University of the District of Columbia

What you'll study

Coursework typically moves from foundational doctrine to applied skills. Expect study areas such as:

• Core subjects: civil procedure, contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, criminal law and evidence.
• Practice skills: legal research and writing, trial advocacy, negotiation, client interviewing and drafting.
• Clinics and externships: supervised practice placements offering real-client experience in litigation, public defense, civil legal aid, transactional work or policy projects.
• Electives and seminars: specialized topics like administrative law, tax, family law, employment law, immigration, health law and public interest law.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submission of academic transcripts. Most applicants provide a standardized law‑school admission test score or other accepted assessment, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and evidence of readiness for graduate‑level legal study. Specific prerequisites and credential evaluations may apply to international applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to sit for bar examinations where applicable and commonly enter private practice, public defense, prosecution, corporate counsel, government agencies, non‑profit legal services, or policy and compliance roles. The JD also supports careers in academia, legislature, judiciary support roles and leadership positions where legal expertise is valued.

Scholarships & funding angle

Many law students combine merit scholarships, need‑based awards, public interest stipends, work‑study, federal or private student loans, and paid externships or clinic stipends to fund their studies. Applicants should research institutional scholarships, fellowship programs focused on public service, and loan repayment or forgiveness options tied to government or non‑profit legal work.