At BU Law, we seek to provide a practical education, supplementing students’ coursework with extracurricular activities, lectures, conferences, and roundtable discussions. A number of these conferences and lectures are co-sponsored with groups such as the American Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.
Intensive Workshops
Financial Services Fundamentals
This twelve-day summer course provides necessary business, legal and structural information about the financial services industry to students entering the Graduate Program in Banking and Financial Law without significant U.S. employment experience. This course provides the basic information on subjects relevant to the study of financial services law, and also introduces incoming international students to lectures, discussions and readings on financial topics in English.
Fundamentals of Banking Law
This intensive program is designed to familiarize experienced and newly admitted attorneys with the principal laws, policies, and regulations that have shaped the development of US banking law from the passage of the 1863 National Bank Act to the present. Held over three days after the Spring semester, the program provides an intensive review of U.S laws from experienced government attorneys, law firm partners and in-house counsel, and compliance officers.
The Legal Research Skills for Practice Program
LLM students can sharpen their research skills by taking this program offered by the Pappas Law Library. Students can improve their skills by attending practical, hands-on research classes tailored to the realities of today’s legal landscape. Classes are taught by experienced legal information librarians, who have law degrees as well as library degrees.
A Nationally Recognized Journal
Founded in 1982, the Review of Banking and Financial Law is the nation’s preeminent student-run banking and financial law journal. It includes professional articles written by the field’s leading authorities, notes and comments, and development articles authored by JD students.
Networking
Lunchtime Conversations
Periodically throughout the academic year we invite speakers to have lunch with students and discuss issues of the day and to talk about their careers. Past speakers have included representatives from Citibank, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, law firms, and academia. Topics discussed have ranged from the European debt crisis and “robo-signings” to compliance programs and the economic numbers behind the financial crisis. Students have also organized some of these programs. These events give students the opportunity to network, learn directly from accomplished professionals and to be inspired by their experiences.
A Day in Court
Every year, Francis C. Morrissey, one of the many experienced practitioners on the Graduate Program’s faculty, takes his Bankruptcy class on a trip to the US Bankruptcy Court in Boston’s financial district. Attendees hear an actual case being argued, and then have a private conference with the judge when the session is over.
Boston Bar Association
All students in the LLM program receive free memberships in the Boston Bar Association and are welcome to attend activities of this professional group. Activities include lectures and networking activities.
Active Alumni
Our alumni are an integral part of the Graduate Program experience. Many are deeply engaged with the law school, offering advice on career panels and networking with students at receptions.
A Vibrant Social Scene
The Graduate Program provides numerous opportunities for students to balance hard work with play. Just as we are serious about the business of learning, we’re also serious about fostering camaraderie among our students. Here’s a sampling of what students can expect to do in their spare time:
World Class Sports
Cheer for Boston’s hometown teams at baseball, football, hockey, and basketball games, and support BU’s nationally-ranked Men’s Hockey Team on program-sponsored outings.
Skiing and Skating
Winter in New England means fun in the snow! Join faculty and classmates for trips to local ski trails and skating rinks on the BU campus or Boston Common.
Concerts at Symphony Hall
Walk to Boston’s Symphony Hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Students are eligible to receive free tickets to select concerts.
Annual International Potluck
Take a study break and bring a dish from your home country or region to share with your professors and classmates. One of our most popular events!
Student-Led Events
Have a hobby or interest to share? We fully support student involvement and will help you plan your event.