Curriculum

Students in classroomWe offer a broad array of elective courses in addition to our required curriculum. We also provide opportunities for obtaining a certificate acknowledging in-depth study in the areas of American Indian Law, Environmental and Natural Resources Law or Natural Resources Conflict Resolution.

1L

The first-year curriculum focuses on foundational legal concepts and consists of required classes. It combines theory and practice. For example, you may learn the elements of negligence in Torts and then apply those elements in a summary judgment brief in Legal Writing. Our Law Firm Program supports this integration of theory and practice by placing 1L students in small groups for simulations and legal research instruction. These courses also prepare you for topic areas generally covered by the bar exam.

2L

Similar to the 1L required curriculum, the 2L required curriculum also combines theory and practice by leading you through practical exercises in which you apply your doctrinal knowledge. For example, you will learn the Rules of Evidence in Evidence class and apply those rules in Pretrial Litigation class.

Starting in the fall semester of the second year, you may select additional courses from a selection of elective offerings. With the approval of the Curriculum Committee, you may also undertake one independent study project with a faculty advisor or up to six graduate-level credits in other departments for law credit during the second of third year.

3L

During the third year of law school, you move from skills simulation to the representation of clients as part of our clinic program. You generally tailor the remainder of your third year courses according to your interests by choosing from our elective offerings.

Required Courses

First-Year Required Courses

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Spring Semester (15 credits)
  • Civil Procedure (4 credits)
  • Contracts (4 credits)
  • Criminal Law (3 credits)
  • Lawyering Fundamentals:
    • Legal Analysis (2 credits)
    • Research  (2 credits)
  • Constitutional Law (4 credits)
  • Lawyering Fundamentals:
    • Legal Writing (3 credits)
  • Property (4 credits)
  • Torts (4 credits)

Second-Year Required Courses

Fall Semester (6 credits) Spring Semester (6 credits)
  • Evidence (3 credits)
  • Business Transactions (3 credits)
  • Professional Responsibility (3 credits)
  • Pretrial Litigation  (3 credits)

Third-Year Required Courses

Clinic (4 credits) - May also be completed during the summer immediately prior to 3L year. 

Advanced Writing Requirement

By the time of graduation, you must also satisfy an Advanced Writing Requirement by completing a project on a topic of your choice.

Oral Advocacy Requirement

The Oral Advocacy Requirement is satisfied in specially designated upper-division simulations or co-curriculars in which oral argument before a tribunal is a substantial share of total assessment. These include Appellate Advocacy, NALSA Moot Court, National Environmental Moot Court, National Moot Court, National Trial Competition and Trial Practice.

Shaping Your Law Degree

Our curriculum offers courses across a range of interests generally aligned with the major practice areas in the Rocky Mountain West. If you have an interest in an area of law, you might consider a series of related courses. Faculty advisors are also available to help you select courses that match your interests. Importantly, regardless of your particular area of interest, all of our courses aim to help you succeed in your career beyond law school.

We offer the following joint degree programs:

  • JD/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • JD/Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MS)
  • JD/Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • JD/Master of Social Work (MSW)

We offer the following certificate programs:


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