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JSW Law programs prepare a generation of lawyers to lead the future.

At JSW Law, we prepare future lawyers to face the legal challenges of the complex and changing world through innovative educational programs. Our programs are grounded on interdisciplinary faculty scholarship and student learning.

Our programs require studying law in relation to business, science & technology, environment & climate studies, international relations & politics, Gross National Happiness, social sciences, and other related fields, preparing students for the future.

Programs are aimed at producing service-ready lawyers and generations of future leaders, who can take their responsibility seriously, and carry out fundamental duties with Justice, Service, and Wisdom. In this effort, our programs can be understood as having three qualities: (1) ensuring thorough grounding by giving sufficient focus by allowing students to pursue deep knowledge in legal doctrine and other broader areas and approaches of law; (2) enhancing students’ skills—research, advocacy, and interpersonal relationship skills by focusing on research-based teaching and learning and practical application of law in the society through clinical programs; and (3) preparing students to become responsible leaders by focusing on professional ethics, the Buddhist values, and universal human values.

To help students deepen their knowledge and progress as they move through the program, we have created four key pillars of JSW Law’s curriculum or programs of study. This initiative does not require students to sign up for any program, however, it is created to enable students to choose relevant elective subjects to enhance their potential careers.

Programs at JSW Law

LLB/PGDNL Program

LLB/PGDNL curriculum is designed to provide a thorough grounding in legal doctrine, advocacy, skills, professional responsibility, legislation and legislative process, social sciences, and humanities. Students are given opportunities to solve real-life problems through research, clinical and experiential learning. This program is available only for national students.

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LLM or MLS in Climate Change and Environmental Law

LLM Program (by coursework or research) is a one- or two-year program designed for those with legal training and experiences in law to give expanded knowledge of law or subject specialization. MLS Program will allow those coming from non-legal backgrounds and experiences to pursue a postgraduate legal education.

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Training & Other Programs

We have expertise in different fields of law and other related fields. We offer a wide range of training on law and legal research to executives, legal professionals, social workers, and civil and public servants. Currently, we are in the process of developing training programs and packages for different target groups. We also provide tailor-made training based on the needs of the client organisations.

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“I am constantly learning and reinventing myself in striving to become a good teacher. As I guide and mentor students in their path to becoming successful lawyers, the students, in turn, reinforce my strong belief that my purpose in life is to empower others. At JSW School of Law, learning never stops.”
Dema Lham
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor
“Jargons, maxims, legal principles, our world of learning goes beyond that and delves into learning how to navigate around life by learning to take care of oneself and the people around. At the heart of JSW lies sincere hearts and kind eyes, always willing to lend a hand in helping us grow. We have found ourselves to be part of a rather large family of dedicated faculty, spirited seniors, family-like friends and jovial juniors, with each person coloring the law school and the world with their own hues.”
Lekzang Pakila Lhaki
Class of 2024
“My academic experience at JSW Law School has been extraordinary. The design of our curriculum and the use of various teaching methods by the instructors have made our learning easier and more experiential. In particular, the diverse background and experience of our instructors has been remarkable in making our classes more interesting and syllabuses more digestible.”
Sonam Wangzom
Class of 2022
“Our curriculum combines a thorough grounding in Bhutanese law, customs, and values with significant exposure to law and practice around the world. Our philosophy of teaching and learning is radically student-centered, with a focus on student-led learning and knowledge generation. In these ways, we aim to achieve His Majesty’s noble vision to not only improve and expand the nation’s legal profession, but to create the next generation of leaders for Bhutan’s democratic society.”
Michael Peil
Former Vice Dean and Professor of Law

4 Pillars of Curriculum & Program of Study

JSW Law’s curriculum and program of study are guided by the four pillars. Both teaching and learning are guided by these pillars. The addition of new courses and review of the existing courses are also guided by these pillars. More importantly, the undergraduate and postgraduate students are offered elective courses specifically designed to fit within these four pillars of the JSW Law’s curriculum and the program of study. These pillars help students choose electives that best fit their interests and potential careers.

Law, GNH & Sustainability

Interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between law, happiness, environment, climate issues, development, and conflict management and resolution.

Law, Commerce, Business & Trade

Preparing lawyers to manage and solve issues concerning growing domestic and international commerce, business, and trade.

Law, International Relations & Politics

Preparing students to become global leaders of the future through courses on public and private international laws, international relations and geopolitics, and legal challenges of globalization.

Law, Science & Technology

With the inescapable scientific and technological advancement, there is an increasing need to study how the law interacts with science and technology (IPR, Health Law, Cyber Law, Data Protection & Privacy).

4 Unique Features of Curriculum

Clinic & Experiential Education

All undergraduate students must take up required clinical programs, and assessed internship programs, to allow students to develop real-world experience, and make students service ready.

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Focus on Research & Writing

Heavy focus on research and writing skills—most courses require writing research papers, supervised by relevant faculty members. At JSW Law, we encourage and support student writing for both academic credit and publications.

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International & Global Connections

Teaching and learning, and other academic work incorporate international perspectives—opportunities to engage in regional, international, and comparative law studies.

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Customary & Indigenous Perspectives

Connecting the law to society, past, and the traditional way of life and regulation, to instill in future lawyers the respect for different legal orderings that exist within our society (legal pluralism).

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