College of Law

JD PROGRAM

The JD Program at Utah Law


The University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law provides you with unmatched opportunities to study and engage in the law.

First Year Curriculum
Our students learn in intimate settings throughout their time in the College of Law. First-year students always have at least one class in a small group setting of no more than 25 students. Our legal methods program also gives students intensive writing experience and one-on-one meetings with faculty. First-year classes teach students the basics of the law and legal system, while giving them early practical training they will need to be effective lawyers.

Upper Division Curriculum
A longstanding strength of the College of Law is our careful balance between doctrine, theory, and practice. Students have extensive courses they can choose from in their second and third years. These include specialty courses ranging from trademark to family law, numerous skills courses such as appellate practice and real estate drafting, and field placements in virtually every area of the law. Students can also cross-train through our experiential opportunities from international law to new ventures, our six dual degree programs, and our research centers. The depth in curriculum supports seven specialized proficiency programs, where students can earn a certificate of specialized legal study.

Apply to the JD Program Now

Certificates in Specialized Study

JD students can earn certificates in seven specialized areas of law in addition to their Juris Doctor degree.

  • Business Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Environmental and Natural Resources Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Law
  • Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Public Interest Law and Policy

Learn more about certificates in specialized study here.

Dual Degree Program Options

The College of Law offers a number of unique interdisciplinary educational opportunities. Dual degree programs with other graduate schools at the university include:

JD/Master of Business Administration
JD/Master of City & Metropolitan Planning
JD/Master of Public Administration
JD/Master of Public Policy
JD/Master of Real Estate Development
JD/Master of Social Work

For detailed information on dual degree program requirements, visit the Dual Degrees Programs page.

Other JD Admissions Options

Curriculum & Courses


FALL FIRST-YEAR COURSES

  • Civil Procedure
  • Contracts
  • Torts
  • Legal Methods
  • Legal Research

SPRING FIRST-YEAR COURSES

  • Constitutional Law I
  • Property
  • Criminal Law
  • Legal Methods

COURSE OFFERINGS BY CURRICULAR AREA

CURRICULAR AREA
Business, Real Estate, and Tax
Criminal Law
Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources
Family and Gender / Sexuality Law
International Law
Intellectual Property
Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Public Interest Law
Skills and Practice-Oriented Training (plus 20+ clinics)

The information above is a sample of curricular offerings. To see detailed curricular maps of suggested courses in legal specialties, as well as current course offerings, visit our Office of Student Affairs page.

Important Dates and Deadlines


2023-2024

*The Early Decision application program is binding; thus, if you apply, and you are subsequently admitted, you commit to enrolling at and attending the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. If you submit your completed Early Decision application by October 27, you will be notified of your application status on or by November 17.

**Completed applications received after the final deadline will be reviewed if seats remain available.

JD Application Requirements

(See our 2022 fall application and financial aid workshops).


*Files will be processed if a valid LSAT score and LSAT writing sample are on file unless the candidate requests a hold on review.

Admission Factors


When we assess applicants for admissions, academic aptitude is not the only factor considered. Below is a list of criteria to keep in mind:

Academic Factors

  • LSAT score(s)
  • Undergraduate GPA
  • Advanced work, other degrees
  • Major
  • Difficulty of college course work
  • Grade trends
  • Dominant language or other language skills
  • Quality of high school and prior academic experience
  • Family education history
  • Other test scores
  • Hours worked and other responsibilities during school

Demographics

  • Age (Life experience)
  • Gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Geographic residence
  • Socioeconomic status, family size
  • Multicultural experiences
  • Growing up in a low-income community
  • Law related experience or knowledge
  • Military status
  • Work experience
  • Position
  • Level of responsibility achieved
  • Full time, part time
  • Number of years worked
  • Type of industry or business
  • Follow-through ability

Leadership and Extracurricular Factors

  • Undergraduate or graduate leadership activities
  • Community leadership/accomplishments
  • Volunteer activities
  • Academic leadership and organizations
  • Civic engagement
  • Athletic activities
  • Travel, foreign living
  • Service activities

Accomplishments

  • Special skills and talents
  • Music, drama, writing, artistic

After You Apply


Track your application status here.

Admissions FAQ


For frequently asked admissions questions, visit the Admission FAQ page.