2024-2025 New Student Guide
New Student Information Guide Fall 2024
Congratulations! Welcome to Suffolk University Law School
Published by: Office of Academic Services
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This guide has been compiled by the Office of Academic Services and is accurate as of the time of publication, July 2024.
The Law Faculty reserve the right to change the schedule of classes, the program of instruction, the requirements for credits or degrees, and any rule or regulation established for the government of the student body in the school. Any such change may be made applicable to students already enrolled in the Law School.
For more information on the law school’s Rules, Regulations and Policies, please visit the law school’ s Policies & Rules pages.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Becoming a Law Student can be Overwhelming… The Office of Academic Services is here to assist you as you progress from Admitted to Law Student to Law Graduate. We provide numerous services. This New Student Information Guide contains most of what you need to know as you start your journey, but remember that our friendly staff is always available to answer your questions.
Important Dates
August 1: Tuition due
August 5: Classroom Accommodations : due 3 weeks before the start of the academic year or semester 1L’s seeking disability accommodations may schedule an intake appointment by calling (617) 573-8034 and requesting an appointment with disability services. The email for the Office of Disability Services office is: disabilityservices@suffolk.edu. August 12: Exam Accommodations : due 2 weeks after the start of the academic year or semester 1L’s seeking disability accommodations may schedule an intake appointment by calling (617) 573-8034 and requesting an appointment with disability services. The email for the Office of Disability Services office is: disabilityservices@suffolk.edu.
August 15: Request a locker
August 19-23 : Orientation for all students (optional for Accelerated students)
August 26 : Fall 2024 classes begin
September 30: Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan SSHIP Online Waiver Form due (2024-2025 coverage)
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Orientation
Workday In Workday students have access to academic services including course schedule, examination numbers, grades, financial accounts, course schedule, personal information, grades, and the ability to access unofficial transcripts. Log in required.
Orientation for Accelerated students will take placeon May 13 on Zoom. Please watch for information from the Dean of Students Office. It is anticipated that additional programming will be available to students online over the summer. Further information will be sent to students as soon as possible. Please note that participation in Orientation programming is MANDATORY.
Canvas is the course learning management system used by all faculty. Log in required.
What to Expect
Orientation is intended to give our new studentsthe information they will need to start off successfully as a law student in general, and as aSuffolk student in particular. Orientation will include:
Student Forms to reschedule an exam, file a petition, and additional forms to make a request.
Introduction to the offices, services andresources at Suffolk
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Introduction to the deans, and administrators
• Information on administrative details and deadlines for new students Expectations of professionalism and introduction to the legal profession’s concept of Character & Fitness • • Introduction to academic expectations andsupport • Introduction to skills necessary to be successfulin Law School and the legal profession
Information on rules, regulations and policies ofSuffolk University Law School
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for the Juris Doctor Degree
1. All students must complete 84 credits.
2. All students must complete the following courses: Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property,Legal Practice Skills, Constitutional Law, and Torts.
3. All students must complete the course in Professional Responsibility.
4. Guided Curriculum : Any student who completed their first year with a GPA of 2.670 or higher but less than 3.000 must take at least one of the Advanced Survey of Core Legal Principles courses in the student’s final year.
a. Evidence; (4)
b. Trusts and Estates; (4)
c. Business Entity Fundamentals; (4)
d. Commercial Law Survey (4); or Secured Transactions; and Commercial Law Sales;
e. Criminal Procedure; (3)
f. Family Law; (3)
g. Advanced Survey: Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property or Advanced Survey: Contracts,Evidence, Torts (must be taken in the student’s final year) (2)
[Revision to Rule I. A. 5. approved by law faculty on 5/19/16 and 3/2/17]
5. Students placed on Academic Warning must satisfactorily complete, and earn a grade of C or better in,the following courses:
a. Legal Analysis & Methods (must be taken no later than the fall semester of the student’s second year) (2)
b. Advanced Legal Analysis (1)
c. Evidence (4)
d. Trusts and Estates (4)
e. Business Entity Fundamentals (4)
f. Commercial Law Survey (4) or Secured Transactions (3) and Commercial Law Sales (2)
g. Criminal Procedure (3)
h. Family Law (3)
i. Fundamentals of Law I (Fall semester) and Fundamentals of Law II (second semester; must be taken in the student’s final semester)
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
With the exception of Legal Analysis & Methods and Advanced Legal Analysis (which must be taken in the spring of the second semester), and Fundamentals of Law I and II (which must be taken in the student’s finalsemester), these courses may be taken at any time prior to graduation.
Students on Academic Warning remain subject to all other graduation requirements.
