The Academy of American and International Law is the flagship program of the Southwestern Institute for International and Comparative Law. Since 1964, it has welcomed over 3,300 legal professionals from 121 countries, building a truly global community of alumni. Through its extraordinary classroom and extracurricular schedule, the Academy offers opportunities to forge valuable international relationships that last a lifetime.
The Academy is an immersive, activity-packed program designed for non-U.S. lawyers and legal professionals. It offers a strong foundation in the U.S. legal system and international business transactions.
Law firms—whether international, regional, or local—have used the Academy to prepare their lawyers to better serve U.S.-based clients and navigate matters involving U.S. law. Likewise, companies around the world have sent their legal professionals to the Academy to deepen their understanding of U.S. and international legal frameworks, helping them collaborate more effectively with U.S. counterparts and meet the needs of globally active businesses.
Many participants also attend the Academy as preparation for pursuing an LL.M. degree in the United States.
Each year, legal professionals from 20+ countries come together to study and network, forming lasting professional and personal relationships. Instruction is delivered by leading professors, judges, and practitioners from top U.S. law schools, firms, and companies. Notable alumni have gone on to become President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Prime Minister of Peru, Chief Justice of the Philippines, Chief Justice of Italy’s Court of Cassation, and much more.
The Academy curriculum balances practical training with substantive legal education. Topics include:
- U.S. legal system and legal writing
- International litigation and arbitration
- Business transactions and M&A
- Cybersecurity and intellectual property
- International negotiations
The Academy is more than a course—it’s a career-shaping experience in law.
