The JD Program at Hofstra Law
Combining Legal Theory and Practical Skill
Hofstra Law's JD Program provides an education rich in both the theory and skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers. Our students have long been involved in clinical programs, fellowships, externships and pro bono opportunities that give them real attorney experience - practicing alongside veteran lawyers - before they've graduated.
9:1
Student-to-Faculty ratio
Our accomplished professors and scholars take the time to get to know you and your goals on day one, and remain committed to your success through bar passage and beyond.
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Clinical Programs and Practicums
Hofstra Law is widely recognized as a pioneer in fully integrating clinical education into a traditional law school curriculum.
#48
Ranked Nationally for Grads Hired at Top 100 Law Firms
Our alumni work for big law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations in New York City, Long Island and beyond. Ranking is according to Law.com.
JD Program Concentrations to Define Your Path
Whether you are interested in business law, family law, legal ethics or public service, Hofstra Law has developed innovative programs that allow you to focus your studies in a particular interest area and acquire the tools needed to gain an edge in your chosen field.
The Juris Doctor Degree at a Glance
Your Path to Success Starts Here
Full-time and part-time programs available
87 credit hours to completion
200+ courses to choose from
1L Year has eight required courses
2L Year includes experiential lawyering course
Bar Prep Access from day one
Juris Doctor Degree Curriculum & Coursework
Hofstra Law offers a wide and diverse range of courses.
Our customized curriculum adapts to the rapid changes of the legal marketplace, while preparing students to be lawyers and leaders in any field they choose.
Required Second-Year Experiential Course
With the legal market demanding more skills-based training, we have developed the course Foundational Lawyering Skills to introduce students to core lawyering skills essential to effective practice. This required course, offered in the fall semester of the second year, is taught in three intensive modules that focus on practice-ready research and writing; fact investigation and witness examination; and client interviewing, counseling and negotiation. Each module begins with a lecture to teach students a lawyering skill, followed by breakout classes in which students perform and practice the skill and receive individualized feedback.
Joint JD Degree Programs
JD/MA in Bioethics
As careers in and around health law increasingly confront ethical challenges, students in the JD/MA in Bioethics program are trained to enter a wide variety of jobs in government, community health, hospitals, and law offices that serve health care facilities, providers, and patient groups.
JD/Master of Business Administration
The JD/MBA program provides students with a strong and comprehensive foundation for careers in both law and business, on an accelerated four-year schedule.
JD/Master of Public Health
As legal and policy changes increasingly become important tools to improve the health of the public, students in the JD/MPH program will become familiar with the links between law and the delivery of health care, and will focus on issues related to population health.
JD/Master of Linguistics: Forensic Linguistics
Experts in the field of forensic linguistics are employed in a variety of institutions, including law enforcement agencies and academia, and they testify regularly in court. The joint JD/MALFL program allows students to integrate both fields by participating in internships and coursework that specifically link legal and forensic linguistic training.
Our JD Program on Long Island Means Experiential Learning Opportunities Abound
Located 25 miles from Manhattan, Hofstra Law places students in an opportunity-rich environment during and after law school.
- Students have access to hands-on learning and practical training in the form of clinical programs, externships, internships, fellowships, pro bono work, and skills courses.
- Hands-on learning teaches students business development and networking skills, how to use technology in legal practice, and how to understand law in a global context.
JD Program Admissions Requirements
The admissions process seeks to identify and select a diverse group of talented students that will continue our tradition of excellence in the legal and business worlds.
Applicants must have earned a U.S. Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent, from an accredited four-year institution recognized by the American Bar Association, and have taken or plan to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
JD Program Dates & Deadlines
To enroll at Hofstra Law, please note these important deadlines:
- JD Early Action (Non-Binding) Application Deadline: November 15
- Admitted Student Day: April 6
- JD 1L Regular Decision Priority Deadline: April 15
- Fellowship and Scholarship Deadline: June 16
All applicants, including transfer and visiting students, should visit the How to Apply page for details, dates and deadlines.
Cost & Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid is committed to making our programs accessible to students. Law students can receive aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships, loans, and work-study.
FAFSA completion is required to be considered for financial aid. Students receive automatic consideration for institutional merit scholarships after submitting their application.
Career Support Resources
Career Services is with students every step of the way to help you stand out! Each student has a dedicated career counselor throughout their time at Hofstra Law.
Our model works as 96% of the Class of 2023 were employed within 10 months of graduation according to the National Association of Law Placement (NALP).
Alumni Spotlight
Meghan Hassan '22
"At Hofstra Law, I realized that I could have an impact on the way communities are formed, and honed in on a specialized area of study that interested me."
Student Spotlight
Quintin Burian 2L
"Hofstra Law has been preparing me through practical training experiences since 1L year. Competing in moot court taught me the art of public speaking, while legal writing provided me with the skills to co-author written briefs.”
Student Spotlight
Elkana Alenxandre 3L
"My experience in the Hofstra Law clinics is heartfelt work, and makes you feel like you are doing something meaningful."
Get in Touch with the Enrollment Team
Need more information? Want to talk to someone at Hofstra Law? We've got plenty of options to help you on your way to joining our community.
EMAIL: lawadmissions@hofstra.edu
CALL: (516) 463-5916
Thank you for your interest in Hofstra Law!
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