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 Spend first two years at VLS Spend third year abroad 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 City University of Hong Kong University of Edinburgh University of Leiden National University of Singapore

Benefits Two degrees in a little more than the time it takes to earn one degree 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 Academic references Reference from VLS Essay Transcripts Acknowledgements 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 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 Prepare MOUs with partner schools abroad Determine feasibility and types of available financial aid Offer multiple information sessions Advise students Process applications

“Upkeep” Review host school curriculum regularly Approve individual student curriculum Communicate with host school Update MOUs Confirm transfer of documentation Report to ABA Publicize achievements of students & alumni

For more information … See: Contact: Diane Edelman http://www.law.villanova.edu/internationalstudies Contact: Diane Edelman Director of International Programs Room 342 610-519-7047 edelman@law.villanova.edu