JD/LLM in International & Comparative Law
Since 1985, Duke has offered select JD students the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in international and comparative law in three years. Typically, between 20 and 30 students in each class pursue this option.
Students in the JD/LLM program commence their studies in the summer, undertaking part of the regular first-year curriculum with other dual-degree students. During the remaining six semesters of law study and in a four-week period at one of Duke's summer programs, JD/LLM students complete requirements for both degrees, which includes twenty credit hours of approved classes specifically for the LLM degree. These courses must include International Law, Comparative Law, Research Methodology in International, Foreign, and Comparative Law, and course work or an independent study for which a significant piece of writing is required.
The courses may also include up to six hours taken in the Graduate School or in an upper-level undergraduate class, including advanced language study. The Duke University Area Studies Program is particularly rich in courses dealing with Canada, China, Germany, and Japan, and the Political Science Department provides one of the world’s strongest programs in international relations. Candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in these courses and must also show competency in at least one foreign language.
To apply for the JD/LLM program, candidates complete the regular JD application and indicate their intent to enroll in the JD/LLM program.
» Application information
Additional information
- JD/LLM Degree Requirements
- JD/LLM Courses
- JD/LLM Faculty
- JD/LLM Program Brochure (pdf)
- Exchanges & Externships
Summer start
JD/LLM students (along with JD/MA and JD/MS students) get a head start on their JD classmates by taking two of the first year law school courses during the summer before their official first year of law school. This allows them to begin their international and comparative law coursework during the fall and spring, and complete both degrees in three years. The summer start is also a great way to begin law school in small-class setting and form a close bond with your dual-degree classmates.
» Learn more about the summer start
Summer Institute
Following the first full year of law school, JD/LLM students attend one of Duke's Institutes in Transnational Law, either in Geneva or Hong Kong. Duke faculty and guest faculty from around the world live in residential quarters with students and teach small, rigorous courses in areas such as emerging markets, terrorism and humanitarian law, comparative constitutional law, and international business law. During the other five weeks of the summer, JD/LLM students work overseas for a law firm, nonprofit organization, or business.
Scholarship Opportunities
JD/LLM students who are awarded scholarships typically receive additional funds towards the initial summer term and the Transnational Law Institute. Some exceptional candidates will receive Dual Degree Mordecai Scholarships, which cover the full tuition cost beyond the regular JD.
» Learn more about Duke Law Scholarships
» Learn more about Dual Degree Mordecai Scholarships
"What makes Duke an attractive place to pursue a legal education is not only the diverse class offerings and available and encouraging faculty, but also the opportunity to engage with motivated and curious individuals both within and outside the Law School."
"This summer I am working at International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), a non-profit non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. ...Overall, I could not have asked for a more exciting or rewarding summer experience - IBJ is truly a wonderful organization, I've met some great people, and spending time abroad has been amazing."