Law Schools in Portland, OR with Degree Program Overviews

The Portland, Oregon, area has two schools that offer law programs within about 50 miles of downtown. Learn about degree and certificate options as well as program requirements to make an informed education decision.

Portland Law Schools

Individuals interested in attending law school in the Portland area have a couple of options to choose from, both of which are less than an hour from the city's center. Read about the required courses and experiential opportunities at these institutions, and then review a table of stats and facts about the schools.

• At just about seven miles from downtown, Lewis & Clark College offers the only law school in the city of Portland. Along with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, it also offers advanced Master of Laws degrees as well as certificate programs in law.
• The other option is Willamette University, which is in the nearby city of Salem about 49 miles from central Portland. It offers a Juris Doctor, a joint JD/MBA degree, advanced law degrees, and certificate programs.

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College offers a first professional law degree, two advanced law degrees, and graduate certificate programs in seven areas of law. The law school was founded as a state law school in 1884 before it became the private Northwestern College of Law in 1915. It merged with Lewis & Clark College in 1965.

Juris Doctor

Lewis & Clark offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree that requires 89 semester hours of credit. Upper division students take courses that focus on their areas of interest; requirements include at least one seminar course and the completion of two papers - one as part of a writing-intensive experience and one as part of a capstone experience. Completion of a course in professionalism and ethics or participation in a clinic in civil litigation for low-income clients is also required. Students have the option of completing the 4-year program in a shorter period of time by mixing full-time and part-time semesters to accommodate internships and part-time work in law offices.

Certificate Programs in Law

These certificates are presented to Juris Doctor students at graduation along with their law degrees and demonstrate that students have received additional specialized education and training in a particular area of the law. Lewis & Clark College offers certificate programs in environmental and natural resources, business, tax, intellectual property, criminal, public interest, and global law. Each certificate program has its own requirements. For example, the Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law requires students to write two substantial papers on natural resources or environmental topics and earn a certain number of credits from a set curriculum.

Master of Laws in Environmental and Natural Resources Law

Students who seek to practice law as it relates to environmental issues or pursue careers in education or public policy take courses and seminars on topics such as climate change, environmental justice law, forest law, mining and mineral law, ocean and coastal law, oil and gas law, toxic torts, water law, and Native American natural resources law. There are also internship opportunities available locally. The college offers several natural resources and environmental classes during the summer at its Environmental Summer School. Clinic options for gaining hands-on experience include the Animal Law Clinic, the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center (PEAC), and the International Environmental Law Project (IELP).

Master of Laws in Animal Law

The college's Master of Laws in Animal Law degree is among the first advanced legal degrees in animal law in the country. This program is designed for a small total class size of about 12 students. The program requires 26 semester hours of credit. Students take required courses and seminars on animal law fundamentals and administrative law. There is also an optional written thesis.

Willamette University

Willamette University offers a first professional law degree, a joint law/MBA degree, advanced law degrees, and various certificate programs in law. The college emphasizes small enrollments, with an array of programs and specializations available.

Juris Doctor

Willamette University's Juris Doctor program is a 3-year course of study that requires 90 hours of credit. Law students must maintain a 2.30 grade point average throughout their final two years and complete an intensive legal research and writing requirement. First-year students undertake common courses such as legal research and writing, contracts, criminal law, torts, and civil procedure. Second-year students take three mandatory courses and then focus their coursework to meet their specific interest areas. In the final year, students continue to focus on their specific areas of interest.

Certificate Programs in Law

Willamette University offers certificate programs in law that focus on five subject areas: law and business, law and government, international and comparative law, dispute resolution, and sustainability law. Each certificate has unique program requirements and specialized courses that are completed in tandem with the larger degree program. For example, the Certificate in Law and Government program provides in-depth exposure to public law. It requires 20 hours of specialized study as part of the overall Juris Doctor program. Courses cover state and local government law, administrative law, constitutional law, and public policy studies. Students receive their certificates when they receive their law degrees.

Juris Doctor/Master in Business Administration

The university's 4-year Juris Doctor/Master in Business Administration joint degree program allows students to concentrate in business, management, and law. The program requires 126 semester hours, of which 72 must come from the law college. Students must apply and be admitted to both schools to be eligible for this program.

Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution

This program offers courses in mediation, arbitration, negotiation, cross-cultural dispute resolution, conflict theory, international and transnational law, and more. It's offered through the university's Center for Dispute Resolution. Career options for graduates include public service or private practice.

Master of Laws in Transnational Law

The university's Master of Laws in Transnational Law degree program requires a mix of domestic, international, and transnational courses in subjects like ocean law and taxation. Students expand their knowledge in areas such as international business transactions, international law, and dispute resolution. There are also study abroad programs in Germany, China, and Ecuador. This program requires 25 hours of credit and can be completed in one year. Students are also subject to a writing requirement.

