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JD Admissions

The Juris Doctor Program

At Yale Law School, students immerse themselves in big ideas, work closely with leading scholars, and gain incredible hands-on experience serving clients and communities in New Haven, across the country, and around the world.

Yale Law School’s small student-faculty ratio creates exceptional learning experiences, including the 1L small group. During their first semester, students are assigned to a small group of 16-18 people for one of their four classes and take their first-semester classes together. This cohort helps students develop bonds with their peers and close connections to faculty.

Students have countless opportunities to engage in research and writing under the supervision of the Law School’s world-renowned faculty. As part of the J.D. degree program, every student works closely with the faculty to complete two major research papers, and some students go on to publish their work. 

Yale Law School offers a variety of clinics and centers that provide opportunities to focus on specific areas of law, from veterans’ rights to criminal justice and environmental protection. Students can enroll in a clinic as early as the second semester of their first year. There is no shortage of ways for students to engage with the law, explore their interests, and learn the critical skills needed to lead and serve.

The Tsai Leadership Program offers robust, cross-disciplinary training that enhances the traditional law school curriculum. Students can take courses including accounting and corporate finance, ethical decision-making, and organizational leadership, along with varied mentoring and professional development opportunities. The program equips students with the intellectual foundation and skills that are applicable and transferable to any career, including paths outside of traditional lawyering.

Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to work with faculty members as research and teaching assistants and collaborate with peers through a thriving network of student organizations and journals. Yale Law School students leave law school with a broad skill set that provides unlimited career possibilities and personal and professional connections that last a lifetime.

students chatting in the Courtyard
students chatting in the Courtyard

YLS by the Numbers

Yale Law School offers an unmatched intellectual environment with numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the law and make a positive impact on society. Learn more about what sets Yale Law School apart as a leader in legal education.

Senator Richard Blumenthal speaks into a microphone at the Solomon Center's Elder Justice conference as Abby Gluck looks on.
Centers and Workshops

Yale Law School enhances the intellectual life of our academic community by sponsoring a variety of centers, programs, and workshops inspired by the interests of our faculty and students.

Centers & Workshops
Areas of Study

A group of students wearing dark blue Yale t-shirts pose in a park with a football on the ground in front of them
Student Life

Yale Law School students take part in a wide array of student organizations, law journals, and affinity groups, and enjoy the many social and recreational opportunities that the New Haven area offers.

Student Services
Student Organizations

A female student wearing a suit and name tag smiles as she is interviewed by an older woman speaking to her and gesturing with her palms raised.
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

front of Sterling Law Building
front of Sterling Law Building

Take a Virtual Tour of YLS

Explore our campus and learn more about academics, student life, clinics, admissions, financial aid, and more.

Most people think there is a giant gap between doing academic work and doing real practice work. This law school has relentlessly refused to accept that gap. And you see it every day.