Hi UBC Law blogosphere, my name is Nicco Bautista. I’m in my second year of the dual JD – Masters of Arts in Asia Pacific Policy Studies (MAAPPS) program here at UBC.

The UBC Law blog already has a few 2L contributors who will share their law school experience. I’m going to take the opportunity as one of the two JD-MAAPPS students in the school at the moment, (shout out to Theressa Etmanski in 3L) to give prospective and current UBC law students a glimpse into the joint program.

Details of our program can be found here: http://www.law.ubc.ca/prospective/mapps/mapps.html

On campus interviews (OCIs)  for summer 2012 positions have just ended, and while we await call-backs from this nerve-wracking experience, it’s also a good time to laugh at some of the humorous aspects of the process. Take for instance, the need to explain to each employer what exactly the JD – MAAPPS program is. As one recruiter said, “that’s a lot of letters…”

The easiest way to explain the program is that it is designed for individuals who wish to craft policy or work with legislation relating to the Asia Pacific region. The program gives students the opportunity to learn the wide theoretical foundation from JD training, and enjoy focussed practical experience in policy-making and government interaction through the MA’s thesis or practicum options. Those who pursue a practicum are expected to work in the field for 3-4 months, whether that is in a law firm, think tank, government agency. Students of the joint program are also expected to complete 30 credits in addition to meeting the graduation requirements of the JD.

In essence, you do about 4.5 years worth of work in about a 3-4 year period. Meaning you’ll sleep less, eat more instant noodles, but also travel and work in some interesting places across the Pacific Rim and just be a more interesting individual over all. Or so I hope.

Introductions aside, the blog will shed some light upon the amazing opportunities Theressa and I enjoy as joint-program students. It goes without saying that for those interested in an Asia Pacific law practice, admission into one of the finest law schools in Canada, coupled with focussed instruction in one of the premier graduate policy programs, with both strategically situated in the hub of the Pacific Gateway, is a career path you must definitely explore!

In the next entry, I’ll chat about how the MAAPPS curriculum affects the job hunt and recruiting cycle for students looking to practice law.