Public Interest Law Certificate, Law (JD)

As a lawyer, you will face a unique set of challenges every day, from negotiating complex agreements to successfully arguing motions in court. That is why DePaul College of Law offers theoretical instruction that will prepare you to tackle cutting edge legal problems, along with creative approaches to practical skills training. In the classroom and in the field, DePaul’s comprehensive curriculum prepares you for legal practice and beyond.To earn a Certificate in Public Interest Law, a student must complete the 86 credit hours required for the Juris Doctor degree and satisfy all JD requirements. Within the course work required for the JD, a student must complete at least 15 credit hours from the approved list of public interest law courses and complete the Service in Public Interest Law requirement. An applicant must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the Certificate courses. If a student takes more than 15 hours of courses from the approved list, all grades earned in those courses will be factored into the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement for the Certificate.

DePaul offers competitive JD programs to international applicants with a law degree and without a law degree. For international applicants with a law degree, DePaul is one of a small number of law schools to offer a two-year JD program that does not require the LSAT. Two-Year JD for International Lawyers & Law School Graduates. Foreign-trained lawyers, and other graduates of foreign, non-U.S. law schools, may earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from DePaul University College of Law in only two years. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required for admission. DePaul is one of a small number of law schools to offer a two-year JD program that does not require the LSAT. Graduates of the Two-Year JD Program for International Lawyers are eligible to take the bar exam and become licensed in any state in the United States. Students admitted to the program receive one year of credit (28 credit hours) for their foreign law degree. The remaining 58 credit hours required to earn the JD can be completed in two years. International Applicants without a Law Degree. DePaul University College of Law welcomes applications from students who have earned degrees or received diplomas from international institutions. International applicants who have earned their degree in any area other than law are required to take the LSAT and register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. First-year applicants should ensure that their application and all necessary documents are on file in the Office of Admission prior to the suggested deadline of April 1. However, we continue to accept applications after this date.