A Progression of Learning
A groundbreaking model of legal education
Elon Law’s innovative curriculum positions you to excel in the rapidly evolving legal profession. In keeping with the school’s vision to be a pioneering “law school with a difference” and in emphasizing learning by doing, our program is designed with you in mind: highly experiential, personalized and professionally connected. Elon Law emphasizes learning by doing unlike any other American law school.
Highlights of Elon Law’s program:
- The first and only law school to ensure that all students benefit from full-time, course-connected residencies in the practice of law
- Experiential learning integrated throughout the curriculum, representing more than 20 percent of program
- An introductory course for all students to develop skills essential for success in law school and the legal profession, including legal analysis, writing and professionalism
- A seven-trimester schedule in which students complete their studies in December, allowing them to take the February bar exam and begin law practice in the spring
- A reduced tuition 20 percent lower than the private law school average and guaranteed not to increase once a student enrolls, plus substantial scholarship and fellowship opportunities
The best thing about an education at Elon Law can be summed up in one word: versatility. I was able to learn in classrooms, practice in court, compete against teams from law schools all over the state, and meet judges and attorneys from across the country. And because of this, I was prepared for the bar exam, and am more than prepared for anything a job may throw at me.
Elon fosters an environment that allows academic pressure to give way to true experiential learning. Competition has transformed into collaboration. Mentors have become friends. And the journey to a becoming an attorney has become an exhilarating ride.
Because of Elon Law's leadership courses and experiential learning curriculum, I am equipped with knowledge necessary to thrive in the legal profession. Elon Law not only challenged me to think like a lawyer – it provided me with the skills and resources to be successful in the practice of law.
My time at Elon Law was an experience I will never forget. It challenged me to overcome anything. I feel completely prepared to dive in and succeed in the legal profession.
The Preeminent School for Engaged & Experiential Learning in Law
Elon Law’s innovative curriculum draws inspiration from Elon University’s widely recognized position as the nation’s preeminent university for engaged global learning. It also builds on the signature programs that have earned national recognition for the law school since it was established in 2006. Elon Law graduates have a distinct career advantage because of the close working relationships they have enjoyed with practicing attorneys, as well as with Elon faculty, all of whom have significant legal practice experience and scholarly accomplishments.
Learning By Doing
- Real-world experience for all students through full-time residencies in the practice of law provided during the academic year, rather than summer months when there is strong competition for placements
- First-year lab experiences with case simulations led by accomplished practicing attorneys
- Extensive opportunities for in-depth learning in legal clinics, clerkships and internships
- Trial advocacy courses grounded in practice simulations, plus nationally competitive Moot Court and Mock Trial programs
Rigorous Foundation of Legal Knowledge and Skills
- A strategic sequence of courses and experiences from day one to graduation, in which students take on increasing levels of responsibility in legal practice
- Foundational introductory courses in legal analysis, writing, leadership and professionalism
- Legal communications emphasis for all students in every trimester
- Bridge-to-Practice courses transitioning students from legal theory to practice in their areas of interest
Highly Personal & Professionally Connected
- Career and academic advisers provide guidance in selecting courses, identifying legal practice experiences and developing custom pathways to career success
- Workshops and career development programs help students make networking connections and develop professional portfolios
- One of the few U.S. law schools that is home to a working court – the North Carolina Business Court
Outstanding Value
- A program designed to lower the cost of legal education and prepare students for early entry into the job market
- Tuition that is 20 percent lower than the national average for private law schools and guaranteed not to increase once you matriculate
- Extensive scholarship and fellowship opportunities for many qualified applicants
- Seven-trimester (2.5-year) curriculum allows students to graduate in December, take the February bar exam and begin their careers in the spring while students in traditional programs study for the July bar exam
Elon Law’s Curriculum: A Progression of Learning, Lawyering & Leadership
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Jun
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Jul
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AugIntro to Legal Studies, Writing, Leadership
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Sep
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SepTrimester 1
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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DecBreak
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JanTrimester 2
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Feb
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Mar
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MarSpring Break
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AprTrimester 3
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May
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Jun
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JunSUMMER BREAK
Optional courses / experiences -
Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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SepTrimester 4
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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DecBreak
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JanTrimester 5**Students will benefit from a full-time, course-connected residency-in-practice during one of the second-year trimesters.
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Feb
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Mar
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MarSpring Break
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AprTrimester 6**
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May
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Jun
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JunSUMMER BREAK
Optional courses / experiences -
Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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SepTrimester 7
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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DecGraduation*
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
* Students may opt to continue their studies beyond December with additional JD courses or dual degree program courses, including courses to complete an MBA degree
** Students will benefit from a full-time, course-connected residency-in-practice during one of the second-year trimesters.