The Juris Doctor Program

Yale Law School is an extraordinary community in which to study law. Our world-renowned faculty teach a wide array of courses and there are countless opportunities for independent research, writing, and student-organized seminars. 

Students are encouraged to learn deeply and investigate their own ideas about the law. Every student works closely with the faculty to complete two major research papers, and many students go on to publish their work. 

Outside of the classroom, students have the opportunity to work with faculty members as research and teaching assistants. Yale Law School students leave law school with personal and professional connections that last throughout their careers.

In addition, Yale Law School fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition. In the first term, all classes are ungraded. After that, classes are graded on an honors/pass/low pass basis with the option to take classes credit/fail. There is no curve and no class rank.

Centers and Programs

Faculty and students at Yale Law School can extend the curriculum and further pursue their interests through a variety of centers, programs, and workshops.

Centers & Programs
Areas of Study

Student Life

Yale Law School students are campus and community leaders, taking part in an array of student organizations (as well as editing the School's nine journals) and enjoying the social and recreational opportunities that the New Haven area has to offer.

Student Services
Student Organizations

Careers

The Career Development Office (CDO) works with students and alumni to support their searches for rewarding careers by helping them assess their goals, research possible positions, and apply for jobs.

Career Development
Complete Employment Statistics

“

You don’t have to be a lawyer, but you have to be an involved person. You have to care enough about things to do something about them. It doesn’t have to be politics. It can be your church, your school, your community center; however, you want to be involved. What you cannot do is ignore things.”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Class of 1979