Comparison of Schools

A law school education isn't inexpensive, which is something you'll want to consider when deciding on where to apply. Take a look at this table to compare costs, enrollment numbers and more for the two profiled institutions.

	Lewis & Clark College	Willamette University
School Type	4-year; private not-for-profit	4 year; private not-for-profit
Total Enrollment (2011)	3,713*	2,968*
Campus Setting	Large city	Midsize city
Law School Tuition (J.D. degrees; 2012-13)	$38,180**	$34,570 ***

Source: *NCES College Navigator, **Lewis & Clark College, ***Willamette University.

Law Schools in West Virginia with Degree Program Information

Research law schools in West Virginia, which currently has only one university offering programs. Read an overview of degree programs, tuition info and program options for these schools and decide which program is right for you.

Essential Information

Students in West Virginia seeking lawyer education can look to West Virginia University, which offers a program approved by the American Bar Association. The public institution offers a stand-alone Juris Doctor. In addition, interested students can combine their Juris Doctor with a Master of Public Administration or Master of Business Administration degree. In addition to theoretical training, students are able to gain hands-on skills by participating in the school's legal clinic.

Career Requirements

In order to practice law in the United States, lawyers must meet the requirements for the state they wish to practice. To practice law in West Virginia, individuals must pass the West Virginia General Bar Exam. They must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam within 25 months of passing the West Virginia bar. Below is an overview of the law program offered by West Virginia University.

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West Virginia University

Located in Morgantown, West Virginia University offers a law degree as well as two joint degrees. During the first year of law school, students learn the fundamentals of law including procedure rules, criminal law, contracts, reasoning and writing. Beginning in the second year, students may begin to choose courses in a specialty, while completing three more required courses and a seminar. Students can also earn practical experience by participating in a clinical law program or an immigration law clinic.

The school also offers a law degree with an executive master's of business administration (JD/EMBA) and a law degree with a master's of public administration (JD/MPA). Students must apply to each school separately and can begin taking those courses related to the additional degree during the second year of law school.

• Programs Offered: JD,
  JD/EMBA,
  JD/MPA
• Tuition & Fees (2012-2013): $17,240 (in-state); 
  $32,924 (out-of-state) *
• School Type & Setting: 4-year; public; small city

School Comparison: At a Glance

School Name	School Type & Setting	Law Degree Program(s) Offered	Program Tuition and Fees (2012-2013)
West Virginia University	4-year; public; small city	JD, JD/EMBA, JD/MPA	$17,240 (in-state); $32,924 (out-of-state) *

Source: *West Virginia University College of Law

Law Schools in Bakersfield, CA with Course Descriptions

There are three colleges within 150 miles of Bakersfield that have law schools. Read an overview of these schools' programs, requirements and admission info and find out which school is the right one for you.

Bakersfield- Area Law Schools

There are no law schools in the immediate Bakersfield, California, area. Students in Bakersfield who wish to attend law school must travel more than 100 miles from the city. This article looks at three law schools that are within two and a half hours of downtown Bakersfield and the degree programs they offer. There is also a table of information that prospective students should consider when choosing a school, such as enrollment, tuition and the campus setting. This table is formatted in a way that makes it simple to compare these schools.

• The closest law school to Bakersfield is the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA is about 108 miles from Bakersfield and features the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law. Degree programs offered include Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Doctor of Juridical Science.
• The next nearest college with a law school is Pepperdine University, in Malibu about 122 miles from Bakersfield. Degree programs it provides include J.D., LL.M. in Dispute Resolution and Master of Dispute Resolution.
• Finally, the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law are located about 149 miles from downtown Bakersfield. The law schools offer a J.D. and Master of Legal studies programs and feature low tuition.

University of California - Los Angeles

UCLA is a four-year public institution that is widely considered to be a top-tier university. UCLA School of Law, founded in 1949, offers students the chance to experience live-client clinics and courses specifically designed to bridge the gap between learning the law and practicing law. The School of Law offers students access to 22 programs and centers, including the Emmett Center on Climate Change and the Environment and Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

The 87-semester unit J.D. degree program is designed to take three years to complete. Students must maintain a minimum course load each semester and complete a substantial analytic writing project. The program is only offered on a full-time basis, with no weekend or evening options available.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The Master of Laws degree program can be completed in nine months and offers specializations in international and comparative law, bankruptcy, tax or public interest law, among others. The 22-credit program includes a short summer course in American law in a global context. Applicants are required to have earned a law degree and need to submit a resume, personal statement, transcripts and two letters of recommendation.

Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

Students who plan on a law-based academic or teaching career may be interested in the S.J.D. The program requires that applicants possess both a J.D. and an LL.M. degree. Applicants to this highly selective program need to submit a statement of purpose for their research, along with having a faculty member vouch for their proposed studies. Additionally, interested students must complete a residency that consists of two semesters of study and defend a research proposal before being fully admitted.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University is a private four-year university affiliated with Churches of Christ and located in Malibu. Pepperdine's law school was founded in 1964 as Orange University College of Law and became a part of Pepperdine University in 1969. The median LSAT score of a first-year Pepperdine School of Law student is over 160, and the median GPA is more than 3.6.

Juris Doctor

Pepperdine's three-year J.D. degree program covers criminal law and evidence. First-year students take classes focusing on fundamental areas of law, including torts, legal research and civil procedure. Upper-level students have between 18 and 21 required units to complete, and they can choose from an array of electives, attend clinics and complete externships. Students also have the opportunity to earn one of four certificates in a particular area of specialization, such as international and comparative law.

Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution

Pepperdine's LL.M. in Dispute Resolution program is designed for students who have already earned a J.D. The program requires students to complete 28 units of coursework, as well as a thesis or externship. Some of the required courses for this degree focus on areas like arbitration, mediation theory and conflict psychology.

Master of Dispute Resolution (M.D.R.)

Bachelor's holders can complete the Master of Dispute Resolution, which requires 32 units of coursework in addition to a thesis project or an externship. Some of the courses that M.D.R. students complete include legal processes introduction, mediation clinic and communication.

Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law

The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law are private four-year law schools accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of The State Bar of California. Each of the schools two campuses offers its own law library. Collectively, the two schools enroll less than 250 students. The colleges offer only two degrees, the Juris Doctor and the Master of Legal Studies.

Juris Doctor

Students who wish to apply for regular admission to the J.D. program at the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law should hold either a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree from a California postsecondary institution or 60 semester academic units. Students should have a GPA above 2.0. The school's 84-credit J.D. program is designed to be completed in about four years. Certificates can be earned in four areas, including family, business, estate planning, and criminal law.

Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)

Students interested in applying for the M.L.S. program at the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law should hold a bachelor's degree and have a GPA of 2.3 or better. The two-year program is designed for working adults and available entirely online. The core curriculum includes courses in the American legal system, legal fundamentals, legal research and administrative process. Students can complete elective courses in a specialized area, and a capstone course is required.

Comparison of Schools

Law students need to compare many factors when selecting a school. This table showcases facts that can help them arrive at an informed decision about their education.

	University of California - Los Angeles	Pepperdine University	Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law
School Type	Four-year; public	Four-year; private not-for-profit	Four-year; private not-for-profit
Total Enrollment (2011)	39,271****	7,539****	Santa Barbara campus: 103 Ventura Campus: 120 ****
Campus Setting	Large city	Fringe rural	Santa Barbara: small city Ventura: fringe rural
Tuition (2012-2013)	Varies based on program***	$44,920 (flat rate)**	$530 per semester unit*
% of Students Receiving Grants or Scholarships (2012)	74%*****	70.5%*****	N/A
Acceptance Rate (2012)	About 20%*****	Around 34%*****	N/A

Source: *Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, **Pepperdine University, ***University of California, Los Angeles, ****National center for Education Statistics, *****Law School Admission Council, Inc.

Law Schools in Austin, TX with Degree Program Summaries

The Austin, TX, area has only one university that offers a law school. Learn about the degree programs, admission info and program requirements for this school, less than five miles from the city center, and make an informed education decision.

Austin, TX, Law School

Austin has just one university with a law school: The University of Texas at Austin, which is about two miles from downtown. The university's School of Law offers a number of degrees for aspiring law students. Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Dual J.D./Master of Arts and Dual J.D./Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are available. This article looks at the university and its law school's degree programs. Prospective students can get an overview of the school through a table of pertinent information, such as university enrollment and law school tuition.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883, and the campus is known for its distinctive 27-floor tower that can be seen from nearly anywhere in Austin. UT Austin's School of Law opened when the university did in 1883, and it enrolls more than 1,200 students each year. The School of Law offers a number of degrees for law students, including several dual degree options. Students who wish to apply to the law school should possess a bachelor's degree, a GPA above 2.2, and a reportable LSAT score.

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)

The J.D. program can be completed in three years and requires 86 credit hours. The first-year curriculum contains the same courses for all students, introducing the foundations of several legal disciplines, such as constitutional, civil and criminal law. Second- and third-year students have greater flexibility to focus studies, research and projects in a specialized area, including litigation, international law or torts. Students can participate in internships in such areas as nonprofit, government and health law. The school also has 17 clinics, in which students can get real-world experience. Clinic options include the Actual Innocence Clinic and the Juvenile Justice Clinic.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The LL.M. program is a 1-year program that allows students who already possess law degrees to pursue a specialty in one of five areas. Specializations include global energy, environmental law, and international arbitration; U.S. law; Latin American and international law; business; or intellectual property. A commonly required course for LL.M. students with a foreign law degree focuses on the fundamentals of American law. In the Latin American and international law specialization, students must be fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese.

