RICHARDSON – LAW SCHOOL BOUND –

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

LSAT Prep and Preparation Seminars

Toronto – London – Ottawa – Kingston

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B. FEATURE – “THE UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR J.D./LL.B. EXPERIENCE: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY THAT IS JUST AS GREAT AS IT SOUND”

The combined J.D. / LL.B program allows Canadian and American law students to obtain accreditation in both countries by attending two law schools simultaneously within the normal three-year period.

Sound like extra work? Like any scholastic endeavour, the student will succeed correlative to the amount of time spent preparing for class. Students are required in the program to spend more hours in class, but this is combated reasonably in two ways: Firstly, students are required to attend two courses in the summer of their first year; and secondly, while certain courses are required of each school, an additional class module (usually an extra hour a week) is taught by the second law school.

Sound Educational? More than you can imagine. Learning the principles and theories of two different legal systems provides students with a substantive understanding necessary to successfully practice law in both countries. Additionally, while both countries come from the same history, the two systems have diverged such that there are many idiosyncrasies that need to be accounted for. The comparative learning process helps reinforce the general legal principles common to both systems, and as any political science undergrad will attest to, a great way to learn about something is by comparing it to something else.

Sound Beneficial? Absolutely. By obtaining an additional degree, students have an additional credential that provides for benefits that manifest in different ways. My colleagues have used this degree to market themselves to traditional Canadian law firms, or to begin legal careers in many different jurisdictions in the United States such as New York and Chicago. Students have also used the joint-degree as a springboard into post-graduate work throughout both countries.

If you ask any student in the program in any given year, their experiences will be different. Colleagues of mine have participated in various school groups on each side of the border: for example while one may be involved in Windsor's Community legal aid Program, another may participate in Detroit Mercy's Urban Law Clinic (or a student may do both).

Being attached to an American law school brings unique experiences to students that cannot be obtained easily in Canada. I myself have clerked for a Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, and with a student group was sent to Washington D.C. where I met with students from each American law school, had dinner at the Solicitor-General's house, and got to meet US. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas!

Additionally, the University of Detroit Mercy maintains special characteristics that prove to bring unique experiences for Canadian law students. The Socratic method, while a little frightening at first, teaches students to think in a different way, giving us analytical tools and that help in learning to effectively participate in arguments. The University of Detroit Mercy also promotes legal writing with a special intensive course taken by first year students, a tool that offers much needed writing experience to students.

The combined program is a unique opportunity that will do nothing but add to a student's law school experience and repertoire, in any way the deem fit. I strongly encourage anyone to apply who is up for a little extra challenge, with well-deserved rewards!"

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