Juris Doctor (J.D.)

NIU Law has a rich history of excellence in legal education, cutting edge research and public service. When you receive your J.D. from NIU, you receive the benefit of our focused core curriculum, experiential learning and distingushed faculty and alumni network.

Learn more about coursework and other requirements.

Excellence

We prepare you for the practice of law with a core curriculum that emphasizes required bar courses, and offer courses in fields including:

  • Civil Rights
  • Constitutional Law
  • Business and Commercial Law
  • Labor and Employment Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Family and Juvenile Law
  • Immigration
  • Environmental Law

Innovation

We are a leader in experiential education — offering a range of clinics and externship placements with government agencies, civil and criminal courts, prosecutors and other public interest employers.

Impact

Our faculty of distinguished legal scholars put teaching first. Small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio of 7.3:1 allows you to engage faculty directly. Our graduates offer a professional network to support learning and employment opportunities, and help facilitate your transition to the legal profession.

Summer Classes

We offer upper-level courses during the summer. Classes are scheduled to provide opportunities for students working in the area to also earn credit toward their J.D. degree over the summer.

Registration is open to any student from an A.B.A. accredited law school, with an early registration preference for NIU students. 

We also offer one international program, located in Agen, France, during the summer.

Contact Us

Admissions
Swen Parson Hall 151
815-753-8595
law-admit@niu.edu
Dean's Office
Swen Parson Hall 270
815-753-1068

Ask the Dean