Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M. and Masters in International Commercial Law (MICL) (summer program. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 10 semester units credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./M.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in most programs offered by UC) and J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Masters in Business Administration).
Students must take 15 credits in their area of concentration. The School of Law offers concentrations in environmental law, international law, and a certificate program in public interest law; the law school provides for a number of specialized studies including intellectual property and business law. In addition, clinics are open to upper-level students. Placements are available with selected public agencies, judges, and some private attorneys through such formal clinical programs as Administration of Criminal Justice (2 to 6 or 12 units), Civil Rights (2 to 6 units), and Employment Relations (2 to 6 units). Seminars for 2 or 3 credits, open to upper-level students, include areas of constitutional law, criminal law, and estate planning. An extensive array of seminars for 2 to 3 credits are open to upper-level students. Internships are available through clinics; additional opportunities are available in tax and public interest. In the second or third year, all students must complete a writing project (an individually authored work of rigorous intellectual effort). Special lecture series include Bodenheimer Lecture on the Family and Barrett Lecture on Constitutional Law. Study abroad is available with the Dean’s permission; credit is given for participation in programs offered at other ABA law schools. There is an Academic Assistance Program whereby a second- or third-year student is assigned to each first-year class. The tutors are available for assistance with substantive course work as well as note taking, briefing, and outlining skills. There are no minority programs, but there is an active minority student body and organizations. Special interest group programs include the King Hall Pro Bono Program and the Public Interest Law Program. The most widely taken electives are Evidence, Business Association, and Trust Wills.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 88 total credits, of which 33 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, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Introduction to Law, Legal Research and Legal Writing, Property, and Torts. Required upper-level courses consist of an advanced legal writing project and Professional Responsibility. The required orientation program for first-year students is an introductory week that includes meeting the Academic Assistance Program tutors, a tour of the law library, a photo session, class registration, a financial aid information session, dean’s orientation, and social activities. The primary focus is a 1-unit course, Introduction to Law.
In order to graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0, have completed the upper-division writing requirement, and the required course Professional Responsibility.