Juris Doctor (JD)

In addition to admissions requirements, students must complete 90 units of study with an average of C (a GPA of 2.0). Students must attend at least 80 percent of the regularly scheduled class hours in each course to receive credit for that course.

Both the full and part-time degree plans must be completed in five years or less. The full-time program must include at least three consecutive academic terms within five years; the part-time program must include at least four consecutive academic terms within five years.

Any student with a disability requiring special arrangements will be accommodated upon petition, with supporting documentation and pending approval from the Dean. Special accommodations will be carefully tailored to meet the documented need in accordance with the Trinity Law School disability policy.

Students should familiarize themselves with the policies found in the Student Handbook.

Academic Year

The academic calendar consists of two 15-week semesters each fall and spring, with the option of additional summer courses. See our current Academic Catalog for information on courses and full- and part-time program options.

Typical Full-Time Schedule

First Year

Legal Research & Writing I & II
Contracts I & II
Torts I & II
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Legal Institutions & Values
Professional Responsibility & Ethics

Second Year

Legal Research & Writing III & IV
Civil Procedures I & II
Property I & II
Constitutional Law I & II
Evidence I & II
Electives

Third Year

Business Organizations
Community Property
Wills, Trusts, & Estates
Remedies
Jurisprudence
Electives

One of the following three:
Jurisprudence of Family Law
Jurisprudence of International Human Rights
Jurisprudence of Bioethics

Typical Part-Time Schedule

First Year

Legal Research & Writing I & II
Contracts I & II
Torts I & II
Criminal Law
Legal Institutions & Values

Second Year

Legal Research & Writing III & IV
Legal Institutions & Values
Criminal Procedure
Civil Procedures I & II
Property I & II

Third Year

Constitutional Law I & II
Evidence I & II
Business Organizations
Community Property
Professional Responsibility & Ethics
Electives

Fourth Year

Jurisprudence
Wills, Trusts, & Estates
Remedies
Electives

One of the following three:
Jurisprudence of Family Law
Jurisprudence of International Human Rights
Jurisprudence of Bioethics

Find out how to complete your entire JD in four years of Saturday coursework.