J.D. Course of Study

New York Law School’s curriculum systematically integrates theory and practice. The traditional study of legal doctrine and institutions is always measured against the perspectives of legal practitioners. Fusing these perspectives gives the Law School’s graduates an extraordinarily rich and strong basis on which to build a productive, responsible, and rewarding life in the profession.

The full-time faculty and instructional staff of 70 teach all the required courses and most of the elective courses. They have broad experience in law practice, public as well as private, and are actively engaged in legal scholarship. The Law School also enjoys the contributions of more than 175 adjunct faculty members, consisting of attorneys, judges, and other public officials who offer many elective courses each year in the fields of their expertise.

Students choose from two primary course sequences: the full-time day program and the part-time evening program. Full-time students usually complete the 86 credits required for the Juris Doctor in three years; part-time students in four years. The required courses include Civil Procedure; Contracts; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Evidence; Legislation and Regulation; Legal Practice I and II, Property; Torts; and Professional Responsibility.

More than 250 electives allow students to customize their programs. Elective courses are grouped under the descriptive subject headings listed below. To see the course descriptions for the required and the elective courses, please visit the Academic Affairs pages (see links below):

• Required Courses
• Elective Courses in Alpha Order