Program Overview

Presented by UC Irvine Extension in collaboration with the Korea Law Center at the UC Irvine School of Law, the Certificate Program in U.S. and Korea Legal Systems provides an in-depth study of the U.S. legal system with special emphasis on Korean comparative law topics. The program promotes transnational law knowledge and economic development as it prepares participants for global interaction and their professional roles in the internationalized economy.

“We’ve discovered that there’s a real opportunity for a close relationship between American law schools and Korea. This program was developed to promote practical solutions to problems arising at the intersection of US and Korean Law.” - Erwin Chemerinsky, founding dean, UC Irvine School of Law

Certificate Requirements

To earn the certificate, candidates must complete 2 required courses with a grade of “C” or better for a total of 24 units and 240 hours of instruction. International students must maintain enrollment of 12 units per quarter/120 hours of instruction. In order to accomplish this, international students must take an additional 6 units per quarter/60 hours of instruction. They may fulfill this requirement by taking other courses offered by University Extension in conjunction with the required certificate courses. Note: Students may enroll in individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program.

Program Benefits

• Gain an introduction to the comparative and practical analysis of substantive law and procedure between U.S. and Korea.
• Learn how to apply transnational law knowledge as it applies to economic development.
• Prepare for global interaction and enhance your role in the internationalized economy.

Target Audience

Legal scholars, judges, attorneys, researchers, and business professionals from South Korea and the United States will all benefit from this program.

Advisory Committee

• Charles Cannon, Assistant Dean of Development and External Affairs UC Irvine School of Law
• Ryul Kim, Esq., Korea Law Center Executive Director
• Rex Bossert, J.D., Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Communications and Public Affairs UC Irvine School of Law

English Proficiency Requirement
All certificate programs at UC Irvine Extension (classroom and online formats) require professional-level English language proficiency in listening and note-taking, reading comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation. If you would like to refine your English language proficiency prior to beginning one of our programs, please see our English Language Programs.