Academics
Get ready for an inspiring legal education that produces the best in the profession.
At William & Mary Law School, we believe that we prepare students for the ethical practice of law better than any other program in the country.
It all starts with our philosophy of the citizen lawyer, the Jeffersonian ideal of the lawyer as skilled advocate and devoted public servant. That concept translates into an academic curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and the "human element" of the law—compassion, ethics and public service.
In our flagship J.D. program, first-year courses do more than cover the basics. In addition to required coursework in civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property and torts, every 1L is assigned to a "law firm" as part of W&M’s groundbreaking Legal Skills Program. You’ll research, draft memos, negotiate, argue motions, file documents in court and take mock cases to trial. From the very first day, you'll be putting ethical lawyering skills to practice in a supportive academic setting.
Legal Skills continues into the second year of law school, where you’ll use the McGlothlin Courtroom—the most technologically advanced in the nation—to get firsthand experience with the latest courtroom technology.
Starting in the second year, you'll also choose from nearly 100 different elective course offerings. Every aspect of modern law practice is covered, from malpractice to terrorism to white collar crime. Many of the upper-level electives have powerful community service components. Our clinics will have you representing veterans and children who are disabled, working with Legal Aid, researching cases of the wrongfully accused, exploring the intricacies of tax law, and advocating for victims of domestic violence.
All the while, you'll be engaged in learning opportunities outside the classroom through the Law School's 34 student organizations and four student-edited journals. Participation in some of these endeavors, such as the National Trial Team and and journals, are eligible for credit.
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