transfer to JD program (or JD/PHD) from PHD Forum

[oxbb]

Hi,
is anyone in the same boat? what's your experience (transition) like? I have been thinking of transiting to law school (jd/phd preferred) coz my interest evolves and changes over the time...

thanks!

[banjo]

I think this is a good option if you really, really love your PhD field and don't mind the time commitment. I considered it at one point, but didn't think I met either of those criteria. Logistically, it shouldn't be too difficult if your field pairs well with law (philosophy, political science, history, etc.). People set up ad hoc JD/PhD programs all the time. PM if you want.

[reallysearch]

I think it depends on the field. Some PhD programs specifically prepare the students for the academia and discourage non-academic pursuit (so you really need to know whether you want to do research or practice law).

But for some other fields, (international trade for example) law school and PhD programs are actually trying to answer the same question using different approaches, so JD and PhD is a great choice.

[oxbb]

I think this is a good option if you really, really love your PhD field and don't mind the time commitment. I considered it at one point, but didn't think I met either of those criteria. Logistically, it shouldn't be too difficult if your field pairs well with law (philosophy, political science, history, etc.). People set up ad hoc JD/PhD programs all the time. PM if you want.

Thanks Banjo! I PMed you already:P

Hi,
is anyone in the same boat? what's your experience (transition) like? I have been thinking of transiting to law school (jd/phd preferred) coz my interest evolves and changes over the time...

I think it depends on the field. Some PhD programs specifically prepare the students for the academia and discourage non-academic pursuit (so you really need to know whether you want to do research or practice law).

But for some other fields, (international trade for example) law school and PhD programs are actually trying to answer the same question using different approaches, so JD and PhD is a great choice.

Hi reallysearch, I actually lean more towards being a practitioner (e.g., refugee law/immigration law) with a strong social science background than just being in academia. academia is a very small circle. I'm concerned about how the committee would view my application (transferring from phd to jd?) would that be considered as a disadvantage? any thoughts would be appreciated.