Dr. iur. part-time: What the subject demands.
A PhD in law focuses on the theoretical aspects of the subject, not on empirical research. This is precisely what makes it feasible to undertake alongside a career and what makes the choice of topic challenging.
The Dr. iur. stems from an independent academic examination of a legal issue. Empirical research is the exception; what matters most is mastery of the subject matter, sound argumentation and a question that has not yet been conclusively answered. Many faculties require a minimum mark in the state examination.
What makes for a viable topic
Viable topics often arise from client work: an unresolved question of interpretation, a new statutory provision without established case law, or a contradiction between courts or between legal literature and practice. Those who work with the law on a daily basis spot these gaps before the legal literature has a chance to address them.
The examination process is rigorous: if a monograph on the topic already exists, the topic is taken. A thorough search for completed and ongoing doctoral theses should be carried out at the outset, not halfway through. Ongoing work is only partially visible, so consulting the department that specialises in the field is the best source of information.
It has proved useful to spend a few weeks noting down unresolved questions arising from one’s own professional practice. Out of ten such notes, one usually emerges that is viable.
Methodological requirements
Methodologically, interpretation, systematics, dogmatics and, where appropriate, comparative law predominate. The methodology section in the proposal should be concise; in return, the research question carries greater weight than in empirical disciplines.
Expect a considerable volume of material. Case law and the legal literature continue to grow whilst you are writing. Setting a fixed deadline for the stage of completion prevents you from working towards a moving target.
Empirical work is possible, for example in sociology of law or legal fact research. In such cases, the methodological requirements of empirical subjects apply in full.
Admission and requirements
The faculty’s doctoral regulations are binding. Institutions regularly check the following points for this subject:
The typical hurdles
Ongoing PhD theses are only partially visible. Your supervisor knows the field and is the most reliable source.
Many faculties require a minimum mark. Check this before you invest time in writing an abstract.
Without a deadline for the stage of completion, the target keeps shifting. This is the most common reason for delays.
Legal work lends itself well to being broken down into manageable chunks, but only in fixed blocks. Spontaneous evenings aren’t enough over the years.
The impact of the qualification on one’s career
In the legal world, the Dr. iur. is visible: on letterheads, in client mandates, in lectures and publications. In law firms with an academic focus and in legal departments dealing with matters of principle, it is often expected; in some areas, it is effectively a prerequisite.
Added to this is the professional impact: anyone who delves deeply into a field of law over many years becomes the go-to expert in that area. This often makes an impression on clients and speakers’ organisers even before the title itself does.
How we support you
We refine the research question, assess it against the current state of research, scrutinise the methodology for feasibility, analyse the doctoral regulations of your target faculty and facilitate contact with a supervisor. We align the timetable with your actual schedule.
You write the thesis yourself. The university alone decides on admission, examination and the awarding of the degree. All the institutions we work with are listed in anabin with H+ status.
Frequently asked questions.
What mark do I need for a PhD in law?+
Many faculties require a ‘fully satisfactory’ degree. The exact threshold is set out in the doctoral regulations and varies considerably.
Can I do my PhD whilst working at a law firm?+
Yes, this is common in the subject. The work can be managed in manageable chunks, as it mainly involves literature review and argumentation.
How do I find a topic that hasn’t already been covered?+
By looking at unresolved issues arising from legal practice and by speaking to a department specialising in the relevant field. Preliminary research into ongoing research projects is essential.
Is it possible to undertake empirical research in law?+
Yes, for example in sociology of law or legal fact research. In such cases, the methodological requirements of empirical disciplines apply.
How long does a doctoral degree in law take?+
Usually several years whilst working full-time. The volume of research work is the determining factor.
Do I need to sit a ‘Rigorosum’?+
That depends on the faculty. Some regulations stipulate a public defence, whilst others require an oral examination with an additional subject-specific examination.
Do I have to publish my thesis?+
Yes, the publication requirement applies here too. The doctoral regulations set out the acceptable formats and deadlines.
Related.
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