Dual Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Arts (M.A.)

The School of Law offers three J.D./Master of Arts programs for those interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary law education. Students earn the J.D. and the master's degree simultaneously. Admission must be granted by both the School of Law and the master's-granting college at the university. The eligible M.A. programs are Middle Eastern studies; Russian, East European and Eurasian studies; and Latin American studies.

Dual Doctor of Jurisprudence and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

For students whose career plans involve academic work in law, government or philosophy, UT Austin offers the J.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program. Students enrolled in the 7-year program can be awarded fellowships and tuition waivers as incentives; they can also find teaching opportunities for financial support and classroom experience. Interested students should apply independently to the School of Law and the Ph.D. program in the philosophy department.

School Information

Individuals who are deciding what law school to attend need to consider many factors. This table showcases several important statistics about UT Austin.

	University of Texas at Austin
School Type	4-year, public
Total Enrollment (2011)	51,112*
Campus Setting	Large city
Tuition & Fees for First-Year Law School Students (2012-2013)	In-state, $33,162; out-of-state, $49,244**

Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **University of Texas at Austin.

How to Survive Law School

Congratulations - you've been accepted into law school. Of course, now the real work begins. You'll need to be at your best from the very beginning to successfully meet the academic challenges that lie ahead. Learn what you can do to not only survive, but thrive in law school.

Be Ready

Many students accepted into law programs breezed through undergrad study with honors. Law school, though, represents new challenges and approaches to learning. Before your program begins, familiarize yourself with briefs, outlines, the Socratic method and other elements of a legal education. There are many available resources that cover this information in depth; you can visit the American Bar Association's website for more info.

Get a Great Start

Your first year of law school is especially important. Concepts you learn at this time will inform coursework in your second and third years of school. Also, your grades will help determine whether you are eligible for associate positions, law reviews or moot court. These are opportunities that can help jump-start your career.

Be Prepared for Class

Professors in law programs typically utilize the Socratic method during class time. This manner of questioning an individual student is intended to gauge his or her understanding of legal matters. While it's important to demonstrate competence when called on, it's also important to know that virtually all students falter at one time or another.

Strategize Course Outlines

Creating an outline is an important element of each law class. This document - which incorporates ideas from lectures, readings and other sources - represents an excellent study tool for exams. Students usually generate their own outlines, sometimes incorporating ideas from peer and commercial resources.

Consider a Study Group

If it suits your style of learning, join with a group of three or four other students to form a study group. Group sessions can be an effective way to get diverse perspectives on material as you build experience explaining your own legal interpretations. Many group members also exchange outlines with one another to help fill in knowledge areas.

Keep Up on Reading

Law school entails a great deal of reading. You are responsible for reading hundreds of judicial decisions in casebooks to foster your legal understanding. This assigned reading is constant, so not doing it one week means you'll have double the amount the next.

Perfect Your Note-Taking Style

Because you're responsible for so much material in law school, it's important to be effective in your note-taking. Some students prefer to take notes as they read individual cases; others like to get through a whole section of cases to gain context before going back to take notes. Whatever your method, be sure it's efficient.

Practice Answering Questions

It's one thing to know material, but it's another to be able to show it. In law school, exams make up almost the entirety of your grade. That's why it's important to fully answer questions in the expected format. Complete practice tests before actual exams so you have experience crafting the type of responses professors are looking for.

Find Student Mentors

Particularly in your first year of law school, try getting to know older students who can share information about year one. These individuals may have thoughts on everything from professors' personality quirks to procedures in place at your school.

Care for Yourself

Time is scarce, sure, but don't neglect getting the sleep, nutrition and downtime you need. If you don't take care of yourself in these basic ways, it's virtually impossible to perform at your best. At this level of education, you need every advantage you can get.

Starting to think about specialty areas? Don't miss this article on the different fields of law.

Law Schools in Colorado Springs with Degree Program Descriptions

There are 2 colleges within 100 miles of Colorado Springs, Colorado, that have law schools. Read an overview of both schools' programs, requirements and admission info and find out which school is the right one for you.

Law School Options in the Colorado Springs Area

Students who wish to study law in Colorado Springs have limited options, since there are just 2 law schools within 100 miles of the city. The University of Denver (UD), home to the Sturm College of Law, offers a selection of law degrees for students to choose from, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Science. Colorado Law at the University of Colorado - Boulder is among the nation's top public law schools, and it administers a JD program along with LLM and dual degree programs.

	University of Denver	University of Colorado - Boulder
Law Degree Programs Offered	Master of Science in Legal Administration,  Juris Doctor, Juris Doctor and Master of Arts Dual Degree, Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree,  Master of Laws in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy, Master of Laws in International Business Transactions	Juris Doctor,  JD/Bachelor of Laws,  JD/MBA,  JD/Master in Environmental Studies or Doctorate in Environmental Studies, JD/Master of Public Administration, JD/Master of Science in Telecommunications, JD/Master of Urban and Regional Planning,  JD/Doctor of Medicine,  Master of Laws in Entrepreneurial Law,  Master of Laws in Information Technology & Intellectual Property Law,  Master of Laws in Natural Resources Law
Related Programs Offered	Legal Administration Certificate	American Indian Law Certificate, Entrepreneurial Law Certificate, Graduate Energy Certificate, Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Environment, Policy and Society,  Juvenile and Family Law Certificate
School Type	4-year, private, not-for-profit	4-year, public
Total Enrollment (2011)	11,797*	32,558*
Campus Setting	Large city	Small city
Tuition & Fees (full-time, 2011-2012)	$38,502***	$31,044 for in-state students; $37,542 for out-of-state students***
Acceptance Rate (2011-2012)	40.7%***	30.1%***
Relevant Facilities and Resources	Westminster Law Library, CaseMap database technology	William A. Wise Law Library, Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment, Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law
Noteworthy	Top 100 Law School, Chancellor Scholarship for first-year students	Top 50 Law School,  40 student organizations,  Career Development Office
Distance from Downtown Colorado Springs (Driving Time)	65 mi. (1 hr. 5 min.)	97.4 mi. (1 hr. 38 min.)

Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator, **University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, ***U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools 2012, ****University of Colorado - Boulder, Colorado Law

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Degrees at University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private institution that enrolls nearly 12,000 students a year. The university's law school, Sturm College of Law, was established in 1892. In 2012, U.S. News & World Report ranked it #69 among U.S. law schools. (The American Bar Association accredits 202 law schools.)

Master of Science in Legal Administration

This 36-credit-hour program prepares students to manage legal organizations. Applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), GMAT or GRE before enrolling, and a bachelor's degree is required. Students select from concentrations in international court, law firm, and court administration. The program can be taken on campus or online, with a 10-week externship required for graduation. This program does not qualify someone to be a lawyer.

Juris Doctor

The JD program is for aspiring attorneys. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any major from an accredited institution, in addition to having taken the LSAT. The program offers specializations in international, corporate, workplace, constitutional rights, and environmental law. First-year students can connect with Peer Mentors (second- and -third year students) who help them orient to law school. The introductory curriculum introduces them to criminal and constitutional law, civil procedure, torts, and contracts.

Juris Doctor and Master of Arts Dual Degree

This program allows students to earn both JD and MA degrees in 4 years. Master of Arts programs are provided through UD's Josef Korbel School of International Studies. M.A. fields of study include human rights, global health, and international security. Students must be admitted to each school separately.

Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration Dual Degree

This dual degree program, offered in conjunction with UD's Daniels College of Business, prepares students for the legal complexities of the international business market. In addition to law training, participants examine areas such as sustainability in business, finance, information technology, and public policy. Students can complete both JD and MBA degrees in as little as 4 years.

Master of Laws in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy

This degree program is open to those with a JD degree. Participants can focus on international or U.S. law with more than 30 courses to choose from, including animal rights, energy law, Indian tribal law, environmental ethics, wildlife law, and oil and gas law. There are also opportunities to participate in theWater Law Review professional journal or the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Students may also gain hands-on case experience through the school's Environmental Law Clinic.

Master of Laws in International Business Transactions

Students who already hold a JD can apply for admission to this program that focuses on global business laws. It can be completed in 1-3 years, depending on full- or part-time status. Courses include negotiations, corporate drafting, and contracts drafting.

Degrees at University of Colorado - Boulder

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC - Boulder as #44 on its 2012 Best Law Schools list. With 551 students, Colorado Law has a student-faculty ratio of less than 10:1. Law students have access to three research centers and can participate in three journals. Applicants to the dual degree programs need to apply to and be admitted by the separate schools offering the respective programs. The full-time Master of Laws programs take 12-14 months to complete.

Juris Doctor

Aspiring lawyers have two JD options to choose from, including a traditional 3-year or a 2.5-year program. Graduating a semester early can allow students to save on tuition and start their career sooner, but the extra semester gives students more time to take electives and plan for their career. Law specialties within the JD program include environment, policy, and society; juvenile and family law; tax emphasis; American Indian Law; and entrepreneurial law.

