Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) is a specialised law school located in Riga, Latvia. RGSL offers interdisciplinary bachelor and masters programmes in law, allowing engaged and curious students to combine their law studies with courses in business, international relations, finance and diplomacy.
RGSL at a glance
Specialised law school
RGSL offers Masters programmes in international public and private law subjects including European law, human rights, transborder commercial law, EU policy, finance and technology. It also offers two interdisciplinary Bachelor programmes in which law is studied in combination with business management and international relations.
International study and working environment
RGSL is home to an active and diverse community of students from more than 40 different countries. Study in English with an international faculty of academics and practitioners. RGSL offers Erasmus mobility at our 40+ partner universities accross Europe and internship opportunities as well.
Individual learning environment
RGSL is a medium-sized, specialised educational institution offering a tailored and stimulating learning environment. Students enjoy our small classes, which allow room for debate and individual questions, and ease contact with fellow students and faculty members. Our study approach supports students to develop their potential through critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability. We value an open and international culture and encourage students to make the most of their studies.
Platform for EU neighbourhood capacity building programmes
RGSL has become a platform for educating professionals in public administration, NGOs, and academia from European Neighbourhood Policy countries, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. In cooperation with the governments of Latvia, Norway, the US, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, RGSL hosts specialised programmes providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of integration and cooperation with the EU. It also hosts capacity building programmes contributing to transparency, institution building, and good governance in Ukraine and Central Asian countries.
Academic vacancies
Rector vacancy
Founded in 1998, Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) is a regional centre of excellence in legal education in the Baltic region in Riga, Latvia. With English as its working language, the School attracts experienced faculty and highly skilled support staff. The international profile of our students is consistent with our philosophy.
Having established itself as a leading law school in the Baltic region, RGSL specialises in International and European law and offers interdisciplinary programmes in law combined with business, international relations, finance, and diplomacy courses.
RGSL provides degree programmes at the bachelor and master level and specialised short-term courses. RGSL is strongly connected internationally and locally. The School regularly hosts high-profile conferences and seminars and aims further to enhance its position as an eminent research institution. For more information, please visit www.rgsl.edu.lv
To continue the successful growth of RGSL, we are looking for an experienced academic leader and manager for the position of
RECTOR
As the head of a rapidly developing institution of higher education, the Rector will face a challenging and dynamic environment with great possibilities. Responsible for further developing RGSL academic programmes and research activities, the Rector will lead the School in its financial and strategic development. The position requires residence in Riga and is offered for a three-year period with the possibility of renewal.
Main tasks and responsibilities
The Rector is responsible for the school's academic and overall administrative management and shall contribute to its further growth and strategic development. This entails, notably:
• To cooperate with the RGSL Board and administration team in the School’s academic and strategic development and to oversee the implementation of decisions taken by the School’s governing bodies;
• To oversee and shape RGSL academic and educational programmes;
• To contribute to developing the academic staff;
• To manage the strengthening of the research profile of RGSL and conduct own research;
• To contribute to RGSL teaching;
• To expand and enhance cooperation with relevant institutional partners;
• To represent RGSL in public matters and thereby maintain and further enhance the School’s visibility and public profile;
• To ensure efficient performance of administrative functions.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements
• PhD in Law or another relevant discipline, high academic standing and a solid academic publication record;
• Proven leadership abilities;
• Extensive experience in management (preferably in an academic institution);
• Strategic planning and fund-raising experience;
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
Qualities and skills:
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both as a leader and a team player;
• Inter-cultural sensitivity;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Ability to foster cooperation and outstanding achievement among employees at all levels;
• Negotiation and communication skills;
• Ability to inspire and promote a dynamic work environment;
• Strong academic and professional networks internationally;
• Willingness to move to Riga, Latvia.
The appointment begins no later than September 1, 2024.
Application procedure
Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending a curriculum vitae and cover letter to vacancies@rgsl.edu.lv (or in hard copy to RGSL, Strēlnieku 4 k-2, Riga LV-1010, Latvia). The application should be marked “Application for the position of Rector” and must be received no later than 19 May 2024.
