Second and Third Year Curriculum

Students Studying

With the foundational coursework completed in the first year, students have the flexibility to choose from a selection of 70 courses in the second and third year of law school that supports their career goals. All courses of study in the second and third years are elective, with the exception of professional responsibility and writing experience courses.

Professional Responsibility, Writing, and Experiential Requirements (PR):  This course covers the legal ethics and rules governing the conduct of lawyers.

Rigorous Writing Experience (RWE): RWE courses require close faculty supervision of legal writing. Professors teaching RWE courses provide students with significant individualized feedback on both the student’s ideas and writing product, including a substantial draft. Students in RWE courses are required to revise their writing based on feedback received throughout the writing process.

Students should keep in mind the requirements for graduation when setting their schedules. The faculty recently voted to change the J.D. degree requirements starting with the Class of 2021.  Courses formerly designated as “Skills” courses are now called “Experiential” courses.

Students must take six experiential learning credits prior to graduation. These classes are simulation courses, clinics, or field placements.

Upper-Level Course Requirements :

  • One course in Professional Responsibility (PR)
  • Four Rigorous Writing Experience (RWE) credits
  • Six Experiential credits