Juris Doctor Degree

Upper-Class Writing Requirements

All students must satisfy two upper-class writing requirements. The first upper-class writing requirement (Writing Requirement I) is satisfied by writing a substantial scholarly research paper in a seminar taught by a full-time faculty member (including visiting faculty) or, alternatively, by registering for and submitting a substantial research paper for an independent study. The minimum acceptable grade for Writing Requirement I for both of these alternatives is C+. The grade of C+ must be for the paper itself, not a course grade that has been increased to reflect class participation. Writing Requirement I may also be satisfied by writing a publishable note for the Hofstra Law Review, the Hofstra Labor and Employment Law Journal, or by writing for the Family Court Review or the Journal of International Business and Law provided that the award of writing credit has been approved by the appropriate Board of Faculty Advisors. Courses that may be taken to satisfy Writing Requirement I are listed in each semester’s registration materials.

Writing Requirement II may be satisfied by writing a substantial research paper in a seminar or independent study, or by writing a paper or series of papers in a drafting, simulation, clinical or other course. Courses that may be taken to satisfy Writing Requirement II are listed in each semester’s registration materials. The cumulative writing necessary to meet Writing Requirement II must be at least 20 pages, and the writing must involve legal analysis, legal reasoning, and/or philosophical reflection. The minimum acceptable grade for Writing Requirement II is C+. The grade of C+ must be for the paper itself, not a course grade that has been increased to reflect class participation.

Intensive faculty supervision is required to satisfy either writing requirement. A detailed sentence outline or draft must be submitted and commented upon by the faculty member.

The writing requirements need not be taken in any particular order. Thus, a student may complete Writing Requirement II before completing Writing Requirement I.