Dr. James Hathaway

Associate Professor

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Biography

James C. Hathaway is the James E. and Sarah A. Degan Professor Emeritus of Law at the University of Michigan Law School, specializing in public international law with a focus on international human rights law, international queer rights, and international refugee law. He was the founding director of the Program in Refugee and Asylum Law at the University of Michigan from 1998 until his retirement in 2022. Hathaway has held prestigious positions, including dean and William Hearn Professor of Law at the University of Melbourne and associate dean at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. His extensive publication record includes over 100 journal articles, book chapters, and studies, with significant works such as 'The Rights of Refugees in International Law' and 'Reconceiving International Refugee Law'. He is a founding editor of the Cambridge Asylum and Migration Studies journal and has actively advised various governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide. Hathaway holds honorary doctorate degrees from the Université catholique de Louvain and the University of Amsterdam. He has been inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and is set to be named a member of the Order of Canada in 2025.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor Emeritus of Law

1998-01-01 — 2022-01-01

University of Michigan Law School • Ann Arbor, MI

Founded the Program in Refugee and Asylum Law.

Dean and William Hearn Professor of Law

2008-01-01 — 2010-01-01

University of Melbourne • Melbourne, Australia

Led the establishment of Australia’s all-graduate legal education program.

Professor of Law, Associate Dean

1984-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Osgoode Hall Law School • Toronto, Canada

Served in various academic and administrative roles.

Awards

#

Fellow

2023-01-01
#

Member

2025-01-01

Requirements for University of Michigan Law School

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:23
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:98
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
First degree in law (LLB or equivalent) from a school outside the U.S.
Application Checklist
  • LSAC LLM CAS Report
  • Official Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($75)
Specialization Notes

Administered by University of Michigan Law School; exact department name 'Department of Law' refers to the LLM program.