Juris Doctor/Bachelor of Laws

In conjunction with the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, UC Boulder offers this 4-year program so graduates can practice law in the U.S. and Canada. Learned concepts include insurance litigation, cross-border securities, subrogation, and real estate law, among other topics. Having both degrees can give students an edge when looking for jobs, since they'll be able to oversee transnational business.

Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration

Some specializations within this 4-year program include legislative, labor or shareholder relations, risk analysis, and lobbying. Graduates learn about both legal and business concepts so they can counsel various clients, such as securities specialists and chief executive officers. Leeds School of Business administers the MBA program.

Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies or JD/Doctorate in Environmental Studies

Within 4 years, graduates can earn the JD and Master in Environmental Studies. An extra year can lead to a doctorate. Colorado Law and the Environmental Studies Program make sure core topics cover important topics in both law and natural and environmental sciences, such as climate change law and environmental science and philosophy. Job opportunities may be found in non-profit organizations, government agencies, law firms or industry companies.

Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration

The interdisciplinary program offered in partnership with the School of Public Affairs lasts 4 years. Law students can concentrate in homeland security and emergency management, domestic violence, environmental policy and management, and local government.

Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Telecommunications

The Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program lets students pursue the M.S. in conjunction with the JD to prepare for careers in such areas as IT law, intellectual property, or patents. Students in the 4-year program learn how the law relates to networking and communications technologies.

Juris Doctor/Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Law students interested in learning how programs arise in regional and urban areas could consider this 4-year option. They'll also learn how to plan environments in anticipation of ecological and human needs. Along with Colorado Law, the College of Architecture and Planning helps graduates focus on law and economic development.

Juris Doctor/Doctor of Medicine

The School of Medicine and Colorado Law offer this 6-year program, which helps students develop lifelong research skills. Students analyze the healthcare industry and how it's legally and financially organized.

Master of Laws in Entrepreneurial Law

Colorado Law is one of the country's few schools to offer the entrepreneurial law LLM to attorneys. Graduates can provide in- or outside counsel to growing companies, and they take such courses as business planning, employment law, and legal negotiation.

Master of Laws in Information Technology & Intellectual Property Law

Concentrations are available in intellectual property or privacy and cybersecurity. Course topics could include patent law, copyright, and computer crime. Lawyers can help companies protect their intellectual property with this degree.

Master of Laws in Natural Resources Law

Attorneys who want to work in or teach natural resources law can choose from concentrations in natural resources, tribal resources and water, climate, public lands, and energy. This program is nationally ranked among the best in the U.S., and the location of the law school helps make it a prime environment to study this type of law.

Top Schools for Law

Learn about the top schools for law in the United States. Read about degree options at three high-profile universities, and find a table with at-a-glance facts about other top law schools in the U.S.

School Overviews

Top law schools in the United States include two Ivy League institutions, Harvard and Yale universities, both of which offer Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs. Students can also find programs at Stanford University. All three universities have received high rankings from U.S. News & World Report for the quality of their law schools.

Agricultural Law Schools: How to Choose

A few law schools offer specialized programs in which students take courses in a specific area, such as constitutional law, intellectual property law and agricultural law. At these schools, students can take a specialized curriculum within their J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree program. LL.M. (Master of Laws) programs are available as well.

How to Choose an Agricultural Law School

Agricultural lawyers handle cases that range from land disputes in farming to pollution claims against corporations. While government agencies remain major employers, many corporations are hiring agricultural lawyers to ensure that they maintain compliance with government standards. Some agricultural law programs include visiting scholars as part of their faculty. These scholars are often internationally recognized experts or former politicians that add different perspectives to the curriculum. Agricultural law students will also benefit from councils on food policy or agricultural resources. Mock trials allow students to practice in a courtroom setting during a simulated case. A trial practicum is a for-credit seminar in which students observe an actual trail in all the phases from jury selection to the verdict. Be sure to check out the following important considerations before choosing a law school:

• Agricultural lawyers work with a wide range of issues so students may wish to seek a school with exposure to a wide range of organizations that bring guests speakers to campus and offer educational opportunities and networking events.
• Students might investigate schools for law review centers, which provide research opportunities and experience in the field.
• Prospective agricultural lawyers may be interested in schools with faculty members that are active in the field.
• Students may want to seek programs that include courses devoted to the major issues regarding agriculture and the environment such as water, land use and natural resources.
• Common campus organizations that aspiring agricultural lawyers might look for include the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund and the Environmental Law Society.

