Law School Academic Catalog

The Academic Catalog is intended to provide general information about the University of New Hampshire and program requirements. It is accurate at the time of publishing. The University reserves the right to change, modify, or correct any information contained herein without prior notice, at any time.

University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law (UNH Law) is innovative and award-winning school that balances rigorous academics with a steadfast focus on experiential education to prepare students for law practice anywhere in the world. We offer an unparalleled educational experience: classes that are small by design, outstanding faculty who are also seasoned lawyers, on-the-job experience in legal residencies and clinics, and a nationally recognized and award-winning bar alternative program. The school’s Intellectual Property Law program has been recognized as among the top in the nation for over three decades.

Nearly every student gain practical, on-the-ground experience. UNH Law is home to live-client clinics representing criminal and a variety of Intellectual Property clients, an active summer public interest fellowship program, and a far-reaching legal residency program. The Daniel Webster Scholar program, the nation’s first practice-ready, bar exam-alternative program, remains a compelling national model. The pioneering Hybrid JD in Intellectual Property, Information and Technology allows students to complete an ABA-accredited law degree largely online, a first-in-the-nation model designed to accommodate mid-career professionals seeking a flexible schooling to advance their careers.  

UNH Law is among the top ranked schools for law school employment outcomes in New England, and, because New Hampshire is a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) jurisdiction, our graduates can apply for bar admission in UBE states around the country. Our alumni practice in 48 states and in more than 80 countries.

Mission

UNH Law strives to provide its students with the best possible legal education.  UNH Law is a community of scholars, oriented towards the practice of law, who teach, learn and empower others to contribute productively to a global legal system. Students from around the world with diverse experiences engage in active, practice-based learning in small, cooperative and interactive learning environments. While traditional areas of law and emerging specialties are taught, the intellectual property law curriculum, one of the broadest in the country, is continually emphasized and improved. Graduates are highly capable, confident professionals who will serve clients, employers and the public with integrity and excellence.

Statement of Values

Excellence —UNH Law seeks to excel in all it undertakes and to inspire its students to excel in their pursuit of educations and careers.

Public Service — UNH Law recognizes its obligation to its community and the greater public. It strives to improve the lives of people and encourages its students to do the same.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship — UNH Law was founded in the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. It supports and promotes creativity and the exploration of innovative solutions. It is receptive to change and views challenges as growth opportunities.

Integrity — UNH Law believes that its mission to deliver legal education creates an obligation to adhere to the highest ethical standards. These standards apply equally to its administrative/financial affairs and in all dealings with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Leadership — UNH Law leads by empowering its community and others to act and think in ways that will get the job done, consistent with proper governance and mindful of the needs of all.

Teaching and Scholarship — UNH Law believes in a healthy blending of practical application and scholarship. It defines scholarship broadly to include articles about law for a non-legal audience, legislative drafting, technology and internet-based knowledge forums and other opportunities to gain and impart legal wisdom.  The UNH Law library supports both teaching and scholarship.

Diversity — UNH Law values diverse opinions, backgrounds, and perspectives that come from diversity of national origin, race, gender and culture. This enrichment within the classroom and UNH Law community is core to the educational experience.

Global Perspective — UNH Law is committed to a global perspective in the education of its students. It is equally committed to maintaining a robust community of foreign students so that they and its American students can learn from each other.

Respect and Professionalism — UNH Law recognizes the importance of individual excellence and personal accountability. Its success depends on working collaboratively and treating everyone with respect. Dignity and respect are critical to successful leadership and professional relationships.

UNH Affirmative Action and Equity Statement

We are a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity for all qualified persons. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy, or political orientation. This applies to admission to, access to, treatment within, or employment in UNH programs or activities. Sexual harassment and sexual violence are types of sex discrimination. Inquiries regarding discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment or violence) should be directed to Bohdan J. Zaryckyj, Director of the Civil Rights and Equity Office and Title IX Coordinator, Room 305, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, N.H. 03824, bo.zaryckyj@unh.edu, phone (603) 862-2930 (voice), 7-1-1 (Relay NH), (603) 862-2936 (fax); or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921, phone (617) 289-0111, fax (617) 289-0150, e-mail OCR.Boston@ed.gov.

See the UNH Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Student Code of Conduct & Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities for information about the resolution of complaints under UNH policy. Further information may be obtained at the Civil Rights and Equity Office or via e-mail unh.civilrights@unh.edu.