Juris Doctor: Daniel Webster Scholar Honors (J.D.)
Program Overview
The Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program is a practice-based program that prepares students for immediate entry into legal practice upon graduation. Students participate in six DWS-specific courses that incorporate substantial simulation, and are evaluated for bar admission based on their performance throughout the two-year program, which serves as a substitute for the traditional bar examination. The program aims to provide students with a range of legal skills, including legal analysis and reasoning, written and oral communication, professionalism, and client counseling and management. Graduates are prepared for careers in various legal fields, including litigation, corporate law, public interest law, and criminal law.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Description:
The Daniel Webster Scholar (DWS) Honors Program is a practice-based program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into legal practice upon graduation. Admitted students participate in six DWS-specific courses that incorporate substantial simulation, including:
- Pretrial Advocacy
- Trial Advocacy
- Negotiations and Dispute Resolution
- Business Transactions
- A miniseries covering six areas, such as Family Law and Conflict of Laws
- A client counseling capstone course that integrates and builds upon skills acquired throughout the program Students apply for the program at the end of their first year and commence their studies in the fall semester of their second year. Participants in the program are evaluated for bar admission based on their performance throughout the two-year program, which serves as a substitute for the traditional bar examination.
Objectives:
The program aims to provide students with the following skills:
- Legal analysis and reasoning
- Written and oral communication
- Professionalism
- Legal research
- Public service
- Problem-solving
- Client counseling and management
- Factual investigation and analysis
Outline:
Course Schedule:
First Year
Fall
- Civil Procedure (4 credits)
- Contracts (4 credits)
- Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research I (3 credits)
- The Legal Profession (1 credit)
- Torts (3 credits)
Spring
- Constitutional Law I (3 credits)
- Criminal Law (3 credits)
- Fundamentals of Law Practice or Fundamentals of Intellectual Property (3 credits)
- Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research II (3 credits)
- Property (4 credits)
Second Year
Fall
- DWS Pretrial Advocacy (4 credits)
- Constitutional Law II (3 credits)
- Professional Responsibility or Evidence (3 credits)
- Administrative Process or Business Associations I (3 credits)
- Personal Income Taxation (3 credits)
Spring
- DWS Trial Advocacy (3 credits)
- DWS Miniseries (2 credits)
- DWS Negotiations & ADR (3 credits)
- Professional Responsibility or Evidence (3 credits)
- Administrative Process or Business Associations I (3 credits)
Third Year
Fall
- DWS Business Transactions (3 credits)
- Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Criminal Investigation (3 credits)
- Legal Residency or Law Clinic (6 credits)
- Elective Courses (0-5 credits)
Spring
- DWS Capstone (2 credits)
- Legal Residency or Law Clinic (6 credits)
- Elective Courses (4-9 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program include:
- Class participation
- Oral presentations
- Written assignments
- Exams
- Client counseling exercises
- Simulations
- Capstone project
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Role-playing
- Simulations
- Problem-solving exercises
- Client counseling
Faculty:
The program's faculty consists of experienced legal professionals who provide students with practical insights and mentorship.
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for careers in various legal fields, including:
- Litigation
- Corporate law
- Public interest law
- Criminal law
- Family law
- Estate planning
- Environmental law
- Intellectual property law
- Health law
University of New Hampshire
Overview:
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a public research university located in Durham, New Hampshire. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research. UNH is a top-tier research institution, as classified by the Carnegie Classification, and is consistently ranked among the best value public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Services Offered:
UNH offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, majors, and career paths.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid options to help students afford their education.Housing & Residential Life:
Provides on-campus housing options and support services for students living in residence halls.Dining:
Offers a variety of dining options on campus, including meal plans and catering services.Student Support:
Provides resources and support services for students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges.Fitness & Recreation:
Offers a variety of fitness and recreational activities, including intramural sports, sport clubs, and fitness classes.Health & Wellness:
Provides health and wellness services to students, including medical care, counseling, and health education.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNH offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Clubs & Organizations:
Over 300 student clubs and organizations cater to diverse interests.New Student Programs:
Provides orientation and support services for incoming students.Student Union:
Offers a variety of events, programs, and services for students.Athletics:
UNH is home to the Wildcats, a Division I athletic program with a strong tradition of success.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Tier Research Institution:
UNH is a leading research university with a strong focus on innovation and discovery.Excellent Academic Programs:
UNH offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.Vibrant Campus Life:
UNH provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience with a wide range of activities and opportunities.Strong Alumni Network:
UNH has a large and active alumni network that provides support and mentorship to students.Beautiful Campus:
UNH is located on a beautiful and spacious campus with a variety of amenities and facilities.Academic Programs:
UNH offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
UNH offers over 100 undergraduate majors across various colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics.Graduate Programs:
UNH offers over 70 graduate programs, including master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees.Other:
UNH has two additional campuses: UNH Manchester and UNH Law. UNH Manchester offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, while UNH Law is a nationally recognized law school.