Law (J.D.)

Graduation Requirements

Flex-Time Requirements

This option will permit certain well-qualified students to take less than the normal load of credits each semester and to graduate with a juris doctor degree within five years instead of three years. Flex-time students follow the same class schedule as all other students, but take fewer hours each semester. The program’s flexibility is designed to admit a limited number of well-qualified students who could not otherwise attend law school on a full-time basis. The Law School does not offer evening or weekend courses. Flex-time students may apply to transfer to the full-time program after completion in good standing of the first year of law studies (which is the equivalent of the first two years in the flex-time program). Students who transfer into the full-time program complete the program in four additional semesters. Flex-time students who are not in good standing at the end of the first year of law studies (two years in the flex-time program) are subject to the dismissal and probation provisions of the Law School’s Academic Rules and Student Policies. Students who remain in the flex program will complete their degree after the tenth semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcome 1 

Each student will demonstrate the ability to identify and understand key concepts in American substantive and procedural law.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Articulating foundational concepts of substantive law. 
2. Articulating foundational concepts in procedural law and recognizing their potential impact on substantive law claims. 

Learning Outcome 2 

Each student will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking to perform competent legal analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Identifying relevant rules and policies by interpreting cases, the U.S. Constitution, statutes, or administrative regulations (hereinafter referred to as “rules”). 
2. Synthesizing the rules into a logical and coherent framework for analysis. 
3. Analyzing which rule a court is likely to apply where rules conflict with, or appear to conflict with, one another. 
4. Applying the rules to the facts of a case under consideration to determine the likely outcome of that case. 

Learning Outcome 3 

Each student will demonstrate the ability to conduct effective legal research.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Analyzing the legal issues to be researched and developing a research plan. 
2. Using a commercial electronic research database to compile information regarding a given issue by creating search queries using terms and connectors. 
3. Identifying print and online sources of legal information other than those accessed through electronic research databases. 
4. Distinguishing between different types of primary law sources, and the weight, reliability, and binding or persuasive authority of each source. 
5. Evaluating the reliability of information, including but not limited to authority, credibility, currency, and authenticity. 
6. Addressing contradictory authorities. 

Learning Outcome 4 

Each student will demonstrate effective skill in legal writing and oral communication.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Drafting a legal document that is well-reasoned, clear, and organized. 
2. Drafting a persuasive legal document that is appropriate to the audience and the legal requirements governing that type of document. 
3. Demonstrating skill in oral communication. 
4. Displaying listening skills and the ability to articulate proper responses. 
5. Using proper citation forms. 

Learning Outcome 5 

Each student will demonstrate competency in the skills and methods that are essential for ethical and effective lawyering.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Employing client interviewing and counseling skills. 
2. Demonstrating the ability to solve problems on behalf of clients. 
3. Completing a substantial, professional-quality project. 
4. Demonstrating the capacity for meaningful self-directed learning. 
5. Demonstrating effective time management. 
6. Developing minimal competency in financial analysis necessary for entry level attorneys. 
7. Recognizing common ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers and resolving them through the application of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. ​
8. Showing an understanding of the values of the profession, including integrity, fairness, respect, and civility. 

Learning Outcome 6 

Each student will demonstrate an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of people they encounter, both within and outside of the profession.  Each student will demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome by: 
 

1. Exhibiting an awareness of cultural differences. 
2. Exhibiting an awareness of social differences. 

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure