UNC School of Law’s partnership with the University of Tübingen in Germany has provided an incredible opportunity for both American and German law students to engage in a cultural exchange while gaining valuable legal knowledge. The program, which began in the summer of 2019, has since grown into a two-week summer program in Tübingen and a two-week visit by German students to Chapel Hill in February.
As the legal landscape becomes increasingly complex, programs like the Tübingen exchange are more valuable than ever. They provide students with a global perspective on legal systems and cultures, fostering understanding and cooperation across borders. By providing students with hands-on experience in international legal systems and cultures, the law school is ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of cross-border legal work and to serve as effective advocates in an interconnected world.
“The primary purpose is a cultural exchange, learning the legal systems, learning the culture of legal education, and getting to know their peers,” said Rebecca Barraclough Howell, Carolina Law’s director of international programs.
During the summer program in Tübingen, Carolina Law professors teach seminars to 30-40 German law students, while Carolina Law students facilitate small group discussions. This format allows for engaging interactions and helps bridge the differences between the American and German legal education systems. The program also features exciting excursions, such as visits to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. These experiences provide Carolina Law students with a firsthand look at the workings of international legal institutions and the opportunity to witness multilingual court proceedings.
“The most important thing about our Tübingen-Chapel Hill program is the web of relationships that the students open up among themselves,” said Martin H. Brinkley ’92, dean and William Rand Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor. “Whether they are conscious of it or not, by befriending each other, our students absorb the message that lawyers are not members of a medieval guild practicing a trade, but guardians of public institutions.”
Each February, 20 of the top German law students from the summer program are selected to visit Chapel Hill for two weeks. During their stay, they attend classes, participate in lectures with their professors, and gain insight into the U.S. legal system through unique experiences. This year, the German students had the opportunity to observe oral arguments at a special session of the North Carolina Court of Appeals held at Carolina Law, allowing them to witness the appellate process in action. They also engaged in a lunch discussion with the Court of Appeals judges. In addition to their time in North Carolina, the students explored Washington, D.C. and enjoyed a private tour of the Supreme Court.
One of the most significant aspects of the program is its inclusivity. While many study abroad programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, Howell takes a more flexible approach, recognizing that students with compelling stories and a strong interest in the program can benefit from the experience, even if their grades fall slightly below the traditional cutoff. This approach allows for a diverse group of participants who may not have studied abroad as undergraduates.
The Tübingen exchange program also offers professional networking opportunities for students interested in working abroad after graduation. Students have the chance to secure internships with global legal firms in Germany, such as White & Case LLP in Frankfurt and Gleiss Lutz in Stuttgart, which are accessible to students who may not be fluent in German.
Carolina Law’s engagement in the exchange program, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Camden Webb ’95 and the Moore & Van Allen Fund, provides students with the skills and information they need to succeed in an increasingly global legal context. Webb, a 1995 Carolina Law alumnus, has made generous annual gifts in support of Carolina Law’s International Programs Discretionary Fund, while the Moore & Van Allen Fund supported the Tübingen program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Private financial support ensures the program’s continued success and growth, allowing more students to benefit from this transformative experience.
With glowing feedback from participants and a growing interest among students, the Tübingen exchange program is poised for continued success. As Howell notes, the experience can be a source of inspiration and motivation for students facing the challenges of law school, providing them with a clear sense of purpose and a goal to work towards. By investing in this program, Carolina Law is investing in the future of its students and the legal profession as a whole.
