Doctor of Juridical Science - Labor and Employment Law

Suffolk University

For students looking to pursue the academic side of the law through prolonged research and writing, Suffolk Law offers a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree. The equivalent of a PhD in other fields, an SJD is the most advanced law degree available and requires sustained academic excellence as well as the prior completion of a JD and LLM.Suffolk Law's Doctor of Juridical Science is a rigorous academic program that challenges students to expand their thinking and push boundaries in the study of law. Students are supported by experienced practitioners and surrounded by real-world thought leaders in the field. Upon acceptance into the SJD program, students must complete an in-depth, publication-quality, dissertation which makes an original and creative contribution to legal literature to successfully complete their degree.Further your studies, explore new ways of thinking, and reach your highest goals and aspirations in the field of law.Labor and employment law refers to the broad array of laws that govern the relationships between, and the rights and duties of, employers, employees and labor unions.Labor and Employment Law (LEL) comprises three domains of law and policy: legal doctrine concerning general aspects of the employer-employee relationship (e.g., employment at will, wrongful termination claims grounded in contract and tort law) specific statutory frameworks regulating the individual employment relationship (e.g., employment discrimination law, occupational safety & health law, workers’ compensation, employee benefits law) and laws relating to labor unions and collective bargaining agreements (labor law).In addition to this coursework, students who seek to specialize in LEL are strongly advised to obtain externships and summer work experiences to develop their skills and enhance their career prospects. Our students have found semester-long externship and summer positions in this field generally available. Participation in journals (especially writing a Note or Comment on an LEL-related topic) and various advocacy competitions is also strongly encouraged.