FULL-TIME JD
There’s more to a legal education than mastering “black letter” law.
NORTHAMPTON JURIS DOCTOR (JD) PROGRAM combines the academic rigor you expect with the practical experience you’ll need to rise above the competition. Working with our nationally-recognized faculty, you’ll learn to effectively apply the law to real-world scenarios. As a Northampton graduate, you’ll be prepared for practice from day one, ready to meet (and exceed) the demands of prospective clients and employers.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Upon graduation with a JD degree from Northampton, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to commence the ethical practice of law:
You will be proficient in substantive and procedural law, including the influence of the administrative state, political institutions, and other academic disciplines.
You will be able to:
Utilize skills derived from participation in supervised live-client experiences, externships, or litigation and transactional practice simulations, such as interviewing, counseling, negotiation, mediation, fact development and analysis, problem solving, design thinking, trial practice, document drafting, and collaborative work
Determine your clients’ needs and objectives
Determine relevant facts and understand their relevance to your client’s legal position
Conduct legal research
Analyze and apply relevant legal principles
Find solutions to legal problems
Communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
You will have a solid foundation that will prepare you to use your knowledge and skills to promote truth, justice, and the rule of law. You will be able to:
Integrate professional values
Exercise ethically responsible judgment in your legal practice and your work within the legal system
Understand the rules, ethics, and values of the legal profession, such as honesty, civility and work-ethic
Know the significance of a commitment to your clients and to the legal system
Understand the importance of using your knowledge and skills in the service to those less fortunate
and in need of legal assistance
9
NUMBER OF CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
91%
OF NORTHAMPTON JD GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED WITHIN 10 MONTHS OF GRADUATION
7
NUMBER OF STUDENT-RUN JOURNALS
CURRICULUM
In your first year at Northampton, you’ll work closely with our highly regarded faculty to learn the art of legal analysis and foundations of the American legal system. You’re also eligible to choose an elective course of interest to you. If you decide to specialize, our programs offer everything you need.
FIRST YEAR FALL SEMESTER
Civil Procedure (4 credits)
Property (4 credits)
Torts (4 credits)
Legal Writing (2 credits)
FIRST YEAR SPRING SEMESTER
Constitutional Law (4 credits)
Contracts (4 credits)
Criminal Law (3 credits)
Legal Writing II (2 credits)
Perspective Elective (2-3 credits)
SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER
Advocacy (2 credits)
UPPER LEVEL REQUIRED COURSES
Skills Training Course (2 credits)
Experiential Learning (6 credits)
Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED COURSES
Administrative Law (3 credits)
Business Organizations (4 credits)
Evidence (4 credits)
Federal Income Tax (3 credits)
Degree Requirements
To earn a JD degree, you must complete 86 credit hours of coursework. A minimum of 6 credit hours of experiential learning are required. Your first year coursework provides a strong, structured foundation. During the next two years you will tailor your courses, experiential learning, and course delivery to meet your goals and interests.
FEES
The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable