vienna. I was a participant this year and it truly was a brilliant experience. To top it all, our team was adjudged one of the finalists.

Once again, thanks for your input.

Cheers,
AJ.