Vanderbilt University Law School

Raymonde Paul Scholarship

The International Legal Studies Program awards a scholarship to an entering first-year law student in memory of the late Raymonde I. Paul, who developed a diverse practice in international law and participated extensively in the International Federation of Women lawyers. The recipient of the scholarship named in her honor will be a student who shows a demonstrated interest both in international law and in participating actively in the International Legal Studies Program at Vanderbilt. All admitted students will be considered for this scholarship as an integral element of the admissions process.

Ones W. Polk II International Studies Stipend

The Ones W. Polk II International Studies Legal Fund provides a stipend of up to $1,500 each year to a student in financial need for a summer externship relating to international law. The fund, established by a generous gift from Mr. Polk's family and the members of the Class of 1998, commemorates Ones W. Polk II, a member of the Vanderbilt Law Class of 1998 who had a strong interest in international affairs. Vanderbilt also provides financial support for summer externships in a variety of other ways.

Public Interest Summer Stipends

The Public Interest Summer Stipends Vanderbilt provides to students pursuing public interest work are available to support students working with international organizations.

International Legal Studies

Vanderbilt’s International Legal Studies Program prepares students to practice law in a global environment by combining substantive classroom exposure to cutting-edge topics in international law with practical experience in their application through the International Law Practice Lab and annual externships. The program’s core faculty includes respected scholars with expertise in key areas of international law. Students also have the opportunity to interact with other top international legal practitioners and scholars who come to Vanderbilt to participate in lectures and scholarly conferences sponsored by the International Legal Studies program.

From Vanderbilt to the World

The Vanderbilt International Legal Studies program provides a strong intellectual and practical foundation for students who wish to practice international law. The program equips students with the substantive understanding of complex issues and the pragmatic skills needed to launch a professional career that meshes with students’ individual needs and interests. The pathways into international legal practice are complex and variable, but Vanderbilt students will find an incredibly supportive set of personal and institutional resources to assist them in finding their niche in the world of practice. Vanderbilt alumni are currently employed in a wide range of international organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the World Trade Organization; a range of U.S. governmental agencies; and international tribunals, such as the International Tribunal for Rwanda. Three 2009 graduates were selected as Presidential Management Fellows, which permits them to seek placement in U.S. government agencies and begin a civil service career. Other graduates have accepted offers in law firms in areas related to projects undertaken as part of the International Law Practice Lab. Still others have taken the Foreign Service Exam and are serving overseas in the Department of State. Some graduates, including Charles Trumbull, who is currently serving as Deputy Legal Advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, choose to spend the first year or two out after graduation as judicial clerks before making a transition into an international law field. Your professional horizons will stretch from Nashville throughout the world based on your preparation, your interests and your perseverance.

International Legal Studies Faculty

• Ingrid Brunk Wuerth - Expertise: International law, foreign relations law, international litigation, civil procedure, the German Constitution
• Daniel Gervais - Expertise: International intellectual property law
• Michael Newton, former Senior Advisor to the United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes - Expertise: Laws of war
• Tai-Heng Cheng -- Expertise: international law, arbitration (Visiting Associate Professor, Spring 2010)
• Hannah Buxbaum -- Expertise: international litigation, international business transactions (Short Course Visitor, Fall 2009)
• John Knox -- Expertise: international environmental law, international trade (Short Course Visitor, Fall 2009)
• Bo Rutledge-- Expertise: international commercial arbitration, international litigation, international business transactions (Short Course Visitor, Spring 2010)

International Legal Studies Curriculum

Students in the International Legal Studies Program choose elective courses addressing the full spectrum of 21^st century international legal issues as well as courses in comparative law. Short courses offered each year focus on special topics. As the connections between international law and other legal disciplines continue to increase, Vanderbilt will continue to expand its academic, clinical and externship opportunities.