The 1L Experience
Law school—particularly the first year—has a reputation for being difficult. And yet Michigan Law students and alumni, known to rave about their time in school, frequently focus on their 1L year as a key element of their positive experience.
This is neither a coincidence nor evidence of the Admissions Office tampering with the Ann Arbor water supply. It is, however, indicative of Michigan Law’s approach to the law school experience, including the intentional design of its curriculum.
As a 1L at Michigan, you will explore legal doctrines with world-class scholars and practitioners. You will have the opportunity and flexibility to pursue your own academic interests. And you will develop your writing, advocacy, and analytical skills in a comprehensive legal practice program.
The first year at Michigan will provide you with the foundation and skills to thrive both in law school and beyond, all while laying the groundwork for close and lasting connections with your classmates and professors—an immersive introduction into the legal profession that sets the tone for students’ academic and professional careers.
Core 1L Doctrinal Courses
2L and 3L Coursework
After the first year, students design their education to best fit their individual needs.
As a second- and third-year law student, you will have your pick from a vast selection of courses both inside and outside the Law Quad, with only a few (easily satisfied) requirements:
International and Regulatory Coursework
Before graduating, students must take a class to fulfill distribution requirements in international and comparative law and in statutory and regulatory law.
International and Comparative Law Administrative Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Each student must take a course addressing legal ethics and professional responsibility.
Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Writing Skills
All students must complete a course (apart from Legal Practice) with a substantial writing component.
Experiential Learning
You will need to participate in Michigan Law’s offerings for experiential education. This can be satisfied through clinical work, practice simulations, or externships.