Returning from a month in Rome, student and faculty participants of the New York Law School (NYLS) Law and Global Society Program brimmed with stories to share with the NYLS community. The immersive summer program provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the socio-legal landscape of Italy and the broader European Union.
“The Law and Global Society Program aims to encourage law students to deeply understand the interconnectedness of our world and the role of law in fostering justice and equity on a global scale,” says Penelope “Penny” Andrews, John Marshall Harlan II Professor and Director of the Racial Justice Project.
Professor Andrews leads the Law and Global Society Program alongside Professor Rachel Van Cleave, former Dean of Golden Gate University School of Law. Joining them in Rome were Professors Kirk D. Burkhalter ’04, Director of the 21st Century Policing Project; Lynn Su, Dean for Advocacy and Co-Curricular Programs; and Antonio Marchesi, a professor at The American University of Rome (AUR), where all classes were held.
Alivia Cooney ’25: “The Law and Global Society Summer Program in Rome was a new and exciting adventure, academically, culturally, and socially. My favorite part of the program was the way it incorporated field trips into the curriculum. The program really opened my mind to international perspectives that are not always considered in the traditional law school environment.”
Daniel Fuggi ’26: “It was a unique opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and observe the workings of a legal system different from our own. The professors made the courses engaging, and I gained valuable insights from them. What I loved most about the program was that studying in another country like Italy provided the perfect environment for learning, and it greatly broadened my perspective on international law.”
The Law and Global Society Program includes courses that explore the relationship between peace, justice, and human rights; how institutions can foster racial injustice; and the potential of law as a tool for social change. Far beyond an academic endeavor, the program is designed to empower future lawyers with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
“The time the students spent learning in Rome and visiting prestigious institutions—from the Italian Senate to the Italian Supreme Court and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—was invaluable,” says Professor Burkhalter. “These in-depth, hands-on experiences allow students to see the practical application of what they learn in the classroom and understand the complexities of international law.”