Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) 2013

Juris Doctor

www.law.monash.edu

Law

Australia n China n India n Italy n Malaysia n South Africa

Rafael PerezLLM (Juris Doctor)

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top law schools

One of the world’s

Contents

Make law your career – page 7

International study opportunities – page 8

Course overview – page 9

Course structure – page 10

Elective units – page 11

Entry requirements – page 12

Fees – page 12

Course intakes – page 13

Applications – page 14

Study skills and career support – page 15

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top law schools

Get the leading edge in your career with a postgraduate qualification on law from Monash University Law School – one of the world’s Top 15 Law Schools*. *The QS World University Rankings, 2012

One of the world’s

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Fulfill your ambition

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Fulfill your ambition

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Monash Law School is one of the largest and most prestigious law schools in Australia. Monash postgraduate students are taught in a new purpose built facility in the heart of the legal precinct in Melbourne’s CBD.

Paul Cenoz LLM (Juris Doctor)

“ I am currently studying the Monash Law School/Washington College of Law Dual JD Degree. I sought to broaden my horizons, and deciding to study in Australia was a natural choice. Studying at Monash Law School has opened doors in the Australian and Asian legal communities. I enjoy travelling and have been able to combine that with my studies, including a placement in a legal firm in Hong Kong. When I complete my JD I plan to go back to the US to take the California bar exam.”

Information sessionsInformation sessions are held throughout the year for people considering the Monash JD. These sessions are a valuable way to learn more about the Monash JD, listen to student experiences, ask specific questions and meet our staff.

If you would like to attend any of our regular information sessions, please register online at www.law.monash.edu.au/jd

Make law your career

Within the legal fraternity alone, Monash graduates hold some of the most senior judicial positions in Victoria, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Chief Magistrate, Chief Judge of the County Court, Chief Justice of the Family Court as well as the President of the Children’s Court of Victoria. In Australia and around the world, other Monash notable alumni hold senior positions in government, the media, entertainment industries and governing bodies including the United Nations and World Bank.

The Monash JD The Monash JD is designed for non-law graduates wanting to obtain a graduate degree in law that meets the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner. The Monash JD offers students the opportunity to pursue a career change or follow a long-held ambition to practise law. The course brings together passionate and dedicated individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds, enhancing the learning experience for all students.

In addition to the high regard with which Monash Law School graduates are held within the legal community, the Monash JD offers:

Location Classes are located at the city-based Monash University Law Chambers in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, at 555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne.

Interactive learning environmentSmall class sizes and innovative teaching brings together enthusiastic and committed individuals with diverse professional experiences in a stimulating and challenging environment.

Flexibility and convenienceThe Monash JD can be undertaken either full-time or part-time.

Highest quality teachingThe Monash JD is taught by leading academics who are experts in the teaching and practice of law. Experienced local practitioners and internationally recognised academic visitors also teach into this program to enrich the educational experience.

Wide range of electives to choose fromThe Monash JD enables students to undertake nine elective units from Monash Law School’s diverse masters program. Students gain experience and knowledge by sharing a classroom with legal professionals undertaking postgraduate study. Elective units focus on issues as varied as human rights, commercial law, intellectual property, international and comparative law and workplace and employment law.

Monash University is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight universities recognised for excellence in research, training and scholarship, with many of our graduates becoming leaders in business, government and of course the legal profession. Monash prides itself on producing successful graduates.

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Monash Law School/Washington College of Law Dual JD DegreeMonash Law School offers a dual-degree program with Washington College of Law (WCL), at American University, Washington, D.C. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a Juris Doctor from both law schools.

The international Juris Doctor program provides an excellent opportunity to acquire valuable onsite education and skills to work as a ‘local’ lawyer in both Australia and the USA.

