There are many requirements to earn a law degree.
The Juris Doctorate degree programs offered at any reputable law school will prepare students for a variety of careers in the legal industry, including but not limited to practice as a licensed attorney. Some J.D. programs are part-time or even completed through online coursework, and the number of credits required for graduation will vary from school to school. However, all degrees are awarded through a combination of law-school coursework, seminars and clinics, plus independent study, internship or externship experience, and research.
Writing Requirements
All law school students must take at least 3-4 hours of legal writing, which generally equates to one first-year writing course each semester. In addition to this standard law-school writing requirement, the American Bar Association requires students in pursuit of a Juris Doctor to complete an upper-level writing requirement as well. This requirement is normally satisfied in the form of a 30-plus page research paper on which the student has been mentored by a faculty member. It is generally required that the student writes at least one draft and submits it to the faculty member for feedback before producing the final copy.
Legal Ethics Requirement
Juris Doctor students are also required to take a minimum of two credits of legal ethics coursework. These credits are usually fulfilled in the form of two one-credit courses focused on the instruction and application of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Most law schools do offer single two-credit ethics courses as well. Once the instructional class is completed, students are free to pursue enrollment in clinics or externships. In some instances, taking a clinical course can give the student credit for the application portion of the ethics requirement.
Professional Skills Requirement
Before you pursue a career in law via the Juris Doctor Degree, the American Bar Association requires you to receive instruction in a set of "professional skills generally regarded as necessary for effective and responsible participation in the legal profession." This requirement can be met via enrollment in a clinic or externship, the completion of the capstone project, or enrollment in certain courses offered by the law school. Qualifying courses often include electives applicable to the student's concentration or area of interest.
Satisfying Credit Requirements
In addition to the above requirements that students must fulfill to receive a Juris Doctor, they must also take basic courses to accumulate the total number of credits required for graduation from the law school of their choice. The first year of law school is usually planned for the student, and includes mandatory courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, property and torts, to give students exposure to many different kinds of legal practice. It is once the student completes the required courses that he or she chooses what classes will be taken to fulfill the ABA requirements.
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