Juris Doctor: Residential (J.D.)

https://law.unh.edu/program/jd/juris-doctor

Our juris doctor program is rooted in practice-oriented instruction, featuring courses taught by renowned faculty – many of whom have extensive practice experience – as well as five live-client clinics and a far-reaching legal residency (externship) program that provide substantive real-world, hands-on experience. Qualified students can also take part in the Daniel Webster Scholar program, the only program in the country allowing students to graduate client-ready without the need to take the traditional two-day bar exam.

JD students can choose from a robust selection of courses and opt for a curricular track focused on:

  • Business Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Intellectual Property: Patent Law
  • Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Copyright
  • Sports and Entertainment Law
  • Litigation
  • Public Interest and Social Justice

Offerings also include dual degrees in partnership with UNH, including JD/MBA, JD/MSW, and JD/MPP, as well as several joint degrees, including JD/LLM in Intellectual Property, and JD/LLM in Commerce and Technology.

In addition, our curriculum allows JD or joint degree candidates to specialize further by earning a JD certificate in a specific area of study:

  • JD or dual degree candidates with an interest in sports and entertainment can pursue a JD certificate in sports law, entertainment law or sports and entertainment law from the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute.
  • JD and joint degree candidates specializing in intellectual property may opt for a Franklin Pierce Intellectual Property Law JD certificate.
  • Students interested in shaping innovative health care policies and research may earn a JD certificate of health law and policy.
LCR 905Criminal Law3
LGP 909Civil Procedure4
LGP 918Constitutional Law I3
LGP 900The Legal Profession1
LGP 920Contracts4
LGP 952Property4
LGP 960Torts3
LSK 921Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research I3
LSK 922Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research II3
Perspectives Course
LPI 912Fundamentals of Law Practice3
or LIP 944 Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
Upper Level Required Courses
LGP 921Constitutional Law II3
LGP 951Professional Responsibility3
Upper Level Writing Requirement2
Upper Level Experiential Learning Requirement6
Elective Courses40
Total Credits85
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
LGP 909 Civil Procedure 4
LGP 920 Contracts 4
LSK 921 Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research I 3
LGP 900 The Legal Profession 1
LGP 960 Torts 3
 Credits15
Spring
LGP 918 Constitutional Law I 3
LCR 905 Criminal Law 3
LPI 912
Fundamentals of Law Practice
or Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
3
LSK 922 Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research II 3
LGP 952 Property 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
LGP 921 Constitutional Law II 3
LGP 951 Professional Responsibility 3
LGP 921 & LGP 951 may be completed in subsequent terms. It is suggested to complete LGP 951 during the 2L year of study  
Elective Courses 8-11
 Credits14-17
Spring
Upper Level Writing Requirement 2 - 3
Experiential Learning Requirement 6
Elective Courses 6-8
 Credits14-17
Third Year
Fall
Elective Courses 13-17
Remaining Required Courses in Third Year  
 Credits13-17
Spring
Elective Courses 13-17
Remaining Required Courses in Third Year  
 Credits13-17
 Total Credits85-99
  • Legal analysis and reasoning: Graduates will be able to identify, comprehend, and apply the relevant substantive and procedural laws to solve a legal issue, informed by an understanding of the diversity of viewpoints on and contexts for any issue.
  • Written and oral communication: Graduates will be able to present material effectively in these formats for both objective analytical and advocacy purposes across a range of settings, including in the courtroom.
  • Professionalism: Graduates will be able to act in an ethical, respectful, and self-aware manner with all other stakeholders, including clients, employers, and the court.
  • Legal research: Graduates will be able to navigate and assess relevant legal authorities using appropriate tools.
  • Public service: Graduates will be able to contribute productively to strengthening the justice system, with a sensitivity toward the needs of people facing societal barriers.
  • Problem solving: Graduates will be able to engage in focused and pragmatic collaboration toward goals.
  • Client counseling and management: Graduates will be able to provide trustworthy and responsive action upon clients’ matters.
  • Factual investigation and analysis: Graduates will be able to implement a strategic plan for information-gathering, which includes the ability to iterate on the plan as needed, and evaluate the results of the information obtained.