The dual degree involves two years of study in Washington, D.C. It will be up to the student whether they wish to complete their degree in the USA or return to Australia for a final semester. Upon completion of the dual-degree, students will be able to sit the U.S. bar examination and/or start the practical legal training process to seek admission to practice in Victoria. Students who have completed 48 credit points in the JD program at Monash are eligible to apply, with places allocated on a competitive basis for up to three students each year. Selection is based on academic merit and is open to local and international students who are from a country other than the USA.

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International study opportunities

Monash JD students are able to engage in overseas study and research in international and comparative law as part of Monash programs at Prato, Italy and the Monash Malaysia campus in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, Monash JD students are able to undertake exchange opportunities with a number of law schools across the globe.

International Exchange ProgramsMonash JD students are able to undertake an exchange program with partner law schools across the globe. There are currently more than 115 exchange partner universities in 25 different countries. For eligibility and specific programs, please contact the faculty.

Monash Law Malaysia ProgramMonash Law School provides study abroad opportunities at the Monash Sunway campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The program is similar to the Prato program, with students able to take a range of units with an international and comparative law focus, but with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. Units are taught in English by our leading academic staff, together with local guest lecturers. The program also includes visits to the national parliament, the courts, legal institutions and law firms and provides a valuable opportunity to gain an insight into the different legal systems in Asia.

Monash Law Prato ProgramMonash JD students can undertake a midyear trimester at the Monash University Prato Centre which occupies the first floor of the elegant 18th century palace Palazzo Vaj, in the historic centre of Prato, located near Florence in stunning Tuscany, Italy.

All units are taught intensively in English by academics from Monash University or from our partner institutions including Osgoode Hall Law School, York University in Canada, Florence University in Italy and Tel Aviv University in Israel. Students attend classes with undergraduate students but are assessed at the postgraduate level via one or more research papers. Through this program students can study units with an international focus such as Comparative European legal systems, International commercial arbitration and Comparative criminal law.

The Monash JD is designed for non-law graduates wanting to obtain a graduate degree in law that meets the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner.StructureThe Monash JD comprises 24 units, taught in a small, seminar-style format that facilitates interactive learning and lively class debate. The Monash JD is unique as it allows students to undertake up to nine elective units from the extensive Monash Law School masters program. This allows students to tailor the later stages of their degree by choosing units that complement their interests and professional aspirations while ensuring graduates are well-rounded professionals with the core skills required to follow a wide range of legal and professional career paths.

Duration and timetablingThe Monash JD is taught in trimesters, each normally running for 12 teaching weeks. Students undertaking the program on a full-time basis will take three years to complete the degree.

Admission to legal practiceGraduates of the Monash JD, will be eligible to be admitted to practise law in Australia after completing a practical legal training program or a period of supervised workplace training.

If graduates are intending to practise law outside Australia, they should refer to that country’s legal admissions board.

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Course overview

Clinical Legal Education Developed over 30 years ago, the Monash Clinical Legal Education Program provides law students with the opportunity to gain hands-on legal training during their law degree. This is one of the best ways to learn the skills required to practise law.

Students can work with real clients on real cases under the expert supervision of legal practitioners at one of Monash Law School’s two community legal centres. The Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service and the Springvale Monash Legal Service assist the local communities in which they work and students form an integral part of the service. As a result, students will learn important skills relating to the practice of law, and at the same time help disadvantaged people who would otherwise be unable to access legal advice.

By undertaking this elective students will gain a range of lawyers’ skills, develop professional commitment and learn to apply their knowledge of ethical standards in practice. Practical training also adds a social dimension to the learning process by creating an opportunity to put the knowledge students have acquired in the classroom into a practical context.

Janet Tan LLM (Juris Doctor)

“ Prior to commencing at Monash Law School, I worked in a community legal centre (as placement in my undergraduate degree) and that experience convinced me to study postgraduate law. I chose Monash Law School because of Monash’s reputation, however after attending an information session, I was convinced that the program would suit me as the program was flexible and I could continue to work. The Law School Chambers is conveniently located and there is a large elective program to choose from. Apart from the academic side of things, Monash offers students the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities. Personally, I have been involved in the Monash Law Students’ Society as a mentor in the Peer Mentoring Program which is a really valuable experience as I can pass on what I have learnt to students who are just starting out. I have also contributed to the LSS JD guide to give new students guidance in handling the JD. When I complete my JD I plan to get admitted and focus on developing a career in the areas of workplace relations and discrimination law.”

