Doctor of Juridical Sciences (SJD) in International Legal Studies

The Doctor of Juridical Sciences (SJD) in International Legal Studies is designed to give students the opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge in a particular area of international law, with an emphasis on the legal, cultural, sociological, and business activities of the Pacific Rim, the European Community, and other regions of the world as they interact with one another and with the United States.

Program Highlights

Applicants to the SJD program must identify the field or fields in which they intend to concentrate their research. The fields are intended to ensure that the student acquires in-depth knowledge in a variety of areas related to the dissertation topic, and thus develops mature and reflective perspectives on that topic.

Students admitted to the SJD program must earn a minimum of 8 units and spend at least two semesters in residency. Each student's program of study must be approved by the committee on advanced international legal studies in consultation with the dissertation supervisor.

Each SJD student will work closely with the dissertation supervisor during the residency period. At the end of the second semester in residence, the student must present a selected bibliography, a detailed outline, and a draft chapter of the dissertation, as well as pass a qualifying oral examination. Students who successfully complete these tasks will be advanced to candidacy. The SJD candidate is expected to work closely with the members of the dissertation committee during the candidacy period and must present a final dissertation in publishable form no later than four years after advancing to candidacy.

The Sompong Sucharitkul Center for Advanced International Legal Studies (SSCAILS)

The Sompong Sucharitkul Center for Advanced International Legal Studies at Golden Gate University School of Law brings together scholars and students interested in international legal studies.

The Center's journal, the Annual Survey of International and Comparative Law, contains articles written by professors and legal scholars of civil, common law, and other legal systems. The published articles address a broad range of issues concerning international law. The Survey editors encourage research based on empirical observations and experience in addition to theoretical and multi-disciplinary approaches.

The Center's Annual Fulbright Symposium provides a forum for engagement and debate among scholars, practitioners, and other professionals working in the areas of international and comparative law and related fields. Each year, the conference theme addresses cutting-edge issues in international law. The conference offers law faculty and students rare access to Fulbright scholars, diplomatic and consul officers, and other international law experts.

Innovation is Our Tradition

Located in the heart of San Francisco, GGU Law offers a cutting-edge and personalized learning experience for the lawyers of tomorrow. For over a century, GGU Law has offered a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment that is committed to giving students the individualized attention and real-world knowledge that they need to succeed!

Who We Are

Golden Gate University School of Law is an award-winning, ABA-accredited law school with a prime location in the heart of San Francisco. GGU Law offers an innovative and personalized learning experience that produces a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment, and knowledge to become exceptional lawyers for today’s truly global market. Our location in downtown San Francisco puts students steps away from the global hub of the legal, business, and technology industries. With direct access to courts, law firms, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and rapidly expanding tech companies, GGU Law puts our students in the center of the action with career opportunities at every turn.

Now is a great time to become a lawyer. There is an increased need for innovative leaders to help us through the challenging times in our country and the fast-paced changes in technology and our economy. There is no better place to prepare students to be a lawyer and leader in their community, country, and the world than GGU Law.

Diversity

GGU Law has a legacy of inclusion, expanding access, and breaking barriers. Recognized as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation, GGU Law knows that diversity is our strength. We believe that training future lawyers and leaders of diverse backgrounds and experiences creates a stronger, more inclusive justice system. GGU Law is proud to be a leader in expanding access to legal education, helping to promote equity within the profession, and diversifying the legal community.

The City is Your Campus

San Francisco has long been the heart of the culture of innovation and social justice. The city’s incredible diversity and rich blend of cultures from around the world prepare students for today’s truly global market. Our campus is also surrounded by easy access to public transportation, giving students easy access to commute or even just explore this exciting city and its beautiful surrounding region.

Located near thousands of potential employers, GGU Law students are afforded unique opportunities to engage in pro bono work, internships, externships, and other hands-on legal work under the supervision of practicing lawyers and the guidance of experienced professors. The biggest tech companies in the industry – Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and many more – surround our campus, giving our students unparalleled access to the ever-expanding tech industry and an unbeatable edge as they begin their legal career. San Francisco has always been at the forefront of change, and GGU Law has been there every step of the way!

Interim Dean's Welcome

As a first-generation college and law school graduate, I was drawn to GGU Law because of its dedication to expanding access to and diversifying the legal profession, something we have been doing for more than a century. We do this by providing a warm, diverse, and engaging community where students are driven to make changes in our community, country, and world.

As Dean, I am committed to helping each student succeed in law school and as lawyers. In fact, I meet individually with each new student to learn about their reasons for going to law school and how I can support them. You will also find this personal touch with every GGU faculty and staff member you meet. I am confident that you won’t find this same personalized and supportive environment at many other places.

I hope you will join me and the entire GGU Law family in San Francisco where we are always committed to the success of our students in law school, on the bar exam, and in the legal profession.

Sincerely,

Eric Christiansen Interim Dean & Professor of Law

History & Philosophy

Golden Gate University School of Law believes lawyering is an honorable profession, worthy of public trust. Toward that end, we provide students with a solid foundation in legal theory and the skills necessary to be a successful practitioner.

Professional Skills Development

JD students develop professional skills through a variety of programs including clinics, certificates of specialization, the Honors Lawyering Program, joint degrees, and more.

Faculty

GGU students are taught by an accomplished and diverse faculty, who practiced law before teaching and are experts in a wide range of legal areas.

Public Interest Law

GGU Law has a special commitment to public interest law, offering a strong public interest law curriculum, financial assistance to students who pursue careers in the field.

Accreditation

Golden Gate University School of Law is fully accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA), the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). GGU Law is also a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). GGU Graduates qualify to take the bar exam in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia.