International JD Dual Degree Programs. Letter from the Dean

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2 Letter from the Dean American University Washington College of Law (WCL) is continually seeking new ways to provide students with a superb legal education in a new world reality, where knowledge of different legal systems is essential for success. Our unique International J.D. Dual Degree Programs are important vehicles for achieving this goal. These programs facilitate exceptional opportunities in an increasingly competitive environment where students can acquire valuable on-site education and skills to work as local lawyers in multiple jurisdictions within Europe, North America, or Australia. As a leader in international law, we are excited to share that WCL has recently expanded the International J.D. Dual Degree Programs to include a dual U.S.-Australian J.D. option, further strengthening the ability of our students to practice law in the 21st century. Moving forward, WCL will continue to actively seek new partners in this dynamic field to continue providing unparalleled opportunities for our students around the world. Claudio Grossman Dean International JD Dual Degree Programs In 2004, WCL began a distinctive program that provides opportunities for students to become fully trained attorneys with the expertise and language skills to work at home and abroad. The International J.D. Dual Degree Programs allow a select number of students to obtain a J.D. from WCL in Washington, D.C., and the equivalent J.D. degree from Canada, France, Spain, or Australia. This experience takes studying abroad to a new level. Law students are now able to go beyond area studies in international or transnational law and become actual transnational lawyers.

3 USA American University Washington College of Law For over a century, the American University Washington College of Law (WCL) has provided quality legal education, becoming a world leader in international law and transnational opportunities. The international programs offered at WCL are among the top five programs in the country. As a progressive academic institution, WCL provides innovative learning and networking opportunities for students and practitioners in a variety of formats, both locally and around the world. Every year hundreds of people join the WCL community to take advantage of the first-rate seminars, clinics, competitions, and study abroad programs. Innovation in legal education has been a hallmark of WCL. As such, WCL has been a leader in understanding the impact of globalization in the legal profession and has created curricula that reflect this new reality. Along with the variety of study abroad opportunities available, WCL also offers its students international moot courts; externships abroad; and a wide variety of classes on comparative law, foreign legal systems and international law, including some in other languages like French and Spanish. Additionally, every year more than 150 foreign lawyers participate in WCL degree programs, providing its J.D. students with a truly international environment. FRANCE University of Paris X Nanterre (UPX) Degrees earned: J.D. / Master I / Master II France is a country with a rich history and established traditions. At the same time, Paris is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with many large U.S. and international law firms opening offices every year. This program provides the opportunity for law students to work in different legal areas within the United States and France, with the possibility of practicing in other countries of the European Union. During the first year of the program in Paris, students enroll in the Master I program, which allows them to qualify for the French bar exam. The second year of the program provides students with the opportunity to enroll in a variety of Master II programs. The Master II is a highly prestigious degree that can open doors to a number of job opportunities. Additionally, many of these programs have an internship component.

4 SPAIN University Carlos III (UC3) Degrees earned: J.D. / Licenciatura en Derecho (LED) Studying in Madrid, Spain provides an excellent option for experiencing a distinctive culture while also maintaining a connection to the rest of Europe and to Latin America. This program between WCL and UC3 requires excellent Spanish which eases the ability of students in gaining a full understanding of the law as it is developed and practiced in Spain, while acquiring the skills to work in different legal areas in both the U.S. and Spain. Due to its language and cultural connections with Latin America, this program is an excellent opportunity for those students interested in working as lawyers in or with that region. UC3 stresses the importance of having an international and practical component in the law school experience. The last year of the program includes an internship with a Spanish law firm or a nongovernmental organization. This opportunity provides law students with a unique option to acquire practical experience abroad. My experience with the J.D. Dual Degree Program has been invaluable and a decisive element in my legal career. Through this program, I was able to gain in-depth knowledge of the civil law system, which is a requirement for any legal position here in Paris. Additionally, being able to practice law in both French and English has become an indispensable skill. After graduating from the Master 2 program, I was able to immediately find a position within an international law firm in Paris. I recommend the program to anyone interested in practicing abroad or wanting to gain international legal exposure which cannot be taught through textbooks. Caroline Genevois, Attorney at Law (New York State) / Avocat au Barreau de Paris WCL and University of Paris X Nanterre

5 AUSTRALIA Monash University School of Law Degrees earned: J.D. / Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) As the most recent addition to the WCL International J.D. Dual Degree Programs, Monash University School of Law offers a new opportunity for law students to become familiar with a diverse set of legal traditions. Located in Melbourne, Australia, Monash is a member of what has been termed the Group of Eight, distinguishing it as one of the leading academic research institutions in the country. Additionally, Monash offers a variety of opportunities, with satellite schools located in South Africa, Malaysia, and in locations in Europe. Australia is experiencing a transition in their legal degrees. Traditionally, the LL.B. has been granted to law students. Although this degree is similar to the U.S. Bachelor s Degree and continues to be offered by most schools, many of the top law programs are now offering a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) program as an alternative. Students who participate in this program will gain a unique perspective of Australian law and also have access to other countries in the Pacific region. Australian lawyers have the potential to have their law degrees recognized in different countries such as Malaysia and New Zealand. CANADA University of Ottawa Faculty of Law Degrees earned: J.D. / LL.B. Canada and the United States are neighbors with an important and ever-evolving relationship. Whether dealing with issues such as trade and investment, the environment, or security, navigating the ties between the two countries requires legal professionals that have grounding in the law used in both places. This relationship was an important factor in the development of the program offered by WCL and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Common Law Section. The University of Ottawa is a bilingual English/French school and one of the few universities in Canada which offers programs in both civil and common law. With its central location, students have greater access to resources such as the federal government and high courts. Over four years, WCL and Ottawa students participate in legal studies which prepare them in the Canadian and U.S. legal systems; enables them to meet the requirements for practice law in both countries; and broadens their job search options.

6 International JD Dual Degree Programs Macarena Sáez, Program Director American University Washington College of Law 4801 Massachusettes Ave. NW Washington, DC