Course Planning
Your Law School Roadmap
It’s good to have a plan!
Incoming 1L Law students are pre-scheduled into their courses for their first two semesters (three semesters for evening, part-time students) of law school. All 1Ls take the same courses for their first 29 hours.
As students progress into their 2L year, they must actively plan their academic coursework for the remainder of their law school career. All students are responsible for planning their courses in accordance with the JD degree requirements in the Law Student Handbook. As 1Ls transition into their 2L year, they should take some time to plan ahead their 2L and 3L years. Students should determine what courses they are required to take and what courses interest them as well as how they will meet other degree requirements, such as experiential learning and their writing requirement. In a sense, students should create a “roadmap” for their next two years. While it will likely change over time, this roadmap is a guide to help keep you on track to your JD. Students are recommended to revisit the degree plan and their individual course progress at least once each semester, prior to registration for the next term.
The JD Advising GUIDE
In order to assist students in understanding JD degree requirements and proactively engage with their course planning, the Office of Law Success offers students an interactive tool known as the JD Advising Guide. This interactive guide breaks up the degree plan into five major components and provides additional details on the degree requirements in a clear manner. Students complete the form in a step-by-step manner in order to carefully account for earned course credits and take note of needed courses, hours, and degree requirements. You can choose to either maintain the form as you progress throughout law school or you can fill out a new one each semester.
Advising resources
At St. Mary’s, you have a number of resources to assist you with course planning. We encourage you to meet with your 1L Law Success Instructor or a faculty member to review course options. They can also provide insight into the nature of the coursework and assist in building a balanced schedule. While the Office of Law Success cannot certify you to graduate, your 1L Instructor is a great resource to connect with. If you would like a more in-depth review of your progress towards graduation, we encourage you to meet with the Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs or the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Credit Hours Required to Earn Your St. Mary's JD
5 components of the jd
First Year Required Curriculum
Second and Third Year Required Curriculum
UBE Coursework
Electives
Service Requirement