Law Gets Down to Business

Business schools initiated the notion of an executive master’s degree, but U of T’s Faculty of Law is now putting its own stamp on the concept.

Beginning this fall, the faculty will offer a global professional master of laws degree focusing on business law. Modelled on executive MBA programs, the part-time program is aimed at business executives who would like to earn a law degree but can’t take a year away from their jobs, as well as working lawyers who would like to specialize in global business. Successful applicants will have three or more years’ experience practising law or will be mid-level to senior managers whose jobs involve legal issues. Classes take place one evening a week, with occasional weekend sessions.

Mayo Moran, dean of the Faculty of Law, says the courses will be taught from the perspective of Canadian law, but through the lens of globalization. “This degree is a unique intersection of law and business, and participants will see how much of corporate legal practice is now touched by the global economy.”

Courses will be jointly taught by U of T faculty and full-time practising lawyers, giving students access to both the latest scholarship and an understanding of current legal practice. University Professor Michael Trebilcock, an expert in law and economics, is the program’s academic director.