Pace Law School Plans to Offer a New LL.M. Program in Real Estate Law, starting in August 2008

Master of Laws (LL.M.) In Real Estate Law

Real Estate Transactions are becoming ever more complex.  Effective lawyers need in-depth and extensive knowledge of the laws and industry in order to solve complicated issues and problems.  Firms need and clients demand lawyers with these skills. Pace Law School recognizes this need and will now become the first law school in the region to offer a Masters of Laws (LL.M.) in Real Estate Law.  Development of the LL.M. program was preceded by dialogue with lawyers and industry advisers and considerable research into the issues that arise in practice and that animate and affect the industry.  Many lawyers lack the tools to resolve today’s most complex real estate issues in ways that meet the clients’ concerns and objectives.  Our LL.M. program will expose students to foundational areas of practice and cutting edge issues as well as the business of real estate.

Pace’s Track Record

With over thirty years of experience and dedication to environmental law, Pace’s Environmental Law program has consistently been ranked amongst the nation’s best  and has been the foundation upon which the highly acclaimed Land Use Law Center has been built.  In July 2004, these programs spawned Pace’s Real Estate Law Institute. Quickly achieving recognition for generating innovative insights and effective private market solutions, the Institute sponsors conferences, workshops, and CLE programs.  Over the past three years, the Institute has generated half a dozen books and conducted over a dozen substantial educational programs.  The Institute has also formed a partnership with Pace’s acclaimed Lubin School of Business to conduct workshops and conferences for real estate industry leaders and their counsel.  It has also formed and convened a group of attorney advisors and real estate industry advisors to help chart the LL.M. course.

The Institute’s three substantive programs deal with high profile issues: workforce housing; urban redevelopment; and energy conservation developments.  The Land Use Law Center leads the nation in training local land use leaders: those who decide where development goes on the land, the shape it takes and its impact of energy consumption, the environment, and affordability.  It has graduated over 1,000 leaders from a four-day intensive program and garnered over 100 formal resolutions of support from local governments and business organization.

By exposing lawyers to the laws and issues and enabling them to apply the principles drawn from real estate, land use, and environmental law, Pace’s LL.M. program will provide the depth and rigor to ensure that its graduates are ready to practice.  The program’s focus on the business of real estate will enable lawyers to understand their clients’ needs and find the best legal solution to meet their clients’ objectives.

Degree Requirements

Candidates will be  required to complete 24 credit-hours of coursework.  Of the 24 credits, 16 are from required courses, including Commercial Real Estate Transactions, Finance and the Real Estate Business, and Environmental Commercial Transactions. The range of courses will give lawyers a sophisticated understanding of all the issues that arise when trying to achieve business objectives.  Full-time students will complete the LL.M. in one year, part-time in two years.

The Pace Advantage

The Pace Law School professors and staff strive to offer a quality educational experience.  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.  Pace advantages include: small classes that ensure personal attention; accessible and approachable faculty; diverse students, professors, and ideas; and, a supportive environment where students are committed to helping each other succeed.

Pace’s evening program and Westchester location will enable lawyers to study part-time while continuing to practice.  In this way, the LL.M. will open doors and create opportunities both for seasoned lawyers and for recent graduates.

Campus

Pace offers a lovely campus setting with 12 acres of landscaped grounds in an opportunity-rich, urban environment. Located in White Plains , NY , the campus provides easy access to New York City , the beautiful Hudson Valley , and the rest of the tri-state area.  Students enjoy a myriad of social, cultural, and professional opportunities.  Parking on campus is free.

Financial Information

Tuition during the 2008-09 year runs approximately $40,000 for the full-time program or $1,667 per credit.  Limited financial aid may be available, but graduate students are generally expected to arrange to finance their own programs.  Additional financial information can be obtained at http://law.pace.edu/adm/financial/index.html.

Further Information

For more information contact:

Mark R. Shulman
Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs and International Affiliations
Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains , NY 10603
Phone:  (914) 422-4670
Fax:      (914) 422-4261
Email:   LLM@law.pace.edu