English and French Law Maitrise

English and French law together provide access to two distinct but closely related legal systems, both of which are among the most influential in the world. English common law has shaped legal practice across much of the globe, while French civil law underpins not only French domestic law but the legal systems of many European, African, and other jurisdictions that have taken French law as their model. Studying both systems in depth, and achieving qualifications in each, produces a rare and genuinely valuable legal education.

This four-year, full-time programme at the University of Leicester is a bilingual collaboration with the University of Strasbourg. When you graduate you are awarded two law degrees: the LLB from Leicester and the Maîtrise from Strasbourg. You will spend two years studying in France, where you engage with French law in French across a wide range of specialist areas including private, corporate, and public law at Maîtrise level.

This extended immersion in French legal education produces a level of francophone legal competence that goes far beyond what a language module in a standard law degree can provide.

Graduates with both an English LLB and a French Maîtrise are exceptionally well placed for careers in international commercial law, cross-border litigation, European law, comparative law, and any legal or commercial role where the ability to operate across English and French legal systems is an asset. Many graduates go on to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales and pursue careers at international law firms with significant French or European practices. Others work in French law firms, international organisations, the civil service, and commercial roles in businesses with significant French-speaking operations.

The rarity and rigour of the qualification makes graduates stand out in a competitive legal jobs market.