As the international opportunities in the School of Law continue to expand, the law student body enjoyed a celebration of its international composition this week.
The 2014 Annual International Week—which began Sept. 29—featured events that celebrated the numerous international students and scholars that make up its diverse student body. Organizers of the week noted the themes aligned with the Law School’s commitment to international outreach and engagement. Events included a food fiesta and fashion show as well as speakers and panel discussions.
“The practice of law is increasingly transnational," Oleg Kobelev, director of international career development and special projects for the School of Law, wrote in an email Thursday. "As the result, lawyers are likely to encounter international questions or clients during their careers."
The week reflects Duke Law’s larger goal of internationalizing itself in an increasingly globalized world, he added.
Although this week highlights the law school’s international focus, the school is engaged year long in a multitude of efforts aimed at increasing its global presence.
“International Week is only a small part of the Law School’s overall mission to internationalize," Kobelev said. “While the week celebrates the diversity of our student body, many Law School programs also have an international focus.”
One of the law school’s most prominent attempts to engage the international community is its LLM program, which introduces foreign law graduates to the legal system of the United States. This year’s LLM class features 100 students from 42 different countries.
Additionally, Duke Law offers numerous exchange programs which allow students to study the legal systems of countries across the globe.
“Beyond campus, Duke Law’s two summer institutes in Geneva and Hong Kong bring together a diverse community of scholars and students to explore comparative and international law in Europe and Asia," Kobelev said.
Law students should gain an understanding of the differences and similarities between international and comparative legal systems to develop cultural sensitivity, Kobelev added. Domestic and international students also collaborate to make the events engaging for both students and faculty.
The International Food Fiesta—one of the week's most popular events—took place Wednesday. Law students cooked a myriad of dishes representing the traditional cooking of countries ranging from Serbia to Japan.
“Students are very enthusiastic and eager to share their favorite foods with their classmates” said Sarah Battersby, student affairs coordinator for Duke Law. “It's a great opportunity for JD students and international lawyers in the one-year LLM program to meet one another and have some great home-cooked food."
In celebration of the event, Star Commons, the Law School’s main gathering area, displayed flags from a multitude of countries represented within the student body.
International week will conclude Friday with a lecture by Margaret Rosenfeld on careers in international law.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.