6. All students must complete six credits of upper-level experiential courses.
7. All students must complete two continuing legal education seminars. Students must submitcertification of completion to the Academic Services Office. 8. All students beginning in 2022 or after must complete one course from the Race, Equity and Law (REAL) menu. 9. All students must complete a minimum of 50 hours of practice-based learning completed through any of the following ways: (i) First Year Summer Internship Program -Judicial placement, which are certified through the submission of a Professional Development Requirement Form to the Office of Academic Services; (ii) 50 hours of legal work completed through the Law School Pro Bono Program, which are certified through the submission of a Professional Development Requirement Form to the Office of Academic Services; (iii) Satisfactory completion of at least one semester of a Law School clinic; (iv) Satisfactory completion of a Law School externship; or (v) 50 hours of legal work completed outside of Law School programs under the supervision of an attorney of judge, which are certified through the submission of a Professional Development Requirement Form to the Office of Academic Services. Part-time students in the Evening Division are exempt from this requirement, but are encouraged to complete it. 10. All students are encouraged to complete the legal writing requirement no later than the fall semester of their final year.
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
First Year Day Division
Classes will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. Class times will vary Monday through Friday, but generally meet no earlier than 9:00 a.m.
Program of Study
The first year program consists of two semesters or 29 credits for the year. The entire first year day class is randomly assigned into 3 sections: 1A, 1B, and 1C. The Legal Practice Skills course is divided into smaller sections within each section A, B, and C. Your class section and LPS section will be available on Workday when section assignments are completed.
Registration for the Fall 2024 semester will be completed by the Office of Academic Services.
FALL 2024
SPRING 2025
Course
Credit Hours
Course
Credit Hours
Civil Procedure
4
Contracts
4
Property
4
Torts
4
Criminal Law
4
Constitutional Law
4
Legal Practice Skills I
3
Legal Practice Skills II
2 TOTAL 14
TOTAL
15
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:
Day TOTAL
29 credits
27 or 28 credits 27 or 28 credits
84 credits
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
First Year Evening Division
First year evening classes will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning at 6:00pm.
Program of Study
The first year program consists of two semesters or 21 credits for the year. The entire first year evening class is assigned to section 4A. The Legal Practice Skills course is divided into smaller groups. Your LPS section will be available on Workday when section assignments ae completed.
Registration for the Fall 2024 semester will be completed by the Office of Academic Services.
FALL 2024
SPRING 2025
Course
Credit Hours
Course
Credit Hours
Civil Procedure
4
Contracts
4
Criminal Law
4
Torts
4
Legal Practice Skills I
3 TOTAL 11
Legal Practice Skills II
2 TOTAL 10
Year 1:
Year 2:
Year 3:
Year 4:
Eve TOTAL
21 credits
21 credits
21 credits
21 credits
84 credits
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Accelerated JD Program: Full-Time Students
Summer classes will commence on Monday, May 20, 2024. Classes will meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, beginning at 5:30pm. Classes will be held entirely in person.
Fall 2024 classes will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. Class times will vary Monday through Friday, but generally meet no earlier than 9:00 a.m.
Program of Study
The first year of the accelerated JD program (full-time) consists of a 12-credit, 12-week summer session, followed by two semesters or 29 credits for the academic year. Students will be randomly assigned into 4 sections: 1A, 1B, or 1C for the academic year. The Legal Practice Skills course is divided into smaller sections within each section A, B, and C. Your class section and LPS section will be available on Workday when section assignments are completed .
Registration for the Fall 2024 semester will be completed by the Office of Academic Services.
SUMMER 2024
Course
Credit Hours
Torts
4
Criminal Law
4
Professional Responsibility
3
Intro to Legal Studies
1
TOTAL
12
FALL 2024
SPRING 2025
Course
Credit Hours
Course
Credit Hours
Property
4
Contracts
4
Civil Procedure
4
Constitutional Law
4
Legal Practice Skills I
3
Legal Practice Skills II
2
Elective
4
Elective
4
15
TOTAL
14
TOTAL
Summer 0:
Year 1:
Summer 1:
Year 2:
Day TOTAL
12 credits
29 credits
12-14 credits
30-31 credits
84 credits
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Accelerated JD Program: Part Time Students
Summer classes will commence on Monday, May 20, 2024. Classes will meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, beginning at 5:30pm.
Fall 2024 classes will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. Class times will meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Program of Study
The first year of the accelerated JD program (full-time) consists of a 12-credit, 12-week summer session, followed by two semesters or 21 credits for the academic year. All first year part time students are assigned to section 4A. The Legal Practice Skills course is divided into smaller sections within the class section. Your class section and LPS section will be available on Workday when section assignments are completed .
Registration for the Fall 2024 semester will be completed by the Office of Academic Services.
SUMMER 2024
Course
Credit Hours
Torts
4
Criminal Law
4
Professional Responsibility
3
Intro to Legal Studies
1
TOTAL
12
FALL 2024
SPRING 2025
Course
Credit Hours
Course
Credit Hours
Contracts
4
Property
4
Constitutional Law
4
Civil Procedure
4
Legal Practice Skills II
2
Legal Practice Skills I
3
10
TOTAL
11
TOTAL
2LE Summer
Course
Credit Hours
Evidence
4
Family Law
3
Trusts & Estates OR Elective
3-4
TOTAL
10-11
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
3LE Fall
3LE Spring
Course
Credit Hours
Course
Credit Hours
Electives
9-12
Electives
9-12
TOTAL
9-12
TOTAL
9-12
2LE Summer (optional) If graduation after 3LE Fall is desired
Course
Credit Hours 9-12
TOTAL
9-12
Summer 0:
Year 1:
Summer 1:
Year 2:
*Summer 2:
*Year 3:
Eve TOTAL
12 credits
21 credits
10-11 credits
21 credits
9-12 credits
21 credits
84 credits
* Optional summer session (if graduation after 3LE Fall is desired). Year 3 credit requirements will be reduced if student participates in the optional summer session after their second year.
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Required Course Descriptions
Contracts
Civil Procedure
Contracts defined and classified; capacity of parties; nature and legal effect of offer and acceptance; consideration; fraud, mistake and undue influence; statute of frauds; types of illegality; interpretation of language; operation of law; effect of express and implied conditions; performance of conditions; waiver of conditions; rescission of contracts; performance; performance, breach of contract and remedies; damages, nominal and compensatory; quasi contracts, introduction to the Uniform Commercial Code; professional responsibility of the lawyer in contract law. excuses for nonperformance, including novation, alteration and impossibility of
Litigation of the modern unitary civil action. Jurisdiction of state and federal courts; law applied in federal courts; pleading, pretrial motions, and discovery; trial by jury and evidentiary law; the binding effects of adjudications.
Constitutional Law
Survey of the history and development of constitutional law in the United States, including the federal system, the commerce clause, intergovernmental relations, due process, equal protection, police power, taxation. Analysis of selected decisions of the United States Supreme Court.
Criminal Law
The course emphasizes the general principles, sources, and purposes of the criminal law, including the following doctrinal issues which apply to crimes in general: the act requirement, the mens rea requirement, causation, liability for attempted crimes, accomplice liability, defenses, and criminal code interpretation. Additionally, the course studies one or more specific crimes in-depth, including homicide, and repeatedly raises the question: how well does American criminal law fulfill its goals?
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DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Legal Practice Skills
Torts
The Legal Practice Skills Program is a two- semester, five-credit program for first year students including:
General principles, sources and policies of modern tort law, including intentional torts (such as assault, battery and false imprisonment), negligence, strict liability, and products liability. Special attention is paid to the elements of recovery in negligence, including the standard of care, duty problems, and causation, to defenses, including comparative negligence and assumption of risk, and to principles of joint liability, contribution, and imputed liability. Recent statutory changes in these tort principles are also addressed.
(a) an orientation to law school, the sources of law, and the study of law;
(b) instruction in the use of the law library and legal research tools;
(c) practice in issue analysis and the writing of legal memoranda;
(d) preparation of trial briefs and oral arguments; and
(e) an introduction to computerized legal research systems.
The program is designed to prepare the student for the writing and research work expected of the modern practitioner.
Property
A study of the acquisition, ownership, and transfer of property both personal and real, including an analysis of ownership concepts, rights of possession, donative transactions, future interests, concurrent interests, landlord and tenant issues, the conveyancing system and governmental regulations.
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DUAL DEGREES
Dual Degree Programs
Students at Suffolk Law School have the opportunity to enhance their professional qualifications by pursuing an advanced degree in a related field while earning a degree in law.
Law Credits Needed
Graduate Credits Needed
Length of Program (day/evening)
Name of Program
JD/Master of Business Association (MBA)
72
36
4 years
3 years (full-time program only)
Accelerated JD/MBA
72
36
3 years & 1 summer/ 4 years & 1-2 summers
JD/LLM in Taxation
96
N/A
JD/Master of Public Administration (MPA)
4 years & 1 summer/ 5 years
80
24-30
JD/Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
78
32-36.5
4 years /5-6 years
JD/Master of Science in Crime & Justice Studies (MSCJS) JD/Master of Science in Law: Life Sciences (MSLL)
80
24
4 years /5-6 years
84
30
3.5-4 years /5 years
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DUAL DEGREES
Juris Doctor/Masters of Business Administration
A candidate for the four-year JD/MBA program may apply to both schools simultaneously or they may apply during their first or second year of enrollment in the Law School or as a first-year MBA student.
