Courses & Requirements

Students take a certain number of required international arbitration core concept and skills courses during the fall and spring semesters. Required courses include introductory courses on Basic Concepts in International Arbitration and the New York Convention, as well as a two-semester simulation of an international arbitration proceeding, covering all practical aspects of an arbitration from the arising of the dispute to the final hearing, where students obtain hands-on lawyering skills.

Required International Arbitration Core Concepts and Skills Courses

Students take a certain number of required international arbitration core concept and skills courses during the fall and spring semesters. Required courses include introductory courses on Basic Concepts in International Arbitration and the New York Convention, as well as a two-semester simulation of an international arbitration proceeding, covering all practical aspects of an arbitration from the arising of the dispute to the final hearing, where students obtain hands-on lawyering skills.

Basic Concepts in International Arbitration

This is an intensive course intended for two types of students: those who are generally interested in international business transactions and want an overview of the most frequent method for resolving contractual disputes, and those who are intending to go on to take more intensive courses in the field of international arbitration.

Forensics of Advocacy in International Arbitration I & II

This is a two-semester simulation of arbitral proceedings, covering all practical aspects of an international arbitration from the genesis of a dispute to a plenary hearing. The Fall course segment focuses on the initial stages of an arbitration, including the filing of a request for arbitration, selection of arbitrators, document production, and preparation of written submissions (including legal memoranda and expert witness statements). The Spring course segment covers the hearing phase, including pre-hearing preparation, oral arguments and witness examination.

International Arbitration and the New York Convention

The New York Convention of 1958 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards provides for the international enforcement of arbitral awards. Considered as the most successful international convention in international private law, the Convention now has over 160 Contracting States and more than 2,000 court decisions interpreting and applying the Convention. The course analyzes and compares the most important ones of those decisions. It will offer a unique insight in treaty design, statutory enactments, varying court approaches, and the practice of international arbitration.

Students may also choose from a wide range of elective international arbitration courses during the fall and spring semesters: including hands-on practical courses, academic writing seminars where students research and develop cutting-edge international arbitration topics, courses on specific sectors of international arbitration, such as energy, investment, maritime, sports, technology arbitration, as well as courses on international arbitration in specific geographical regions, such as the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Advanced Arbitration Seminar

This Seminar is intended for students who have already studied international arbitration and are ready to confront the challenge of writing a paper of publishable quality. Students interested in enrolling in this course must apply and be individually admitted based on either (a) a specific proposal of a paper subject or (b) an academic record which suggests the ability to tackle a subject developed in consultation with the Professor.

Advanced Oral Advocacy in International Arbitration

This course covers the theories and strategies for persuasively advocating one's case and examining witnesses before the tribunal. Class time will be spent discussing, preparing for, and having students perform in the roles of counsel and witnesses for cross examination, as well as opening and closing statements with review provided on an ongoing basis.

Advanced Topics in Arbitration: Theory & Publication

This 2-semester seminar will focus on an advanced topic in international arbitration to be identified annually as a theme for the International Arbitration Institute. In the Fall semester, the focus will be on theoretical approaches to the topic, with readings and class discussion. In the Spring semester, students will engage in writing and discussion as part of a thought leadership project.

Complex International Negotiations

This course focuses on complex negotiations and lawyering skills relevant to navigating the new era of globalization. The course focuses on the legal, policy and skill issues to complex international negotiations, in the context of current events such as global debates over international investment and the new NAFTA. This customized course is based on case studies derived from international arbitration proceedings and negotiations related to high profile cross-boarder investments in diverse industry sectors.

Damages in International Arbitration

For most parties, the amount of damages awarded is the key to success or failure in an arbitration. Damages quantification therefore constitutes a critical part of giving effect to the parties’ rights and obligations through arbitration. However, notwithstanding the importance of the damages award to the parties, damages quantification often does not receive the attention it deserves. This course addresses that inadequacy by exploring the best methods and procedures for quantifying damages in international arbitration cases. Quantifying damages requires application of the economic, finance, and accounting principles required to turn legal rights into a monetary award, and this course will explain these concepts in an easy to understand manner allowing participants to become better versed in this critical aspect of the arbitration process.

