The Juridicae Scientiae Doctor (JSD), also known as the Doctor of Juridical Science, is a prestigious degree designed for legal professionals aspiring to careers in academia, policy-making, or advanced legal research. This program is intentionally small and highly selective, targeting exceptional candidates who demonstrate a sophisticated academic focus and a commitment to contributing significantly to the field of law. The JSD program is structured to be completed in a minimum of three years, with at least one year spent in residence on campus at Washington University School of Law.
Upon acceptance into the JSD program, the JSD Admissions Committee appoints a Dissertation Committee for each student. Each committee comprises at least three faculty members, with a designated chair who serves as the primary faculty advisor to the JSD candidate.
During the initial year of the JSD program, students typically undertake coursework sufficient to earn a Master of Laws (LLM) degree by year’s end. In the subsequent years of residency, JSD candidates concentrate on refining and developing their dissertation proposals under the guidance of their assigned Faculty Advisor. The JSD program places a strong emphasis on original research and scholarly writing, culminating in the creation of a substantial, publishable-quality dissertation. Students, in consultation with their faculty advisor, may identify additional coursework that would be beneficial to their research; however, further coursework is not a mandatory requirement of the JSD program beyond what is needed for the LLM in the first year.
JSD candidates are required to complete their dissertation and have it accepted by their Dissertation Committee within a specified timeframe: (a) five years after receiving their LLM degree, for students who obtain their LLM from Washington University School of Law; or (b) five years after formal admission to the JSD program. All Doctor of Juridical Science candidates must also successfully defend their dissertation in an oral examination. Under extenuating circumstances, students may be permitted to defend their dissertation remotely via videoconference or similar computer-facilitated meeting.
Application Information for the Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) Program
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Juridicae Scientiae (JSD) program, applicants must hold a first degree in law from a foreign institution or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Candidates must demonstrate a record of outstanding academic achievement and scholarly potential. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have earned an LLM degree in the United States or be in the process of obtaining one at WashULaw prior to commencing JSD studies. It is essential that applicants possess significant prior knowledge in their intended area of academic specialization before entering the JSD degree program.
Required Application Materials
A successful application to the Doctor of Juridical Science program will include the following materials:
- Application Form: Applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) or directly via the provided link for the Graduate Program Application, free of charge: Graduate Program Application
- Dissertation Proposal: A detailed proposal outlining the intended research topic, methodology, and contribution to the field.
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor, mentor, or professor from the applicant’s previous law school or place of employment, attesting to their scholarly abilities and potential for doctoral-level research.
- Official Transcripts: Official transcripts and certified English translations of transcripts from the applicant’s first law degree and any LLM degrees obtained.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants are explicitly instructed NOT TO CONTACT LAW SCHOOL FACULTY INDEPENDENTLY to seek a research advisor prior to applying. If an applicant is admitted to the JSD program, program administrators will assign them to an appropriate faculty member based on their research interests and faculty availability.
Admissions to the Doctor of Juridical Science program are handled on a rolling basis, meaning that applications are reviewed as they are completed. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. JSD students typically commence their studies in August or January of each academic year.
Networking and Active Engagement Opportunities at the Law School
International students at WashULaw, including those in the Doctor of Juridical Science program, have numerous opportunities to network and build connections with peers and legal professionals from around the globe. Throughout their programs, students can enroll in a wide array of general and advanced courses offered within the JD curriculum. This integration allows JSD students to share knowledge and perspectives not only with other international students but also with domestic US law students, fostering a diverse and enriching academic environment.
WashULaw’s graduate programs are designed to equip international students with the tools necessary for a successful transition from civil law systems to the American Common Law system. The programs also provide robust support for developing legal English proficiency. These resources include a comprehensive orientation at the program’s outset, specialized courses such as “Introduction to the American Legal System,” participation in moot court programs, support from Teaching Assistants (TAs), and the dedicated services of the CASLE (Center for Academic Success and Legal English) department.
Furthermore, the law school boasts a vibrant community of over 39 student associations, including the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA). JSD students are encouraged to engage with these associations and participate in symposia, conferences, debates, and various events related to their academic and professional interests. These organizations provide platforms for scholarly exchange, professional development, and community building within the law school.
Meet Our Director of International Programs
Juan Del Valle serves as the Director of International Programs and a valued faculty member at Washington University School of Law. Professor Del Valle is a Colombian attorney and an alumnus of WashULaw’s LLM program (2010). He has received extensive training in negotiation from WashULaw, Harvard University, and the University of Windsor. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on Organizational Psychology. Following his LLM graduation from WashULaw, Juan worked at a law firm in St. Louis before holding significant leadership roles in multinational corporations, including Legal Head of Ericsson for seven countries. Recognized as WashULaw’s Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2019, Juan has held his current position since 2019. In addition to his directorial role, Professor Del Valle is the Faculty Advisor for LALSA and a member of both the University Chancellor’s Council and the law school’s Council for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive and globally-minded legal community.