A candidate must obtain a total of 108 credits for the Dual Degree. To qualify for the Dual Degree, a candidate must obtain 72 credits in the Law School and 36 credits in the Sawyer Business School. The JD/MBA graduate receives two diplomas, which are awarded when all requirements of both degrees have been fulfilled. The dual JD/MBA program is open to full- and part-time students. JD/MBA students are strongly advised to enroll in the Law School for their first year in the JD/MBA degree and add MBA courses totheir course load in the second year of the Dual Degree.
A student in the JD/MBA program must proceed according to either of the following tracks:
Track I- full-time
MBA courses
30 credits
Year 1
First Year Law Curriculum
29 credits
Year 2
Law/MBA courses
24-25 credits total (3 credits MBA)
Year 3
Law/MBA courses
24-25 credits total (3 credits MBA)
Year 4
Track II – full-time
First Year Law Curriculum
29 credits
Year 1
MBA courses
30 credits
Year 2
Law/MBA courses
23-25 credits total (3 credits MBA)
Year 3
Law/MBA courses
23-25 credits total (3 credits MBA)
Year 4
Full-time students who attend summer sessions may complete the dual JD/MBA program in 3 ½ years.
Track III- part-time evening
First Year Law Curriculum
21 credits
Year 1
Law Courses
3 credits
Summer
Law Courses
21 credits
Year 2
MBA courses
19 credits
Year 3
Law/MBA courses
6 Law credits/14 credits MBA
Year 4
MBA courses
3 credits
Summer
Law Courses
21 credits
Year 5
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DUAL DEGREES
Dual Degree Programs for Day Students
JD/MBA 108 total credits (72 Law, 36 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4
15
14
29 27 26 26
13-14 12-14 12-14
13-14 12-15 12-14
JD/MBA (Accel.) 108 total credits (72 Law, 36 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3
14 16 16
15 15 16
29 32 32
10 Summer Law Courses 6 Summer MBA Courses
9 6
JD/MPA 110 total credits (80 Law, 30 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4
14
15
29 27 26 27
13-14
13-14
13
13
13-14
13-14
JD/MSCJ 104 total credits (80 Law, 24 CAS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4
14 12
15 12
29 24 25 25
12-13 12-13
12-13 12-13
JD/MSF 110-119 total credits (80 Law, 32-41 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4
14
15
29 29 29 29
14-15 14-15 14-15
14-15 14-15 14-15
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DUAL DEGREES
Dual Degree Programs for Evening Students
JD/MBA 108 total credits (72 Law, 36 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4 5
11 11
10 11
21 22 21 22 22
10-12 10-12
10-12 10-12
9-12
9-12
JD/MPA 110 total credits (80 Law, 30 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4 5
10 11 11
11 11 11
21 22 22 23 22
11-12
11-12
11
11
JD/MSCJ 104 total credits (80 Law, 24 CAS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4 5
10
11
21 21 20 21 21
10-11
10-11
10
10
10-11 10-11
10-11 10-11
JD/MSF 110-119 total credits (80 Law, 32-41 SBS)
Year
Fall Credits Spring Credits Total Credits
1 2 3 4 5
10 12 12 12 12
11 12 12 12 12
21 24 24 24 24
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DUAL DEGREES
JD/Taxation LLM (Dual Degree)
In our accelerated dual degree program, earn your JD and LLM in Taxation in the same three-year (day students) or four-year period (evening) required for obtaining just a law degree.
Federal tax law is complex and detailed. Students who intend to focus their practice in taxation or who wish to practice in the corporate, business planning, estate planning, or financial sectors must have in- depth knowledge of multiple areas of federal tax law. Acquiring an LLM in taxation is typically necessary and certainly always adds value to a student intending to practice in these areas.
About the Program:
The heart of the program is an intensive 12-credit summer program that allows Suffolk Law students to obtain a tax LLM and a JD in the same three-year period (day students) or four-year period (evening students) required for obtaining only a law degree. At graduation, successful students receive both a JD and LLM degree.
In addition to the summer session, tax LLM students must take an additional eight credits of required courses and six credits of electives.
Admission Requirements
A student in good standing enrolled in the Suffolk University Law School JD program is eligible for admission to the JD/Tax LLM dual degree program if the student has earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000 in the Suffolk JD program and a grade of B or higher in the Basic Federal Income Tax course.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission is available to either an individual applying simultaneously for admission to the JD program and the Tax LLM program or a student in good standing enrolled in the Suffolk University Law School JD program who has not yet completed both the first year of the Suffolk JD program and Basic Federal Income Tax course. A first-year day division student who receives conditional admission during the fall semester, will be permitted to take Basic Federal Income Tax during the spring semester of the first year and defer taking Constitutional Law until the second year of that student’s program. Conditional admission becomes unconditional as soon as the student satisfies the requirements of earning both a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000 in the Suffolk JD program and has earned a grade of B or higher in the Basic Federal Income Tax course. An individual who fails to satisfy both requirements is not permitted to continue in the JD/Tax LLM program, but that circumstance does not have any adverse effect, by itself, on the individual’s academic standing in the JD program. A candidate in the dual degree JD/Tax LLM program must satisfactorily complete 26 credits in the Suffolk University Law School (SULS) prescribed Tax LLM curriculum. All students enrolled in the Tax LLM program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, determined as of the close of each academic year, to remain in the Tax LLM program; however, for students in the JD/Tax LLM dual degree, the 3.000 minimum GPA requirement affects only participation in the Tax LLM portion of the program. Degree Requirements
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DUAL DEGREES
Every candidate for the LLM in Tax is required to complete the intensive summer tax program, which consists of two courses: Intensive Summer: Advanced Income Tax Topics (6 credits) and Intensive Summer: Business Entity Tax Topics (6 credits).
