UC Klekamp Law and the University of Lima (Peru) sign agreement to expand global legal education

The Donald P. Klekamp College of Law at the University of Cincinnati has launched a new partnership with the University of Lima in Peru, creating new opportunities for academic collaboration and global engagement between the two institutions. Central to the partnership is a dual-degree agreement that enables eligible University of Lima law students to spend one year at UC Klekamp Law earning a Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law while completing the requirements for their law degree in Peru.

During their year in Cincinnati, students will gain firsthand experience with the U.S. legal system, strengthen their legal English proficiency, and broaden their understanding of international legal practice-preparing them to compete in an increasingly global legal market.

"A core priority at the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law is ensuring that all of our students - wherever they come from - develop the global perspectives essential to practicing law in an interconnected world," said Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi, Nippert Professor of Law. "Our partnership with University of Lima advances that goal by bringing talented international students into our classrooms and into our community, enriching the educational experience for everyone here. We are excited to welcome Lima students to Cincinnati."

Haider Ala Hamoudi, Dean

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of an International Collaboration Agreement and an Activity Agreement in May 2026. Nora Burke Wagner, assistant dean for international and graduate programs and director of the LLM program, represented UC Klekamp Law during the discussions to establish the partnership agreement.

Earning an LLM in U.S. Law as a double-degree student is a powerful career accelerator. According to Assistant Dean Wagner, "Our graduates are working in prestigious law firms, companies, and government offices all over the world, and they repeatedly tell us that earning the LLM was a huge boost to their career."

Under the agreement, participants will complete one academic year at UC Klekamp Law, earning an LL.M. in U.S. Law while simultaneously fulfilling degree requirements for the bachelor of laws at University of Lima. The application process is accelerated, and partial scholarships are available. Upon completion, graduates will receive degrees from both institutions.

"UC Klekamp Law offers exceptional value, with tuition that is more affordable than many top-tier LL.M. programs. Combined with Cincinnati's affordable cost of living and partial scholarship opportunities, students can earn a high-quality U.S. legal education while making a smart investment in their future."

Assistant Dean Wagner continued, "This program is ideal for University of Lima law students who want to spend an academic year on a world-class college campus studying under exceptional legal scholars, participating in experiential learning opportunities, and building a network of friends from around the world."

Nora Burke Wagner, Assistant Dean for International and Graduate Programs | Director of the LLM Program

Beyond expanding educational opportunities for students, the partnership establishes a framework for future collaboration between the two law schools, including faculty engagement, academic exchange, and other international initiatives. It also advances the College's broader internationalization strategy by strengthening its global network of academic partners.

"Our deep connection and collaboration with partner universities have accelerated our college-wide internationalization and allows us to better prepare our graduates for a global legal profession," said Assistant Dean Wagner. "International students bring valuable perspectives to the classroom. University of Lima students will contribute to and benefit from the college's supportive learning environment."

About the University of Lima (Peru)

Founded in 1962, the University of Lima is one of Peru's leading private universities, serving more than 22,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. With more than 50 years of academic excellence, the university prepares ethical leaders who advance social progress through rigorous education, research, innovation, and technology. Guided by the values of freedom, integrity, respect, responsibility, and solidarity, Universidad de Lima is committed to developing well-rounded professionals and contributing to a more sustainable future in Latin America and beyond.

About the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law

Founded in 1833, the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law is the fourth-oldest law school in the United States, behind only Harvard, Yale, and the University of Virginia. With a legacy of producing influential leaders in government, the judiciary, major law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and non-governmental organizations, the Klekamp College of Law is also a pioneer in legal education. It was the first law school to establish a center dedicated to the study of international human rights and is home to one of the most successful Innocence Projects globally, working to combat wrongful convictions. Training lawyers for nearly two centuries, the law college remains steadfast in its mission to provide a top-tier legal education that inspires students to pursue justice and advance the role of law in society.

Lead photo: UC Klekamp Law photo (left) provided by UC Law Marketing; University of Lima (Peru) photo (right) provided.

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