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Canadian & American Dual J.D. Program
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About the Canadian & American Dual J.D. Program

The only program of its kind in North America  

The only program of its kind in North AmericaMessage from the DirectorThe University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the University of Windsor Faculty of Law have collaborated to create the Canadian & American Dual J.D. Program, a unique dual Canadian and American law degree program formerly known as the J.D./LL.B. Program.  This is the only comparative program of its kind in Canada or the Unites States in which students can earn two law degrees in three years.

Justice Iacobucci LectureStudents complete 104 credits in three years and successful graduates receive both their American Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Canadian Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees.  

What is the difference between a Canadian J.D. and an American J.D.? 

The University of Windsor changed its law degree designation from a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. However, the entrance and degree requirements did not change.  A Windsor Law J.D. is a second-entry, undergraduate professional degree.  The Windsor Law J.D. is not recognized by the American Bar Association.  The University of Detroit Mercy J.D. is recognized by the American Bar Association, allowing graduates to sit for any bar exam in the United States.  Therefore, the Canadian & American Dual J.D. Program prepares its graduates to sit for both Canadian and U.S. bar exams and to practice in both countries.

Why a dual degree?

The Canadian & American Dual J.D. 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 the Canadian & American Dual J.D. Program 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 

  • 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

  • Enjoy entertainment and cultural diversity in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan
Compete in a global economy

In a competitive global economy, a key success factor is the ability to provide a service that your competitor cannot match. A dual 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.