Center for International and Comparative Law

The University of Michigan's reputation as one of the world's great law schools is due, in part, to its leadership in international, comparative, and foreign law. Many students are attracted to our School by our exceptional faculty as well as the myriad student programs and activities which offer a global outlook on the law. Our internationally diverse student body, the presence of prominent foreign visitors, and the large number of members of the Michigan faculty who, regardless of area of specialization, consider international and comparative aspects of their own subjects also benefit students. 

The Center for International and Comparative Law is the Law School's focal point for the internationally related endeavors of students, faculty, visitors, and alumni. It serves as a central clearing house for international activities taking place at the Law School and around the University and provides direction and support to faculty and student initiatives, such as conferences and workshops, and to international projects such as student internships, faculty exchanges, and study abroad opportunities. For international public interest career information, please see the Office of Public Service and their International Practice Area Section.

The Center also develops social and academic programs for graduate program participants that give them a sense of community among themselves and integrate them into the life of the entire School. The Center organizes e-mail groups, pen-pal programs, language lunches, and international host programs designed to encourage interaction between graduate and J.D. students.

Mark D. West, the Nippon Life Professor of Law and the director of the Japanese Legal Studies Program, along with Virginia Gordan, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, are responsible for the direction of the Center for International and Comparative Law at the Law School.