JD/JD Dual Degree Program
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada

This program is offered jointly by WCL and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Common Law Section. Students from both institutions enroll in a unique JD/JD dual degree program.

 

Each year up to three WCL students will be selected for the dual degree program. Those students who successfully complete two years of studies at WCL and two years of studies at the University of Ottawa School of Law will be awarded the JD degree at WCL and the JD degree at the University of Ottawa. This selected group of students will have the opportunity to study in a different country, acquire the legal skills to practice law in the United States and in Canada, and fulfill the legal requirements of both countries to take the bar examinations as any other graduate in each school.

The goal of this program is to prepare students in the Canadian and U.S. legal systems, provide more opportunities to practice law, and give them a comparative understanding of the common law system.

The J.D. / J.D. Program

Academic Requirements

Students must complete two academic years at WCL and two academic years at the University of Ottawa (UO). WCL students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be admitted to the program.(Please note: If you are an International JD student at WCL and will be applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), contact the Director before applying. A modified timeline may apply.)

Outgoing students enrolled in the program will complete a minimum of 59 credits during the two years of residence at WCL and a minimum of 60 credits during their two years of residence at UO, including all mandatory requirements shown below. All incoming students will be required to complete a minimum of 59 credits and all mandatory classes and additional requirements.

WCL students participating in the program will be required to remain in the top fifty percent of their class at UO.

Required Courses for WCL students at UO

First Year

  1. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) (The Program Directors will review possible equivalencies between these courses and non-mandatory courses at WCL on a case by case basis).
  2. Constitutional Law (Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedom).
  3. Criminal Law and Procedure.
  4. Public Law and Legislation (Statutory interpretation and structure of Canadian government).
  5. The Property course at UO has an important component in Aboriginal Law. WCL Students who have not taken a course in Aboriginal Law at WCL will take a seminar or do an independent study on this topic at UO.

Subsequent Years

  1. Oral Advocacy requirement course.
  2. Major paper requirement.

Required Courses for UO Students at WCL

First Year

  1. Civil Procedure
  2. Constitutional Law
  3. Legal Rhetoric: Writing & Research I and II

Upper Years

  1. Criminal Procedure
  2. Legal Ethics
  3. Criminal Law
  4. Upper Level Writing Requirement
  5. Professional Skills Requirement

Tuition and Expenses:

  • WCL students will pay 3 years of regular full-time tuition and fees to their home institution. There will be no additional tuition payment to the host school. WCL students enrolled in the program will pay the same amount of tuition as regular WCL students and will remain eligible for financial aid and grants as if they studied all 3 years at WCL. Students may be required to pay additional student fees at the host institution.

  • All participating students are required to have health insurance while at WCL and at UO. Health insurance coverage is the sole responsibility of each student and students must show proof of coverage. WCL students may enroll in the University of Ottawa health insurance program at their own expense.

  • Travel and housing expenses are the students' responsibility. Upon their arrival to Ottawa, the University of Ottawa will provide WCL students with information on housing.

Application Process:

Students must be admitted to WCL's regular JD program before applying to any international JD dual degree program.

Students must complete the application package below. Students will be contacted for interviews following review of the application (mid-to-late February).

Once accepted to the Program, no further application to the University of Ottawa is necessary.

When to Apply:

Eligibility: First and second year WCL students with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. All WCL international JD students should contact the Program Director before applying.

DEADLINE: The deadline for the 2013-2015 program is January 27, 2012.

Application Package:

  1. 2013-2015 Ottawa Program Application
  2. Statement of interest. (No more than one page stating the objectives on pursuing the program and the reasons for applying.)
  3. Letter of Recommendation (Letters should be from either professional or academic references. No relatives.)
  4. Current résumé.
  5. Updated WCL academic transcripts.

Submit Applications to:

 
Theresa Kaiser
DIrector of Study Abroad & International Exchange
International JD Dual Degree Programs
American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Office of the Dean
Washington, DC 20016
intdualdegree@wcl.american.edu / Fax: 202-274-4005