The Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) is an advanced law degree.
The program is highly selective and individualized, admitting an average of only two to six students each year. It is open to exceptional candidates who are typically interested in pursuing a profession in legal scholarship, teaching, or government within their home countries. Each J.S.D. student works closely with a faculty advisor to pursue independent research and writing and develop expertise in their chosen field of study. Ultimately, all J.S.D. graduates present their contributions to the field in the form of a dissertation of publishable quality.
Our office is here to support you through this endeavor. While your faculty advisor and committee guide you on your research, we are here to help with everything else.
Our Advisors
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Rachel Zuraw
- J.S.D. Program Director
Rachel Zuraw practiced as a litigator in the Bay Area. She started her litigation career at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where she was a member of both the Class Action practice group and the Intellectual Property & Technology practice group. She subsequently joined the Health Care Litigation team at Hanson Bridgett LLP. Prior to entering private practice, Rachel taught at Drexel University School of Law and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Princeton University and her law degree and master’s in bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Rosina Zapparoni
- J.S.D. Program Associate Director
Rosina Zapparoni is a Berkeley Law LL.M. alumna. Admitted to practice in California and Victoria, Australia, Rosina began her career at one of the largest commercial law firms in Australia. She has also worked as a writer for a Berkeley legal publisher and a lecturer in legal research and writing. Rosina joined Berkeley Law as a lecturer in 2018, teaching LRW in the LL.M traditional track and providing support and conducting skills sessions for executive track Intellectual Property students. Rosina has lived in the Bay Area for close to two decades. She is a graduate of Melbourne Law School, where she is honored as the highest ranked female graduate of her law school class. She also holds a bachelor’s degree with first class honors in English from the University of Melbourne.