Past Global Research Seminars

SPRING 2011 - GLOBALIZATION OF BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY LAW: THE U.S., JAPAN, AND INTERNATIONAL LAW REFORMS

The Spring 2011 seminar, led by Professor Charles Mooney, examined bankruptcy and insolvency laws from comparative and international/cross-border perspectives. The seminar focused primarily on international law reform projects undertaken in recent years. Matters covered during meetings included: basic principles of bankruptcy and insolvency law, particular statutory frameworks of the U.S. and Japan, cross-border cooperation in insolvency cases, comparative legal analysis, and the role of 'legal culture' in comparative analysis, with an emphasis on the U.S. and Japan.

The class conducted hands-on research during an eight-day field research visit to Tokyo over Spring Break. While in Tokyo students observed a symposium conducted by leading Japanese bankruptcy and insolvency law experts. The group held meetings and interviews with Japanese bankruptcy lawyers and other professionals, such as commercial and investment bankers, government regulators, judges, central bankers, and legal academics.

Spring 2010 - Globalization of Corporate Governance: Italy and the European Union

The Spring 2010 Global Research Seminar led by Professor David Skeel, considered the foundations of contemporary corporate governance through an intensive study of Italian corporate governance and Italy's place in the overarching structure of the European Union. The class conducted hands-on research during a 10-day visit to Rome and Milan over Spring Break, where students met with the Milan Stock Exchange, Consob (the Italian securities regulator), and other government and private sector experts. The principal work product for the class was a report commissioned by the Milan Stock Exchange.

The globalization of markets and the response of state regulators to international financial trends pose continual challenges to domestic and international economies. The 2010 GRS put Penn Law students at the center of these legal and financial questions, providing them with an opportunity to apply their research in a real world setting, while developing important research, interview, analysis, and reporting skills that will sustain them as they go into legal practice.