Today's lawyers must be prepared to handle challenges like those that surround international trade, evidentiary standards, personalized medicine, licensing and business planning, to name a few. The LLM degree program in biotechnology and genomics is associated with the Center for Law, Science and Innovation, the nation's largest and oldest multidisciplinary research center focusing on the legal implications of new scientific discoveries and emerging technologies. The faculty has a long history of high-quality teaching, and a vast number hold postgraduate degrees in a wide array of sciences. Coursework and research opportunities are diverse. Through classroom instruction and guided independent study, Master of Laws candidates examine the legal issues surrounding genetic applications such as: cloning; forensic evidence; gene testing; gene therapy; genetically modified organisms; stem cells and behavioral genetics, The issues relate to: business planning; confidentiality; evidentiary standards; intellectual property; international trade; liability; licensing; privacy; regulation, Students in the Master of Laws program in biotechnology and genomics explore and examine the law that enables and constrains the development, control and application of biotechnology and genomics. Forensic science and ethical constraints upon the various contemplated uses are also important elements of the program. Because the legal, ethical and policy aspects of genomics and biotechnology are of global significance, this program is also beneficial for non-U.S. lawyers. Candidates for a Master of Laws degree must have received their JD or comparable terminal law degree from another country.

Career Opportunities

Training in biomimicry offers a toolset of transferable skills that enhance work in any trade: commercial, industrial or government. Graduates will engage and lead others within their organization by practicing and demonstrating world-class biomimicry. Opportunities include leading research groups focused on biomimicry thinking, developing in-house training and biomimicry tools for companies, becoming a biologist at the design table or directing sustainability efforts. The knowledge and skills gained can also lead to initiating or transforming a consulting practice into the field of biomimicry. Biomimicry helps set professionals apart, brings about positive change, and complements or creates any career path. As a transdisciplinary, transformative field, the unprecedented challenges the world faces today demand new thinking, perspectives, tools and solutions. Training in biomimicry uniquely positions one for careers and opportunities that don't yet exist but which the world is demanding. From the School of Complex Adaptive System's 2021 alumni employment survey, 100% of biomimicry graduates that responded are employed or pursuing continuing education. Of those respondents employed, 64% have jobs directly related to biomimicry.