By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: A new Law school at Qatar Foundation’s Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) yesterday announced the launch of Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree programme, which will be the research university’s inaugural law programme and first of its kind in the region.
The three-year programme, being launched through a partnership with Northwestern University School of Law in the US, will enrol 20 students this year, officials said during a press conference held at the Education City yesterday.
Students are required to hold an undergraduate degree in any discipline with a strong academic record for admission.
Applications are open online on HBKU’s website.
JD will cover three areas of legal education in depth — conceptual theory, function of law, and application of law. The curriculum will cover sectors such as energy, infrastructure development, finance and global development, healthcare, cultural endowment and media.
“JD is designed to deliver specialised legal knowledge integral to the needs of Qatar, the region, and the global community without the need for additional domestic or foreign legal degrees,” said Professor Clinton W Francis, Founding Dean, Law School, HBKU.
Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Deputy Counsel, Qatar Foundation, Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, Executive Vice-President and Provost, HBKU, Daniel B Rodriguez, Dean, Northwestern School of Law, were present.
“JD is designed to serve individuals looking to enhance legal knowledge, or dealing with legal issues in their professional careers, with analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the programme,” said Al Kuwari.
The programme is delivered by faculty based in Doha and visiting faculty from around the world, including Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. Selected adjunct professors from Qatar and the region will provide students with insights into the legal practice in various sectors.
Rodriguez said, “The relationship between Northwestern University and HBKU is strong and we are delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership to deliver an exceptional programme.
“Students in the programme will benefit from developing analytical skills necessary for attaining a high level of understanding of complex legal concepts. Qatar’s society will benefit from having such a highly trained group of strategic thinkers in its workforce in the years to come.”
HBKU is working with the Ministry of Justice, Attorney General’s Office, industry and other stakeholders to ensure recognition of the degree in Qatar.
Though often recognised as primarily for the US market, JD is also offered in Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore. The Peninsula