Degrees are awarded by the Trustees of Suffolk University on the recommendation of the Law Faculty. Recommendations may be withheld by the Faculty for good cause.
All students enrolled in the Tax LLM program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher, determined as of the close of each academic year, to remain in the Tax LLM program; however, for students in the JD/Tax LLM dual degree, the 3.000 minimum GPA requirement affects only participation in the Tax LLM portion of the program. Every candidate for the LLM in Tax is required to complete the intensive summer tax program, which consists of two courses: Intensive Summer: Advanced Income Tax Topics (6 credits) and Intensive Summer: Business Entity Tax Topics (6 credits).
Degrees are awarded by the Trustees of Suffolk University on the recommendation of the Law Faculty. Recommendations may be withheld by the Faculty for good cause.
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DUAL DEGREES
JD/MSLL Dual Degree
The Master of Science in Law: Life Sciences (MSLL) degree offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that leverages the research, law, and industry expertise of faculty from Suffolk University Law School, Suffolk’s Sawyer Business School, and Suffolk’s College of Arts & Sciences, with a focus on: • Scientific and statistical principles relevant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors • Drug development process and administrative regulation • Regulatory compliance • Biotechnology business and the law The JD/MSLL dual degree can be pursued full-time or part-time, as students are able to choose the schedule that best fits their needs. Part-time students should plan to have MSLL-related classes at least two days a week. Full-time students should plan to be in MSLL-related classes 3-4 days a week.
The JD/MSLL dual degree requires 15 credits in selected STEM courses, and 15 credits that must be taken from specific JD/MSLL law courses.
MSLL STEM Courses: •
Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals • Applied Genetics • Statistical Analysis for Clinical Research • Pharmaceutical Development • Therapies
JD/MSLL Law Courses: •
Biotechnology Business and the Law
Clinical Research and the Law Compliance in Life Sciences Intellectual Property Survey
•
•
•
Privacy/Data Security
•
By counting the 15 credits of JD/MSLL law courses toward both the JD degree and MSLL degree, full-time students are able to complete both degrees in approximately 3.5 years (or 3 years with summer school) and part time students are able to complete both degrees in approximately 4.5 years (or between 3.5 years and 4 years with summer school). At graduation, successful students will receive both a JD and MSLL degree. If conditionally accepted into the JD/MSLL program, full-time students will take foundational 1L law courses in the fall semester. If these students achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in the fall semester, in the spring semester, these students will take the foundational MSLL science course, Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals, instead of Constitutional Law, and then take Constitutional Law in their second year. Part-time students will complete their first year of the part-time JD program in its entirety, and if they achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their 1LE year, they will take the foundational science course, Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals in the fall of their second year of the part-time JD program. All students will need to achieve a grade of at least a “B” in the Introduction to Molecular Biology for Professionals course to continue in the program and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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BAR INFORMATION
Registering for the Bar as a Student
Below is the list of states that require registration as a law student. This information was compiled from the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements 2024 (compiled by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and the American Bar Association). If you are planning to sit for the bar in any of these states, please complete the State Bar online registration at the links below. Each student is advised to check with the Board of Bar Examiners in the jurisdiction in which she or he intends to take the Bar Examination. Students may access information for all state Bar Examination Requirements HERE.
FIRST YEAR
Alabama , within 60 days of starting law school https://admissions.alabar.org/home
California, within 90 days of starting law school http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Requirements
Florida , encouraged, but not required, to register in the first year of law school http://www.floridabarexam.org/ Click on Application and Conversion Checklists and Supporting Forms
SECOND YEAR
Mississippi , by October 1st of applicant’s second year of law school https://courts.ms.gov/bar/baradmissions/barappregistration.php
North Dakota , law students must file a registration application by October 1st of the second year of law school, or within 14 months after the first day of the first year of law school https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court/committees/board-of-law-examiners/law-student-registration
Ohio , by November 15 in the applicant’s second year of law school https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/attorneys/admission-to-the practice-of-law-in-ohio/ohio-bar-examination/
Oklahoma , by October 15 of the year following the year in which law study was commenced. http://okbbe.com/Applications/default.aspx
Bar Cer t ification
Bar Certificates are prepared by the Office of Academic Services for the Dean’s signature. Students are advised to submit Bar Certificates during their final semester of study to allow sufficient time for preparation and submission to the Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts, and for other states, the State Board of Bar Examiners. These forms require degree certification and cannot be mailed until after graduation occurs.
