JD Degree Requirements

The Juris Doctor (JD), or law degree, is a three-year post-baccalaureate program. Students must complete 89 credit hours of law courses, roughly one-half of which are required courses.

Requirements

Upon the favorable recommendation of the Faculty of Law, the degree of Juris Doctor will be conferred upon a student who:

  • Has pursued, in residence, the full-time study of law for at least three academic years (or the equivalent), two of which must have been completed in this School. A full-time student is one who is registered for credit in 12 or more hours in a semester or six or more hours in a summer session. A student registered for less than 12 hours in a semester or less than six in two summer sessions, will receive proportional residence credit. The maximum number of residency credits obtainable in any one summer session shall be seven, provided that for purposes of accelerated graduation (in less than three academic years) no more than twelve residency credits may be obtained in summer sessions.
  • Has received a passing grade in all required courses, except required courses which have been waived.
  • Has received passing grades in law courses aggregating at least 89 credits and has a numerical grade point average of at least 77.0;
  • Has received an undergraduate degree before or concurrently with his or her graduation from law school.
  • Has pursued a course of study for no fewer than 24 months and, only in extraordinary circumstances, no later than 84 months after having commenced law study at the School of Law or a law school from which the school has accepted transfer credit, pursuant to ABA Standard 311.

Upon completing their education at the University of Missouri School of Law, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law.
    Students demonstrate they have met this outcome by:
    1. Identifying and applying foundational concepts in a variety of areas of legal practice;
    2. Grasping the organization, hierarchy, and relationships of legal systems;
    3. Identifying the sources of law, the ways they relate to one another, and how the law evolves.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to employ legal analysis, legal reasoning, factual development, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.
    Students demonstrate they have met this outcome by:
    1. Identifying relevant legal issues raised by clients’ legal matters;
    2. Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the facts, taking into account clients’ interests, goals, and objectives;
    3. Preparing a variety of legal documents;
    4. Writing in a clear, concise, effective, and persuasive manner;
    5. Making persuasive oral arguments and presentations.
  3. Fulfill professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system.
    Students demonstrate they have met this outcome by:
    1. Identifying the goals, structures, values, and responsibilities of the legal profession;
    2. Identifying and applying rules of professional conduct for attorneys;
    3. Explaining the basis for making good strategic and ethical judgments.
  4. Develop the ability to act as leaders in the profession, in our state, and in promoting justice.
    Students may demonstrate they have met this outcome in multiple ways, including by:
    1. Taking leadership and meaningful supportive roles in student organizations;
    2. Appreciating the importance of continued education on legal matters of public importance;
    3. Getting involved in public service activities and projects, both law- and non-law related;
    4. Participating in local, regional, national, and/or international legal institutions, such as bar organizations.
    5. Being able to discuss issues and legal matters of public importance with respect for colleagues and others.