Pro Bono Service

As part of graduation requirements, J.D. students are to complete 20 mandatory hours of pro bono work in their 2nd or 3rd year. More details on pro bono work can be found here

The SMU J.D. is a 3-year full-time programme only, which comprises of 23 courses totaling 25 course units (Each course carries one course unit unless stated otherwise). The part-time J.D. programme is not available at SMU. Regardless of identification, JD students are not able to work during the programme due to intensive course schedule.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in 3 years but the programme may be accelerated in some cases for completion within 2 years subject to the approval of the J.D. Committee, which will take into consideration their first term's exam grades.

In order to graduate, students are also required to undertake 6 weeks of internship and clock 20 hours of Pro Bono service.

Illustrative 3-year Programme (cu = course unit)

(Core modules have to be done in the year and term stated. Approval is required for any deferrals to Year 2 core modules).

^*Capstone Project core can be done in either Year 3 Term 1 or Year 3 Term 2.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in 3 years but the programme may be accelerated in some cases for completion within 2 years subject to the approval of the J.D. Committee, which will take into consideration their first term's exam grades.

In order to graduate, students are also required to undertake 6 weeks of internship and clock 20 hours of Pro Bono service.

Illustrative 3-year Programme (cu = course unit)

(Core modules have to be done in the year and term stated. Approval is required for any deferrals to Year 2 core modules).

The curriculum is designed to be completed in 3 years but the programme may be accelerated in some cases for completion within 2 years subject to the approval of the J.D. Committee, which will take into consideration their first term's exam grades.

In order to graduate, students are also required to undertake 6 weeks of internship and clock 20 hours of Pro Bono service.

Illustrative 3-year Programme (cu = course unit)

(Core modules have to be done in the year and term stated. Approval is required for any deferrals to Year 2 core modules).

Here are the past winners & finalists from the J.D. Programme:

For more about local competitions, students may direct their queries to the SMU Moot Court Club Facebook Page.

For questions regarding regional or international moot competitions: email siyuanchen@smu.edu.sg.

See also: Track records of law schools in major international moot competitions.

Legal work that JD graduates can pursue:

• Associates in law firms: advising clients, drafting and negotiating transactions and/or dispute resolution
• Legal counsel in a multinational or local company: advising the company on legal and corporate matters

Governmental Legal Service:

• State Counsel/Deputy Public Prosecutor: giving advice to and conducting advocacy on behalf of the Government
• Justices’ Law Clerks:  working closely with and under the mentorship of the Judges of the Supreme Court in trial and appellate work

SMU Yong Pung How School of Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) is a highly competitive and rigorous postgraduate  programme that prepares candidates with a prior university degree for the practice of the law in Singapore.  The JD, at its core, is deliberately taught in small, dedicated groups. You can expect your classmates to be drawn from diverse nationalities, cultures, and experiences. JD instructors are highly dedicated authorities in their own right, and bring with them a wealth of practical knowledge into the classroom. At SMU’s JD programme, we aim to cultivate leaders of the legal industry and beyond by invigorating the great potential of our students built on their experience and calibre. Besides a solid knowledge of law, our graduates will distinguish themselves in critical thinking, presentation, and making sound judgments.