Dispute Resolution, Technology and the Digital Economy

The rise of the New Economy has presented a number of challenges and opportunities for both international commercial arbitration and investor-state dispute settlement. One set of questions is whether international commercial arbitration is well suited to technology disputes. These issues include how arbitration may be used in license agreements, end-user agreements, and potential IP disputes. Among other things this course analyzes what constitutes an "investment in the New Economy" and the rise of international privacy and cyber-security disputes.

Drafting Complex Arbitration Clauses

This course will provide students with an overview on the drafting of complex arbitration clauses in an international context and has important practical applications. One of the objectives of this course is to enable students to anticipate and recognize issues in the formation and enforcement of arbitration agreements that are typical or particularly prevalent in complex international business transactions and to develop important approaches to minimizing the risks associated with them.

Federal Arbitration Act

Arbitration is an essential part of dispute resolution today, including both purely domestic disputes as well as cross-border disputes. As a consequence, practitioners are required to understand the legal framework under which arbitration is conducted in the United States. This course is an introduction to the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), the arbitration practice under state law and the UNCITRAL Model Law (which was adopted for international commercial arbitration in Florida).

Globalization and Arbitration

This course focuses on the interrelationship between globalization and arbitration – a critical issue for the future of this dynamic field. It examines the evolution of international arbitration in context of the globalization era that emerged after the Cold War. It further considers the impact of disruptions to the globalization era - from Brexit to corruption scandals to the global pandemic - and corresponding impacts on arbitration. It also looks forward to the relationship between the growing public and private sector focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and the future of international arbitration, as reflected in changes to treaties such as the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). There is a focus on strategic economic sectors and the role of the public and private sectors. The course utilizes investment arbitration decisions as case studies for analyzing investment and development and relies on secondary sources as well. The course also focuses on case studies and first-hand experience of the professor with high profile investments and arbitrations worldwide. 

ICSID Practice and Procedure

This course presents unique insight into ICSID practices and procedures, covering every aspect of an ICSID proceeding from the filing of a request for arbitration to post-award remedies and enforcement. The course also focuses on prominent topics in the field of investor-state dispute settlement, such as the transparency of cases, the participation of non-disputing parties, and the time and cost of proceedings.

International Arbitration and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance Issues)

This course focuses on the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and international arbitration. The course considers the legal and policy framework related to ESG, a concept which gives structure to a range of issues that are relevant to investment and development. It reviews how international arbitration has had a pioneering role related to ESG issues and examines current “battleground” issues through investment arbitration case studies. The course also addresses flashpoint issues related to globalization and treaties, such as the status of the multilateral Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). 

International Arbitration in Latin America & the Caribbean

This course covers various issues related to international arbitration in Latin America and the Caribbean. The course will also examine legal frameworks and practicalities of conducting commercial arbitration proceedings in Latin America, the current developments of handling disputes, and the application of the New York Convention in Latin America. 

International Commercial Arbitration Seminar: A United States Perspective

The seminar is a survey of the law and regulation of international commercial arbitration as seen from the perspective of the United States courts. It is divided into four units: Overview of Core Legal Sources; The Agreement to Arbitrate; The Arbitral Process and the Award. In all phases of the course, attention will be given to the interaction of national courts and the arbitral process and the limits of party autonomy and the consequences of its exercise.

International Energy Arbitration

Energy-related disputes represent around 40% of the ICSID case load. Some of the most controversial cases that have resulted in the largest damages awards concern energy projects. Energy, in its many forms (oil, gas, mining, electric power and other energy industries), continues to be at the center of the debate as it engages in energy transition efforts.  This course will first provide students with a general introduction to the industry, including the main types of energy contracts, public and private key players in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments, regulations and international treaties. Then, the course will focus exclusively on international energy disputes, which include those that arise from nationalizations (less common), changes in the legal regime (more common), and energy transition measures (increasingly common), posing a great challenge to investors and States as they incentivize renewables and discourage fossil fuels. Disputes will be based on real international cases. Finally, the course will include hands-on training by inviting students to participate in a mock hearing with distinguished arbitrators, practitioners and experts on the energy industry.

