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Introduction to the Juris Doctor Program

The Juris Doctor program at Villanova University provides students with a broad-based legal education grounded in academic rigor, practical hands-on training, and a foundation in vital business concepts needed to succeed in the field. The program is guided by the "Where Law Meets Business" philosophy, which reimagines legal education to provide students with the academic, professional, and practical skills coveted by employers.

Academic Overview

In their first year of study, students are grounded in the study of the law with six doctrinal courses and one elective course. The six foundational doctrinal courses include:

• Civil Procedure
• Contracts
• Criminal Law
• Property
• Constitutional Law
• Torts Students also take a year-long Legal Analysis, Research, Writing & Communication course, which is offered in small sections and supervised by a professor. Additionally, students learn legal research skills and strategy from a team of lawyer-librarians.

Curriculum

The curriculum at Villanova Law offers sound training for the practice of law. Courses are designed to teach not only the rules of law but also how legal institutions operate. The course of study consists of three full-time, consecutive years.

First Year

In the first year, students acquire a thorough grounding in the six foundational doctrinal courses, which are taught in one-semester segments. Students also take:

• A one-week module focused on Business Aspects of Law during January of their 1L year
• A year-long one-credit Professional Development course that engages students in individualized and active career investigation and professional exploration

Second and Third Years

In the second and third years, students mostly shape their own course of study while taking several additional graduation requirements. Upper-level requirements include:

• Legal Writing III (Transactional or Litigation)
• Professional Responsibility
• Practical Writing
• Research Paper course (or second Practical Writing course)
• One-week module focused on Financial Literacy in January of their second year
• One credit of Professional Development during both their 2L and 3L years
• Six credits of experiential learning in a clinic and/or externship

Experiential Learning

The Law School supports a wide range of externship opportunities at government, profit, and nonprofit organizations that provide the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. In the award-winning clinics, students have the opportunity to represent real clients in real cases working with full-time clinic faculty.

Focus Areas of Study

Many students choose to focus on one or more specialty areas, enrolling in courses that help strengthen their basis of knowledge and hone the skills necessary for practice. Focus Areas of Study provide students with a guide to specific practice areas so that they can tailor their elective choice to prepare them to practice in their chosen field.

Dual Degrees and Concentrations

Students can further customize their education through a dual degree, concentration, or by taking courses in 15 varied focus areas of study. Dual degrees and concentrations can be completed within three years of study alongside the JD. Infused within every student's education is fundamental business coursework, which equips graduates with the financial management skills to successfully lead their organizations from Day One.