Dubai Judicial Institute and Penn State Law announce partnership

In line with its strategy to promote and develop its educational and training programs and in accordance with its objectives to strengthen the foundations of excellence and knowledge exchange - the Dubai Judicial Institute; the leading centre of law studies and judicial training in Dubai, UAE signed a collaboration agreement on July 8^th, 2012 with Penn State University – Dickinson Law School; a top research and educational institute with a rich and illustrious history as the seventh oldest law school in the United States.

The agreement, signed by Dr. Jamal Al Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute and Philip J. McConnaughay, Dean of Dickinson Law School and Donald J. Farage, Professor of Law and International Affairs, provides an outline for the exchange of research, educational opportunities, faculty, knowledge and experience.

With the foundations for an integrative and joint learning and development experience now firmly in place, the DJI and Dickinson Law School plan to announce several meetings, conferences, and symposia as part of the collaboration with the aim to provide first-rate educational programs and practice opportunities for students of both institutes while facilitating an exchange of scholars and faculty. This unique and international learning experience will engage students and researchers eager to practice law in an increasingly global environment.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Al Sumaiti, Director General of DJI said that the agreement supports the long-term objectives of the Dubai Judicial Institute. “Our emphasis to date has been on building a culture of excellence in the development of our law programs and training while encouraging research and facilitating the sharing and exchange of resources under best international practices. We are committed to fostering and adopting initiatives to build on the potential of law students and welcome the opportunity to work with Penn State Law in what will most certainly be a successful and beneficial partnership.”

Dean McConnaughay also reiterated key benefits of the partnership’s undertaking noting that the opportunity for a cross cultural exchange of knowledge and expertise is promising “The work of the Dubai Judicial Institute to educate and train judges and lawyers complements Penn State Law’s initiatives at the forefront of transnational legal research and education. We believe both the Institute and the Law School will benefit immensely from this relationship.” 

Alongside, the projected plans for meetings and symposia, the partnership will provide for practice opportunities for students from Penn State Law and the DJI as well as an exchange of faculty. The plans for an exchange of resources is part of the partnership’s objectives to create a unique learning environment for students scheduled to practice law transnationally as highlighted by Dean McConnaughay - “For example, Penn State Law students and faculty will be able to create a study visit to the DJI to learn about the law and legal institutions of the UAE and to experience a unique commercial hub in the Middle East.” 

The meeting and signing of the agreement was attended by Ms Lama Al Khouli, a graduate of the Dickinson Law School L.L.M, and an associate with Mamoun Al Khouli & Associates, a leading law firm in Dubai, UAE. 

Commenting on the partnership, Ms Al Khouli expressed her pleasure and support of the the initiative saying “As a graduate of Penn State Law and a life-long student of law, I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed a small and humble part to the culmination of this partnership. My admiration for both Dr Al Sumaiti and Dean McConnaughay is a direct result of witnessing their dedication to the development and advancement of the educational and research opportunities for law students and practitioners.”