Howard University School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
Howard is a national law school that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. Howard Law holds the distinction of graduating more African American attorneys than any other law school in the nation. And while we embrace and are poised to remain the flagship in producing attorneys of color, we seek to share the educational experience and richness that this institution offers with ethnically and culturally diverse individuals. Our approximately 500 students are comprised of people from all walks of life, varied socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and gender identities. We have students from almost every US state and many foreign nations. We have third-generation law students and those that will be the first in their families to hold a jurist doctorate. We hope to learn from the experiences of each and every member of the Howard family so our graduates can better foster positive change in society.
The JD Program
The curriculum leading to the first degree in law primarily covers three academic years of two semesters each. Students also have the option of taking courses during summer school or gaining credits while studying abroad in the summer to shorten the length of time needed to complete the degree.
Howard’s curriculum places particular emphasis on legal writing by providing four semesters of required legal writing training. In addition to a rich selection of courses in human and civil rights, a student can also choose from courses in environmental law, business and securities law, tax, criminal law and procedure, international law, civil litigation, property, intellectual property, entertainment law, family law, and trusts and estates. In addition to doctrinal courses, numerous courses emphasizing skills such as trial advocacy, pretrial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, legal drafting, interviewing, and client counseling are offered in some combination each semester. Students may also earn course credit as a member of the Howard Law Journal, or international, national, or trial moot court teams.
The curriculum in the third year provides diversified experiences, especially for students in the clinical programs. Students are encouraged to participate in one of the seven clinics or externships available in nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and other public interest settings. The law school also offers specialized externships in tax and environmental law and at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
As a supplement to the curriculum, the law school hosts several important annual lectures and symposia: the C. Clyde Ferguson Lecture (emphasis on international human rights), the Charles Hamilton Houston Lecture (typically features a high-profile speaker with a social justice perspective), the James Nabrit Lecture (usually features a member of the judiciary), and the Wiley Branton Symposium (sponsored by the Howard Law Journal). Internationally and nationally renowned leaders, advocates, and scholars speak at these events on a range of timely and cutting-edge subjects.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
The Howard Law Journal publishes scholarly articles for academic and professional interest. The national, international, and trial advocacy moot court teams, which sponsor intramural competitions and participate in competitions nationwide, have won numerous honors. The Human Rights and Globalization Law Review produces publications on human trafficking, women’s and children’s rights, and mass incarceration, among other topics.
Student Life
Student Activities
The Student Bar Association is the general student governing organization. The Barrister, the student newspaper, publishes several issues a year. Other organizations represent students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans, Latinos, Africans, Caribbean Islanders, and Asian Pacific Islanders. A list of the student organizations with accompanying descriptions can be viewed at the link below.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$35,344.00
|
| Fees |
$1,816.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$68,420.00
|
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
The school of law advances and supports a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages academic excellence and community involvement and advancement. Admission decisions are based upon a holistic review of all aspects of each application. Each part; the personal statement, the undergraduate major and resultant cumulative GPA, resume, LSAT, and 2 letters of recommendation each add a perspective to the overall strength of the applicant in relation to other applicants and in alignment with the mission, goals, and objectives of the School of Law.
Students that demonstrate strong academic preparation and potential, as well as acknowledge and appreciate the mission, gain the best opportunity to attend Howard. The highest GPA and or highest LSAT do not guarantee admission anymore than a lower LSAT or GPA preclude admissions. It is the record as a whole that informs each decision.
All applicants are encouraged to apply when prepared, yet as early as possible, as timing also has an impact on admission and scholarship awards. Additionally, students are advised to be clear, concise, and thoroughly proofread all documentation prior to submission.
Admitted Applicant Profile
