2006

14 countries

– fps

Technical

Anniversary: 20 Years Master of Law and Business

A unique graduate program for students from all over the world has become well-established

It started with a simple but ambitious idea — what if the next generation of business leaders and legal minds didn't have to choose between the two worlds, and could understand each other better instead? In 2006, Bucerius Law School’s Prof. Clifford Larsen launched the Bucerius Master of Law and Business Program together with WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Twenty years on, that founding idea has shaped a program that has established itself firmly in the world market, attracting students from across the globe. More than 800 alumni from over 100 countries are now influencing law firms, boardrooms, start-ups and international organizations worldwide. The MLB continues to evolve and welcome an ever more diverse mix of lawyers, business professionals and curious minds - and what hasn't changed is the founding belief: the best professionals speak both languages, law and business, fluently, at once.

Please share your favourite memories, stories, and special moments of your time at Bucerius with us and each other on LinkedIn under the hashtag #mlb20years.

Dear Alumni, teachers, supporters and friends of the MLB Program,

We’re celebrating 20 years of international, interdisciplinary and professional excellence! Without our students we wouldn’t be where we are today: an internationally renowned program of study that is unique in bringing lawyers and managers together, to discuss the topics that shape the world of business and beyond, and to work on solutions to problems that one discipline alone could not tackle.

20 classes of students have benefitted from our fantastic alumni network that is always willing to share information on the program itself, on career opportunities, and on practical matters.

Being 20 years old does not mean standing still though, and together we will adapt to a changing world and, more importantly, shape the changes the world is experiencing. I look forward to working together on the issues that lie ahead of us over the coming months and am grateful that I can play a little part in shaping the next chapter in our MLB story.

With very best wishes,
Christopher Bisping
Dean of the Master of Law and Business (LL.M./MLB)

Prof. Christopher Bisping, LL.M. — Christopher Bisping, Dean of the Master of Law and Business (LL.M./MLB)

Photo Gallery: Back then & now

The MLB Program through the Years. This photo gallery shows the evolution of the master's program over the past 20 years:

In September 2006, the first class of 20 students in the Master of Law and Business program began their studies at Bucerius Law School. © Ronald Frommann

In September 2025, 37 students from the 20th cohort of the master's program began their studies at the university.

A social project is an integral part of the master's program. During the winter months, a bake sale is often held to benefit a social project, as was the case in 2024.

In 2021, Christopher Bisping became the Dean of the Master of Law and Business, succeeding Clifford Larsen (the founding dean of the Master of Law and Business). © Ronald Frommann

In addition to the theoretical course modules, students in the master’s program also take part in field trips. A regular stop on these trips is a visit to MLB’s program partner WHU in Düsseldorf.

Every year during the Christmas season, the MLB students decorate the Christmas tree on campus together.

In 2007, the first graduation ceremony was held in the Helmut Schmidt Auditorium for the first graduating class of the master's program. © Ronald Frommann

These days, the MLB graduation ceremony is still held in the Helmut Schmidt Auditorium, and the students toss their caps in the air. © Kerstin Rose

Dear Friends of the MLB Program,

In keeping with the institution’s motto of “Mut” (courage), Bucerius leaders have shown an extraordinary willingness to go beyond the normal. Over 20 years ago, these leaders asked me to create a graduate program that did not then exist, but should. That request was a dream come true. Based on my experience, it was evident to me that lawyers and businesspeople often did not have the skills to work together optimally.

The result was the creation of a radical new approach to training lawyers, businesspeople, and others who wished to learn to optimize business and legal processes in an international environment.

I thank all those individuals and groups that have contributed to the success of the MLB Program. As Founding Dean, I also thank Dean Bisping for continuing to develop and improve the Program.

Professor em. Clifford Larsen
Founding Dean, Master of Law and Business Program

Clifford Larsen, Founding Dean of the Master of Law and Business (LL.M./MLB). © Ronald Frommann

Deutschlandstipendium 2026 - Help fund a future MLB Student

Twenty years ago, the very first Master of Law and Business class began their studies in Hamburg!

Since then, more than 800 graduates from over 100 countries around the globe have become part of our international community. Together, they have built friendships across cultures, launched remarkable careers, and created a supportive global alumni network that continues to grow.

As we celebrate throughout the summer and throughout the coming year, we'd like to invite every alumnus and alumna to help join us in supporting the future MLBs.

For many students, the MLB Program is a big step in a new chapter of their lives - settling into a new country, in a demanding academic setting. Your support can ease the financial burden and offer something even more powerful: a possibility to fulfill a dream, gain a global perspective, meet new friends from all over the world and enjoy the Bucerius spirit as you did.

Donate via Deutschlandstipendium 2026 - Support a future MLB Student