Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law
June 23 – July 23, 2025
The Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law is a one-month residential program in The Hague, the Netherlands, designed for students and professionals interested in studying international and comparative law.
The next Duke-Leiden Institute will take place from June 23 to July 23, 2025.
The Institute, which is a one-month residential program during June and July, also provides an excellent foundation for studying law in the United States. Courses are taught in English, on the Leiden University Campus in The Hague, by faculty from Duke Law School and Leiden Law School. In previous years, courses have focused on subjects such as international trade, international dispute resolution, human rights, international criminal law, and comparative constitutional law. The Institute enrolls approximately 50 students from Duke and other American law schools, as well as from countries around the world.
Why Apply?
The Hague makes for an excellent setting for the study of international and comparative law. Leiden, one of the Netherlands’ most vibrant cities, is home to the world-renowned Leiden University and its more than 27,000 students, as well as museums, gardens, canals, parks, and cafés. The International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and numerous international organizations are based in The Hague, which is also the seat of government for the Netherlands and home to the country’s upper and lower houses of parliament, government ministries, foreign embassies, and offices of many multinational corporations.
The Duke-Leiden Institute is designed to address the educational and professional needs of students and lawyers with an interest in international and comparative law as well as those with an interest in transnational practice. The Institute brings together a congenial group of participants and faculty members who wish to share their highly-varied legal backgrounds and cultures and to learn from one another. The academic program draws on the rich international community of The Hague and is enhanced by visits to international institutions and law firms that complement and enrich the classroom instruction, special lectures, and a scholarly conference. A number of extra-curricular activities are also organized so that students can enjoy the cultural and other amenities of the area.
Who Can Apply
JD students who have completed at least one year of law study, students preparing to study for an LLM degree in the United States, advanced law students from all countries, and judges, academics, practitioners, and other professionals seeking knowledge of American, international, and comparative law are welcome to apply for the program.