International Investment Agreements

The focus of the course is on the evolving role and significance of bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, and, in particular, on the standards of treatment accepted by the host States. The course is recommended for students of international investment law and for students interested in international business transactions and international economic relations.

International Law of State Responsibility

For the international community to consider that it has a system of law, its subjects must somehow be held responsible for breaches of legal obligations. One can hardly claim to advise on any aspect of international law without knowing how breaches of its supposed rules might result in liability on the part of the most relevant actors. For many generations, sovereigns were accountable only to God. In the 20th century, pronouncements of various international tribunals set out rules of liability and reparation in a piecemeal manner. At the dawn of the 21st Century, draft Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts finally emerged from the UN's International Law Commission, purporting to codify international law. This course will explore where we are today.

International Sports Arbitration

This course seeks to explore the emergence of a universal legal system to match the world-encompassing organization of elite professional sports. It will begin with a careful analysis of decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Lausanne); and then go back to trace the genesis of this powerful "consensual" jurisdiction. We will focus on types of disputes -- doping, transfer fees, eligibility, challenges to sports governance, agency and sponsorship -- that illustrate how the system has evolved.

Investment Arbitration

Investment arbitration is developing into a distinct specialization as parties increasingly rely on arbitration provision in Foreign Investment legislation, Bilateral Investment Treaties as well as such instruments as the Energy Charter Treaty, the Washington Convention and NAFTA for mechanisms to settle disputes between states and investors. The number of cases has grown exponentially in the past decade and new doctrines are being developed. This course provides an overview of these new concepts as well as examining the specificity of a State as a party to an arbitration.

Law of International Treaties

The contemporary international order is largely based on international treaties, and the understanding of treaties is essential in order to master the study of current international law. This is true in particular for international investment law. The purpose of this course is for students to acquire the basic skills required to comprehend treaties and their application.

Maritime Arbitration

Maritime arbitration has developed as a distinct specialization and covers a wide range of maritime disputes which are decided primarily under the rules of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators of New York or the International Center for Dispute Resolution. They are governed by the General Arbitration Act and the New York Convention. The course will provide an overview of many of the key problems that arise in maritime arbitration, including topics such as compelling arbitration; security for the underlying claims and fees; how proceedings are conducted; and enforcement of awards.

Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration with a European Nexus

The United States and the European Union have the largest bilateral trade relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. This course provides students with an overview on the legal instruments governing transnational litigation and international arbitration proceedings that frequently arise out of these close transatlantic economic ties. This course discusses the European Convention on International Commercial Arbitration, the Brussels and Rome regimes, which govern areas of jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements, and choice-of-law, as well as various other European legal provisions that are of great importance in the area of transnational litigation and international arbitration.

*We continue to further develop our international arbitration curriculum. Therefore, course offerings may change in future semesters and all courses may not be offered.

The White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program provides students an opportunity during their LL.M. studies to obtain practical experience in the field of international arbitration with law firms and arbitral institutions in Miami and beyond. Students may hone their specific interests by choosing one of two tracks: the Academic Track or the Experiential Learning Track.

Practicum News

• Growth of LL.M. Practicum Broadens Opportunities for International Arbitration Students
• International Arbitration LL.M. Opens Doors for Students to Next Chapter of Careers
• International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program Celebrates 5 Years of Successful Practical Training for IA Students

Practicum Academic Track Requirements

Students in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program who are on the Academic Track are required to complete one supervised, hands-on training experience in a workplace related to international arbitration and dispute resolution as well as the broader international business law field. Students may complete the Practicum Academic Track through either (1) a pre-approved placement in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program, (2) Miami Law’s Externship Program, or (3) through a placement that a student secured him/herself and that can be converted into a practicum or externship field placement.

Practicum placements are part-time and range from 1-3 credits (i.e. 45-135 placement hours per semester). Placements are for the duration of one semester and usually are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters; in exceptional circumstances placements may also be available in Summer. As part of the practicum/externship program, students are required to attend a number of on-campus lectures pertinent to international arbitration and transnational litigation. Students participating in the Practicum/Externship programs will be enrolled in the corresponding academic for-credit course (i.e. LL.M. Practicum I, II or III, Externship I, II or III) during the semester of their placement.