Graduates are not permitted to refer to themselves as ‘Doctor’ because the Monash JD is a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) and is not a professional doctorate.

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The initial unit, Australian legal reasoning and methods provides an introduction to the study of law. After completing most of the compulsory units, students undertake elective units from the Monash Law School masters program. Elective units are taught in a variety of formats: intensive or semi intensive blocks or over the standard university semester. When undertaking these units, Monash JD students are able to study alongside qualified lawyers and other professionals.

The course is structured to facilitate steady progression through the degree. There is a well planned, predetermined order to ensure students develop the required skills and knowledge to progress through the course successfully while balancing other demands.

3 years full-time course progression

4 years part-time course progression

     

Trimester 1  City LAW7470Australian legal reasoning and methods       

LAW7264Principles of criminal law and procedure         

Trimester 2  City LAW7428Principles of contract law a       

LAW7266Principles of torts   

Trimester 3  City LAW7429Principles of contract law b       

LAW7267Principles of property law     

LAW7273Principles of evidence   

Trimester 1  City LAW7269Principles of equity   

LAW7271Principles of trusts   

LAW7268Principles of constitutional law     

Trimester  2 City LAW7275Principles of corporations law     

LAW7270Advanced property law   

LAW7272Principles of civil procedure     

Trimester  3 City LAW7274Principles of administrative law     

LAW7331*Lawyers’ responsibilities or elective  

LAW7277Advanced corporations law   

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Trimester 1  City LAW7470Australian legal reasoning and methods     

LAW7264Principles of criminal law and procedure         

Trimester 2  City LAW7428Principles of contract law a     

LAW7266Principles of torts   

Trimester 3  City LAW7429Principles of contract law b     

LAW7267Principles of property law     

Trimester 1  City LAW7269Principles of equity   

LAW7271Principles of trusts   

Trimester 2  City LAW7275Principles of corporations law     

LAW7270Advanced property law   

Trimester 3  City LAW7268Principles of constitutional law     

LAW7277Advanced corporations law   

Trimester 1  City LAW7272Principles of civil procedure     

LAW7273Principles of evidence   

Trimester 2  City LAW7274Principles of administrative law   

LAW7331*Lawyers’ responsibilities or elective  

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Note: * Students must choose LAW7331 Lawyers’ responsibilities to fulfill the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner.

Colour key:

Electives taken from our Monash masters program

Units are taught at the Monash University Law Chambers in the centre of Melbourne’s legal precinct

After two trimesters high performing students may choose to apply to accelerate their progress to complete the Monash JD in two and a half years where work or other commitments permit.

Course structure

No more than 18 credit points of study may be taken in skills units from an approved list. Students granted credit for prior studies can only receive credit for one elective unit.

In selecting electives, students may choose from the wide range of units offered in the Monash Law School masters program including the skills units and JD-specific units listed here.

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The Monash JD requires the completion of 15 compulsory, and nine elective units, each worth six credit points.

Elective units

Rutendo Chingwena LLM (Juris Doctor)

“ I completed an architecture undergraduate degree and began working at a property investment consultancy prior to commencing at Monash Law School. Not only was I attracted by Monash’s Group of Eight status, but the flexibility of the Juris Doctor was particularly beneficial. Law changed the way I perceive the world. I’m only half way and I already feel so empowered and so aware of the value of the law in society and the benefit of knowing it! I have become involved with a number of clubs and societies and I am the Monash Law Student’s Society JD Competition Officer and a member of the Monash Christian Legal Society. Being the Competition Officer has provided me with a platform to network not only with more Monash students but also barristers and judges from all courts, including the Federal and High Court of Australia. Being in the Monash Christian Legal Society has been a calm in the storm as I take time to share my faith and encourage each other with other students. When I complete my Monash JD I want to practise as a commercial litigator and in the long term become a barrister.”

