The Maryland J.D.
Through a curriculum exceptionally rich in both theoretical and practice-based courses, students in the University of Maryland School of Law J.D. program develop the clarity of thought, precision and analytical skill that are the hallmarks of a successful lawyer. Our 12:1 student/faculty ratio is one of the best in the country. Small class sizes enable students to work in one-on-one settings with some of the country's top law professors, in the classroom, assisting in research, and collaborating on real-life cases and policy development.
A Maryland J.D. combines several key components.
Practice-based learning
Unique among law schools in the nation, Maryland requires its students to undertake an experiential learning opportunity of providing representation to real-life clients who lack access to justice. Additionally, our externship program enables students to learn, in supervised governmental and not-for-profit organization settings, about law and its practice.
More on practice-based learning.
Specialty Programs
These programs are leaders in innovation and accomplishment in a wide range of legal fields, providing opportunities for in-depth scholarship and teaching.
More on Specialty Programs.
A rigorous core curriculum
As at most law schools, first-year students take foundation courses in Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Torts, Property and Criminal Law that form the basis for further specialized study.
Specialized elective course sequences
The School of Law’s specialty programs offer overview introductory courses, supplemented by advanced courses and seminars that enable students to develop a deep understanding of subject areas. Maryland is one of few schools that allow students to begin taking electives in their first year, allowing them to pick and choose from a range of areas to experiment with their interests.
Hot topic seminars and courses
In-depth and interdisciplinary offerings on emerging areas of legal practice give students the opportunity to work with lawyers and other professionals on issues that transcend traditional boundaries.
Legal Writing
Students develop in-depth research techniques as they undertake writing assignments of increasing complexity, culminating in the completion of an original paper of publishable quality about a legal problem.
More on the Legal Writing Center.
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