Students on the Academic Track who are unable to secure a practicum or externship placement despite diligent efforts on their part may, in exceptional circumstances, fulfill this requirement by taking additional hands-on lawyering skills courses in the International Arbitration LL.M. Program, which cover various practical aspects of international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings.

Practicum Experiential Learning Track Requirements

Students in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program who are on the Experiential Learning Track are required to complete two supervised, hands-on training experiences in a workplace related to international arbitration and dispute resolution as well as the broader international business law field. Students may complete the Practicum Experiential Learning track through either (1) a pre-approved placement in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program, (2) Miami Law’s Externship Program, or (3) through a placement that a student secured him/herself and that can be converted into a practicum or externship field placement.

Practicum placements are part-time and range from 1-3 credits (i.e. 45-135 placement hours per semester). Placements are for the duration of one semester and usually are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters; in exceptional circumstances placements may also be available in Summer. As part of the Practicum program, students are required to attend a number of on-campus lectures pertinent to international arbitration and transnational litigation. Students participating in the Practicum/Externship programs will be enrolled in the corresponding course (i.e. LL.M. Practicum I, II or III, Externship I, II or III) during the semester of their placement. Only one Practicum/Externship placement is permitted per semester, and students generally may not repeat a placement with the same participating firm/institution in a subsequent semester.

Selection Process

Students must choose a track upon enrollment in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program. Students may change their selection up until the relevant deadline in their second semester of studies (Feb. 15 for Spring, Oct. 15 for Fall).

Meeting Graduation Requirements with the Practicum

The IA LL.M. Practicum/Externship counts towards the overall number of required credits for the International Arbitration LL.M. degree (24 credits) and also qualifies as International Arbitration elective credit. Moreover, students in the International Arbitration J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree Program may earn Skills credit required for the J.D. degree through the Practicum.

CPT Requirement for Students on an F-1 Visa Only

International students in F-1 visa status are required to obtain authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from University of Miami's department of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior to engaging in paid or unpaid practical training.

Foreign-trained students are required to take two additional courses during their LL.M. studies at Miami Law: Introduction to U.S. Law as well as a two-semester course on Legal Communication & Research. These courses provide foreign-trained lawyers with a foundation in U.S. common law doctrine as well as legal writing and research skills in the U.S. legal system.

Introduction to U.S. Law

This course provides an overview of the U.S. legal system and is specifically designed for international law graduates who completed their legal education outside of the U.S.

Legal Communication & Research I & II

This two-semester course is specifically designed for foreign-trained students enrolled in Miami Law’s LL.M. programs. This course will enable students to develop and perfect their U.S. legal research, reasoning, writing, and oral communication skills. Students will learn how to prepare documents tailored to the demands of contemporary legal practice, how to interact with clients and colleagues, and how to research legal issues. In the fall semester, students will engage in objective and predictive analysis, and convey that analysis orally and in writing. In the spring semester, students will focus on persuasive legal writing and oral argument.  Students will also receive training in professionalism, collaboration, and other skills essential to a successful legal career in the United States.

Read more about our courses for foreign-trained lawyers:

• "Foreign Lawyers Learn Introduction to U.S. Law from Renowned Judge Rosemary Barkett"
• "Foreign Lawyers Learn Introduction to U.S. Law from Renowned Alumnus and International Attorney."

Students may also choose from a wide range of elective international arbitration courses during the fall and spring semesters: including hands-on practical courses, academic writing seminars where students research and develop cutting-edge international arbitration topics, courses on specific sectors of international arbitration, such as energy, investment, maritime, sports, technology arbitration, as well as courses on international arbitration in specific geographical regions, such as the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Advanced Arbitration Seminar

This Seminar is intended for students who have already studied international arbitration and are ready to confront the challenge of writing a paper of publishable quality. Students interested in enrolling in this course must apply and be individually admitted based on either (a) a specific proposal of a paper subject or (b) an academic record which suggests the ability to tackle a subject developed in consultation with the Professor.

Advanced Oral Advocacy in International Arbitration

This course covers the theories and strategies for persuasively advocating one's case and examining witnesses before the tribunal. Class time will be spent discussing, preparing for, and having students perform in the roles of counsel and witnesses for cross examination, as well as opening and closing statements with review provided on an ongoing basis.

