College of Law

« home

Juris Doctor Program

The Juris Doctor program’s curriculum integrates legal analysis, practical legal skills, and professionalism in an approach in which each semester builds upon the prior semester.  The first-year comprises of fundamental courses such as Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts & Sales, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Property and Torts.  The second-year is comprised of expertise course work.  The third-year is comprised of capstone electives.  Students must successfully complete 88 credit hours to be awarded the Juris Doctor.

The unique aspect of Belmont Law’s curriculum is the Practicum offered in each semester.  Through practicum work, students become proficient in the “practice” of law.  Students receive instruction in all aspects of the practice of law such as legal writing, legal research, client interviewing and counseling, litigation, negotiation, and other specialized areas.

Prior to the fourth semester, students must elect a “Track” either in Dispute Resolution or Business.  During the fourth through sixth semesters, practicum work concentrates in the specific tracks.  Also, students must complete a rigorous writing requirement during the second-year or third-year to complete graduation requirements.


First Year (Fundamental Year)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Contracts and Sales (4)

Civil Procedure (4)

Property (4)

Constitutional Law (4)

Practicum (3)

  • Legal Information and Communication I (All)

Practicum (2)

  • Legal Information and Communication II (All)

Torts (4)

Criminal Law (3)

 

Criminal Procedure (2)


Total Credits (15)

Total Credits (15)




Second Year (Expertise Year)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Business Associations (4)

Family Law (3)

Evidence (4)

Professional Responsibility (2)

Intellectual Property (3)

Wills & Trusts (3)

Practicum (2) (as offered)

Practicum (2) (as offered)

Elective (2-3) (as offered)

International Law Elective (3)

  • Public International Law
  • Int'l Business Transactions
  • Global Health and Human Rights

 

Elective (2-3) (as offered)

 

 

Total Credits (15-16)

Total Credits (15-16)


 


Third Year (Capstone Year)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Practicum (2) (as offered)

Practicum (2) (as offered)

Live Client Experience or Elective (2) (as offered)

Live Client Experience or Elective (2) (as offered)

Elective (9-10) (as offered)

Bar Refresher Course (4)

 

Electives (5-6) (as offered)

 

 

Total Credits (13-14)

Total Credits (14-15)


TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION: 88



<< Back


connect