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BAR INFORMATION
Bar Related Courses
Preparing for the bar exam begins with choosing courses that are regularly tested on the state bar exam.
Multistate Bar Exam
Subject Matter Tested:
Suffolk Law School Related Courses
Civil Procedure
Civil Procedure, Federal Courts, Adv Svy:Civ, Crim,Prop
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law, Adv Const Law
Contracts
Contracts, Advanced Survy:Cont,Evid,Torts
Criminal Law and Procedure
Criminal Law
Evidence
Evidence, Advanced Survey of Core Legal Principles
Real Property
Property, Land Use, Conveyancing, Adv Svy:Civ, Crim, Prop
Torts
Torts, Advanced Survy: Cont,Evid, Torts
Multistate Essay Exam
Subject Matter Tested:
Suffolk Law School Related Courses
Business Associations
Business Entity Fundamentals, Torts
Civil Procedure, Federal Courts, Advanced Civil Procedure, Adv Svy: Civ, Crim, Property
Civil Procedure
Conflict of Laws
Conflict of Laws
Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, Adv Const Law
Contracts (including Article 2 [Sales] of the UCC)
Contracts, Commercial Law Sales and Leases
Criminal Law and Procedure
Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure
Evidence
Evidence, Adv Svy: Cont,Evid, Torts
Family Law
Family Law
Real Property
Property, Adv Svy:Civ,Crim, Property
Torts
Torts, Advanced Torts, Adv Svy:Cont,Evid, Torts
Trusts and Estates
Trusts & Estates
Uniform Commercial Code
Commercial Law Survey, Secured Transactions
Multistate Performance Test
Subject Matter Tested:
Suffolk Law School Related Courses
Adv Svy: Civ, Crim, Prop, Adv Svy:Cont, Evid, Torts
Substantive MBE Topics, Essays and MPTs
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BAR INFORMATION
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam
Successful completion of the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is required in almost all states in addition to the bar exam. Testing dates for the MPRE occur in March, August, and November each year. Registration is required about two months in advance. Applications for the MPRE are available at http://www.ncbex.org/about-ncbe-exams/mpre/
It’s a 60-question, 2-hour, multiple-choice exam, prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to test knowledge of how lawyers should behave, including the ABA’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
The MPRE may be taken anytime prior to graduation, but students are advised to complete the MPRE early as failure to do so may result in the inability to sit for the Massachusetts Bar Exam. They also are advised to first take Professional Responsibility.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires the MPRE be passed prior to application to the Massachusetts Bar. The minimum passing score for the MPRE for students taking the Mass Bar Exam is 85.
Other States
Each student should inquire in the jurisdiction in which he or she plans to take the bar for specific MPRE requirements. Students may inquire directly at the National Conference of Bar Examiners at www.ncbex.org.
Diagnostic Testing
All students are required to take a Diagnostic Exam covering selected bar-related subjects taught during the first year of study in the day division and the first two years of study in the evening division. Results of the diagnostic exam will be reported to students but will not appear on their transcripts and will not affect their grade point averages. However, students are required to complete the Diagnostic Exam and receive a minimum score of 50 (out of 120) in order to be eligible to graduate, and this requirement will be included in each student’s degree audit. The Diagnostic Exam will be offered in an online format. For students entering the law school in May 2021 or later, the diagnostic exam will be administered in May during a two week period following final exams and again for a two week period at the end of August. Students are eligible to take the diagnostic in the first May after they have completed the first year courses in Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. Students must take the diagnostic by no later than the first August after their initial eligibility. In order to meet the graduation requirement, students must complete the diagnostic and obtain a minimum score of 50 out of a possible 120. Students who score below 50 are required to meet with a bar preparation adviser and will be permitted to retake the exam in its subsequent regular administrations as many times as necessary to achieve that passing score.
Uniform Bar Examination (UBE)
Massachusetts is a Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) jurisdiction. The Massachusetts UBE passing score is 270. The exam is comprised of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). Massachusetts also requires a passing score on the
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BAR INFORMATION
Massachusetts Law Component exam as a condition of bar admission.
UBE scores earned in another UBE jurisdiction may be transferred for admission in Massachusettswithin 36 months of sitting for the exam.
Massachusetts Law Component (MLC)
The MLC is a multiple-choice test based on substantial outlines provided covering essential highlights and key distinctions of Massachusetts law and procedure. The outlines will include summaries on 9 areas of law: Access to Justice; Anti-Discrimination Law; Business Organizations; Civil Procedure; Consumer Protection, G.L. c. 93A; Criminal Law and Procedure; Domestic Relations; Estates and Wills;and Evidence.
