Why do a dual degree?

Attending Duke Law School gives you the opportunity to pursue two world-class degrees at once and prepare yourself for a career at the intersection of law and another discipline. Choose from one of our three most popular programs – the JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law, the JD/LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship, or the JD/MA in Bioethics and Science Policy – or combine a JD with a graduate degree in business administration, environmental management, medicine, public policy, or divinity.  

With more graduate students than undergraduates, Duke University has a tradition of interdisciplinary teaching and is uniquely focused on the needs of students who are engaged at the highest levels of academic study and research. Nearly 15 percent of our JD students pursue another graduate degree, generally saving a full year of study that would otherwise be required if they earned their two degrees consecutively. Dual degree programs are intense, but the benefits are plentiful: You’ll satisfy all your intellectual interests and earn a second Duke degree.

 

Prof. Nita A. Farahany“Duke is an innovative institution that has bridged the barriers to cross-disciplinary collaboration. A dual degree lets you tap into the amazing intellectual energy here, and discover synergies with the law and your legal education.”

 

– Nita A. Farahany JD/MA ’04, Ph.D. ’06, a professor of law and philosophy and director of the JD/MA in Bioethics and Science Policy program.

 

Which dual degree is right for you?

  JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law JD/LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship JD/MA in Bioethics and Science Policy
Purpose
 

Prepare for a career in the increasingly international practice of law, whether you plan to work in the U.S. or abroad, in private practice, a business, or the public sector

Meet a growing need within the legal and business communities for lawyers who can creatively counsel and lead early-stage ventures and other innovative companies

 Learn how to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to myriad complex issues at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, and policy
First-year classes
 

Develop specialized knowledge and skills by taking International Law and Research Methods in International, Foreign and Comparative Law during your first year

Take Business Associations in your first year to build a foundation for coursework in business and policy

 Get an introduction to issues of bioethics and science policy by taking Foundations of Bioethics during second semester of your first year
Exclusive programs
 

Upper-level seminar devoted to late-breaking issues and in-depth case studies

Second-year practicum and priority enrollment in the Start-Up Ventures Clinic

 Join the Journal of Law and the Biosciences, a co-venture between Duke Law School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford University
Summer experiences
 

Four-week Summer Institute in Leiden, followed by an international internship

Startup immersion experience during summer after first year

 Capstone project during summer after first year
Networking opportunities
 

Tap into a global alumni community located in 80 countries around the world willing to share their experience and network as well as mentor Duke Law students

Engage with entrepreneurs, executives, and investors in Durham and the Research Triangle at special events, talks, and classroom visits

 Participate in the Science, Law & Policy Lab (SLAPLAB), an interdisciplinary laboratory of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergrads working together on shared research projects and publications
Employment outcomes
 

Recent employers include:

  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Los Angeles, CA)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit (New York, NY)
  • Weil, Gotshal & Manges (New York, NY)

Recent employers include:

  • Davis, Polk & Wardwell (New York, NY)
  • Linklaters (London, UK)
  • Paul Hastings (San Diego, CA)
  • Latham & Watkins (Washington, DC)

Recent employers include:

  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Palo Alto, CA)
  • Cooley (Washington, DC)
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher (New York, NY)
  Learn more about the JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law Learn more about the JD/LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship Learn more about the JD/MA in Bioethics and Science Policy