Advanced Topics in Arbitration: Theory & Publication

This 2-semester seminar will focus on an advanced topic in international arbitration to be identified annually as a theme for the International Arbitration Institute. In the Fall semester, the focus will be on theoretical approaches to the topic, with readings and class discussion. In the Spring semester, students will engage in writing and discussion as part of a thought leadership project.

Complex International Negotiations

This course focuses on complex negotiations and lawyering skills relevant to navigating the new era of globalization. The course focuses on the legal, policy and skill issues to complex international negotiations, in the context of current events such as global debates over international investment and the new NAFTA. This customized course is based on case studies derived from international arbitration proceedings and negotiations related to high profile cross-boarder investments in diverse industry sectors.

Damages in International Arbitration

For most parties, the amount of damages awarded is the key to success or failure in an arbitration. Damages quantification therefore constitutes a critical part of giving effect to the parties’ rights and obligations through arbitration. However, notwithstanding the importance of the damages award to the parties, damages quantification often does not receive the attention it deserves. This course addresses that inadequacy by exploring the best methods and procedures for quantifying damages in international arbitration cases. Quantifying damages requires application of the economic, finance, and accounting principles required to turn legal rights into a monetary award, and this course will explain these concepts in an easy to understand manner allowing participants to become better versed in this critical aspect of the arbitration process.

Dispute Resolution, Technology and the Digital Economy

The rise of the New Economy has presented a number of challenges and opportunities for both international commercial arbitration and investor-state dispute settlement. One set of questions is whether international commercial arbitration is well suited to technology disputes. These issues include how arbitration may be used in license agreements, end-user agreements, and potential IP disputes. Among other things this course analyzes what constitutes an "investment in the New Economy" and the rise of international privacy and cyber-security disputes.

Drafting Complex Arbitration Clauses

This course will provide students with an overview on the drafting of complex arbitration clauses in an international context and has important practical applications. One of the objectives of this course is to enable students to anticipate and recognize issues in the formation and enforcement of arbitration agreements that are typical or particularly prevalent in complex international business transactions and to develop important approaches to minimizing the risks associated with them.

Federal Arbitration Act

Arbitration is an essential part of dispute resolution today, including both purely domestic disputes as well as cross-border disputes. As a consequence, practitioners are required to understand the legal framework under which arbitration is conducted in the United States. This course is an introduction to the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), the arbitration practice under state law and the UNCITRAL Model Law (which was adopted for international commercial arbitration in Florida).

Globalization and Arbitration

This course focuses on the interrelationship between globalization and arbitration – a critical issue for the future of this dynamic field. It examines the evolution of international arbitration in context of the globalization era that emerged after the Cold War. It further considers the impact of disruptions to the globalization era - from Brexit to corruption scandals to the global pandemic - and corresponding impacts on arbitration. It also looks forward to the relationship between the growing public and private sector focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and the future of international arbitration, as reflected in changes to treaties such as the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). There is a focus on strategic economic sectors and the role of the public and private sectors. The course utilizes investment arbitration decisions as case studies for analyzing investment and development and relies on secondary sources as well. The course also focuses on case studies and first-hand experience of the professor with high profile investments and arbitrations worldwide. 

ICSID Practice and Procedure

This course presents unique insight into ICSID practices and procedures, covering every aspect of an ICSID proceeding from the filing of a request for arbitration to post-award remedies and enforcement. The course also focuses on prominent topics in the field of investor-state dispute settlement, such as the transparency of cases, the participation of non-disputing parties, and the time and cost of proceedings.

International Arbitration and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance Issues)

This course focuses on the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and international arbitration. The course considers the legal and policy framework related to ESG, a concept which gives structure to a range of issues that are relevant to investment and development. It reviews how international arbitration has had a pioneering role related to ESG issues and examines current “battleground” issues through investment arbitration case studies. The course also addresses flashpoint issues related to globalization and treaties, such as the status of the multilateral Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). 

International Arbitration in Latin America & the Caribbean

This course covers various issues related to international arbitration in Latin America and the Caribbean. The course will also examine legal frameworks and practicalities of conducting commercial arbitration proceedings in Latin America, the current developments of handling disputes, and the application of the New York Convention in Latin America. 

