Lawyers from Germany to teach economic law at SPbU
Professors and academic staff from the Faculty of Law at Hamburg University and practicing lawyers from Germany will deliver educational lectures at St Petersburg University through cooperation with Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Hamburg University, and German Academic Exchange Service.
A course of lectures on ‘International Economic Law’ is the focal point of cooperation. The lectures take up from October till May. Through a series of lectures (total of 380 hours with 19 modules, 20 academic hours each) the programme affords students greater insights into economic law.
Although the programme is primarily committed to providing an excellent foundation for young lawyers who wish to expand their knowledge of economic law, this year various graduates, along with law graduates, with an open, enquiring mind, ready to engage in educational pursuits and excellent command of German, are also pursuing their education, namely economists, translators, experts on international relations. To be enrolled in the programme, a brilliant command of German is essential as lectures are delivered only in German.
Foreign professors are always striving to ensure that all students are actively involved in the course. It works both ways: lecturers are always ready to answer any question students may have and discuss difficult legal terminology and works.
Rustam Vildanov, who is now working in the administration department at Consulate General of Germany in St Petersburg, tells about how he returned to study: ‘I am currently employed at the administration department at Consulate General of Germany. My main concern is to expand my knowledge and acquire skills to improve my performance. With each module administered by a new lecturer, it is highly engaging and still incredibly comprehensible’. Also, Rustam shares his views on how to achieve a balance in studying language and law: ‘Some legal terms are beyond my knowledge even in Russian. So I frequently find myself hitting the books and seeking advice from experts and professors. Feel like being discouraged? No way! Meanwhile, I keep up my German’.
Elizaveta Slotina, head of the student group, student at St Petersburg Economic University, tells how she joined SPbU: ‘Honestly, I am by no means a lawyer by trade, I am studying banking. But my parents are lawyers, so I seized the chance. Just the very idea that the leading specialists from Germany will share their experience with us seems fascinating. As I am particularly interested in Germany and its language, the classes are of high priority with me!’
No wonder the law students are also eager to learn something new. Maria Kulikova, a third-year student in Law at SPbU, has completed a one-term course in Germany and now returned to SPbU to pursues her education: ‘I have chosen the programme as I am striving to contribute to cooperation between Russia and Germany and provide my parents with hands-on legal experience as their business in Germany is seemingly going from strength to strength’.
To further pursue or not to pursue education in Hamburg? A matter which is undecided. Still it is on the cards. University graduates possessing a degree in law or completing a course ‘International Economic Law’ can apply for admission to the programme to gain a Master of Laws — LL.M. at Hamburg University. The regular duration of the programme is two terms, although, upon successful admission, the first term is considered to be completed in Russia.
Dr Eckhart Melteth, who lectures on the subjects of financial and banking law and serves as an advocate, member of the Board of Directors of Euler Hermes, shared his views: ‘ I started to lecture at SPbU as far as 10 years ago and each winter I am pleased to return to St Petersburg. Each time I am delighted to find out how many students are eager to learn the German language and law. I know that many of them were successful to be offered a job in international companies’.
Prof Eckhart Melteth shared his thoughts on the further development: ‘Obviously, the tradition will remain a core element in cooperation between both cities and universities, as Hamburg and St Petersburg have enjoyed partnership relationship since 1950s. Even political turbulence, to my mind, is not likely to have a negative effect on this equilibrium’.