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