International Commercial Arbitration Seminar: A United States Perspective

The seminar is a survey of the law and regulation of international commercial arbitration as seen from the perspective of the United States courts. It is divided into four units: Overview of Core Legal Sources; The Agreement to Arbitrate; The Arbitral Process and the Award. In all phases of the course, attention will be given to the interaction of national courts and the arbitral process and the limits of party autonomy and the consequences of its exercise.

International Energy Arbitration

Energy-related disputes represent around 40% of the ICSID case load. Some of the most controversial cases that have resulted in the largest damages awards concern energy projects. Energy, in its many forms (oil, gas, mining, electric power and other energy industries), continues to be at the center of the debate as it engages in energy transition efforts.  This course will first provide students with a general introduction to the industry, including the main types of energy contracts, public and private key players in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments, regulations and international treaties. Then, the course will focus exclusively on international energy disputes, which include those that arise from nationalizations (less common), changes in the legal regime (more common), and energy transition measures (increasingly common), posing a great challenge to investors and States as they incentivize renewables and discourage fossil fuels. Disputes will be based on real international cases. Finally, the course will include hands-on training by inviting students to participate in a mock hearing with distinguished arbitrators, practitioners and experts on the energy industry.

International Investment Agreements

The focus of the course is on the evolving role and significance of bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, and, in particular, on the standards of treatment accepted by the host States. The course is recommended for students of international investment law and for students interested in international business transactions and international economic relations.

International Law of State Responsibility

For the international community to consider that it has a system of law, its subjects must somehow be held responsible for breaches of legal obligations. One can hardly claim to advise on any aspect of international law without knowing how breaches of its supposed rules might result in liability on the part of the most relevant actors. For many generations, sovereigns were accountable only to God. In the 20th century, pronouncements of various international tribunals set out rules of liability and reparation in a piecemeal manner. At the dawn of the 21st Century, draft Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts finally emerged from the UN's International Law Commission, purporting to codify international law. This course will explore where we are today.

International Sports Arbitration

This course seeks to explore the emergence of a universal legal system to match the world-encompassing organization of elite professional sports. It will begin with a careful analysis of decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Lausanne); and then go back to trace the genesis of this powerful "consensual" jurisdiction. We will focus on types of disputes -- doping, transfer fees, eligibility, challenges to sports governance, agency and sponsorship -- that illustrate how the system has evolved.

Investment Arbitration

Investment arbitration is developing into a distinct specialization as parties increasingly rely on arbitration provision in Foreign Investment legislation, Bilateral Investment Treaties as well as such instruments as the Energy Charter Treaty, the Washington Convention and NAFTA for mechanisms to settle disputes between states and investors. The number of cases has grown exponentially in the past decade and new doctrines are being developed. This course provides an overview of these new concepts as well as examining the specificity of a State as a party to an arbitration.

Law of International Treaties

The contemporary international order is largely based on international treaties, and the understanding of treaties is essential in order to master the study of current international law. This is true in particular for international investment law. The purpose of this course is for students to acquire the basic skills required to comprehend treaties and their application.

Maritime Arbitration

Maritime arbitration has developed as a distinct specialization and covers a wide range of maritime disputes which are decided primarily under the rules of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators of New York or the International Center for Dispute Resolution. They are governed by the General Arbitration Act and the New York Convention. The course will provide an overview of many of the key problems that arise in maritime arbitration, including topics such as compelling arbitration; security for the underlying claims and fees; how proceedings are conducted; and enforcement of awards.

Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration with a European Nexus

The United States and the European Union have the largest bilateral trade relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. This course provides students with an overview on the legal instruments governing transnational litigation and international arbitration proceedings that frequently arise out of these close transatlantic economic ties. This course discusses the European Convention on International Commercial Arbitration, the Brussels and Rome regimes, which govern areas of jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements, and choice-of-law, as well as various other European legal provisions that are of great importance in the area of transnational litigation and international arbitration.

*We continue to further develop our international arbitration curriculum. Therefore, course offerings may change in future semesters and all courses may not be offered.

