J.D./LL.B Program

WelcomeEvents
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the University of Windsor Faculty of Law have collaborated to create a unique joint American/Canadian law degree program.
Students complete 104 credits in three years and successful graduates receive both their Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degrees.
The J.D. / LL.B Program is a demanding program of study designed to:
  • educate students to understand the legal doctrines and cultures of both Canada and the United States;
  • prepare its graduates to practice law in a manner consonant with the highest standards of competence, professional ethics, and concerns for justice as exemplified by the tradition of the legal profession in both countries;
  • sharpen students analytical, writing, and research skills.
Why a joint degree?

In a competitive global economy, a key success factor is the ability to provide a service that your competitor cannot match. A joint degree can be the first step to advancing your competitive edge.
Trade has increased 109% among the NAFTA countries, from $297 billion (US) in 1993 to $622 billion (US) in 2001. Daily, the NAFTA countries perform approximately $1.7 billion (US) in trilateral trade. Many firms and businesses have developed relationships with foreign firms in order to serve their clients' needs.
An individual educated in both Canada and the United States can help clients expand their businesses and investments under NAFTA.

Why a joint J.D./LL.B. degree may be the right choice for you:
  • Satisfy the educational requirements to be permitted to practice law in both the U.S. and Canada
  • Earn two law degrees in the same time it takes to earn one degree
  • Gain exposure to different cultures
  • Develop relationships with colleagues from different countries
  • Obtain a foundation of knowledge of two legal systems
  • Enjoy entertainment and cultural diversity in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan
  • Take advantage of the program's locked-in tuition which protects students against tuition inflation.
In a global world, knowledge of more than one legal system can be a real advantage.		three student
From left - Ravi Duhra ('05)*, Marssa** Giahinejad ('05), Jay Sernoskie ('06)***

"An individual educated in both Canada and the United States can help clients expand their businesses and investments under NAFTA."

"In a global world, knowledge of more than one legal system can be a real advantage."



* Ravi Dura ('05) plans to move back to his hometown of Prince George B.C. He's articling with the firm of Hope Heinrich and will be writing the B.C. bar this year and the Washington State bar exam the following year.

** Marssa Giahinejad ('05) plans to write the Ontario bar and eventually in California. She hopes to open her own practice in the near future.

*** Jay Sernoskie ('06) plans to return to Toronto after graduation from Law School. He will spend the summer working with the law firm of Cassels Brock and intends to write the bar exams in both Canada and the United States.