How long does it take to get juris doctorate

Earn your Juris Doctor (JD) degree at the College of Law and become an attorney who makes a difference. Our practice-driven curriculum and fully-integrated bar preparation make for an unparalleled educational experience.

The College of Law echoes the core values of the University of La Verne: life-long learning, ethical reasoning, community engagement, and diversity and inclusivity. In fact, La Verne Law is one of the most diverse law schools in the country. Learn more about all the University of La Verne College of Law has to offer.

Juris Doctor Curriculum

The Juris Doctor (JD) curriculum consists of 88 total semester units and takes three (3) years of full-time or four (4) years of part-time study to complete. The curriculum is grounded in crucial lawyering skills such as critical reading, in-depth analysis, and presenting competently reasoned cases. For a full listing of class offerings, click here.

First Year

Year One starts with a solid foundation in core subjects tested on the California Bar Exam—contracts, real property, civil procedure, torts, and criminal law—as well as legal writing.

In the spring semester, first-year students participate in Court Observation Week, where they observe local courthouse operations and trials and have opportunities to interact with judges and practicing attorneys.

Second Year

Year Two prepares you for the legal profession with learning opportunities based on real-world problems. Our litigation courses challenge students to prosecute or defend a criminal case in a mock jury trial, while our transactional curriculum teaches how to legally structure a business and the art of negotiation.

Third Year

Year Three enhances your legal education through clinics and externships, bar preparation, and a selection of elective courses that allows you to dig deeper into the legal topics that interest you most.

Review descriptions for all required courses.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on experience is integral to La Verne Law’s Juris Doctor degree program. In considering our mission of advocacy and civic engagement, our Clinical Law Program emphasizes practical training and applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

As a JD candidate, you work on actual cases under the direction of faculty and practicing lawyers, providing pro bono legal services in the process. Experiences encompassing our Lawyering Skills Practicum, Externship Program, and additional clinical opportunities have you interacting with clients, writing legal documents, practicing oral advocacy skills, interviewing witnesses, conducting factual investigations, and assisting in discovery, counseling, and negotiating. Learn more about what to expect and how these opportunities enhance your legal education.

Part-Time Juris Doctor Entrants

Part-time students take the same innovative array of courses as full-time students over a four-year span. The State Bar of California strives to make a legal education accessible to more individuals, and the flexibility of our part-time JD reflects this, allowing those who have full-time jobs to progress toward their dream of becoming a lawyer. Find out more about the Part-Time JD Program.

Dual Law Degree Programs

JD candidates may have a specific vision for their career. You see yourself bringing a higher level of legal knowledge into the business world or nonprofit sector or practicing within a specific discipline—for instance, corporate law.

Through a partnership with the University of La Verne’s College of Business and Public Management, two dual JD degree programs are available: JD/MBA, for those seeking a business-leaning career, and JD/MPA, for a role related to government or the nonprofit sector. Candidates earn two degrees in three to four years, rather than five or six, and save on tuition while increasing their career prospects. Learn more about our dual degree programs, including the benefits and admission requirements.

Program Accreditation

The University of La Verne College of Law is a State Bar of California–accredited institution. Our JD program aligns with the State Bar of California’s standards for course scope, hours, and structure.

The State Bar of California is the state’s largest bar association. California experiences “legal deserts”—areas with fewer practicing lawyers—which can limit access to representation. Location- and employment-related restrictions further pose constraints on residents’ goals of pursuing a legal education. The State Bar of California takes these factors into account when accrediting institutions in order to expand diversity in the legal profession and open up multiple pathways toward earning a JD and practicing law. Learn more about State Bar of California accreditation, including admission requirements and taking the bar exam.

Careers with a JD Degree

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth for lawyers is predicted to remain steady through 2029. California employs the highest number of lawyers out of all states and is home to some of the country’s top markets, including metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Learn more about our Juris Doctor Program

The College of Law is located in Ontario, just minutes from the La Verne campus. Get started by visiting our admissions page or requesting more information today.