Pace Law School offers three advanced degree programs for people who have already earned a law degree.  If you do not already have a law degree, then this is not the page for you; please see the J.D. Admissions page.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative Legal Studies
This individualized program is designed for students whose first law degree was obtained from a law school outside of the United States.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law
This specialized program caters to lawyers wishing to enhance their background in an important area of the law.  Two tracks are available, one for graduates of American law schools; the other for lawyers educated in law schools elsewhere in the world.

Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Environmental Law
This selective program prepares scholars to teach environmental law in the United States and abroad.

Certificate Programs
LL.M. candidates are eligible for certificates in Environmental and in International Law.  These programs are authorized by the New York State Department of Education and certify that the holder has successfully demonstrated proficiency in the fundamentals of her or his chosen field.

Candidates’ Backgrounds 
Current graduate students come from such diverse countries as Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, Russia, Hungary, Belgium and Estonia.  Some have practiced law while others are recent graduates.  Their interests range widely from human rights and immigration law to international commercial transactions.  This year’s class also includes to prosecutors of environmental law crimes.  Pace has recently served as proud host to Fulbright, Muskie and Soros Fellows. 

Admissions
Admission is competitive with applications judged on the strength of the candidate’s academic record. Applications by candidates for advanced degrees in environmental law are also reviewed for their demonstrated commitment to pursue a career in that field. Candidates for the S.J.D. must have attained a LL.M in environmental law with distinction. Applications for all advanced degrees are reviewed by an admissions committee, and an interview may be required.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.  However, applicants from abroad are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible in light of the new U.S. constraints on granting visas. 

Pace Law School Faculty
The primary goal of the faculty at Pace School of Law is to produce a quality educational experience for their students. The emphasis on teaching is reflected in the time devoted to class preparation and is notable in the faculty’s commitment to being accessible to students outside of class. Professors make a point of being on campus at least four days a week, and an open door policy prevails.

The majority of the faculty members have had significant careers in legal practice prior to becoming legal educators. Their experiences in law firms, as corporate counsel, and as federal and state regulators add important perspectives to the theoretical principles of law.

Teaching excellence need not come at the expense of scholarship. At Pace, in fact, the two often go hand in hand. Some of the most prolific scholars on the faculty win high marks for creating stimulating and challenging classroom discussions. Students benefit from the knowledge and experience of outstanding professors who care about teaching and about preparing students for meaningful careers in the legal profession.

Graduate Programs Staff
The Graduate Programs are directed by Mark R. Shulman with Deborah Zipf providing the principle staff support.  Dr. Shulman received his BA from Yale University, a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, a PhD in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and a JD from Columbia University, where he was a Stone Scholar and editor-in-chief of the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law.  In addition to practicing law at the international law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City, Dr. Shulman has served on the faculty of Yale University, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia Law School, and the U.S. Air War College.  Dr. Shulman has published extensively in the fields of international law, military and naval history, and international affairs.

The Director of the Environmental Law Program is Lee Paddock who has enjoyed an illustrious career in environmental law and policy. He held a top position in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office from 1978-1999, serving under Hubert H. Humphrey III. His assignment was to make Humphrey one of the top environmentalists in the country, and by all accounts he succeeded. He was one of the 10 members of the Attorney General’s Executive Committee and directly managed a Division staff of 16 people. As Director of Environmental Policy, he was responsible for developing environmental programs; drafting and securing the passage of legislation; maintaining communication with constituent groups; managing special projects and investigations; advising the Attorney General on environmental issues; and working with the federal government agencies on issues affecting state environmental programs. He was Senior Environmental Counsel to the National Association of Attorneys General from 1985-1986.

When a new Attorney General was elected, Mr. Paddock became an environmental consultant working as a Visiting Scholar with The Environmental Law Institute, as a Senior Consultant to the National Academy of Public Administration, and of Counsel to the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy among other clients.  Lee has taught as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota and the William Mitchell College of Law. He has published a considerable number of articles in a range of law journals.  Leslie Crincoli provides principle support to Mr. Paddock.

Social Program
Because most of our graduate students come from other countries, our social program is designed to supplement the curriculum by introducing American history, institutions and culture.  For instance, this year’s program included a field trip to New York City with a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, a visit to “Ground Zero” (the site of the World Trade Center), a introductory meeting at a leading Wall Street law firm, lunch at South Street Seaport, a tour of New York Harbor, and a special reception at the Soho loft of a faculty member.  Other social events include a Thanksgiving Dinner at the home of a professor and a holiday party in January. 

Pace Law School’s Campus
Graduate students in law take most of their classes on our leafy twelve-acre (4.5 hectares) campus in White Plains, a small city less than an hour from New York City by car or commuter train.  A shuttle bus connects the campus to the train station.  Stately Preston Hall is the main building with offices for most of the faculty and administration as well as the new student lounge.  A dining hall provides meals throughout the week.  A brand new 20,000 square foot (1,800 square meters) classroom building houses most of the classes in considerable comfort and with the latest technological support.

The lovely Gerber Glass Library houses an excellent collection as well as Pace’s highly ranked clinical program.  Other programs and centers dot the campus.

Pace’s campus also serves as home to the state of the art New York State Judicial Institute, a 52-week-a-year center for education and research designed to enhance the quality of the courts and ensure that the New York State Judiciary sets the standard for judicial excellence around the country.

Dormitory space is available on campus, and nearby houses and apartments offer convenient and pleasant alternatives.

Parking on campus is free, and many students drive from homes across the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. 

Pace University also has campuses in New York City (near Wall Street and in midtown) and elsewhere in Westchester County.  Students may register for courses on any of the other campuses.

Career Services
While a good number return home immediately after graduation to resume their practice, many Pace graduates seek work in the United States, either for a professional training internship or for long-term employment.  The professionals at Pace Law School’s Center for Career Development offers a variety of programs and services designed to help each student and graduate find the best opportunities in both the public and private sectors.  Many of our alumni work in the New York area, and we are building a network of individuals able and willing to help out recent Pace graduates.  In addition to the excellent work of the Career Development staff, Dr. Shulman works with students to will help them achieve their career goals. 

Financial Information
Tuition during the 2006-07 year runs approximately $35,500 for full-time graduate students and $1,500 per credit for part-time students. This figure is expected to rise slightly next year. A small amount of financial aid may be available, but most graduate students are expected to arrange to finance their own programs. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for outside grants. The school provides information and some support for those students seeking grants or loans.

Further Information
For an application or further information on any of these programs, contact:

Mark R. Shulman
Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs and International Affiliations
Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains, New York 10603 USA

Tel:  +1 (914) 422-4670
Fax:  +1 (914) 422-4261
E-mail:  LLM@law.pace.edu