The White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program provides students an opportunity during their LL.M. studies to obtain practical experience in the field of international arbitration with law firms and arbitral institutions in Miami and beyond. Students may hone their specific interests by choosing one of two tracks: the Academic Track or the Experiential Learning Track.

Practicum News

• Growth of LL.M. Practicum Broadens Opportunities for International Arbitration Students
• International Arbitration LL.M. Opens Doors for Students to Next Chapter of Careers
• International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program Celebrates 5 Years of Successful Practical Training for IA Students

Practicum Academic Track Requirements

Students in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program who are on the Academic Track are required to complete one supervised, hands-on training experience in a workplace related to international arbitration and dispute resolution as well as the broader international business law field. Students may complete the Practicum Academic Track through either (1) a pre-approved placement in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program, (2) Miami Law’s Externship Program, or (3) through a placement that a student secured him/herself and that can be converted into a practicum or externship field placement.

Practicum placements are part-time and range from 1-3 credits (i.e. 45-135 placement hours per semester). Placements are for the duration of one semester and usually are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters; in exceptional circumstances placements may also be available in Summer. As part of the practicum/externship program, students are required to attend a number of on-campus lectures pertinent to international arbitration and transnational litigation. Students participating in the Practicum/Externship programs will be enrolled in the corresponding academic for-credit course (i.e. LL.M. Practicum I, II or III, Externship I, II or III) during the semester of their placement.

Students on the Academic Track who are unable to secure a practicum or externship placement despite diligent efforts on their part may, in exceptional circumstances, fulfill this requirement by taking additional hands-on lawyering skills courses in the International Arbitration LL.M. Program, which cover various practical aspects of international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings.

Practicum Experiential Learning Track Requirements

Students in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program who are on the Experiential Learning Track are required to complete two supervised, hands-on training experiences in a workplace related to international arbitration and dispute resolution as well as the broader international business law field. Students may complete the Practicum Experiential Learning track through either (1) a pre-approved placement in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program, (2) Miami Law’s Externship Program, or (3) through a placement that a student secured him/herself and that can be converted into a practicum or externship field placement.

Practicum placements are part-time and range from 1-3 credits (i.e. 45-135 placement hours per semester). Placements are for the duration of one semester and usually are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters; in exceptional circumstances placements may also be available in Summer. As part of the Practicum program, students are required to attend a number of on-campus lectures pertinent to international arbitration and transnational litigation. Students participating in the Practicum/Externship programs will be enrolled in the corresponding course (i.e. LL.M. Practicum I, II or III, Externship I, II or III) during the semester of their placement. Only one Practicum/Externship placement is permitted per semester, and students generally may not repeat a placement with the same participating firm/institution in a subsequent semester.

Selection Process

Students must choose a track upon enrollment in the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program. Students may change their selection up until the relevant deadline in their second semester of studies (Feb. 15 for Spring, Oct. 15 for Fall).

Meeting Graduation Requirements with the Practicum

The IA LL.M. Practicum/Externship counts towards the overall number of required credits for the International Arbitration LL.M. degree (24 credits) and also qualifies as International Arbitration elective credit. Moreover, students in the International Arbitration J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree Program may earn Skills credit required for the J.D. degree through the Practicum.

CPT Requirement for Students on an F-1 Visa Only

International students in F-1 visa status are required to obtain authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from University of Miami's department of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior to engaging in paid or unpaid practical training.

For any remaining credits, students may choose any other courses from Miami Law's vast curriculum of 300+ annual courses, including courses on alternative dispute resolution, international, foreign and comparative law, clinics, and international moot court, which includes several competitions focused on international arbitration. All courses are open to LL.M. students.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution: Design Systems
• Advanced Topics in International Law
• Class-action Litigation
• Comparative Law
• Conflict of Laws (Private International Law)
• Cross-border Transactions
• Doing Business in Latin America 
• International Anti-Corruption Law and Practice 
• International Bankruptcy
• International Business Transactions 
• International Criminal Law
• International Distribution and Franchise Agreements
• International Environmental Law
• International Finance
• International Human Rights Law
• International Law 
• International Moot Court 
• International Sales 
• International Tax 
• International Trade Law
• Investor Rights Clinic 
• Islamic Legal Systems 
• Law of the Sea 
• Litigation Skills 
• Mediation
• Mediation Advocacy 
• Mindfulness & Negotiation
• Natural Resources
• Negotiation Skills
• U.N. Climate Negotiations

