Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M., S.J.D., and M.L.I. (Master of Arts or Master of Science in Legal Institutitions). Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 6 credits unless student credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: Law and Business, Law and Environmental Studies, Law and Latin American and Iberian Studies, Law and Library and Information Services, Law and Philosophy (Ph.D. level only), Law and Public Affairs, Law and Sociology (Ph.D.) and Rural Sociology, and J.D./M.B.A. Juris Doctor/Law and Business.
The Law School offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, family law, intellectual property law, international law, juvenile law, labor law, litigation, securities law, sports law, tax law, torts and insurance, public interest law, and estate planning. In addition, See www.law.wisc.edu/academics/clinics/index.htm for a list of clinics offered. Numerous seminars are available, as well as internships, research programs, field work, tutorial programs, and special interest group programs. Study abroad is possible through the Germany, Holland, Italy, Chile, Peru, South Africa, United Kingdom, Brazil, France, and Asia programs. An individualized instruction service, offering writing assistance, workshops on study skills, test taking, time management, research papers, and other topics is available to all students. The Legal Education Opportunities Program is available for students of color. Many special interest programs are available. The most widely taken electives are Business Organizations, Tax, and Administrative Law.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 90 total credits, of which 40 to 45 are for required courses. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required courses. The following first-year courses are required of all students: Civil Procedure I, Contracts I, Criminal Procedure, Introduction to Substantive Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, Property, and Torts I. Required upper-level courses consist of Civil Procedure II, Constitutional Law I, Contract II, International Law, and Legal Process. An extensive selection of clinical courses is available for students who wish to participate.The required orientation program for first-year students is a 3-day program that includes a check-in with the Admissions Office staff, community service day, case briefing workshop, first-year convocation, informal gatherings, and student photos.
In order to graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0, and have completed the upper-division writing requirement, Graduates who meet certain course requirements are admitted to the bar without taking a bar examination.