J.D. Degree: Choose Your Path 2-, 3-, AND 4-YEAR OP TIONS

Transcription

1 J.D. Degree: Choose Your Path 2-, 3-, AND 4-YEAR OP TIONS

2 J.D Program Brooklyn Law School is the first institution in the New York metropolitan area to enable students to earn a J.D. in 2 years, and the only law school in the area to offer a range of flexible options to adapt to all prospective students needs. These options include: the accelerated 2- or 2.5-year J.D. program the standard 3-year J.D. program the extended 3.5-, 4-, or 4.5-year J.D. program Across all of the options, students have the flexibility to choose their preferred time frame. For example, candidates may apply to either the 2- or 3-year programs, or to both. Students may also extend their program by a semester or more, or for those in the 3- or 4-year programs graduate one semester early. 2-Year J.D. Brooklyn Law School s 2-year J.D. program is designed for select students seeking a rigorous legal education in an abbreviated time frame. Highly qualified and mature students with a demonstrated ability to handle a challenging work load are encouraged to apply. The program starts in May of each year. 2 The accelerated 2-year J.D. involves the same amount of work as our current standard and extended programs, but in a concentrated 24 months. To complete the degree requirements, students take courses during the summers before and after their first year; over spring and winter intersessions;

3 B R O O K L AW. E D U The value of the 2-year J.D. program was too extraordinary to pass up. By focusing on my studies year-round, I am able to start my career sooner while still taking advantage of the international and extracurricular programs Brooklyn Law School has to offer. Julia Harvey, Class of 2016 and during the traditional fall and spring semesters. Students in this program are able to take advantage of the full range of activities such as participating in extra and co-curricular activities, including clinics, externships, Moot Court, journals, and student organizations. They also enter the marketplace sooner, lowering total living expenses during their time in law school. 3

4 Sample Curriculum Below is a sample outline of coursework that a 2-year J.D. student may pursue to complete the degree. Students are eligible for clinics, certificate programs, and international studies. Incoming Summer: 6 credits 7 weeks Criminal Law (3 credits) Summer Legal Process (3 credits) 1L Fall Semester: 14 credits 13 weeks Civil Procedure (5 credits) Torts (4 credits) Fundamentals of Law Practice (2 credits) Legal Profession (3 credits) Intersession: 3 credits 2 weeks 1L Spring Semester: 16 credits (usual 1L course load) 13 weeks Middle Summer: 11 credits 7-10 weeks Regular courses Clinics/externships 2L Fall Semester: credits 13 weeks Intersession: 3 credits 2 weeks 2L Spring Semester: credits 13 weeks Total 85 credits 4

5 BROOKLAW.EDU Application Process Applications for the 2-year J.D. program will be reviewed as they are completed; it is therefore in your best interest to apply as early as possible. Please visit brooklaw.edu to review all important deadlines, procedures, and financial aid information. February March 15 May 15 May Applicants to the 2-year J.D. option must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than the February test date in the year of anticipated entry Have CAS Report and all other required documents ready Final application deadline (subject to availability of seats) Coursework for the 2-year J.D. program begins Additional Essay In addition to the Personal Statement required of all J.D. applicants, please submit a second essay, one to three pages in length, that describes your interest in and motivation for pursuing the 2-year J.D. program. The essay should not repeat what is already in your Personal Statement, nor should it simply restate your résumé. Drawing on specific examples and situations, you should delineate those aspects of your personal background, academic record, work history, and volunteer experience that reflect your ability to succeed in the rigorous learning environment of this accelerated program. Required Interview Applicants deemed competitive for admission to the 2-year J.D. program will be invited for an evaluative, personal interview with the Dean of Admissions, either in person or by phone or Skype. The purpose of this required interview is to assess your interpersonal and communication skills, maturity, and motivation. The interview will also provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the program. 5

6 Frequently Asked Questions What is the 2-year J.D. program? The 2-year J.D. program enables students to complete the entire course of study for the J.D. degree in 2 years. It has the same requirements as a 3- or 4-year program, but in a 24-month time frame. How much does it cost? The tuition rate per credit, which will be $1,526 for the academic year, will be the same for all students, regardless of the program in which they enroll. (This rate reflects a 15% reduction from the academic year s tuition costs.) Students who complete the degree in less time will, of course, have lower total living expenses during their time in law school. Can I receive merit aid? Yes. Applicants to the 2-year program are eligible for financial aid and merit scholarships to the same extent as applicants to the standard and extended programs. Who is eligible to apply? All candidates applying for admission in 2015 and beyond are eligible. How do I apply? The application process is similar to that for the BLS 3-year and 4-year programs, but there are a few special application procedures for the 2-year program, including a required interview either in person or by phone/skype. What benefits are available for veterans? For veterans with at least 90 days of service, the Post-9/11 GI Bill awards benefits to attend law school. Funds are also available for books and housing. In addition, BLS awards scholarships to many of our veterans, allowing some to attend law school without paying any out-of-pocket tuition. 6

7 BROOKLAW.EDU Can I opt out if I change my mind? Students who initially enroll in the 2-year J.D. program may later decide to complete their degree over a longer time period instead. The 2-year option simply offers added flexibility. If I am not accepted to the 2-year program, can I be accepted in another program? Yes. Applicants may still be considered for the 3- or 4-year program. Will I be guaranteed housing? Brooklyn Law School guarantees housing to all incoming students for their first year, and provides housing after the first year as available. Students in the 2-year J.D. program are offered housing on the same basis. Housing for incoming students in the 2-year program is not guaranteed until the fall semester. However, these students are given priority for summer sublets in BLS housing. For more information, please contact: Admissions Office One Boerum Place, 4th fl. Brooklyn, NY P: (718) F: (718) admitq@brooklaw.edu Cover photo: Some of the members of this year s 2-year J.D. class, along with faculty members and Dean Nick Allard. 7

8 250 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY BROOKLAW.EDU