28.2 Program Goals/Objectives

The educational objectives of LLM Program are classified into 2 categories: General Program Objectives (i.e., common to all tracks) and track specific objectives.

A. Goals/Objectives Related to Transferable Skills, Values and Attitudes

These are common across LLM core courses. At the end of LLM program, the student is expected to accomplish the following objectives:

• Think critically, analytically and communicate effectively in English as a legally trained professional by preparing, presenting, arguing and pursuing the point of view/case logically.
• Work in and lead dynamic international and UAE organizations in solving social and economic legal issues/situations in specific legal fields.
• Apply written and oral communication skills in pursuit of legal professional goals.

B. Goals/Objectives common to each of the nine LLM tracks

• Develop local/global perspective and adapt to dynamic international and UAE cultural environments concerning social and economic development of UAE.
• Adapt, apply and analyze specialized law knowledge to improve the business environment and Assist the UAE in social and economic development.

These general and specific LLM track objectives are accomplished through the following specific skills in the academic courses detailed in the respective course syllabi.

• Professional skills: Legal research and writing skills necessary to accomplish subject specialties.
• Formulating business policy skills and using dispute resolution techniques: Capitalizing on the UD emphasis on mediation and arbitration through DCCI and Dubai International Arbitration Centre.
• Networking skills: available through DCCI and related organizations such as International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Chartered Institute of Arbitration.
• Motivational and Leadership skills: Understanding the dynamics of working in teams, building commitment, involving others, creating efficiency, productivity and satisfaction in teamwork.
• Organizational skills: Managing time, scheduling work (one’s own and others), designing systems and action plans.
• Communication skills: Speaking and writing in English, having a viewpoint and being able to get it across in a way that is clear, crisp and concise.
• Critical thinking skills: Analyzing, solving problems, generalizing, questioning, and managing uncertainty.
• Abstract thinking and adaptability: Understanding how to drill down the most essential elements from a complex problem and determine frameworks or action plans for solving those problems.
• Ability to be a continuous learner, and trainer of others: Knowing how to learn on an ongoing basis, how to/where to gather the right information. Specifically, students will exhibit language skills, computational skills, analytically skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ethical awareness: Understanding the practical, legal and ethical implications of the spirit of the law and the letter of the law, understanding one’s ethical responsibilities and the consequences of possible decisions.
• Responsible Lawyer’s Education: Recognition of lawyer’s responsibility towards society and the environment.

The curriculum is divided into two parts: a general, core curriculum that will be taken by all LLM students, and then a set of courses focusing on a series of specialties or tracks. All students will prepare a thesis or legal research project, a significant writing project based on independent legal research and analysis. Thirty-six (36) credits are required for the award of LLM, consistent with the large majority of American LLM degree programs.