Academics
In addition to the J.D., the law school offers the LL.M. in Taxation, LL.M. in International Law, LL.M. in Comparative Law, LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law, and LL.M. General. Students may take relevant courses in other programs and apply credit toward the J.D.; a maximum of 6 credits may be applied. The following joint degrees may be earned: J.D./I.M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/International Master of Business Administration), J.D./M.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in International Relations), and J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration).
The School of Law offers concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, family law, international law, labor law, litigation, tax law, torts and insurance, and public interest/children’s advocacy. In addition, students may enroll for up to 10 credits of clinical field work. They represent clients in consumer, housing, family, and administrative matters. Several seminar courses are offered each semester. Internships are available in-house through the Clinical Education Program, as well as with local agencies, government offices, and law firms in a variety of areas. Research programs are available at the Center for Public Interest Law, Patient Advocacy Program, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute. Special lecture series include the Nathanson Series and the Seigan Series. The Institute on International and Comparative Law sponsors the Summer Law Study Programs in England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Internships for credit are available in England and France. The Academic Support Program provides special services to students. A faculty member provides academic counseling and sets up study groups for each class. Minority programs include a Multicultural Law Day. Pro Bono Legal Advocates promote diversity in the bar and donate students’ talent and time to clients who cannot afford a lawyer. The most widely taken electives are courses relevant to international law, environmental law, and corporate law.
To earn the J.D., candidates must complete 85 total credits, of which 35 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, Lawyering Skills I, Property, and Torts. Required upper-level courses consist of Professional Responsibility and Tax I. The required orientation program for first-year students is offered to incoming students, who attend a mandatory 2-day orientation. Many topics are presented for discussion including the Socratic method, time management, and how to study for law school exams.
To graduate, candidates must have a GPA of 2.0 and have completed the upper-division writing requirement.