Students may also enroll in foundational U.S. law courses taught as part of Miami Law's J.D. program, such as Business Associations, Civil Procedure or Contracts, to prepare for a U.S. bar exam, for transfer to the J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree in International Arbitration, and for their future legal practice. All first-year and upper-level U.S. law courses are open to LL.M. students. For Foreign-trained lawyers wishing to sit for the New York Bar Exam, these courses also meet eligibility requirements under section 520.6 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law (22 NYCRR 520.6).

Moreover, Miami Law offers LL.M. students the opportunity to enroll in preparatory bar exam courses, which cover topics tested on the federal and state portions of the bi-annual U.S. bar exam. In addition, Miami Law offers a variety of programs to help students prepare for this difficult exam, including Bar Week (series of panels, workshops, and informational sessions about bar exam logistics, preparation, and application issues), Bar Boot Camp (an exclusive supplemental bar preparation program for Miami Law graduates), weekly workshop sessions and lectures on critical skills for exam success, and review of key (UBE and Florida) subjects and rules, as well as Bar Coaching (Miami Law graduates work individually with a "bar coach" who will provide personalized guidance throughout the bar study process).

• Administrative Law
• Business Associations
• Civil Procedure
• Commercial Law: UCC
• Conflicts of Laws
• Constitutional Law
• Contracts
• Criminal Procedure • Evidence
• Family Law
• Professional Responsibility
• Property
• Real Estate Transactions
• Substantive Criminal Law
• Torts
• Trusts & Estates

Miami Law is unique in its commitment to bilingual and bicultural education and offers law courses taught in Spanish for bilingual students wishing to improve their knowledge of technical, legal Spanish, as well as introductory and advanced courses on Spanish for Lawyers. These courses are open to LL.M. students with the necessary Spanish language skills. They are intended for students who are fluent in Spanish and who will benefit from the practical use of the language in a legal setting. A placement test might be required.

In addition, LL.M. students may hone their Spanish-language lawyering skills in international arbitration moot competitions in Spanish through Miami Law's International Moot Court Program. 

Lastly, students may enroll in non-legal Spanish language courses at the University of Miami in parallel to their LL.M. studies. Non-law courses do not count towards the LL.M. graduation requirements.

Miami Law's vast curriculum offers a wide range of cutting-edge law courses on current issues, including artificial intelligence and new technologies, digital currencies, entrepreneurship, fintech, social media and climate change that students in the International Arbitration LL.M. may explore.

• Advanced Topics: Antritrust & Big Tech
• AI Law
• AI & Law:  Problem-Solving
• Blockchain Technology and Business Strategies 
• Climate Change and Human Rights
• Climate Change Law and Policies 
• Climate Finance
• Conservation, Tourism and Development
• Constitutional Crisis Seminar
• Craft Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis: Regulatory and Transactional Considerations for Industry and Investors
• Digital Asset and Blockchain Regulation 
• Electronic Discovery
• Entrepreneurship Principles for Start-up Businesses
• Fashion Law
• Financial Accounting for Lawyers
• Fintech
• Genomic Medicine, Ethics and the Law
• Law and AI Practicum
• Law and Social Justice
• Law Firm Management
• Law, Technology and Practice
• Media Law: Freedom of the Press in America Today
• Mindfulness in Law 
• Professional Responsibility for Lawyers in the Digital Age
• Programming for Lawyers 
• Startup Law and Entrepreneurship

For a full listing of upcoming courses, visit Miami Law's course catalogue on CourseLink. Not all courses are offered every year.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to take advantage of Miami Law's Academic Achievement Program (AAP), which helps students develop their analytical and examination skills for law school success. The program offers weekly Dean's Fellow study groups for all first-year law courses and Introduction to U.S. Law for foreign-trained lawyers; individual Writing Dean's Fellow support for upper-level writing courses as well as cover letters, resumes, writing samples, etc.; and regular workshops on law school achievement, exam taking skills and bar exam preparation.