Arizona Law Formalizes Collaboration with India's Jindal Global Law School

Representatives from the College of Law and the Jindal Global Law School of O.P. Jindal Global University in India have signed a memorandum of understanding, creating a partnership between the two law schools. O.P. Jindal Global University’s Vice Chancellor and Dean of Jindal Global Law School Dr. C. Raj Kumar met with Law Dean Lawrence Ponoroff Tuesday, followed by a signing ceremony.

A central feature of the agreement allows students from Jindal Global Law School, located near New Delhi, to earn both their Indian law degree and a J.D. from Arizona Law in two years less than it would take to earn those degrees separately.

 The two schools will also work together to develop a similar program for Arizona Law students wishing to study in India, and may design advanced law degree programs. In addition, faculty collaboration on research, scholarship, and special projects is contemplated.

“The practice of law is increasingly global, and India – with its rapid development in business, law, and global affairs -- is a nation at the heart of that transformation,” said Vice Dean Marc Miller. “This innovative joint degree program addresses an unmet need, and is the first step in what we expect to be a mutually beneficial collaboration. We are also looking at additional advanced legal and interdisciplinary training that will benefit both student bodies.”

Professor C. Raj Kumar agrees. “The agreement marks the recognition of the importance of global legal education and transnational legal practice where students from the U.S. and India have an opportunity to pursue legal studies in both jurisdictions. Jindal Global Law School students will be able to practice in all American jurisdictions while U.S. students have an opportunity to receive a law degree from a common law jurisdiction with a strong emphasis on international and comparative law.”

The agreement supports one of the UA College of Law’s key goals:  to expose students to the international nature of law, business, and public policy. The College already maintains significant international connections through its existing LL.M. programs in international trade and indigenous peoples law and policy. The recent establishment of the J.D. with Advanced Standing program is also designed to grow an international student body.

Miller believes these connections are beneficial to U.S. students, noting that “There is inestimable value in the relationships and connections that students establish here. We want them to experience the many ways that law is global, and to develop networks and contacts that can help them practice over the course of their careers.”

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