Brazilian Law Exchange Program
The program
This unique and enriching academic opportunity is organized by the Center for Comparative Constitutional Studies of the University of Brasília (CECC / UnB) and will take place in March 2025 (dates to be announced soon).
This intensive course offers international students a comprehensive overview of the Brazilian legal system. It covers pivotal areas such as Constitutional Law, Labor Law, Human Rights, and Environmental Law, and promises an immersive learning experience.
The course will be free of charge, with classes conducted entirely in English by faculty members of the University of Brasília and affiliate professors. Our aim is to provide students with a welcoming environment open to the exchange of ideas, fostering a comprehensive and enriching learning experience in key areas of Brazilian law.
Key highlights
No Tuition Fees: The program is completely free of charge.
English Medium: All classes will be conducted in English by our distinguished faculty members and affiliate professors.
Interactive Learning Environment: Our aim is to create a vibrant space for idea exchange, ensuring a dynamic and holistic educational journey into the essentials of Brazilian law.
The University of Brasília Law School: Among the top three law schools in Brazil for Master’s and PhD programs according to the Ministry of Education (MEC/CAPES) and one of the highest-ranked at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Its students obtained the national highest grade in the 2023 National Exam in Law of the Ministry of Education in Brazil (MEC/ENADE).
Brasília: The capital of Brazil and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its outstanding modern architecture. Students will have the opportunity to visit the main public buildings of the country, such as the Brazil’s Supreme Court and National Congress.
Classes
Introduction to Brazilian History and Institutions I and II
The Brazilian criminal system
Democratization process and recent challenges
Introduction to the Brazilian Constitution
Brazilian Supreme Court and the Judiciary: differences and similarities with the Common Law
Anticorruption and compliance: Institutions and investigations
Business Law and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE)
Brazilian Political System
LGPD and Compliance: General overview of the Brazilian legislation
Modern solutions to the Judiciary: Artificial Intelligence in the decision-making process
Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and financing institutions in Brazil
Brazilian environmental law and regulation
Indigenous Rights in Brazil
Labour Law in Brazil: trends and perspectives
Gender Equality and LGBTQIA+ Rights
Registration
If you wish to take part of the 2025 edition, the registration is the first step. By completing the form to be published soon, you willl express your interest, and we will get in touch to provide further details!
Reviews
Check out the reviews from former students were were part our Class of 2023
“The Brazilian Law Exchange Program was one of the most valuable experiences that I have had as a law student in the United States. Being immersed in a completely different system of law gave me the opportunity to push the limits of my own understanding of the law and of legal systems, and to examine and question more critically the ways in which we use the law to solve problems. It was a privilege to be taught by and to spend time with nationally-recognized experts in a diversity of legal disciplines, and to tour the Supreme Court and the National Congress - experiences that I have not even had in my country of origin. Because the participants in the classes were a mix of university students and diplomats from around the world, the diversity of perspectives shared was invaluable and enriched everyone’s learning. Lastly, the warmth and generosity of all the program organizers and of my host family, from their efforts in making me feel at home to their willingness to help me practice my Brazilian Portuguese, touched me deeply and made this experience one that I will be talking about for years to come."
Kate O'Donnell
University of Arizona
"I participated in the 2023 Brazilian Law Exchange Program, and I would wish to congratulate Professor Juliano Zaiden Benvindo and his team for a very well conducted project. The topics were presented in a direct, professional style and provided an excellent introduction to and appreciation for Brazil's legal statutes and judicial systems, grounded as they are in Brazil's unique socio-political history and its constitutional developments in colonial and post colonial periods. There were lucid presentations on Brazil's civil codes and traditions and legal practice, including the evolution towards meeting the challenges of modern, more inclusive societies in relation to human, civil and political rights and dealing with new problems that have emerged with artificial intelligence and cybersociety and climate change.I did emerge also with an appreciation of the heavy case load being carried routinely by Brazil's legal decision makers, and as a non-lawyer, my only reaction would be to say "I wish I could help".
Ambassador Gerard Greene
Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador in Brasília
"The Law Exchange Program between the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law and the University of Brasilia was a fascinating experience and an opportunity I am so thrilled that I was able to be a part of. The classes on the history of the Brazilian law system and Constitution broadened my perspective of the American Common Law system and other global forms of law. The professors were excellent, very friendly, and provided a perfect balance between academia and the corporate/real-life perspectives of law. In addition to the on-site experience at the law school, the guided tours to the Government offices and local areas were fascinating and truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. We were able to meet with Brazilian Chief Justices and attend a live session at the Supreme Court as part of our guided tour. It was incredible! I would highly recommend the program to anyone entertaining the idea of enrolling. Our group consisted of both JD and MLS students from the University of Arizona but also included many local participants from local embassies which enriched the whole experience. Our Brazilian guides were so helpful and friendly, and always quick to answer any questions or concerns. I truly loved the experience and am very grateful for the partnership between the Universities. I will always treasure the Law Exchange Program!"
Luke Flinders
University of Arizona
Ambassador Gerard Greene
Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador in Brasília
Luke Flinders
University of Arizona
Kate O'Donnell
University of Arizona
