JD PROGRAM

The degree of juris doctor (JD) is conferred upon candidates who have fulfilled the following requirements:

• earned credit for at least 90 semester hours of law study.
• obtained an overall grade point average of at least 2.25.
• earned at least six residency units. (The maximum period of time for a full-time law student to complete requirements for the JD degree is seven years. Seven years is also the maximum period of time for a part-time law student to complete requirements for the JD degree.)

Clinical Programs

The John Marshall Law School JD program provides its students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the basic competencies expected of attorneys. In addition to the many courses that help meet this commitment, the law school has established a clinical legal education program, an academic program for which credit may be received. The program has two divisions; the fair housing clinic and the general externship program. Registration in a clinic placement is ordinarily limited to students who have earned at least 54 credit hours. A maximum of 10 clinic hours may be credited toward a student's JD degree requirement. Permission of the director is required for registration. Students must consult the director for specific requirements and rules applicable to the program.

Certificate Programs

In selected areas of concentration, students may receive a certificate, indicating successful completion of a focused curriculum. Certificates are available in:

• advocacy
• elder law
• intellectual property law

Each area of concentration lists the elective courses a student may take. The suggested sequence for taking these courses is shown in the Student Handbook.