Juris Doctor (JD)

The Juris Doctor (J.D.), 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Has received a passing grade in all required courses, except required courses which have been waived.
  3. Has received passing grades in law courses aggregating at least 89 credits and has a numerical grade point average of at least 77.0; and
  4. Has received an undergraduate degree before or concurrently with his or her graduation from law school.
  5. 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.

Student Organizations

Featured: J. Reuben Clark Law Society

The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) is a national organization that seeks to affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer’s personal religious conviction. JRCLS strives through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law. As a student chapter of JRCLS, our goal is to encourage and aid law students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, all law students are invited to join. We seek to instill student camaraderie, provide networking and career opportunities, and help our members attain their educational goals.

View All Mizzou Law Orgs

Journals

Featured: Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution & The Journal of Dispute Resolution

The Journal of Dispute Resolution is a student-edited, academic journal published on a bi-annual basis by the University of Missouri School of Law in conjunction with the Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution. The Journal was established in 1984 and is recognized as the leading legal publication in the area of alternative dispute resolution. The Journal contains articles written by nationally prominent authors and students on a wide variety of topics in the rapidly developing field of dispute resolution. The Journal is composed of second and third-year students who contribute written works and assist in the editing and publication process. An Editorial Board composed of third-year students edits all written work and coordinates the publication process.

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Study Abroad:

Cape Town, South Africa (Summer)

Pro Bono Program

A formal pro bono program was established in 2013 to encourage students to engage in pro bono and civic activity while also being able to gain practical lawyering skills and serve persons with limited means. Any first-year student who completes 10 pro bono hours, and any second- or third-year student who completes 20 pro bono hours will receive a pro bono certificate at the end of the year recognizing their contribution. Special recognition may also be given to a limited number of students whose commitment to pro bono work was exceptional.

In accordance with ABA standards, the program defines pro bono broadly to include activities for the benefit of persons of limited means, whether or not law-related. In addition, work done for a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status and some governmental entities will also qualify. Participation in activities that grant school credit (such as an externship or clinic) will not qualify, but if the student completes hours above and beyond those required to receive credit, those hours may qualify.

The Mizzou Law Pro Bono Program does not provide any direct legal assistance.  Law students are not permitted to represent individuals in legal matters unless they are working under the supervision of a licensed attorney.  For this reason, we do not refer individuals or organizations seeking assistance to private attorneys. If you believe you need a lawyer, please contact the state bar association at https://mobar.org/. You may also find information regarding legal aid programs providing free legal help to low income and disadvantaged people in Missouri at https://www.lsmo.org/.

Health and Wellness

Descriptions of the various mental health and substance abuse resources available to students on campus, with details about confidentiality, hours of operation, and contact information.

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