Master in Law

Law is a tool. It sets out a framework for the correct functioning of human projects in all of their aspects and therefore contributes to improving individual destiny and collective achievements. On this course several teachers combine their methods, requirements and specific talents in order to achieve this objective in both private life and in the economic and political spheres. The legal professions are largely regulated by codes of practice which stipulate access conditions and determine the fundamental standards which govern professional practice. The Bar, or Law Society, is the term for the group of registered legal practitioners who convert specific situations experienced by citizens, businesses and other associations into legal concepts. The ideal lawyer has a taste for analysis, the ability to grasp the essential aspect of an affair, can construct careful, convincing reasoning, and combines honesty, determination and eloquence. He or she has sound management and effective language skills. A judge has to take decisions on the conflicts brought before the court without becoming personally involved and can thus focus wholly on the task at hand with integrity, competence and diligence. Judges have to understand the entire legal process and the fundamental principles which guarantee its effectiveness and relevance. To this end, they develop the ability to listen and remain open-minded but they must have the courage to be able to take decisions which are sometimes delicate and justify them with precision. Notaries provide support for families and companies on legal matters through their advice, given at each stage of development. They authenticate the legal acts which certify all of these stages in order to preserve legal certainty and constancy. The process server is an essential link in the legal chain for the proper implementation of justice through their official tasks at different levels of legal proceedings. Auditors, company lawyers, and even entrepreneurs, through their knowledge of law and their ability to carry out a project, ensure that economic plans are achieved in a fair and balanced way.

At all levels of public, national or international life, lawyers contribute their continually updated knowledge, independent approach and attachment to democratic values based on the law, in order to ensure equality amongst citizens, guarantee their freedoms and safeguard the conditions required for a fair society. Lastly, legal researchers contribute their constructive analysis to positive developments in our society by using a thorough methodical approach to sources and applying their enquiring minds.

The ULB's Master in Law qualification provides thorough training in the many ways of responding rapidly to specific questions which are put by professionals from the legal sector, and in putting the knowledge and skills acquired into perspective. This is achieved by doing at least one course per year on Legal issues, such as Legal Theory, Legal Anthropology, Legal Philosophy, Legal Sociology, etc. There is a variety of optional modules to choose from which perfectly reflect topical issues, whether they be traditional or relatively new. In this way Company Law, Family Law, Criminal Law, Administrative and Institutional Law and Social Law provide the main pillars for the course but there are also courses in environmental law, fundamental personal rights, intellectual and information rights and litigation law, in all its forms.

The Law faculty at the ULB is outward looking, as shown by the numerous international exchanges enjoyed by students and teachers and the richness of the courses in Comparative Law and International Law.