International dual-degree options expanded at MSU Law, Japanese school

Michigan State University College of Law and Doshisha Law School in Kyoto, Japan, have entered into an agreement that will allow qualifying Japanese students to obtain U.S. and Japanese law degrees in a four-year period. Under the agreement, eligible students who begin their legal study at Doshisha Law School will be able to join MSU Law for two years of study. The students are then eligible to take the American bar exam before returning to Japan for a final year at Doshisha and sit for the Japanese bar exam. "This new agreement with Doshisha Law School will provide MSU Law students even more opportunities for a diverse, enriching classroom environment," said Melanie Jacobs, associate dean for graduate and international programs. "It reflects the growing international reach of our law college." MSU Law's Frank Ravitch, who leads the college's study abroad program in Kyoto, has facilitated the dual-degree option and will play a key role in further developing connections with Doshisha Law. "These students are highly marketable and in great demand," Ravitch said. "They are not just bi-lingual; they'll be bi-legal able to practice law in Japan and in the United States." The MSU Law/Doshisha dual-degree program is the second international agreement offered at MSU Law. A similar program with the University of Ottawa allows students to obtain Canadian and American law degrees. Published: Wed, Sep 30, 2015