Curriculum-At-A-Glance

5 concentrations, 8-16 units per semester, Clinic and Externship Opportunities, Full-Time and Part-Time Program Options

Law school has been my dream since childhood, but with two young daughters, I didn’t think it was possible. Southwestern’s Online J.D. gave me the flexibility to study around family life while still receiving a rigorous, ABA-accredited education. With supportive faculty and a close-knit community, I have the tools not just to survive law school, but to thrive. Now I’m pursuing my dream without sacrificing time with the people who matter most." - Tamar Bronstein, 2L, Dean’s Merit Scholar

Our cutting-edge curriculum is taught by outstanding faculty and will equip you with the legal, analytical, and practical skills that are key to becoming a successful lawyer. All classes in the program are offered online, and most are offered asynchronously with optional Zoom sessions to allow you maximum scheduling and geographic flexibility. We also offer Online J.D. students the opportunity to take upper-level electives synchronously or in-person.

Highly Qualified Faculty: Learn from the Best, Wherever You Are

ÍâÍøÌìÌÃ's Online J.D. program isn't just any online program—it's an extension of our campus, and that includes our exceptional faculty. Taught by the same full-time and adjunct faculty who teach our residential courses, the online program offers you unparalleled access to experts in the legal field who are committed to your academic and professional success.  

Our faculty members bring a wealth of professional experience and academic accolades, providing not just theoretical instruction but also real-world insights that will help prepare you for a successful legal career.

Concentrations

Southwestern offers opportunities to study different areas of law. In addition, online students can customize their J.D. by participating in the following concentrations: 

  • Civil Litigation & Advocacy
  • Criminal Law
  • Entertainment & Media Law
  • Public Interest Law
  • Technology Law & Entrepreneurship

Although Online J.D. students will be eligible to participate in these five concentration programs, students who want to complete the program in an entirely asynchronous format may not have the full selection of concentration electives available. Online J.D. students can take residential electives in person or synchronously (by Zoom), should their schedule allow. 

Please view the Concentrations & Customizations page for Concentration requirements. 

Online J.D. Required Courses

The charts below list required courses. Students will have an opportunity to explore additional electives and experiential opportunities. 

Full-Time J.D. (3 years)
1L Required Courses
Constitutional Law I and II
Constitutional Criminal Procedure or an Elective
Contracts I and II
Criminal Law
Foundations of Law and Practice
LAWS I and II
Property
Torts
2L Required Courses
Business Associations
Civil Procedure I and II
Evidence
Legal Profession
Practical Lawyering Skills
3L Required Courses
Family Law
Bar Skills & Strategies
Wills & Trusts

 Full-time students take 10-16 units per semester.

In addition to the courses listed above, upper-level students are required to take courses that satisfy Southwestern’s Experiential Learning and Upper Division Writing course requirements.   

Part-Time J.D. (4 years)
1L Required Courses
Contracts I and II
Criminal Law
Foundations of Law and Practice
LAWS I and II
Torts
2L Required Courses
Civil Procedure I and II
Constitutional Law I and II
Constitutional Criminal Procedure or an Elective
Property
3L Required Courses
Business Associations
Community Property
Evidence
Family Law
Legal Profession
Practical Lawyering Skills
4L Required Courses
Bar Skills & Strategies
Wills & Trusts

Summer

Part-time students are expected to attend classes and/or do an externship during at least 2 of the 3 summers (10 units of electives).

Part-time students take 8-11 units per semester.

Share: