J.D.

The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University prepares passionate students to have an impact in the legal community and beyond.

Since 1970, Hofstra Law has provided an education rich in both the theory and skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers, business executives, and community leaders.

Located on the 240-acre campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, Hofstra Law is 20 miles outside New York City in suburban Long Island. Few, if any, law schools can match the combination of our green campus and easy access to New York City, the hub of the nation's legal profession.

Hofstra Law is widely recognized as a pioneer in fully integrating clinical education into a traditional law school curriculum. By the late 1970s, the school had one of the largest clinical programs in the nation. Over the years, our clinics have become well known in legal circles in the metropolitan area. As students represent individuals facing real legal challenges, they gain valuable hands-on experience: they advocate in court, counsel clients, conduct fact investigations, and mediate disputes.

Now, with the legal market demanding more skills-based training, we have developed new required skills modules to introduce second-year students to core lawyering skills essential to effective practice. With more than 200 upper-level courses, you can explore almost any area of law and choose a concentration in alternative dispute resolution, business law, criminal law and procedure, energy and environmental law, family law, health law, intellectual property law, or international law.

Admissions

Admission to the Maurice A. Deane School of Law’s J.D. program is competitive; for the fall of 2015, we received about 1,900 applications and our first-year-class size is 255 students.

Our law students enjoy a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, can enroll in extensive research and writing courses, have access to a study abroad program and learn in strong practical, skills-based experiential learning programs.

Full-Time and Part-Time Programs

The J.D. program has full-time and part-time day programs; the admissions requirements are the same for both.

The part-time program is for students who are unable to carry a full five-course load, but the part-time classes still meet five days a week so that law school can be completed in four years.

Joint J.D./M.B.A. and J.D./M.P.H. Programs

In addition to the traditional Juris Doctor program, Hofstra Law offers joint J.D./M.B.A. and J.D./M.P.H. programs.

Your Career

Distinguish Yourself

Our Office of Career Services (OCS) is committed to helping you stand out. During our Professional Development Boot Camp, we bring in consultants — who work with many of the top law firms in the country — to hone your oral and written communication skills.

Discover Your Passion

The Discover Your Passion series brings a group of alumni who specialize in a particular area of law back to campus to serve as panelists and speak with you about their careers.

OCS Services

• One-On-One Career Coaching
• Personal Branding and Marketing
• Resume and Cover Letter Preparation
• Interview Training
• Professional Development Training