Meet the Class: Jurgis Bartkus, LLM ’25
Lithuanian Lawyer with a Keen Interest in Interdisciplinary Legal Education
Jurgis Bartkus, LLM ’25, joins the Law School this fall from Lithuania, where he earned his law degree in 2019 and his PhD in law just last year. He briefly worked as a teaching assistant and researcher at Vilnius University, his alma mater, before moving on to practice law. His most recent role was serving as an advisor to the chief justice in the Supreme Court of Lithuania. Bartkus is excited to continue pursuing his passion for the study of law at UChicago, where he hopes to gain deeper insight into the University’s interdisciplinary approach to legal education so that he can take that back with him to Lithuanian law schools.
Please describe your background and professional path.
From a young age, I dreamed of studying law, and after finishing school, I enrolled at the Faculty of Law of my hometown Vilnius University, where I graduated in 2019. My passion for the legal field didn’t stop there—it led me to PhD studies at both Vilnius University and Ghent University. In 2023, I successfully defended my doctoral thesis, “The Admissibility of Evidence in International Commercial Arbitration.” Beyond my academic work and teaching at Vilnius University, I have practiced law, gaining experience at a pan-Baltic law firm and a free-market think tank. Currently, I also serve as an advisor at the Supreme Court of Lithuania.
What type of law do you practice in Lithuania?
I specialize in civil procedure, international arbitration, and evidence. I am also particularly interested in the psychological and economic aspects of judicial decision-making.
What is your motivation for getting an LLM?
There are several reasons behind my decision. First and foremost, I aim to gain hands-on experience with the unique aspects of the US legal system. Secondly, I am eager to observe and comprehend the methods of legal education in American universities, with a particular fascination for the Socratic method. Lastly, I am keen to expand my knowledge in interdisciplinary fields, particularly behavioral law and economics.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago Law School as the institution at which to get your LLM?
The decision was quite easy. My choice was driven by the University of Chicago Law School’s global reputation for its interdisciplinary approach to law. It’s no wonder that the entire law and economics movement originated in Chicago.
What do you plan to do with your LLM?
After completing my LLM, I plan to return to Lithuania to further my professional and academic pursuits. I am confident that the knowledge and insights I gain in Chicago will greatly enrich my teaching in Lithuania. I believe that one key area to improve is incorporating more of Chicago’s interdisciplinary approach into Lithuanian law schools.
What are you most looking forward to in coming to the Law School, the US, and/or the city of Chicago?
I’m excited about everything—from getting to know the Law School community and my fellow students to exploring the vibrant city of Chicago itself. However, what I’m most looking forward to is attending a Chicago Bulls basketball game. In the 2024 draft, the Bulls selected Lithuanian Matas Buzelis with the 11th pick, which, as a Lithuanian, makes the prospect of seeing a Bulls game even more thrilling.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I have a keen interest in various sports. I enjoy playing basketball, tennis, and padel, and I also love watching American football, baseball, and hockey. Additionally, I am passionate about cinema and its history, with a particular fondness for the films of Ingmar Bergman and Federico Fellini.
What is a “fun fact” about you?
I’m not sure if this counts as a fun fact, but I am a huge fan of McDonald’s. I’ll have to work hard to resist this temptation while I’m in the United States!