Skills units:

n LAW7071 Commercial alternative dispute resolution

n LAW7251 Negotiation and mediation skills

n LAW7303 Advocacy: theory and practice

n LAW7312 Advanced negotiation and mediation skills

n LAW7423 Professional practice (JD) (12 credit points)

n LAW7474 Collaborative practice

n LAW7475 Advanced mediation: skills and theory A

n LAW7476 Advanced mediation: skills and theory B

Students who wish to practise law in Victoria are required to undertake LAW7331 Lawyers’ responsibilities

JD-specific elective units:

n LAW7331 Lawyers’ responsibilities**

n LAW7423 Professional practice (JD) (12 credit points)

** Required elective for students wishing to practise as a lawyer in Victoria

Minimum entrance requirements

An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Selection is a competitive process made primarily on academic merit.

As a guide, a minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7 point scale is required to be considered for a full fee place. The minimum requirement to be considered for a CSP place is a GPA of 6.4. However, the actual GPA required depends on the number and standard of applications received during that selection period.

Students wishing to transfer from a JD course at another university, who are seeking a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), are assessed on their entire academic history.

Students are not required to sit the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Special application requirements

Those applicants who have not completed any formal study in the last eight years are required to submit a current curriculum vitae and a completed Monash JD personal statement. The personal statement may include your reasons for wanting to study law, why you want to study at Monash Law School, any voluntary work or relevant work experience, any applicable achievements and other relevant aspects that you feel will improve your application.

Some candidates may also be interviewed.

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Damien Norris LLM (Juris Doctor)

“ Prior to commencing at Monash, I was working for the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. I continued in this role while studying for several years, after which I changed to my current profession working as a Guardian for the Office of the Public Advocate. I chose Monash Law School because of its links with the Castan Centre for Human Rights and the fact that the JD can be studied part-time. As a person who lives in the city, for me the best thing is the city location. Also, the calibre of lectures has been exceptional. Once I complete the Monash JD the plan is to travel overseas (Geneva, Switzerland) and reconnect with work previously undertaken with an NGO lobbying the UN on human rights issues.”

Domestic students International students

Attendance type On-campus at City: full-time, part-time On-campus at City: full-time

Intakes January, May and August January, May and August

Duration 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time 3 years

Credit points 144 total for course 144 total for course

Fees for 2013 Commonwealth supported place (CSP) International fee per 48 credit points Fees are subject to Average annual student contribution 48 credit points represents a standard change annually. $9,792 AUD full-time course load for a year Note: see information on how average $36,680 AUD fee is calculated. Domestic fee per 48 credit points 48 credit points represents a standard full-time course load for a year $32,740 AUD

Course fees

The Monash JD is offered on a full-fee and CSP basis. Australian citizens, Australian permanent resident visa holders (residing in Australia) and New Zealand citizens (residing in Australia) are eligible to apply.

Australian citizens and Humanitarian resident visa holders (residing in Australia) may apply for a FEE-HELP loan. For more information on FEE-HELP and Commonwealth Supported Places (HECS-Help) visit the Australian Government website www.studyassist.gov.au

In addition to the tuition fees, international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

For information on current fees, refer to: http://www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/3387/

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Monash JD must hold a recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent academic qualification.

2013 fees

Lauren AndersonLLM (Juris Doctor) “ Prior to commencing the Monash JD, I studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Ancient World Studies. I chose Monash Law School for a number of reasons but I particularly liked the intimate class sizes and flexibility of the program. The smaller class sizes means that socialising is a lot easier and getting to know your lecturer is possible because you’re not in a giant lecture theatre. I also like that the seminar format as it allows for questions to be asked. Once I complete my Monash JD, I would love to be a Barrister and eventually work for the DPP.”

