Program of Study
NSU Law offers a rigorous academic program. We pride ourselves on preparing graduates to make a smooth transition from the classroom to the courtroom or boardroom. The curriculum combines traditional doctrinal courses with courses that focus on specialized areas within
Our faculty has a long tradition of teaching excellence and a high-level of involvement in the life and activities of the NSU Law community. An open-door policy and wireless communication make teachers very accessible to students and limits on the size of first-year sections increase individualized feedback for our students. The faculty's expertise is reflected in rich classroom discussions and a wide range of scholarly publications and professional service. They are true mentors and role models that challenge and inspire our students.
Students in both the three-year full-time J.D. program and the four-year part-time J.D. program follow a combination of required and elective courses to craft an individual course of study, often concentrating a portion of electives in an area of study that aligns with their interests and career goals. Appreciating the diverse range of courses offered at NSU Law is easier when grouped by broad subject area. Course descriptions are found at this LINK.
JD Program Model Curriculum Full-Time Matriculating Prior to Fall 2020
JD Program Model Curriculum Full-Time Matriculating Fall 2020 or Later
JD Program Model Curriculum Part-Time Matriculating Prior to Fall 2020
JD Program Model Curriculum Part-Time Matriculating Fall 2020 or Later
JD Graduation Review Form or Degree Works
Students completing the J.D. program are expected to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental, substantive legal doctrine (e.g., case law, legal concepts, legal principles, regulations,
and statutes). - Identify legal issues and apply legal reasoning and analysis to solve legal problems in a logical and structured manner.
- Communicate orally or in writing, or both, the legal reasoning and analysis regarding legal issues.
- Research legal issues thoroughly and efficiently.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading critically.
- Understand the obligation to adhere to the values of the legal profession (e.g., (1) providing of competent representation, (2) striving to promote justice, fairness, and morality, (3) striving to improve the profession, and (4) engaging in professional self-development).
- Demonstrate ethical and practical judgment and active listening skills in communications (e.g. with clients, attorneys, and related parties).
- Use technology to meet ethical duties of the legal profession (e.g. to address duties of confidentiality for all communications, to fulfill filing and other judicial obligations, and to keep abreast of technologies that affect
accuracy of information provided to clients). - Anticipate, recognize and resolve obligations ethically.
- Demonstrate self-directed learning practices for life-long learning.
NSU Shepard Broad College of Law’s mission is to ensure that you develop the knowledge, skills, and values that are at the heart of becoming trusted, highly adept, professional lawyers who are respected for serving clients, their communities, and justice. NSU Law is committed to instilling the ethics of pro bono service, community engagement, and public service in its graduates, and as such has instituted a mandatory service requirement for graduation
Each J.D. candidate entering NSU Law in fall 2018 and thereafter is required to perform a minimum of thirty (30) hours of qualifying service as a requirement for graduation. Eligible service options include both legal (pro bono) and non-legal (community) related placements. You may not receive pay nor academic credit for their service. You are required to complete the minimum thirty (30) hours of qualifying service prior to the start of their final semester before being scheduled to graduate.