International Programs | Columbia Law School

Institute for Law and Finance-Frankfurt Semester Exchange

This is an English-language program that provides an LL.M. in Finance through a year-long interdisciplinary study of law and finance. Those students who do not wish to pursue an LL.M. may decide to study at ILF for one semester only. There are approximately 30 courses, 20 of which are law courses and 10 of which are economics and finance.

The Students

There is a maximum of 40 students enrolled in the program. The majority of students come from Western Europe (45%) and Eastern Europe (26%). Remaining students come from Asia, Africa, South America and North America. Students will come from the legal and business fields.

Dates

The winter term runs from October to February and then from mid-April to July for the summer term.

Courses

Unlike many traditional European programs, the ILF has rich offerings in commercial and financial law, finance, banking and economics, including Law of Project and Acquisition Finance, Law of Investment Banking, Law of Central Banks, and more. Students must take 10 courses over the two semesters in order to complete the LL.M. Those students fluent in German may also take one or two courses from the University of Frankfurt. Classes meet for two hours per week for approximately 12 weeks each semester.

Faculty

Many faculty from the University of Frankfurt teach in the ILF program, in addition, practitioners and officials from law firms, central banks and other financial institutions will teach courses. ILF also attracts foreign professors from the U.S., U.K., and continental Europe.

Internship Program

In order to complete the degree, students must have completed an internship at a law firm, financial agency or similar institution. ILF arranges internships for all of its students. Of particular interest is an internship with the Financial Supervisor Authorities in Frankfurt and an internship with the German Ministry of Finance in Berlin.

Degree Requirements

Please note: participation in an exchange program or semester study abroad program does not exempt students from any requirements for the J.D. degree (i.e. pro bono service, writing credits etc.).

Tuition

Columbia students will continue to pay Columbia tuition, health insurance, and health service fees. Other Columbia student activity fees will be waived. Students may waive health insurance fees and health service fees at Columbia if alternative coverage is obtained.

Cancellation

ILF has reserved the right to cancel any course for reasons of insufficient student registration. If changes are announced prior to a student's departure from the U.S., and the student is unable to identify satisfactory substitute courses, the student may choose to withdraw from the Program. If cancellation occurs after the student has arrived at ILF, substitute courses must be elected and submitted for approval to the Office of International Programs.

Columbia Law School reserves the right to cancel or suspend, at any time, any of its exchange and double degree programs. Reasonable efforts will be made to give students adequate notice of any changes.

Parker School Recognition

Students participating in a semester study abroad program are eligible to receive up to 7 of the 10 required academic points in international, foreign or comparative law. Students should contact the Parker School upon completion of the program to ascertain how many credits will be awarded for their foreign study.

Contact Individuals & Application

Office of International Programs
tel: 212-854-8170; fax: 212-851-7691
Email: internationalprograms@law.columbia.edu

Mailing Address:
International Programs
Columbia Law School
435 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10027

Columbia Law School's Office of International Programs is located at:
William and June Warren Hall
1125 Amsterdam Avenue, 6th Floor