Engaging, Demanding, and Hands-On
For 179 years, Carolina Law has produced top lawyers prepared to practice from Main Street to Wall Street and anywhere in between. That’s what sets Carolina Law apart from other law schools. Our students receive an unrivaled legal education that allows them to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and passions.
J.D. Requirements
Total hours required – 86 credit hours (of which 65 must be in regularly scheduled class sessions). Classes that meet in law school classrooms on a regular basis, clinics, and approved foreign study-abroad courses are considered “regularly scheduled class sessions.” The following courses or programs do not satisfy this requirement:
- Independent studies
- Courses taken outside of the law school (including classes taken by dual-degree students)
- Co-curricular activities including journals, moot court, trial competitions, and externships
Length of program – This is a full-time program of legal education. Students must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Students can take a maximum of 16 credits per semester without receiving special permission. Students may seek permission from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to enroll in 17 credits in exceptional circumstances. Permission will not be granted for more than 17 credits under any circumstances.
The ABA prohibits completion of the Juris Doctor degree in less than 24 months. Law school policy requires students to complete the J.D. within 60 months after the student has commenced the study of law.
In addition, students must maintain good academic standing. An annual cumulative grade point average of 2.20 is required to continue in law school at the end of the first year, and a cumulative GPA of 2.25 is required to continue after the second year and to graduate.