Applicants who file a petition for admission to Massachusetts will be required tocomplete the MLC prior to becoming admitted to the bar in Massachusetts.
Applicants will be sent an email with the link and instructions to download and review the MLC outlines. Once the outlines have been downloaded, Applicants will receive a link for directions to accessand complete the exam. The MLC is an online, pass or fail exam. The MLC is untimed and open-book. There is no fee to take the MLC. Applicants may take the exam several times, but must pass to completethe requirement prior to admission.
Course Required of New Attorneys
All attorneys newly admitted to practice in Massachusetts are required to completed a one-day, in- person course on professionalism for new lawyers (SJC R. 3:16, effective Sept. 1, 2013). Attorneys mustcomplete the course within 18 months of their date of admission to the bar.
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TUITION INFORMATION
Tuition Billing Information
Semester Payment Plan
The Office of the Bursar generates student account invoices every semester. All invoices are uploaded to your SU Pay through the Financials Hub in Workday. To access the Financials Hub log into Workday and select Make Payment under Student Finance. Fall semester invoices are generated the last week of June and spring semester invoices are generated in the last week of November. All invoices are electronic and are uploaded to SU Pay. An email will be sent to your Suffolk University email address alerting you about the new invoice. If you have set up Authorized users to view and/or pay your bill, they will receive the same notification. The bill is due on January 3 rd . Payment in full is required by the due date. Students are encouraged to securely pay any tuition invoice online on SU Pay through their Workday account. Payments can be made online using an electronic check or credit card. All credit card payments are assessed a 2.85% convenience fee. Personal/Bank/Travelers checks or Money Order payments may be made in person at The Ram Registration and Financial Services Center located on the 6th floor of 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, during office hours. No cash or credit card payments are accepted at the window . International students that want to submit an international payment can use TransferMate located in SU Pay. Payment Information
Enroll in the Suffolk University Payment Plan and divide each semester's tuition and fees into up to five monthly payments (fewer months for late enrollment) over the course of the semester. There is an enrollment fee for the plan per semester. For more information click HERE.
Third Party Billing
If your tuition is paid by a third party and they need a tuition statement from Suffolk, please submit your voucher or letter of authorization to: studentaccounts@suffolk.edu.
Registration Clearance
You must pay all charges less any financial aid award(s) by August 1, or you will not receive registration clearance. Payments not received by the due date will be assessed a late fee every month until the balance is paid. If you indicate on your invoice that you are awaiting an educational loan, but we are unable to verify this with the Office of Financial Aid, you will NOT be given account clearance and your registration will NOT be processed. A late registration fee may be assessed.
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TUITION INFORMATION
Refund Information
Tuition Liability
By law, Suffolk University cannot withhold refunds generated from federal loan proceeds longer than 14 days from the beginning of classes. Stafford loans received after the semester begins will be refunded within 14 days of their receipt, unless specified by the student to hold the funds. Refunds due to federal, and private loans will be processed at the beginning of the semester provided you are registered in the appropriate number of credits, have completed all necessary paperwork, and the loan(s) creates a credit balance on your tuition account. If you want your refund from federal financial aid to be applied towards non- tuition charges such as health insurance, you must complete the Title IV Authorization form that can be found on Workday. To receive your refunds please make sure to set up your direct deposit account by logging on to your SU Pay account. This is a safe and easy way to receive your refunds. Refunds will not be mailed. As a supplement to the University's refund policy, students have the option to purchase tuition insurance provided through GradGuard Tuition Protection Plan. Please check the Tuition Protection Insurance page for more information including coverage plans, benefits, and costs. Tuition Insurance Plan
Tuition liability will be based on the date in which your leave of absence or withdrawal form is received. In the Law School drops or withdrawals must be completed prior to the first day of classes to avoid any tuition charges.
Fall & Spring
Day of Withdrawal
Student Liability
Tuition Refund %
1 st 8 days
25%
75%
Day 9 – Day 15
50%
50%
Day 16 – Day 22
75%
25%
Day 23 and after
100%
0%
Summer
Day of Withdrawal
Student Liability
Tuition Refund %
1 st 8 days
25%
75%
Day 9 – Day 15
50%
50%
Day 16 and after
100%
0%
Non-attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal and does not relieve you of your financial obligation for the classes you registered for. Tuition liability begins the first day of class. To avoid liability, you must withdraw prior to the start of classes. Please refer to the schedule shown above.
Delinquent accounts may be assessed collection fees and reported to the credit bureau.
