Master of Law [L.L.M] (Commercial Law)

at Singapore Management University

Modules offered at SMU

 

COMMON CORE (3 credit units)
Asian and Global Trends in IT Law	Advanced Law of Obligations / Law of Real Estate Securitisation	Mediation / Financial Regulation in Asia

 

TRACK CORE (3 credit units)
FOREIGN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT LAW	CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL LAW	TECHNOLOGY LAW AND REGULATIONS
Foreign Investment Law in Asia Trade Regulation in a Global Age Chinese Contract and Business Law: A Comparative Perspective	Financial Regulation in Singapore, Hong Kong and Greater China Compliance and Risk Management Law of Mergers and Acquisitions	Beyond the Law: Regulatory Mechanisms in Cross-border Issues in the Asian Context Intellectual Property Law and Policy: International and Asian Perspectives Blockchain and Governance

 

Note: The list and scheduling of track core modules are subject to change in view of the availability of course instructors.

 

COMMON CORE COURSES

 

1) Asian and Global Trends in IT Law

Candidates will be taken through the many legal issues and problems that arise from and relate to developments in information and communications technology. The course will build problem-solving skills in dealing with a subject matter that is still evolving in the context of a rapidly evolving technology and innovation environment, and that is impacting socio-economic transactions and stakeholders on a global scale. New legislative developments will also be considered in detail. In particular, more recent amendments to the Electronic Transactions Act of 2010 relating to e-contracts, e-signature and intermediary liability; the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act in 2012 relating to data protection, the do-not-call registry and the Spam Control Act; changes to content regulations, specifically the class licensing regulations in 2013; the new Protection from Harassment Act and recent amendments to the Copyright Act in 2014 and 2016. The latest trends and developments in other jurisdictions relating to these topics will also be considered.

 

2) Advanced Law of Obligations

Seminars will cover key aspects of the law of obligations, such as contract law, tort law, trust and equity, and the law of restitution. The focus is on cultivating a thorough understanding of how these various aspects interact, while more practically relevant developments will also be emphasised. The various topics will be taught from a comparative perspective with ample references to ASEAN, Asian and leading common law jurisdictions.

 

3) Law of Real Estate Securitisation
While space and the built environment is ubiquitous, real estate remains a unique asset class. The rules relating to its current and future value, how it may be securely transferred from one party to another and its very definition all depend on law. Property development, investment and securitisation are all aspects that real estate market players take cognisance of. This course provides a legal primer on the legal fundamentals of real estate practice, with an emphasis on the regulations pertaining to securitisation of real estate via a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) or Business Trust (BT). Where relevant, comparisons with other jurisdictions will be made. The course is both practical and academically rigorous and is relevant to students with an interest in real estate transactions and securitisation.

 

4) Mediation

This course deals with the rapidly growing area of private international mediation. Imagine the following scenario: You are asked to mediate a professional negligence dispute. The plaintiff is based in England, the defendant accounting firm is in Hong Kong, and the defendant’s insurer has its headquarters in the United States. All agree to attend mediation in Singapore. The preliminary discussions and meetings, however, take place via email and video-conference with all parties in their home countries. The mediation occurs and the parties reach a settlement, which the parties’ legal representatives draft into contractual form. Such cross-border mediations involve:

• international and intercultural competencies;
• online and face-to-face mediation processes and protocols; and
• knowledge of the applicable law in relation to the substantive and procedural aspects of mediation.

 

This course offers you a framework for understanding cross-border mediation law and practice and the opportunity to develop specialised mediation skills relevant to cross-border settings. Simulated role-play exercises are arranged to develop your skills as a mediator.

 

Upon successful completion of the course and related assessment, participants will be able to apply to the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) for mediator accreditation. 

 

5) Financial Regulation in Singapore, Hong Kong and Greater China

This course will outline key financial regulations in Singapore and Hong Kong, two biggest international financial centres in Asia Pacific, focusing on banking and insurance regulation after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Chinese and Taiwanese law will also be introduced and considered to offer a greater understanding of relevant rules in the Greater China region. Main topics covered in this course may include the regulatory structure and power of regulators, systemic risk and macro regulation, licensing and scope of regulation, capital adequacy rules, transfer of control of financial institutions, corporate governance, financial consumer protection, capital market aspect of banking/insurance regulation, and OTC derivatives, etc. Certain private law aspects (such as the interpretation of ISDA master agreement or cross-border loan agreement) may also be incorporated.

Entry Requirements    

• Good first degree in Law (LL.B. or J.D. or their equivalent).
• Significant relevant experience in legal or judicial positions is required. 

 

English Language Proficiency    

Proof of English language proficiency is required for all international applicants except those from English-medium institutions in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and the United States.

 

The minimum English proficiency test requirement is as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL: 90
• UKVI: 4

 

Test scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date and applicants should ensure their scores remain valid at the beginning of the application period of for the LL.M. track applied for. Applicants intending to take the proficiency test are advised to schedule their test sufficiently early to ensure that their score reports are available before the closing date for the submission of supporting documents. Only official score reports are accepted. 

Application fee (non-refundable)

• S$100 Inclusive of GST

 

Registration fee (non-refundable)    

• Singaporeans / SPR: S$400* Inclusive of GST
• Foreigner: S$500* Inclusive of GST

 

*Amount payable upon acceptance to the programme. The registration fee includes matriculation, examination fees, orientation activities, library & computer account.

 

Tuition fee    

• S$37,450 Inclusive of GST

 

Non-refundable Deposit before matriculation:

• S$5,000 Inclusive of GST
• 1st billing is payable in Aug: S$13,725 Inclusive of GST
• 2nd billing is payable in Dec: S$18,725 Inclusive of GST

The SMU LLM programme is committed to your success from the beginning of the programme. You will receive personalised attention and support from our SMU career coaches who will work with you to develop your job search strategy. These specialised coaches are dedicated professionals who will be able to offer you essential strategies, tips and tools to guide you towards the career development you desire.

 

Our Career Services team runs workshops and events throughout the year to give you the opportunity to gain exposure across different industries and to build your network with the business community.

 

The LLM Programme Office also holds networking events and study tours to high-tech companies, law firms and international organizations for students to have in-depth exposure to different dimensions of legal practice. Previous students have secured employment or internships in the private and public sectors in Singapore and abroad.

 

Foreign Practitioner Examination

While the LLM is not a qualifying law degree in Singapore, eligible foreign-qualified lawyers may take the Foreign Practitioner Examination (FPE) that the Singapore Institute of Legal Education administers. A Foreign Practitioner Certificate would allow foreign lawyers to practise in limited areas of Singapore law such as banking and finance, M&A and intellectual property law.