Agricultural Law Program Overviews

Agricultural Juris Doctor Programs

Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs are required for a student to sit for the bar exam and become a practicing lawyer. Although rare, J.D. programs focusing on agricultural law do exist. Most programs can be completed in three years of full-time study. Some programs require all first year law students to take a uniform first year curriculum that includes general law courses such as professionalism and ethics prior to branching off into agricultural law. Courses might include:

• Intro to agricultural law
• Business and corporate law
• Business taxation
• Antitrust
• Legal research

Agricultural Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs

LL.M programs can be earned with the completion of one year in an individualized course of study. Students must have earned a J.D. in order to apply for an LL.M program. Currently, there are few LL.M. programs in agricultural law. This program allows students to either further their area of expertise or expand their scope of agricultural law. Coursework includes:

• Food policy and law
• Agricultural perspectives
• Introduction to agricultural law
• Federal farm programs
• Agricultural bankruptcy

Law Schools in Jacksonville, FL with Program Summaries

The Jacksonville area has two law schools and one college that offers law-related programs within around 55 miles of the city center. Learn about the degree programs, admission info and program requirements for these three institutions to make an informed education decision.

Jacksonville Law Programs

Near Jacksonville, FL, aspiring lawyers aren't the only ones that can find the educational programs they need to enter their chosen career; there are also options available to those interested in related fields like paralegal studies and law enforcement. Read about the required courses and learning experiences at three schools, and then review a comparison table with stats for each institution. Some additional program options at a fourth school in the area are discussed as well.

• Florida Coastal School of Law is located in Jacksonville about 13 miles from the downtown area. It offers law degrees, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws, in addition to a program that allows students to earn their J.D. and a business administration master's degree.
• The University of Florida's Levin College of Law is located in Gainesville roughly 53 miles from central Jacksonville. It offers a J.D. program along with several Master of Laws programs; students can also earn a doctoral degree in juridical science.
• Students who are interested in earning a degree or certificate for employment in a law-related field may want to consider Florida State College at Jacksonville. Situated around 18 miles from the city's downtown area, the school offers certificates in corrections, law enforcement and seaport security as well as an associate's degree in paralegal studies.

Florida Coastal School of Law

This for-profit private school offers a rolling admissions process and the option of a spring start date. In 2011, the student body was roughly split evenly between male and female students. In 2010, the school earned the American Bar Association's Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award. Students can participate in clinical training and career preparation through externships, skills labs, and pro bono work.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

First year students concentrate on gaining an understanding of the American legal system and how it works before taking specialized classes in their second and third years of study. Areas of study may include estate planning, tax, civil rights, criminal, environmental, maritime, and business law.

J.D./MBA

The joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degree program is offered through Florida Coastal School of Law in partnership with the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University (JU). This degree program can be completed in four years instead of five; admission requires completion of the LSAT and GMAT exams and application to both schools.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

This is an online-only, 26-credit degree program intended for lawyers who earned their degrees outside of the United States and need to gain knowledge of comparative law. Students will prepare to take the bar exam so that they can practice law in the U.S. Applicants to the program may be eligible for scholarships.

University of Florida

The University of Florida's law school, Levin College of Law, was founded in the early 1900s. The school was ranked 48th overall by U.S. News and World Report. In 2012, there were 287 students in the entering class. The median LSAT score of entering students in Fall 2012 was better than 160, and the median GPA was more than 3.5. Levin College of Law offers six degrees. As of July 2012, Levin College of Law graduates had a 91.2% pass rate on the bar exam.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

The curriculum develops students' legal knowledge, analytical skills, and communication skills. Students attend seminars and participate in clinical programs, simulations, and role-playing. First-year students study a standardized curriculum that covers important legal basics, and second- and third-year students can choose classes from an array of electives that cover more specific legal focuses.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative Law

The Levin College of Law's LL.M. in comparative law degree is geared toward graduates of international law schools who are seeking advanced understanding of the U.S. legal system. The program covers the history and origins of the U.S. legal system as well as more complex concepts in contemporary U.S. law.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental and Land Use Law

Interested students can study environmental and land use law in-depth. Students take graduate courses in areas like wildlife ecology or soil and water science in addition to law courses. Students in this program can also apply to study abroad in places like Belize or Costa Rica.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation

The LL.M. in Taxation is a one-year full-time program. Graduates of this program can go on to become employed in government agencies, law firms or accounting firms.

Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Taxation

The LL.M. in International Taxation offers courses in areas like tax treaties, comparative taxation, and European taxation. This one-year program also includes courses in U.S. taxation and may provide students the opportunity to complete independent research projects.

Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Taxation

The S.J.D. in Taxation is the first program of its kind in the country. This 3- to 5-year program is intended for those who desire an academic career in the field of tax law. This program has limited admission.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College is located in Jacksonville, FL. The school is a member of the Florida College System. Although Florida State College at Jacksonville does not have a law school, students interested in careers in the legal field may be interested in the school's paralegal studies degree. The college's Florida Coast Career Tech division also offers several certificate programs in the law enforcement field.

