Juris Doctor (JD)

School/Division: Gould School of Law

Degree/Certificate: Juris Doctor

Law is the foundation upon which all societies rest. Just about every part of our lives is touched by lawyers. Legal scholars and lawyers make fundamental contributions to the way in which society is governed — from financial markets to air travel and food safety. USC Gould is committed to providing a legal education that trains tomorrow’s leaders in business, government and public service.

Our Juris Doctor (JD) will empower you with a strong grasp of the foundations of law and enable you to make a seamless transition into practice, no matter what your career interests.

USC Gould is a small, diverse law school, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Our atmosphere is supportive and collegial. Our stellar professors know you by your first name, and your fellow students are your colleagues, not your competition. Our classes are rigorous and challenging, as well as interdisciplinary and experiential. From hands-on clinics and dual degrees, to alliances with world-class universities for study abroad opportunities, you will find your passion and see it fulfilled through an individualized course of study.

Licensure Statement

As an ABA accredited school, a J.D. from the USC Gould School of Law prepares students to take the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction. For states listed as “meets requirements” in the table to the right, this means that a J.D. from USC provides the academic qualification necessary to sit for the bar.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

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