Northeastern University School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
The JD Program
Introduction
What’s the true definition of “experiential learning?” Graduating with nearly a full year of legal experience under your belt. Clinics, simulation courses, moot court competitions and other experiential learning opportunities are all part of the mix at Northeastern—just as they are at virtually every other law school—but only Northeastern guarantees every student nearly a year of full-time work experience in diverse environments through our signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. That’s why we have been nationally recognized as a top law school for practical training.
Consistently recognized as one of the top public interest law schools in the nation, the school’s commitment to social justice extends through the curriculum, co-op program, clinics, institutes and student groups, frequently reaching beyond the doors of the law school into the communities of Boston and around the globe. Our talented students, graduates, and faculty understand what it is lawyers do, how they should do it, and the difference they can make in the lives of others.
Northeastern law students are people who believe that if you don’t agree with the system, change it. They’re risk takers who enjoy using the law—and their careers—in both traditional and nontraditional ways. They’re team players who thrive when learning together, as opposed to succeeding at the expense of others. They’re realists who believe practical experience is critical to legal education, but they’re also passionate idealists who truly believe they can change the world.
The School of Law is a national leader in education, research, and service initiatives addressing the most pressing challenges facing society. Through the clinics, institutes, centers, and special programs, faculty and students advocate together for those too often underrepresented in the justice system.
Putting Public Service into Practice
Nationally recognized as a leader in public interest law, Northeastern shares, supports, and encourages our students’ passion for justice. On average, 90 percent of students fulfill the school’s public interest law requirement through a public interest co-op. In addition, students take advantage of the school’s outstanding clinics and many student organizations are dedicated to improving people’s lives.
Financing Your Education
Last year, the School of Law awarded over $6.7 million in scholarships and grants to first-year students. A variety of merit-based scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students. These merit-based scholarships are guaranteed for the upper-level years as long as the student remains in good standing. The law school also provides co-op stipends, endowed scholarships, faculty awards, and a Loan Deferral and Forgiveness Program for qualified graduates pursuing careers in public interest law.
Additional Degrees
On-Campus LLM students may choose the General Program, which offers maximum flexibility to let you take the courses you want and need — to qualify for a US bar exam or to do whatever you choose as a lawyer who wants to make a difference — or one of our concentrations, which provide a competitive advantage in specific fields of interest. Students in the 12 month On-Campus LLM program complete a full-time co-op.
The Online LLM offers a 100 percent online flexible learning format designed for working attorneys. Online LLM students have the opportunity to participate in an optional one-week immersion experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For nonlawyers, Northeastern offers a Master of Science in Media Advocacy, a Master of Legal Studies, and graduate certificates in several areas of law.
Student Life
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$56,940.00
|
| Fees |
$253.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$76,693.00
|
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
Northeastern seeks a student body with a broad set of interests, backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. Such diversity is important in a law school which must train its graduates not only to analyze and interpret the law, but also to reflect on competing viewpoints, advance arguments persuasively in a variety of forums and develop policies affecting a broad range of people.
In making admission decisions, Northeastern University School of Law gives weight to the undergraduate GPA, LSAT score and other factors candidates bring to the process. For example, in making admissions decisions, the Admissions Committee considers letters of recommendation, essays, graduate training, special academic distinctions or honors, difficulty of the academic program completed, work experience and significant achievement in nonacademic activities or public service. If it appears that an applicant experienced disadvantages that adversely affected her or his past performance, this is considered in assessing the applicant’s potential to distinguish himself or herself in the study and practice of law.
