Loyola University Chicago - School of Law

About this program

Loyola’s Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) program is an innovative, experiential graduate program designed to empower lawyers and professionals to address critical development challenges—violence, infringements of human rights, environmental destruction, poverty, and hunger — and emerge as leaders in the rule of law sector. We offer two degree options: a Master of Laws (LLM) for those holding a first law degree, and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) for individuals with degrees in other fields.

Our unique blended learning format combines dynamic online study with an immersive term at Loyola's Rome Center in Italy. Students can complete the program in just under one year, or over two years, providing additional flexibility for working professionals.

Our courses are led by distinguished practitioners with extensive multijurisdictional experience in advancing rule of law initiatives worldwide. These experts bring real-world insights from their work directly into the classroom. Their deep connections in the field provide students with invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship that extends well beyond graduation, supporting alumni as they build impactful careers in rule of law and development.

• Year partnership began: 2019
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

• College transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Statement of purpose
• Peace Corps Description of Service (DOS)

Admissions process

Degrees awarded

Master of Laws (LLM) in Rule of Law for Development Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Rule of Law for Development

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $None

Cost savings details

Coverdell Fellows are offered a 30% tuition discount scholarship award.

Internship

The Fellows will complete a rule of law capstone project as part of their degree requirement, which enables students to gain “real world” experience in rule of law advising. It is the culmination of Loyola University Chicago's PROLAW LLM and MJ programs, allowing students to apply all of the learning obtained through their coursework to address practical rule of law and development issues. Students develop and carry out their capstone projects in partnership with different organizations. The Coverdell Fellows coordinator will work with the Coverdell Fellows in identifying a capstone project topic and an organization to partner with, that aligns and supports the Fellow’s career interests and is related to rule of law and social policy issues in an impoverished and/or socially disadvantaged community within the United States. Students may select from a variety of organizations that Loyola collaborates with, as well as various centers and institutes within Loyola’s Law School. After having completed the project, the Fellows will carry out an internship at the partner organization to implement the project.

Other opportunities

No living costs are associated with the online study terms. Loyola estimates that the basic monthly living expenses for the study period in Rome (3 months) amount to approximately EUR 1.100, including rent of a single room in a shared private apartment close to campus, meals consumed at services on campus, and a monthly public transport card for the city of Rome.

Jobs for alumni

PROLAW graduates become members of a large and engaged alumni network of over 230 rule of law professionals from over 60 countries. 99% of PROLAW alumni are currently employed in various legal, policy, development and management positions within national governments, development agencies and public justice institutions, international development organizations and United Nations agencies, regional co-operation organizations, multilateral development banks, non-governmental organizations, law firms and corporations, and as faculty and researchers for universities and think tanks. For example, our graduates have taken positions at leading U.S. rule of law organizations such as the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, National Center for State Courts, Lawyers Without Borders and Oxfam America, and within U.S. government agencies and departments. Many graduates have taken up international positions, within various agencies of the United Nations or at leading international rule of law and development organizations such as the International Development Law Organization, International Organization for Migration, and the World Bank.

Nontraditional options

Non-traditional options

• Blended virtual/in-person degree program includes dynamic online study and one term at Loyola’s Rome Center campus in Italy.
• Part-time completion over two years is also offered.