English language requirements

All applicants must meet the University’s English language entrance requirements. The minimum English language requirements for admission to postgraduate courses are set out below:

n Studying at an institution where English is the language of instruction and assessment for the entire institution. A student must have satisfactorily completed either:

n at least the equivalent of three semesters of a postgraduate university course (if the institution was not in Australia, it must have been completed within the last two years), or;

n at least the equivalent of a three-year tertiary program (if the institutionwas not in Australia, it must have been completed within the last five years).

English language proficiency tests

Applicants must have undertaken an English language proficiency test within 24 months prior to your study commencement date and have achieved the following results:

n IELTS: 7.0 with no individual band score under 7.0

n TOEFL: 600 with no less than 5.0 for TWE; or computer-based TOEFL of 253 with an essay rating (ER) of 5; or internet based TOEFL overall score of 102 with at least 24 in writing and no section lower than 20.

Only the most recent measure will be considered if an applicant has completed several measures of English proficiency over a period of time.

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There are three intakes per year for the Monash JD: January, May and August.

Monash JD intakes Trimester 1 2013 Trimester 2 2013 Trimester 3 2013 Important information

Course commencement Applicants must enter the period corresponding period for the intake when applying online.

Applications close 12 November 2012 8 March 2013 5 July 2013 Applicants must submit a complete application, including all supporting documentation by 5:00pm.

Application outcome 7 December 2012 5 April 2013 2 August 2013 Applications are assessed on a continuous basis and applicants will be advised via the online application tracking notification and receive an outcome letter. All applicants will have received an application outcome by the date listed.

Welcome orientation 12 January 2013 30 April 2013 20 August 2013 Applicants who accept their offer will be invited to attend the Monash JD Welcome Orientation.

Course commencement 21 January 2013 6 May 2013 26 August 2013

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Domestic applications 1. Submit an online application.

2. Provide supporting documentation as detailed below.

3. Track application progress on-line.

Information about Commonwealth Supported Place applications (CSP):

Applicants can only submit an application for a Full Fee place. As a guide, the minimum GPA of 5.0 on a 7 point scale is required to be considered for a full fee place. The minimum requirement to be considered for a CSP place is a GPA of 6.4. However the actual GPA required depends on the number and standard of applications received during that selection period.

Supporting documentation

Applicants must submit the following documents to support an application:

n original or original certified copies of official academic transcripts for all tertiary studies undertaken, this includes any incomplete studies and any studies for which you have been granted credit into your completed degree

n proof of citizenship or residency

Those applicants who have not completed any formal study within the last eight years are also required to submit:

n a current curriculum vitae

n a personal statement

Students who wish to apply for the Monash JD and have not completed any formal study in the past eight years are required to submit a current curriculum vitae and include a personal statement. The personal statement may include your reasons for wanting to study law, why you want to study at Monash Law school, any voluntary work or relevant work experience, any applicable achievements and other relevant aspects that you feel will improve your application.

NOTE: Personal statements should be no longer than one typed A4 page.

Academic transcripts for any studies undertaken at Monash University are not required, but the on-line application tertiary information must indicate your studies from Monash University.

NOTE: Original or original certified copies of official academic transcripts and proof of citizenship or residency must be sent in hard copy with the required cover sheet attached.

Applicants applying for credit should refer to the credit transfer information below. A credit application form and the required supporting documentation must be uploaded with the on-line application in order to be assessed.

For more information visit http://www.law.monash.edu.au/future students/jd/applications-domestic.html

Applications

International applications1. Submit an online application.

2. Provide original or original certified supporting documentation.

Supporting documentation

n Applicants must have undertaken an English language proficiency test within 24 months prior to the study commencement date and have achieved the following results:

IELTS: 7.0 with no individual band score under 7.

TOEFL: 600 with no less that 5.0 for TWE; or computer-based TOEFL of 253 with an essay rating (ER) of 5; or internet based TOEFL overall score of 102 with at least 24 in writing and no section lower than 20.

n a detailed current curriculum vitae and,

n original or original certified copies of your academic transcripts, and evidence of completion, for all tertiary studies undertaken.

