JD Program

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes and performance criteria define and describe the skills students will obtain upon completion of their legal education. Graduates of Lincoln Law School of Sacramento will demonstrate competency in the areas identified in the general student learning outcomes and the more specific performance criteria necessary for admission to the California Bar and in becoming effective and ethical members of the legal profession, consistent with an entry-level practitioner.

1. Legal Foundations: Cite foundational legal theory, rules, facts and processes.
2. Legal Reasoning and Application: Interpret and apply law accurately through effective face, case law, and theory analysis.
3. Legal Research: Engage in effective legal research.
4. Communication: Deliver effective written documenta­tion and oral advocacy in a legal context.
5. Client Representation: Employ professional practices associated with client representation.
6. Ethics: Manifest professional and ethical behaviors as an officer of the court.

Graduation Requirements

Students are eligible for the degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) when they have completed the following:

1. A minimum of 86 semester units in accordance with the Law School’s prescribed curriculum;

2. Agrade point average of 2.00 or better during their final academic year and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better; and

3. A petition for graduation in their final semester. Petitions, available at the Administration Office, will be evaluated by the administration to verify that all requirements have been met by the student.

Certification for the California Bar Examination

Each student desiring to be licensed to practice law in California is required to submit an application to the Committee of Bar Examiners for eligibility to take the California Bar Examination. Forms are available online at www.calbar.ca.gov. Any student who takes the California Bar Examination before graduating from the Law School will not receive a degree.

The Law School must certify each applicant to the Committee of Bar Examiners. This certification includes character and fitness for the practice of law as well as the applicant’s completion of the academic requirements. Students will be certified by the Law School upon compliance with the rules and regulations of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.

The Structure of Law Study

The curriculum at Lincoln Law School is designed to offer students a strong foundation in a variety of legal principles. The first two years of study prepare students for more advanced law classes, while developing their skills in communication, organization, and articulation. Courses in the third and fourth years continue to develop and refine the students’ expertise in interpreting and applying legal theories.

Students may begin study at Lincoln Law School in spring, summer, or fall. First Year students entering in either spring or summer enroll in specially selected electives and begin the first-year required curriculum the following Fall Semester. This spring/summer First-Year elective courses are designed to introduce law study and provide an opportunity for students to develop legal background and study skills before entering the more rigorous First-Year required curriculum.

Required Courses

Students are typically required to take a minimum of 9 units in both Fall and Spring Semesters and typically take 2-4 units in Summer Semesters.

A total of 86 units are required for graduation, including 76 units of required courses and 10 units of elective courses.

The course schedule is as follows:

Spring/Summer First Year

Introduction to Legal Studies and Laws & the Judicial System of the United States electives are available only to new students first enrolling in either spring or summer.

Fall First Year

Summer School

Second Year

Summer School

Third Year

Summer School

Fourth Year

Electives

Below is an example of past electives offered:

• Administrative Law Practice and Procedure
• Alternative Dispute Resolution/Negotiations
• Bankruptcy
• California Healthcare Law
• Civil Law Pleading and Practice
• Criminal Law Pleading and Practice
• Employment Law
• Environmental Law
• Family Law
• Government Tort Liability
• Immigration Law
• Introduction to Legal Studies
• Introduction to the California Legislative Process
• Laws and Judicial System of the United States
• Law Practice Management
• Legal Internship
• Legal Projects
• Statutory Construction and Legislative Intent
• Street Law
• Taking and Defending Depositions
• Taxation
• Water Law
• Workers’ Compensation

Note: Electives usually are offered during the Summer Semester. Additional electives may be offered and will be announced in the class schedules published each semester. Students are encouraged to make suggestions to the dean regarding electives. *List is subject to change.

Internships

Lincoln Law School encourages its students to acquire practical experience in the legal field by performing legal duties under the supervision of an attorney. Generally, third- and fourth-year students are eligible for Legal Internship units. Second-year students and students on academic probation must receive permission from the dean before registering for these units.

The procedure for registering for Legal Internship units is set forth in the school’s Internship Policy, available at the Administration Office. A maximum of four units of credit is allowed on a Credit/No Credit basis.