J.D./LL.B Program

Welcome
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

A Snapshot of our
2009 Graduates!
Stephanie L. Yarmo
Stephanie will be articling at McCarthy Tetrault in Toronto,ON in August, 2009. She plans to sit for the Ontario bar in June 2009 and the New York bar in July of 2010. Stephanie received her B.A. from the University of Western Ontario (Hons) in Sociology. While in law school, Stephanie was a Junior Member and Associate Editor of the University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, Solicitations Editor of the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues and a member of the Dean's Honor Society at UDM.

Robert Walker
In the fall of 2009, Robert will be a first-year Associate (and completing his international articling) at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP in New York. He is planning to sit for the Ontario bar and the New York bar in June & July 2009. Robert has a Political Science (Hons.) degree from the University of Western Ontario. While in law school, Rob was the Editor-in-Chief of the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues and a member of the UDM moot court team.

Shelby Aikman
Shelby will be articling at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Ottawa. She plans to sit for the Ontario bar in June and eventually the New York bar. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Queens's University. While in law school, Shelby was a Copy Editor for the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues.

Lawrence Lavender
Lawrence plans to sit for the Michigan bar exam in the summer of 2009 and the Ontario bar next summer. Lawrence will be working at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law following graduation.