The Juris Doctor degree, the basic U.S. law degree, is held by the vast majority of practicing U.S. lawyers, as well as business people, policy makers, academics and other professionals. A signature component of the JD program is the school’s exceptional Legal Analysis, Writing and Research Program (LAWR) that requires students to take three semesters of Research and Writing, including two in the first year, and to devote significant attention to the skills they will need to practice law.
The LAWR program, based on proven methodologies, was developed in consultation with education experts, judges, judicial clerks and attorneys to produce a curriculum designed to prepare students to hit the ground running in their initial legal position. The University at Buffalo School of Law’s legal skills program also comprises moot court and trial technique experiences, published journals, professional development initiatives and service-learning opportunities.
Beyond the first year, students in the JD program includes required courses in Legal Ethics and Decision-making, Advanced Constitutional Law, two additional courses focused on research and writing, and a minimum of three credit hours of experiential courses. In addition, many students are required to take additional courses covering business associations, evidence, trust and estate law, and bar exam strategies.
Although the School of Law’s academic program is designed to incorporate legal theory, legal doctrine, and the real-world skills that new graduates need to succeed as lawyers; the faculty continually re-examines the program to provide an optimal education for our students.
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