Loyola University Chicago - School of Law

About this program

Loyola’s Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) program prepares tomorrow’s leaders to tackle the most pressing rule of law and development challenges, including human rights, justice reform, and environmental protection. This innovative and experiential graduate program equips lawyers and professionals with practical skills and knowledge, empowering them to leverage the rule of law as a catalyst for transformative change in communities worldwide.

PROLAW offers unique, skills-based master’s degrees: a Master of Laws (LLM) for law graduates and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) for professionals from other fields. The specialized curriculum is expert-led and delivered within a close-knit cohort, fostering personalized mentorship and collaborative learning. The program blends dynamic online learning with an immersive term at Loyola’s Rome Center in Italy, providing flexible paths to completion: under one year full-time or up to two years for working professionals.

Students gain access to a global network of distinguished practitioners and policy leaders with extensive international experience. These experts bring invaluable real-world insights into the classroom and serve as mentors, offering guidance and connections that open doors to meaningful career opportunities in diverse rule of law sectors. This network, combined with PROLAW’s practical learning environment, equips alumni with lasting support and pathways to influential roles in governments, international organizations, NGOs, and beyond, ensuring their impact extends well beyond graduation

• 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 (a total of 15 weeks) amount to approximately EUR 1.200 per month, 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 connects you to a vibrant alumni network spanning 65 countries, supported by practitioner-faculty whose deep expertise and real-world experience unlock invaluable opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. With 94% of alumni thriving in diverse legal, policy, and development roles across national governments, international organizations, and leading rule of law institutions, PROLAW propels careers worldwide. Our graduates hold key positions at top U.S. organizations like the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, Oxfam, and Lawyers Without Borders, as well as in international bodies including the United Nations, International Development Law Organization, 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.