Embrace the new frontiers of law
Law, as a profession or a discipline, has always been in constant flux as it evolves with the ebbs and flows of human development in societies - and the legal landscape right now is no exception.
Beyond the explosive e-commerce boom seen during the height of the Covid-19, the pandemic has pushed technological transformation over the tipping point and permanently disrupted the way we do business. The rapid rise of digital transactions, fintech and blockchain technology also means that it’s no longer sufficient for current corporate lawyers to be well-versed in only business and law. A keen awareness of technological developments — and the resulting legal ramifications — is also essential for lawyers to astutely advise their clients in navigating future transactions revolving around ground-breaking innovations.
1. Law + Technology specialisation
Other than the three existing tracks: Judicial Studies, Cross-Border Business and Finance Law in Asia, and Dual LLM in Commercial Law (Singapore & London), there is a new addition to the LLM programme offerings - Law and Technology.
Covering the latest regulatory issues in the fields of cutting-edge technological developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data management, blockchain technology and Fintech, the programme aims to fuse both disciplines and groom its students into future-ready legal professionals. Besides obtaining adequate knowledge of technology used in the legal service industry, students will gain an understanding of the basic framework for regulation of tech application in several key areas including finance, data transmission and driverless cars; and become familiar with the practices of legal services for innovative tech enterprises. Postgraduates enrolled in this pathway would gain a unique and cross-disciplinary perspective of the latest technology used by enterprises presently, while honing their grit in the critical thinking and analytical reasoning of the legal practices involved. They will also be exposed to case studies of other countries, to sharpen their understanding of regional and global trends in information technology law.
2. Multidisciplinary exposure apart from ICT
While a solid understanding of business law and regulations would still be vital when it comes to designing appropriate legal solutions for clients, legal professionals will also need to be well-versed in the technological elements intrinsic in today’s businesses to add value in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world.
The LLM programme offers postgraduates a variety of modules to customise their studies. For example, even if one is enrolled in the Law + Technology track, there is adequate room in the curriculum’s structure to support students in reading courses such as financial regulations or digital commerce. Thus, students who complete the LLM are not only highly knowledgeable about technology that is changing the way we live and work, but also proficient in legal issues that arise as a result of technological advancements. They will therefore be equipped to handle legal issues with agility as they provide on-point advice to clients from a corporate law standpoint.
3. Distinctive interactive pedagogy and seminar-style teaching
The small class sizes allow for more personal, two-way interaction during seminars. Classes are helmed by esteemed faculty members who are experienced and passionate about their domains, as they guide students through the course material for 10 weeks. For instance, the module on Blockchain and Governance will be jointly taught by Dr Zhang Wei from the School of Law, who is also the Director of the LLM programme, and Dr Zhu Feida from the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Students are also encouraged to participate actively as they engage in discussions with their classmates while working through cases on mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and mediation, amongst others. Through lively discourse with multinational classmates, every student will be exposed to a greater diversity of ideas, shaping them to be effective global citizens who are ready for international law careers.
4. Opening doors to life-changing career pathways
Every intake is open to applicants with a first degree in law. Additionally, significant relevant experience in legal or judiciary positions will be required for the Judicial Studies track, but the other tracks may also consider applicants who are non-law graduates if they have substantial prior experience in law-related positions. It is also suitable for lawyers who are currently practicing elsewhere but are looking to expand their legal expertise in Asia. Moreover, this programme will be apt for lawyers who are currently focusing on civil or criminal law but are looking to pivot to become corporate lawyers.
Enrolled students will be receiving personalised career coaching from the SMU Career Services team throughout their study to kickstart their law careers. Workshops and networking sessions with renowned tech companies and law firms are also frequently organised, to provide students with first-hand exposure to the varied legal professions awaiting them after completing the LLM. From providing highly sought-after legal counsel to bulge bracket banks, or starting one’s boutique advisory firm, the possibilities are endless for LLM graduates.
The SMU Master of Laws (LLM) is a course that astutely integrates law, technology and business, to equip its graduates in becoming top-tier lawyers of tomorrow. Interested to take your legal career one step further? Discover more about this programme here.