If your documentation is in a language other than English, an official certified translation must be provided. You are not required to submit academic transcripts for courses you have undertaken at Monash University, but should instead provide your Monash student number.

Rafael PerezLLM (Juris Doctor) “I ultimately chose Monash Law School due to its distinguished profile within Australia and beyond. I wanted to benefit from an institution that not only has a tradition of legal excellence but that also was actively promoting law as a positive force in society – whether through the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law or by reaching out to other countries

such as Malaysia, Italy and the United States through its overseas campuses and study programs. As a post-graduate student, the best aspect of the course has been the intellectual stimulation offered by the course content. There is inspired deliberation of contemporary issues, raised in very open and comfortably sized classes, which are more amenable to thought-provoking debate and participation. Even after leaving a class, the discussion resonates with me for some time! It goes without saying that learning from individuals that are active in the legal community is equally a great aspect of studying with Monash. When I complete the Monash JD, I aim to work as a legal practitioner, preferably pertaining to commercial or company law, which has become a particular area of interest for me since commencing the course, primarily given its unique history and interaction with other streams of law generally.”

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Study skills and career support

Careers serviceA range of programs and resources are available, including targeted programs to prepare students for the law graduate market, as well as job opportunities, internships and clerkships. Other helpful services include:

n Assistance with vacation, part-time and casual employment

n Careers counselling

n Careers library

n Assistance with resume writing

Research and study supportThe Monash Law Library based at Clayton is considered one of the finest and most user friendly law libraries in Australia, where research librarians are available to help with student inquiries. The library also provides a learning skills service to help students improve their academic performance and approaches to study. Further details of on-line resources, drop-in sessions, classes and workshops are available on the library website at www.lib.monash.edu.au/law/

Active student groupsMonash Law School has an energetic student body, incorporating the Law Students’ Society (LSS), the largest student-run law society in the country. This group provides useful advice and support on study skills and careers, hosting the annual careers fair held at the Clayton campus and the international careers dinner. The LSS organise a range of social events throughout the year.

Career pathwaysGraduates of the Monash JD are highly sought-after and valued by potential employers. This is due to their diverse professional experiences and their high level of commitment to legal practice. The Monash JD opens up a wide variety of career pathways to our students, and our graduates have found employment in a range of rich and diverse career avenues, within the legal profession and beyond.

Claire O’Halloran LLM (Juris Doctor)

“ I chose Monash Law School for a number of reasons: it is accessible and close to my place of employment; the Monash JD fits in well with my life as I work full-time and study part-time; the after-hours classes allow me to go after work; the application process was good, I was accepted on the results of my last degree, not just my score from VCE. The best aspect of studying at Monash Law School is the trimester system and the class hours, I can study part-time and still finish within four years. I would love to study abroad at some point in my JD course and I am interested in doing the Malaysia program.”

Monash University Careers and Employment provides a comprehensive employment and careers service tailored specifically to the needs of law students.

Further information

For further information, please visit the Monash Juris Doctor web site at:

www.law.monash.edu/jd

Monash JDMonash University Law Chambers555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000 Victoria, AustraliaPhone: + 61 3 9903 8500Fax: + 61 3 9903 8503Email: law-postgraduate@monash.edu

International StudentsMonash UniversityInternational Recruitment ServicesMonash University871 Dandenong RoadCaulfield East, Victoria 3145Australia

Australia Freecall number: 1800 181 838Phone: +61 3 9627 4852 (outside Australia)Fax: +61 3 9903 4778

Email: study@monash.eduWeb: www.monash.edu/study/international

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facebook.com/Monash.University

DisclaimerInformation is correct at the time of printing, but Monash University reserves the right to alter procedures, fees and regulations should the need arise. Students should carefully read all official correspondence, and other sources of information for students (such as the website) to be aware of changes to information contained in this document – July 2012.

CRICOS provider code: Monash University 00008C

CRICOS course code: 061795Kwww.law.monash.edu