Academics
Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; the maximum of credits that may be applied varies. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration) and J.D./M.P.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration).
The College of Law offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, entertainment law, environmental law, family law, intellectual property law, international law, juvenile law, labor law, litigation, media law, securities law, sports law, tax law, and torts and insurance. In addition, clinics include the Disability Rights Legal Center (worth 3 to 6 units) and the Justice and Immigration Center (worth 6 units). There are also clinical externships. Seminars are open to upper division law students. Current seminar offerings are Law, Science and Medicine; Philosophy and Law; Environmental Law and Policy; and Global Issues in Constitutional Law. Internships are available. Credit is given for study abroad programs. Tutorial programs include the Peer Assistance Support System (PASS), Graduate Mentor Program, and workshops. There is also an Academic Support Program. The most widely taken electives are Entertainment Law, Real Estate Law, and Sales.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 88 total credits, of which 60 are for required courses. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the required courses. The following first-year courses are required of all students: Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Analysis and Writing, Legal Research I, Property, and Torts. Required upper-level courses consist of Appellate Advocacy, Business Organizations, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Lawyering Skills Practicum, Professional Responsibility, and Wills and Trusts. The required orientation program for first-year students is a 2 day program, 7 hours total.
In order to graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0.