JD/LLM in International & Comparative Law
The JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law is an integrated program that combines rigorous legal training with in-depth study of global issues, opportunities to work and study abroad, and focused mentoring, networking, and career development.
In the same time it takes to earn your JD, you can add a specialized LLM in International and Comparative Law, a degree recognized around the world as a key credential for a global law practice. As a student, you will explore Duke’s extensive international law curriculum and participate in numerous internationally focused clinics, journals, and student organizations, and be prepared 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.
Accelerate the development of specialized knowledge and skills by taking International Law during
your 1L year.
Engage with leading international law scholars in an exclusive upper-level seminar devoted to late-breaking issues and in-depth case studies.
Connect with alumni, faculty, and peers at dinners, speaker series, panel discussions, and other special events.
... no other top law school had Duke’s combined JD/LLM program in international and comparative law, which enabled me to achieve both degrees within three years. This degree program allowed me to have international and curricular experiences unmatched anywhere else.
Study and work abroad
Duke’s JD/LLM program also lets you pursue your interests outside of the U.S. and have academic and professional experiences that can shape your life and career. During the post-1L summer you’ll take upper-level classes at the Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law and also intern with a foreign law firm or legal organization. In the 2L and 3L years, you can choose from more than 14 exchange programs or gain specialized work experience by doing a semester or summer externship abroad with an international organization, tribunal, or NGO.
Tap into a global network
Duke’s global alumni community includes JD/LLMs who have embarked on exciting, high-level careers dealing with important international issues, both domestically and abroad, and are always eager to advise and mentor current students.
Summer Institute
Following the first full year of law school, JD/LLM students attend Duke’s one-month Institute in Global and Transnational Law in Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands. Faculty from around the world live in residential quarters with students and teach small, rigorous courses in areas such as international trade, international dispute resolution, human rights, international criminal law, and comparative constitutional law. Students then work overseas for a law firm, nonprofit organization, research institute, or business.
International & Comparative Law
Duke Law’s curriculum is designed to be flexible, giving you the opportunity to design much of your course schedule to meet your intellectual and career goals. You’ll find a vast selection of courses such as Foreign Relations Law, International Human Rights, International Arbitration, and Structuring Commercial and Financial Transactions, along with programs, organizations, and international law scholars to help develop specialized expertise in international law.
Candidates for the JD/LLM in International and Comparative Law do not need to apply separately to any school or program at Duke other than the Law School. Complete the regular JD application, but indicate that you wish to be considered for the dual degree. You may apply to only one dual degree program.
Application Review Process
JD/LLM applications are reviewed through the regular Law School process. Although there are no specific prerequisites or admission requirements, the admissions committee pays particular attention to applicants with prior international experience and foreign language study. In rare instances where the applicant is a strong candidate for the JD program but lacks international experience, the admissions committee may offer admission to the JD only.
Additional Application Materials
JD/LLM candidates are not required to submit a statement of purpose for the LLM; however, we encourage applicants to address their interest in international and comparative law, either in their personal statement or include the JD/LLM Addendum attachment.