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TUITION INFORMATION
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or Private Loan Borrowers: Students planning to apply for additional loan funding should complete the application process sufficiently in advance of the billing due date of August 1 to allow for processing time, avoid late payment fees, and possible delay in registration clearance. Students may also access information on this process from our website. Please refer to the sections under “federal loans” and “alternative loans.” If you have further questions regarding financial aid, please contact the Student Financial Services Office at (617) 573-8470 or at finaid@suffolk.edu Students with prior educational loans may choose to defer loan payments while enrolled at Suffolk University Law School. To defer your loans, contact your current lenders or loan servicer to confirm how they process deferments. If your lender participates in the National Student Loan Clearinghouse, your loan deferment should occur automatically, as Suffolk transmits enrollment records directly to the Clearinghouse. However, if your lender does not participate in the Clearinghouse, you will need to submit a paper deferment form from your lender or loan servicer to the University Registrar’s Office for manual processing. After the semester begins, all certified paper deferment forms are forwarded to the National Student Loan Clearinghouse for enrollment to be manually confirmed. You should continue to make loan payments until you are notified by your lender that the deferment has been approved. Students using the manual process should note they may need to complete new paper deferment forms each semester. Loan Deferment
Financial Aid
Please be sure that you have completed all necessary steps to ensure that your financial aid is in order for the upcoming year. Students with financial aid awards may deduct the awarded, pending semester aid amount from their semester balance due. Payment of any further due balance, after semester aid has been deducted, must be made by the semester due date. Please view your student account online using SU Pay to determine your charges, pending financial aid and balance due. Please Note : In order to register for classes, students must have made all necessary payment, or have pending aid in place sufficient to cover the semester balance due, by the due date in order to receive financial clearance from the Office of the Bursar.
Stafford Loan Borrowers
In order to receive federal loan funds, first time Federal Direct Stafford and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan borrowers must complete two steps:
1. Entrance Counseling: To complete required loan entrance counseling, please click HERE.
2. Master Promissory Note (MPN): An MPN must be completed to credit your student account with loan funds. The Direct Loan Stafford MPN can be completed HERE. Please note, you must complete an MPN for both the unsubsidized and graduate Plus loans if you are participating in both programs. Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling should be completed prior to August 1, 2021 to ensure that loan funds will credit.
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POLICIES
Health Insurance
It’s essential that students have access to comprehensive medical care while enrolled at Suffolk University. All full-time and part-time students who are enrolled in at least 75% of a full time program, and all International students, are required by law to participate in a qualifying student health insurance plan, or in a health benefit plan with comparable, qualifying coverage. All eligible Suffolk students will be automatically enrolled into the Suffolk University Student Health Insurance Plan (“SSHIP”) for coverage each academic year unless they submit the waiver form. Students who do not wish to purchase the Suffolk student health insurance MUST submit an on- line waiver within the first month of the semester at www.universityhealthplans.com/suffolk. Your health insurance card will be mailed to the student address that is on record with the university, so please be sure to submit your correct local address through Suffolk’s E -Checkin system in order to receive your card and other important coverage information. The 2024-2025 fee for SSHIP will be assigned to your Suffolk student accountbill. To opt out and remove the fee, accelerated law students must contact the Law Admission Office at 617-573-8144 or lawadm@suffolk.edu for a waiver by the end of the first week of classes, verifying comparable qualifying health insurance provided by a U.S. based insurance carrier. SSHIP is serviced by University Health Plans Inc., and underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, the Blue Care Elect Preferred (PPO) Student Health Plan.
IMPORTANT! If you do not submit your SSHIP waiver by September 30, 2024, then your enrollment inSSHIP and corresponding charge on your student account cannot be reversed.
Please Note: This waiver must be submitted again for enrollment in August for the next academic year and annually for each year of enrollment.
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POLICIES
Immunizations
Deadline is at the end of the first week of classes.
All Full-Time students, and all International students, are required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to submit certain immunization records to Suffolk University upon registration . Please see Student Health Requirements for the deadline date applicable to you for submission of immunization requirements to Counseling, Health & Wellness (CHW).
Follow these instructions to complete your Immunization Requirements:
1) Review the Required Immunization Form for a list of required immunizations and acceptable alternatives (i.e. titer results).
2) Have a licensed health provider complete the Required Immunization Form or obtain documentation (medical records) of each immunization you received or acceptable alternative. Scan or take a photo of your documentation which must be submitted electronically via the patient portal (see step 3) and reviewed by CHW staff. 3) Log into CHW’s secure Student Health Portal using your Suffolk login credentials (same as your Suffolk email login name/password) and follow the instructions to input your immunization history and upload the required documentation. 4) Any student requesting an exemption from state required immunizations due to sincere religious belief or due to a medical contraindication must submit specific, written documentation to CHW for review by the vaccination submission deadline.
IMPORTANT!
Failure to comply with Immunization Requirements will result in a hold on your future course registration.
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