Traditional Juris Doctor (JD) Curriculum
Program Curriculum
First-year law students follow a rigorous course of study in the following subjects: Civil Procedure, Constitutional Structure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Introduction to Professional Formation, Legal Research and Writing, Property, and Torts.
After the first year, students are required to complete 20-23 units of additional required courses, including: Constitutional Law- Individual Rights and Liberties, Corporations, Criminal Procedure, Ethical Lawyering, Evidence, Remedies, and Wills and Trusts.
Students also have the opportunity to select from a broad range of elective courses, clinics, externships, practicums, and student-edited journals. Students may choose to pursue a concentration in an area of interest. The Caruso School of Law offers five certificate programs: (1) a certificate in criminal legal practice; (2) a certificate in dispute resolution; (3) a certificate in international and comparative law; (4) a certificate in law and entrepreneurship; and (5) a certificate in entertainment, media, and sports law.
Experiential Learning
In 2020, National Jurist ranked Pepperdine Caruso Law 10th in the nation for Practical Training, a top-ranked school in California. Hands-on learning opportunities include clinical work, externships, practicums, and study abroad opportunities.
Areas of Interest
JD candidates at Pepperdine Caruso Law can tailor their studies to prepare for careers in areas such as criminal law, entertainment, media, and sports, public interest, and real estate.