Law Schools Offer Accredited Master of Laws (LLM) Programs to Lawyers Online

With the advent of globalization, lawyers now need to know international and comparative laws. Generally, the legal profession has seen a rise in cross-border issues vis-à-vis international trade, intellectual property and technology, transnational workers and families, human rights, and socio-economic and environmental policies. While traditionally a Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a coveted degree for those in academia, in recent times, more and more practicing lawyers are enrolling in LL.M. programs to enhance their professional skills and gain specialized knowledge.

Many brick-and-mortar law schools (as opposed to wholly online universities) now offer lawyers the opportunity to earn an LL.M. degree online:

• University of Aberdeen located in Aberdeen, Scotland offers online LL.M. degree in International Business.

• Boston University School of Law located in Boston, United States offers online Executive LL.M. degree in International Business.

• Chapman University located in California, United States offers online LL.M. degree in Trial Advocacy/Prosecutorial Science.

• Dundee Law School located in Scotland, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. degree in International Dispute Resolution and Healthcare Law and Ethics.

• The University of Edinburgh School of Law located in Edinburgh, Scotland offers online LL.M. degree in Innovation and Technology, Intellectual Property Law, Medical Law and Ethics.

• New York University Law School located in New York, United States offers online Executive LL.M. degree in Taxation.

• Nottingham School of Law (University of Nottingham) located in Nottingham, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. in Public Procurement Law and Policy.

• Queen Mary, University of London located in London, United Kingdom offers online LL.M. degree in Computer and Communication Law.

A wide variety of online LL.M. programs are offered by two law schools located in England and Canada:

• University of London (External Systems) located in London, England offers online LL.M. degrees in General Master of Laws, as well as specializations in Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services, Commercial, Corporate and Securities Law, Economic Regulation, International Business Law, Common Law, Corporate and Foreign Law, Antitrust and Competition Law, Information Technology Law, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Sports Law, Tax Law, Public International Law, Health and Medical Law, International Justice, Legal Theory and Philosophy and Maritime Law.

• Osgood Hall Law School of York University located in Toronto, Canada offers online LL.M. degrees in Professional Development in Litigation/Arbitration/Mediation/Dispute Resolution, Banking, Finance and Securities, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice/Criminal Law/Criminology, Family/Child Law, Health and Medical Laws, Intellectual Property, Employment and Labor Law, Municipal Law, Real Estate and Property Law, Securities Regulation, Tax and Trusts Law.

Online LL.M. programs offer greater flexibility to lawyers who are employed. Lawyers can learn at their own pace without having to take a break from work or physically relocate. Additionally, lawyers can choose from a greater number of LL.M. programs from anywhere in the world. Also, online LL.M. programs can be less expensive.

Prior to choosing an online LL.M. program, however, potential applicants should research and know the specifics. Among other things, consider the reputation of the program and the law school, teacher credentials and expertise, tuition fee and other costs, Internet connectivity, class size, school calendar, teaching methods and the availability supplemental help. Online learning maybe the best possible option for practicing lawyers to develop their skills professionally and keep pace with the emerging legal issues due to globalization.

3 Essential Two Tone Ska Records

When it comes to music history, a lot of people seem to forget how influential the UK ska scene was for music that came out after the 1980s. Sure, the movement of ska seemed to stay stagnant in the early part of the 1990s after a great success in what is now known as the "Two-Tone" movement. However, music fans will look back at the records that game out of the era, as some of the cornerstones of their growth as music lovers. If you haven't sat down to listen to any music from the second major wave of ska, then consider the following 3 essential records for your skanking pleasure.

The English Beat put out a great pop ska record in 1980, and in these modern times you can pick it up expanded and remastered. "Just Can't Stop" doesn't really fit the genre at times, but it certainly puts rhythm ahead of all other frequencies as you get 12 songs of pure British music. From the opening sounds of "Mirror in the Bathroom" to the last track, you feel as though you are taken for a ride through a different time and space.

The Selecter went out of their way to put together one of the better records of the genre and fronted by a female. Female fronted bands in this genre didn't make the biggest splash until the mid 1990s, but it was definitely staring to buzz with The Selecter. The band put out "Too Much Pressure" and really knocked down the doors of what was previously a boys club.

The first record to really usher in the genre was definitely Madness' "One Step Beyond" which featured all the rhythms that came from Jamaican reggae music, with the British power pop that was starting to take over throughout the late 1970s late night radio broadcasts. While it took a little bit to get moving, this record of great importance is the stepping-stone that all acts in the genre used as inspiration to break through to the mainstream, even if it took a little while.

From the above 3 essential two tone records, the music grew to an all new level, and it is still felt today on rock radio stations the world over. If you haven't really put these jamming records on in a long time, go back and look for them as they sound as great as they ever did, and they will bring back that funky, groovy sound that made the British ska movement so special.