Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M., S.J.D., and LL.C.M. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 12 credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./D.E.S.S. (Juris Doctor/Master of Global Business Law), J.D./M. Bioethics (Juris Doctor/Master of Bioethics), J.D./M.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, international studies, social policy, and philosophy), J.D./M.A./M.S. (Juris Doctor/Master of Criminology), J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration), J.D./M.C.P. (Juris Doctor/Master of City Planning), J.D./M.ES. (Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Studies), J.D./M.G.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Government Administration), J.D./M.P.H. (Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health), J.D./M.S.Ed (Juris Doctor/Master of Education Policy or Higher Education), J.D./M.S.W. (Juris Doctor/Master of Social Work), and J.D./Ph.D. (Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy in American Legal history).
The Law School offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, family law, intellectual property law, international law, juvenile law, labor law, litigation, media law, securities law, tax law, torts and insurance, regulation of business, property and land development, perspectives on the law, law and the health services, constitutional law, courts and administration of justice, commercial law, urban and public interest law, and clinical, professional responsibility, and co-curricular courses. In addition, clinics and extern programs are available for credit in law-related agencies outside of the school. The clinical program includes courses in litigation, civil practice, interdisciplinary child advocacy, public interest, entrepreneurship legal clinic, legislative process, transnational issues, meditation, and criminal defense. Seminars are available to second-and third-year students. First-year students enroll in 2 electives in regulatory/administrative law and 1 in perspectives. Each year a substantial number of students are employed as research assistants for faculty members. The school requires that all students complete 70 hours of service in public interest (pro bono). Penn Law has a partnership with the National Constitution Center that involves multiple events and lectures. Penn Law has programs in Hamburg, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; Beijing, China; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Tel Aviv, Israel; and a joint degree with Wharton’s Lauder Institute which involves student abroad. A wide range of minority organizations host conferences and social events. Upper-level students provide mentoring. Student groups reflect the interests of students. The most widely taken electives are Corporations, Evidence, and Federal Income Tax.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 89 total credits, of which 28 are for required courses. The following first-year courses are required of all students: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Writing, Property, and Torts. Required upper-level courses consist of Professional Responsibility. The required orientation program for first-year students lasts 2 days.
In order to graduate, candidates must have completed the upper-division writing requirement.