Associate in Science (A.S.) in Paralegal Studies

Students can prepare for a career in legal assisting through an Associate in Science degree program in paralegal studies. Students develop skills in areas like legal research and writing, critical thinking, and law-related technology that culminates with an internship experience. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal credentialing exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Law Enforcement Officer Certificate

The law enforcement officer training program prepares students for the state certification exam for law enforcement officers. Students receive training in areas like first aid, firearms, investigations, and vehicle operations.

Correctional Officer Certificate

This 4-month program provides students with the training needed to work as correctional officers or in related criminal justice fields. Students learn fundamentals like defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, and communication procedures and equipment use.

Seaport Security Officer

Students who are licensed security officers can enroll in the seaport security officer training program. Students learn about detecting criminal activity, vehicle inspection, port shut-down and reopening procedures, and crowd control.

Comparison of Schools

After getting details on their law programs, explore the schools' settings, enrollment numbers, costs and even more in the table below. These stats and facts could help you decide which institution best suits your needs.

	Florida Coastal School of Law	University of Florida	Florida State College at Jacksonville
School Type	4-year, private for-profit*	4-year, public*	4-year, public*
Total Enrollment (2011)	1,753 (all graduate)*	32,598 undergraduate; 16,991 graduate*	30,863 (all undergraduate)*
Campus Setting	Large city*	Midsize city*	Large city*
Tuition	$37,596 (2012-2013)**	In-state: $10,257 ; out-of-state: $26,822 (graduate; 2011-2012)*	In-state: $2,708; out-of-state: $9,492 (undergraduate)*
% of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2010-2011)	N/A	N/A	75% (first-time, full-time undergraduates)*
Acceptance Rate	N/A	N/A	Open undergraduate admissions (2011)*
Graduation Rate	N/A	N/A	32% (undergraduate students who began studies in 2005)*

Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, **Florida Coastal School of Law.

Other School Options

Stetson University is a 4-year private non-profit school located in Gulfport, about 100 miles from downtown Jacksonville. The Stetson University College of Law offers full- and part-time J.D. degree programs, LL.M. programs, and dual graduate programs (J.D./MBA, J.D./M.D., and J.D/M.P.H.).

Top 10 Schools with Law Programs

College/University	Institution Type
Yale University	4-year, Private
Harvard University	4-year, Private
Stanford University	4-year, Private
Columbia University	4-year, Private
University of Chicago	4-year, Private
New York University	4-year, Private
University of Pennsylvania	4-year, Private
Duke University	4-year, Private
University of California--Berkeley	4-year, Public
University of Virginia	4-year, Public

1. Yale University in New Haven, CT

School Highlight: Famous alumni include former President Bill Clinton and Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

Yale Law School ranked first on the U.S. News & World Report list of top law schools for the 2016 rankings. In the same year, the school had a highly selective acceptance rate of just 9%, which made it the toughest law school to get into, according to The Princeton Review. Students can pursue a J.D., an LL.M. or a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.), as well as several joint-degree programs leading to a J.D./Master of Arts (M.A.), J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA) or J.D./Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The university also offers a number of services to law students, including the Lillian Goodman Law Library.

2. Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

School Highlight: Famous alumni include President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

For its 2016 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Harvard Law School number two (tie) on its list of top law schools in the nation. Harvard Law School offers many joint degree programs, including one each with the Graduate School of Design and Harvard School of Public Health. Study abroad programs include a joint J.D./LL.M. program at Cambridge University in England, as well as opportunities in Argentina, Ghana and China.

3. Stanford University in Stanford, CA

School Highlight: Famous alumni include former Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, former Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Google Miriam Rivera and Robert Paul Cochran, the Emmy-winning co-creator of television series '24.'

U.S. News & World Report ranked Stanford Law School tied for second in the nation with Harvard for 2016. Additionally, The Princeton Review rated it as having the 'best classroom experience' for the same year. The school offers several degree programs, including a J.D., an LL.M., a Master of Science of Law (M.S.L.) and a J.S.D. Stanford's law program provides an intimate experience with a small student-to-faculty ratio.

Top Law Schools

School Name	Distinction	Location
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	First high-profile law school to require transnational law in its curriculum	Ann Arbor, MI
University of Pennsylvania	First lectures delivered by James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence	Philadelphia, PA
University of Virginia	Law school founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819	Charlottesville, VA
Columbia University	One of the first law schools in the U.S.	New York, NY
Northwestern University	Bluhm Legal Clinic offers more than 20 clinics to law students	Chicago, IL
University of Chicago	Projects include policy-changing initiatives, public interest law, and professional ethics program	Chicago, IL
Duke University	Publishes law reviews and forums in biosciences, social change and gender law, among many others	Durham, NC