1. Designing and Implementing JD/LLM Programs
International Legal Education Abroad Conference
Washington College of Law
American University
April 2-3, 2012

2. Overview History and nature of the program at Villanova Law Planning
Upkeep

3. 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

4. Our Partners Abroad Birkbeck College, University of London
City University of Hong Kong
University of Edinburgh
University of Leiden
National University of Singapore

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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

12. “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

13. For more information … See: Contact: Diane Edelman
Contact:
Diane Edelman
Director of International Programs
Room 342