Curriculum
General Information
In the 2014-2015 academic year, the Law School adopted an innovative new curriculum that becomes effective with the class entering in August 2015 (the Class of December 2017). Under that new curriculum, the Law School’s standard course of study shifts from a traditional 6-semester, 3-year program to a 7- trimester, 2.5-year program. Members of the Class of December 2017 will have a 5-week August Term, followed by a 12-week Fall Trimester, 10-week Winter Trimester, and 10-week Spring Trimester.
Members of the Classes of May 2017, remain on the traditional 6-semester, 3-year model, though these students are permitted to petition to graduate following their fifth semester, if they satisfy all graduation requirements at that time. Permission for students in the Class of May 2017 to graduate in fewer than 6 semesters is within the complete discretion of the Law School.
In addition to the required first-year curriculum, all students must take a number of upper level required courses. These upper-level required courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the bar examination and to practice successfully, as well as keeping students engaged throughout their law school careers.
Elon Law’s curriculum provides instruction in the fundamentals of law, including instruction at in legal writing, professional responsibility, skills training, and oral advocacy. In the tradition of Elon University (the “University”), the Law School curriculum also emphasizes active student engagement and leadership studies. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a rigorous intellectual foundation to become successful lawyers. In addition to the traditional doctrinal and skills courses, Elon provides instruction in speaking and presentation skills, study skills, time management, and leadership development.
The Law School’s academic program is enhanced by the proximity to Greensboro’s legal and judicial offices and through the program’s close relationship with the North Carolina Business Court. Instruction takes place in a technology-enriched environment and is complemented with frequent interactions with local professionals.