View about Best SJDs

The LLM to SJD Program is intended for individuals who have demonstrated evidence of superior scholarly potential and who are engaged in or plan to pursue, careers in academia, government service, or the judiciary. Candidates accepted into the Program must have the ability to conduct sustained and original academic or professional research at a high intellectual level, culminating in the submission of a doctoral dissertation.

With rare exceptions, we are unlikely to admit any more than one or two candidates per academic year, in order to ensure sufficient attention for the demanding task of successfully completing a doctoral dissertation. In rendering admissions decisions, preference is given to the Law School’s own LL.M. graduates, although applications from external candidates are welcome.... [-]

The degree of Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is the highest post-graduate law degree offered by the Dedman School of Law. The S.J.D is primarily a research and writing degree (as opposed to a course-oriented degree such as the LL.M. degree) during which the S.J.D. candidate conducts extensive postgraduate-level legal research with a view toward submitting an acceptable doctoral dissertation of publishable quality within a five-year period. This program is intended for highly qualified candidates seeking a legal academic career or a high level, policy-oriented governmental or inter-governmental position.

Within a five-year period from the first matriculation as an S.J.D. candidate, the S.J.D. candidate must satisfy the following requirements:... [-]

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree is a post LL.M. degree that is awarded upon the completion of an in-depth, publication-quality, dissertation which makes an original and creative contribution to the legal literature.

An SJD candidate must be in residence for one academic year during which time he/she must meet with his or her Committee Chair on a regular basis (at least once every month) to discuss the candidate's progress and future steps in the research process. The candidate should periodically submit written drafts to the Committee Chair for review, comment, and revision. The candidate should also periodically consult the other members of the committee for research advice and feedback on writing progress. ... [-]