Individuals wishing to pursue a career as attorneys, judges or legal professors can obtain a degree from a school specializing in the study of law. The most common degree is a doctorate of jurisprudence or Juris Doctorate (JD). Legal law masters are also available to students who desire to practice law internationally. There are five schools of law in Tennessee for students to choose from. Night school and part-time programs are available.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University in Nashville offers a rigorous academic program for the study of law. The school offers three degrees: Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), Master of Law (L.L.M) and a Ph.D. in law and economics. Several joint degree programs are also offered, including a join J.D. and medical doctorate (M.D.) and J.D. and Master of Divinity for students wishing to pursue a career in Christian ministry. Admission to Vanderbilt Law is highly competitive. In 2010, Vanderbilt received 4,885 applications for 195 available slots. Students may apply online between September 15 and March 15 for the following fall.
University of Tennessee College of Law
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree through its College of Law. Students embark on a three-year program, using the first two years to study theoretical foundations of law, such as civil procedure, criminal law and tort law. In the third year, students can work with in a variety of legal clinics, including domestic violence clinic, environmental law clinic and business law clinic depending on their career aspirations. The college also boasts the Center for Entrepreneurial Law and the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution for students wishing to delve deeper in these areas. Applications can be submitted online.
University of Memphis
The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis offers a J.D. program along with a joint programs in business administration and political science. The university legal clinic provides legal aid to underserved citizens in the surrounding area. Students may pursue a part-time course of study. Applicants from Crittenden County, Arkansas, and Desoto, Marshall, Tate and Tunica counties in Mississippi will be considered Tennessee residents for tuition purposes. Applications must be submitted online.
Nashville School of Law
Nashville School of Law is a night school offering a J.D. program at a discount price. Students spend four years obtaining a J.D. through this program. Courses include accounting for lawyers, advanced legal writing and constitutional law. Applications must be submitted by mail.
Duncan School of Law
Students may also earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville. Thirty hours of pro bono legal services are required prior to graduation from the program. These hours are often used to serve residents of the Appalachian Mountains, who are traditionally underserved.
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