Rules for Graduation Requirements
Graduation requires 90 course credits, plus 30 hours of public service work. Please consult the Academic Rules in our Student Handbook for more detailed information on our graduation requirements.
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First Year
In our required first-year litigation and transactional skills labs, you will draft complaints and contracts, engage in discovery, interview clients, and develop the skills future employers will expect of you.
Our required legal theory class, Perspectives on the Law, ensures that you understand the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the law. We aim to produce lawyers, who are well-rounded, effective, and thoughtful counselors and advocates.
Meanwhile, we do not neglect traditional doctrinal first-year studies. You will take focused versions of such traditional first-year courses as Torts, Civil Procedure, and Property.
Fall
Civil Procedure – 4 Credits
Torts – 4 Credits
Criminal Law – 3 Credits
Legal Research & Writing I – 2 Credits
Litigation Skills & Professionalism Lab – 2 CreditsSpring
Contracts – 4 Credits
Property – 4 Credits
Perspectives on the Law – 3 Credits
Legal Research & Writing II – 2 Credits
Transactional Skills & Professionalism Lab – 2 Credits
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Second and Third Years
After the first year, you can choose from a wide variety of classes that emphasize practical skills, theory, or a combination of both.
Second Year Required Courses
Constitutional Law I (Governmental Structure) – 3 Credits
Constitutional Law II (Civil Liberties) – 3 Credits
Legal Research & Writing III (Litigation) – 2 Credits
Legal Research & Writing IV (Transactional) – 2 Credits
Professional Responsibility – 3 Credits
Evidence – 3 Credits -
Learn By Doing
As a capstone experience, you will be required to engage in experiential learning, serving real clients while working with practicing lawyers or judges. You may complete this requirement in our legal clinic, or in community placements through our externship program.
Students may fulfill the 3 credit hour Experiential Learning Requirement during their second or third year of Law School. In order to complete the ELR during the second year, the student must be concurrently enrolled in or have completed Professional Responsibility.
Students must apply for their Externship or Legal Clinic experience. Contact the Externship or Legal Clinic for application information each semester.
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Students may choose to pursue a dual degree while attending Gonzaga University School of Law. Classes required for graduation with a dual degree may vary slightly. Please consult the specific program requirements for your desired dual-degree program to ensure all graduation requirements of both programs are met.
Dual Degrees Offered
JD / Master of Accountancy
JD / Master of Business Administration
JD / Master of Social Work
