A new partnership between The University of Queensland's TC Beirne School of Law and the Washington University (WU) School of Law in St Louis is giving UQ law students a chance to undertake formal study in two jurisdictions and add a postgraduate qualification to their first law degree.
On successful completion of two semesters of study in the United States, UQ students will receive credit towards the completion of their UQ Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and will also be eligible to graduate from WU's Master of Laws (LLM) program in a reduced time frame.
Dr Andreas Schloenhardt, Associate Dean (International) at the TC Beirne School of Law, emphasised the innovative nature of this program.
"This joint initiative is the first of its kind between an Australian and US law school and will open the door for UQ students to practise law in the US as an LLM from WU will permit them to sit a selection of several States bar examinations, including the New York State Bar Exam," he said.
WU students will complete their Juris Doctorate at UQ and will then go on to complete a LLM from The University of Queensland during their two semesters at UQ.
Dean of the TC Beirne School of Law Professor Ross Grantham, who recently returned from a visit to WU's campus in St Louis, praised the University's outstanding teaching staff and facilities. He said he believed the dual jurisdiction program offered a wealth of benefits to UQ law students.
"We’re delighted to offer this opportunity to our students because there is so much to be gained from the program – not only in terms of personal satisfaction and experience but also for the ability to begin their careers with the professional advantage of a postgraduate degree and access to practice in the United States," he said.
Professor Grantham confirmed that the School had completed a multi-faceted agreement with WU which, apart from the joint LLB/JD/LLM program, also included exchange opportunities for undergraduate students, the possibility for research students to go to St Louis for a six-month period during their candidature, and staff teaching and research exchanges.
WU's law school is consistently ranked among the best in the US and its vision and values in relation to teaching and research complement those of UQ.
The 135-year-old law school is located on the University's 169-acre Danforth Campus just 15 minutes' from the city of St Louis, famous for its Gateway Arch, the 1904 Olympic Games, and the 2011 World Series baseball champions, the St Louis Cardinals.
From 2012, six WU places will be available annually to current single and dual-degree UQ law students.
Applications into the program will be accepted in two rounds, closing on March 31 and September 30 each year. UQ students selected into the program will receive assistance with enrolment, visa and accommodation from WU.
More information about the joint LLB/LLM program is available online.
Media: Andreas Schloenhardt (+61) 7 3365 6191, a.schloenhardt@law.uq.edu.au or Barbara Thorsen (+61) 7 3365 3319, b.thorsen@law.uq.edu.au.
