Rule of law is essential to tackling the world’s most critical challenges—violence, infringements of human rights, environmental destruction, poverty and hunger — and crucial to achieving sustainable economic growth and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Loyola’s Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) program is a unique academic and experiential learning program that educates lawyers and other professionals to work in the growing rule of law and development field, whether in the public, private, civil society, or academic sectors.
In addition to acquiring the fundamental knowledge and skills to tackle critical development challenges, you will also gain a large international network and exposure to real-world challenges through experienced practitioner faculty members and an engaged alumni network. The diverse group of students follow the program together as a cohort, creating a positive environment for sharing diverse experiences and learning.
The program consists of one-year Master of Laws (LLM) and Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degrees in Rule of Law for Development. An option for completion over two years is also offered. The LLM program is for those applicants with a first degree in law. The MJ program is for applicants with a first degree in a different subject.
This blended virtual and in-person program is composed of dynamic online study combined with one term at Loyola’s Rome Center campus in Italy. Online study provides flexibility for busy professionals and the on-campus term will home in on skill building and networking.
The Rome study experience will help you establish unique bonds with your fellow students, enhancing your learning and expanding your network. The Rome location provides opportunities to develop valuable networks with leading international rule of law, development and humanitarian relief organizations headquartered in Rome, as well as other Italian and European institutions.
You will gain deep knowledge of the theory and practical skills necessary to work in the complex rule of law arena in developed, developing, or emerging countries. The program is taught by renowned rule of law and development practitioners, who bring their experiences in the field to life during the courses. A final capstone project draws on all of the coursework, enabling students to partner with outside organizations to devise solutions to actual rule of law problems. Many students choose to undertake an internship during the summer with leading rule of law and development organizations in Rome or abroad.
PROLAW graduates become members of a large and engaged alumni network of over 220 rule of law professionals from over 60 countries. 99% of PROLAW alumni are currently employed in various legal, policy, development and management positions within national governments, development agencies and public justice institutions, international development organizations and United Nations agencies, regional co-operation organizations, multilateral development banks, non-governmental organizations, law firms and corporations, and as faculty and researchers for universities and think tanks. PROLAW alumni are passionate about the impact they have in inspiring, leading, and managing efforts to strengthen both the rule of law and prospects for national development in their country and geographical region. Alumni stay connected with each other and with PROLAW, supporting students with individual mentoring and career advice throughout the program.
PROLAW Executive Director and students meet with Jan Beagle, Director-General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).
Loyola PROLAW grads in Ukraine work to make real change
Joseph Saba trains leaders to prevent conflict and sustain peace
Leslé Jansen (LLM ’12) works to advance indigenous and environmental rights
