Designing and Implementing
JD/LLM Programs
International Legal Education
Abroad Conference
Washington College of Law
American University
April 2-3, 2012
Overview

History and nature of the program at
Villanova Law

Planning

Upkeep
What is the JD/LLM
International Studies Program?

Eligible students earn JD from Villanova and
LLM from a law school abroad in 3 to 3-1/2
years
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Spend first two years at VLS
Spend third year abroad
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Third year counts toward Villanova JD and LLM from law
school abroad
Year abroad may end in May or in fall of graduation year
Our Partners Abroad

Birkbeck College, University of London
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City University of Hong Kong

University of Edinburgh
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University of Leiden

National University of Singapore
Benefits

Two degrees in a little more than the time it
takes to earn one degree
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Eligibility to graduate with honors from VLS
Ability to walk with original class at graduation
Top-notch education at a law school in another
country
Exposure to other legal systems
Externship opportunities
Global networking
Requirements

Cumulative GPA requirement

Completion of upper-level graduation requirements by end of
second year (currently 11 credits)

Internal application form
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Academic references
Reference from VLS
Essay
Transcripts
Acknowledgements
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FERPA
Graduation date
Completion of coursework (at both institutions)
Bar examination dates
Class rank
Receipt of documentation by VLS
Restrictions/Limitations

Annual maximum # of participants to be determined by Dean

Combination of JD/LLM with Villanova MBA

Depending upon the calendar of the host institution abroad, a
student may not be able to take the July bar examination during
the year when he or she receives the JD and the LLM.

A student will not be cumulatively ranked and therefore will not be
eligible for the Order of the Coif Honor Society.

The student will earn the VLS JD only after VLS receives official
documentation confirming that the student has earned the LLM.

A visa is required, and may take time to obtain.
Timeline

January – Review fall transcript for GPA eligibility and graduation requirement
fulfillment

February – Submit application, Statement of Interest, application fee, unofficial
transcripts, faculty recommendations to Registrar’s office and Program Director

February – March – Interviews (VLS)

Late March – Notification of recommendation by VLS; completion of Financial Aid
application and host school application (students should register for fall classes in
the meantime)

April – Notification of decision by school abroad
Alternative programs. . .
Students may, on rare occasions, receive approval for study
abroad at institutions other than our five approved JD/LLM
partner schools.

Considerations
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Reasons for special request
Same academic qualifications
Willingness of host school to enroll third year law student from U.S. law
school
Reputation of host school
Program Design

Develop connections abroad

Review ABA Criteria

Develop and publish statement on study abroad educational
objectives

Develop overall program proposal & proposals for each host
school abroad

Submit through regular law school channels – curriculum
committee, study abroad office, faculty, etc.

Publicize!
Implementation

Create timeline

Memorialize application process and “who’s who” of involved law school personnel

Design application and recommendation forms
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Prepare MOUs with partner schools abroad
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Determine feasibility and types of available financial aid
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Offer multiple information sessions
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Advise students
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Process applications
“Upkeep”
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Review host school curriculum regularly
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Approve individual student curriculum
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Communicate with host school
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Update MOUs
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Confirm transfer of documentation
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Report to ABA
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Publicize achievements of students & alumni
For more information …
See:
http://www.law.villanova.edu/internationalstudies
Contact:
Diane Edelman
Director of International Programs
Room 342
610-519-7047
edelman@law.villanova.edu