Certificate in Legal Studies

From 2011 through 2017, Pardee RAND and Southwestern Law School offered reciprocal programs for their student populations. (Note: beginning in 2017-2018, this program will no longer be offered.)

Pardee RAND students had the opportunity to complement their Ph.D. degree program with a Certificate in Legal Studies from Southwestern Law School, offering them a unique understanding of the interplay between the law and public policy. This was not a joint degree program, but was instead intended to provide participating students with a basic knowledge of law and an understanding of relevant tools and frameworks.

At the same time, Southwestern Law students had the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Public Policy by taking courses at Pardee RAND.

Over its 100-year history, Southwestern has earned a reputation for the continuing involvement of its graduates in leadership positions in law and policy, particularly within California. In 2011, for instance, Southwestern alumni account for more than 75 sitting Superior Court judges, 175 district attorneys, 100 public defenders, and 2 federal district court judges in Los Angeles. The partnership between the two schools provided greater access to the LA community and expanded the curriculum at both schools.