Program Overview
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law prepares students for ethical legal practice through a comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a focus on analytical and problem-solving skills. The program offers full-time and part-time tracks, integrating traditional legal education with hands-on experiences in legal clinics, externships, and simulations. Graduates are equipped for diverse careers in the legal profession, including law, academia, and public service.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at the William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), is designed to prepare students for the competent and ethical practice of law. The program offers two tracks: a full-time, three-year program and a part-time, four-year program.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of law.
- To develop students' analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- To foster students' professional development and prepare them for the ethical practice of law.
Program Description:
The J.D. program at UNLV integrates traditional legal education with experiential learning opportunities. Students will take courses in various legal subjects, including civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, torts, and constitutional law. They will also participate in legal clinics, externships, and simulation exercises.
Experiential Learning Opportunities:
- Lawyering Process Courses: These courses provide students with hands-on experience in legal research, writing, and analysis.
- Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution: The Saltman Center offers students the opportunity to develop their conflict resolution skills through mediation, negotiation, and arbitration.
- Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic: The Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic provides students with the opportunity to represent clients in real-world legal cases.
- Externships: Externships allow students to work under the supervision of practicing attorneys.
- Simulation Exercises: Simulation exercises provide students with the opportunity to apply their legal knowledge and skills in a realistic setting.
- Service Learning and Community Service: The J.D. program encourages students to engage in service learning and community service activities.
Outline:
Year 1
- Fall Semester:
- Torts
- Civil Procedure I
- Legal Research and Writing I
- Criminal Law
- Spring Semester:
- Contracts I
- Constitutional Law I
- Legal Research and Writing II
- Torts II
Year 2
- Fall Semester:
- Property I
- Evidence
- Contracts II
- Business Associations
- Spring Semester:
- Constitutional Law II
- Property II
- Criminal Procedure
- Family Law
Year 3
- Fall Semester:
- Administrative Law
- Tax Law
- Law Firm Management
- Elective
- Spring Semester:
- Professional Responsibility
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
Assessment:
Students in the J.D. program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Participation in class and clinical settings
- Completion of experiential learning projects
Teaching:
The J.D. program at UNLV is taught by a faculty of experienced and respected legal scholars and practitioners. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Socratic Method
- Case Studies
- Simulations
- Experiential Learning
Careers:
Graduates of the J.D. program at UNLV are prepared for a wide range of careers in the legal profession, including:
- Attorneys
- Judges
- Law Professors
- Legal Aid Attorneys
- Public Defenders
- Prosecutors
- Corporate Counselors
- Government Attorneys
- Non-Profit Attorneys
