FAQs: Academic Program and Curriculum

Do J.D. students select a concentration or specialty?

Actually, our program is more flexible than that. Our curriculum offers over 170 different courses and seminars and provides students the academic freedom to tailor the curriculum to meet their needs. We do not ask students to choose a specialty or concentration. After completing the required first-year curriculum, students have complete flexibility in selecting their courses (with the exception of a few requirements). This broad and well-rounded approach prepares students for any path that their interests and careers may take while providing the option to pursue a particular area of the law in more depth in a manner that fits their needs. 

Are there particular areas of study for which the Law School is known?

The Law School is known for the strength of its teaching and the quality of training that our students receive instead of focusing on any narrow practice areas. The curriculum is broad with significant depth in many different topical areas and emphasizes rigorous and interdisciplinary professional training. The Law School believes that students are best served and prepared by this well-rounded approach.

The Law School is known for its strength in Law and Economics. What if I do not have an economics background?

While the Law School is extremely proud of its strength and influence in Law and Economics, our curriculum is much more diverse than that. It is not necessary that a student have an economics background. The economics discussed in most classes is theoretical rather than quantitative and it is used as one approach among many to examining legal issues. Our professors teach students what they need to know and do not assume any knowlege of economics theory. Economics majors do not have any particular advantage in the admissions process or in the classroom. Our curriculum blends the study of the law with many disciplines, including the humanities, natural sciences, and other social sciences beyond economics.

May law students take courses outside of the Law School?

Absolutely - interdisciplinary inquiry is one of the core components of our academic philosophy. Students may take up to 12 credit hours (usually four classes) anywhere else in the University during their second and third years (and we are located within easy walking distance of nearly the entire University). Students often take these classes in the Booth School of Business, the Harris School of Public Policy, the School of Social Services Administration, the Pritzker School of Medicine, and a variety of graduate departments.

Does the Law School offer clinical programs?  

Yes, we have outstanding clinical programs available at the Law School. The Mandel Legal Aid Clinic offers several distinct clinical projects that allow students to engage in litigation-based projects and, in some cases, legislative work. In addition, the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship is a transactional clinic that serves entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged communities. The Law School also offers the Immigrant Children's Advocacy Project and the Exoneration Project. Clinical courses are available to second and third year students.

What joint degree programs does the Law School offer? 

We have three established joint degree programs with the Chicago Booth School of Business (JD/MBA), the Harris School of Public Policy Studies (JD/MPP) and the International Relations Department (JD/AM). Students must apply to each program separately and students may apply to the joint degree programs either prior to or during the first year of law school. In addition to these more formalized programs, the Law School allows students to pursue concurrent degrees with other programs within the University and we also have JD/PhD sequences available with the History and Economics departments.