11 November 2008
In an Australian-first agreement with a US law school, Monash University's Faculty of Law has established a dual degree program with Washington College of Law WCL, part of Washington's American University.
The international dual degree program offered between Monash and WCL enables Monash Law students studying the Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) to complete their degree at Washington College of Law in Washington DC, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from both law schools.
In an increasingly competitive environment, the international Juris Doctor program provides exceptional opportunities for students from both law schools to acquire valuable on-site education and skills to work as "local" lawyers in both Australia and the US.
Under the agreement, the Monash law faculty and WCL have agreed to facilitate each other's students enrolling in their respective JD courses, and have agreed to credit students for some of the units they undertake while on exchange.
Students who take part in the program will graduate with a JD from Monash and WCL which will satisfy the academic course of study requirements for admission to legal practice in both Australia and the US.
Monash Faculty of Law Director International Dr Jonathan Clough said WCL had similar exchange agreements with universities in France, Spain and Canada but this was WCL's first agreement with an Australian university and also the first time an Australian university law school had established such a program with an international law school.
"This is the first time that law students enrolled at an Australian university have had the opportunity to gain dual JD degrees in different countries by completing one course," Dr Clough said.
"This agreement is part of Monash's commitment to engendering international perspectives in our students and equipping our graduates with the skills for learning and working in the global sphere.
"Knowledge of legal systems of multiple countries is crucial for professional success in an increasingly globalised workplace."
The JD has been offered by Australian university law schools as an alternative to the traditional Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree for several years.
Monash's Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) is open to applicants who have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than law. The JD takes three years full-time study or six years part-time.
For interviews or more information, please contact Dr Jonathan Clough on +61 3 9905 3391 or Samantha Blair Media and Communications +61 3 9903 3481 or 0439 013 951.
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