Academics

Programs at the School of Law

J.D. Program Information

LL.M. Program Information

Dual Degree Programs

Exchange Programs 

About the Curriculum

Some entering students come in thinking their first year of classes is like some ritual initiation they must endure. That's not the W&L way. All first-year students take the same classes — American Public Law Process, Civil Procedure I and II, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Contracts, Legal Writing, Property, and Torts. While you'll be challenged to change the way you think, this is law school, not boot camp. It is a growing experience to be enjoyed, not endured.

After your first year, there are three mandatory requirements: Constitutional Law, a professional responsibility course, and a writing requirement. After that, the choices are yours. We offer 120 electives, letting you customize and focus your curriculum on the areas of law where you intend to practice.

You'll complete an upperclass writing assignment under the supervision of a faculty member. You'll go through a number of drafts until it's right —just as you will be expected to do when you're in practice.

Your classes will be challenging, stimulating, and fun. You'll work hard, but you'll learn the law. You'll be ready to pass the bar and begin making a name for yourself.

FIRST YEAR COURSES

American Public Law Process
An introduction to the legal framework of American constitutional and administrative government.

Civil Procedure I and II
The law governing the process of civil litigation, from commencement of the action through challenges to the judgment.

Contracts
The nature of exchange relationships in our legal system, including remedies for reinforcing exchange relationships, concepts and techniques relating to continuing exchange relationships, social control and utilization of contracts, and the contract as a form of economic wealth and property.

Criminal Law
A study of the ways in which society defines conduct and persons as criminal.

Criminal Procedure
The adjudication process applied in criminal cases from arrest through verdict.

Legal Writing
Legal research and writing assignments designed to sharpen writing and analytical skills and to familiarize students with law library resources and research methods.

Property
An introduction to the law of property with attention to personal property, the law of estates in land, landlord-tenant law, conveyancing, and non-possessory interests in real property.

Torts I
The legal protection afforded in civil proceedings against interference by others with one's person, property, and intangible interests.

SECOND AND THIRD YEAR REQUIRED COURSES

Constitutional Law
Federalism and interstate relationships with particular reference to the Commerce Clause, civil liberties as defined by the Bill of Rights, and protection of civil rights.

Professional Responsibility Requirement
To fulfill the ABA professional responsibility requirement, a student must take one of the three legal ethics courses: Ethical Problems in the Practice of Criminal Law Seminar, Legal Ethics Seminar, or Professional Responsibility.