Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M., LL.M. in Entertainment Law, and LL.M. in Taxation, and Prosecutional Science for the tax program. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 8 credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration) and J.D./M.F.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Fine Arts in film and television).
The School of Law offers concentrations in entertainment law, environmental law, international law, tax law, land use/real estate, and advocacy and dispute resolution. In addition, a U.S. Tax Court Clinic, Constitutional Jurisprudence Clinic, Family Violence Clinic, and Elder Law Clinic are available for students for varying academic credit. A variety of seminar-type courses for upperclassmen is offered, ranging from 2 to 4 credits. Various externship opportunities, including judicial externships, are available to students in good standing; credits vary with a maximum of 10 total. Special lecture series include the Distinguished Jurist in Residence Program, open to all students for no credit. There is a study-abroad program in England. The Academic Achievement Program offers lectures and workshops, individualized tutoring for students, and referrals to university or outside programs or support services designed to meet identified special student needs. The most widely taken electives are Externship, clinical course work, and Wills and Trusts.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 88 total credits, of which 51 to 52 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 and II, Contracts I and II, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Property I and II, and Torts I and II. Required upper-level courses consist of a writing requirement, Constitutional Law I and II, Corporations, Evidence, Federal Income Tax, Lawyering Skills, and Professional Responsibility. The required orientation program for first-year students lasts approximately 3 days and includes an introduction to the process of legal education and analysis, professionalism, legal education in practice, as well as informal, social events and information sessions on navigating through the law school experience.
In order to graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0, have completed the upper-division writing requirement, and have satisfied ABA residency requirements.