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
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
