Graduate Programs

Frank Caputo, LLM student

“I always knew that I was interested in pursuing graduate studies, and after practicing law in British Columbia for three years I decided to apply to the thesis-based LLM program at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.

I had competing offers from other schools, but I was really impressed with the quality of the graduate program at the University of Alberta, the international reputation of the school, as well as the graduate supervisors in the Faculty. After visiting the Faculty of Law and meeting Shannon O’Byrne and Linda Reif, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, I knew that I wanted complete my graduate studies here at the University of Alberta.

I started my LLM studies in September 2010 and my thesis will examine disclosure and rescission of rights relating to unconstructed condominium units and it will focus particularly on the Real Estate Development Marketing Act in British Columbia.

I’ve been really impressed with the outstanding level of support from my supervisor, Shannon O’Byrne, and from the faculty at large. The support is amazing and it’s nothing that you would get at a larger school.”

Shannon O'Byrne, Graduate Supervisor

“The graduate programme at our law school is highly regarded for a number of reasons. An important factor is the Faculty's reputation for ensuring that graduate students receive ongoing and careful guidance during the course of their studies. A related factor is that the Graduate Studies Committee works very hard to ensure a match between a student's research interests and a faculty member's expertise.    

I have two main goals with the graduate students whom I supervise. All other things being equal, I encourage my students to work efficiently so as to complete the LLM programme in just over a year. This permits them to more quickly arrive at the next phase of their career, be it PhD studies, a return to private practice, or the pursuit of fresh employment opportunities which their new degree advances. I just see no particular reason for graduate students to unduly linger at the LLM level. Second, I spend a considerable amount of time assisting my graduate students to fine tune their writing skills. 

I very much value and appreciate the opportunity of advising graduate students in our programme.  It is an honour to collaborate with the next generation of legal scholars.” 

Shannon O'Byrne is a Professor with the Faculty of Law and received her LLM from the University of Alberta.

Frank Caputo started his LLM program in 2010.