For further information, please contact Ieva Rācenāja, Director of RGSL: ieva.racenaja@rgsl.edu.lv
RGSL history
Key dates and events
On 18 March 1998, Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL or School) was established as a limited liability non-profit company by agreement between the Latvian and Swedish Governments and the Soros Foundation Latvia (SFL). Since 2005 the shares held by each government were transferred to the University of Latvia (UL), which in turn became the principal owner with 76% of RGSL shares. SFL retained its 24% ownership of the School. RGSL has full legal, academic and financial autonomy.
Over the years, RGSL has effectively proven its role and capacity for development. Whereas in 1999 the School offered only one masters programme, it currently offers 8 masters programmes leading to masters degrees in Public International Law and Human Rights, International and European Law, European Union Law and Policy, Transborder Commercial Law, Legal Linguistics, and Law and Finance. Starting in 2010, the School added 2 bachelor programmes to the portfolio of its activities. Both programmes are interdisciplinary in nature with a primary focus on law – one is devoted to the study of Law and Diplomacy, the other to Law and Business. In addition, a joint PhD programme started in 2013 in cooperation with the University of Copenhagen.
The school holds regular guest lectures, yearly conferences and workshops, discussions and public debates led by highly qualified international and local experts. The RGSL is also involved in a number of large scale research projects, receiving the only grant among Latvian institutions in 2012 from the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme.
18 March 1998 – Riga Graduate School of Law was established by agreement between the Latvian and Swedish governments and the Soros Foundation of Latvia. At the same time, the Soros Foundation Latvia provided the building at number 13, Alberta iela as a gift to the newly established Riga Graduate School of Law.
August 1999 – the first master’s programme leading to LL.M in International and European Law degree was started.
February 2001 – the first special programme for lawyers from the Latvian state administration was started with support from the Danish Government.
7 March 2001 – the premises of the RGSL were officially inaugurated, with the participation of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the President of the Republic of Latvia, Ms. Vaira Vike-Freiberga.
7 November 2005 – Riga Graduate School of Law was made an autonomous institution within the University of Latvia according to an agreement between Sweden and Latvia under which all shares held by the two countries (76%) were transferred to the University of Latvia. The Soros Foundation of Latvia has retained its shares (24%).
January 2006 – RGSL received full accreditation as an institution without time limitations. The general LL.M programme is accredited until 2010.
September 2007 – the second master’s programme leading to MA in Legal Linguistics was started.
January 2008 – the third master’s programme leading to LL.M in Law and Finance was started.
11-12 April 2008 – Anniversary conference on “EU-learning: Democracy through Law”, celebrating 10 years of RGSL and 4 years of Latvian EU accession.
December 2008 – two masters programmes – “Law and Finance” and “Legal Linguistics” received accreditation until 2014.
March 2010 – five masters programmes – “International and European Law” (academic and professional programme), “Public International Law and Human Rights”, “Transborder Commercial Law”, and “European Union Law and Policy” received accreditation until 2016.
May 2010 – two new bachelor programmes – “Law and Business” and “Law and International Relations” were licenced until 2013.
September 2010 – both new bachelor programmes were started.
June 2011 – two bachelor programmes – “Law and Business” and “Law and Diplomacy” receveid accredition until 2013.
April 2013 – a joint doctoral programme with the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen was licensed and a call for applications announced.
June 2013 – RGSL obtained full accreditation for all current study programmes, including also the new PhD programme. The accreditation was granted the maximum duration, which is 6 years.
September 2014 – Advanced Programme in Law and Economics was started.
September 2016 – Intensive Programme in Law and Economics was started.
March 2018 – Celebration of the RGSL 20th anniversary started with local events in March and continued with an international conference "The Changing Legal Profession" in May, concluding with a home-coming event in June.
Documents
RGSL brand
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are available at the RGSL Library, Strēlnieku iela 4 k-2, Wallenberg Building, 7th floor.
| Souvenirs | Price (EUR) | |
| Hoody (new design, warm, grey, black or red) | 24,00 | |
| Pencil | 0,50 | |
| Pen | 1,20 | |
| Water bottle (transparent) | 4,50 | |
| Water bottle (red) | 11,00 | |
| Drink coaster | 2,00 | |
| Mug | 8,00 | |
| Travel mug (thermo) | 14,00 | |
| Umbrella (foldable) | 18,00 | |
| Umbrella (big) | 17,00 | |
| USB flash drive | 5,00 | |
| Mouse pad | 5,00 |
