Lincoln Memorial University—John J. Duncan, Jr. School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

The JD Program

LMU Law offers two programs of legal study: 1) a full-time program, and 2) a part-time/hybrid program.

Both programs begin each August.

The full-time program is three years in length. Students achieving a 3.000 cumulative law school grade point average after their second semester can apply for our Accelerated JD Program. This will allow full-time students to graduate in as little as 2.5 years. Graduating early saves qualifying students six months of living expenses and helps them begin their journey toward legal practice six months earlier than their peers.

The part-time/hybrid program is four years (11 semesters) in length. The program is designed for working professionals or those people who have other commitments but want to attend law school on a limited basis. The full-time program operates during the day. About two-thirds of the part-time/hybrid program is completed online with weekly accomplishment requirements. After orientation, you will attend classes on-campus for no more than two long weekends a semester. The fourth year is entirely online. Our online sessions are designed to be completed in an asynchronous manner, meaning that you work at your own pace without the necessity of a rigid schedule requiring class participation at set times. We are proud of this innovative approach, one of the first of its kind. An accelerated option does not exist for the part-time/hybrid program at this time.

Learn more about the JD program at LMU Law

JD/MBA Dual-Degree Program

LMU offers a dual-degree Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program. There is no overlap in coursework, and students will be required to complete the entire curricula in both programs. Students enrolled in LMU’s J.D. program must successfully complete ninety (90) credit hours. The program of legal education includes sixty-seven (67) credit hours of required courses and twenty-three (23) hours of elective courses. Students enrolled in the LMU M.B.A. program must successfully complete thirty (30) credit hours, including twenty-four (24) required credit hours and six (6) elective credit hours.

The J.D. Program's 90 credit hours are completed by attending class in person, although the American Bar Association permits a limited number of courses to offered through distance education. Full-time students complete the program of legal education in three years by taking 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Students have the option of summer coursework to lighten their course load during the upper-level years. Classes are admitted for the J.D. program each fall (August).

The M.B.A. Program is completed fully online; however, if J.D./M.B.A. dual-degree program students take the first 12 credits in the summer prior to beginning the J.D. program, they have the option of receiving those credit hours through traditional in-class delivery. Up to 12 credit hours of M.B.A. studies can be completed in the summer semester.

Through J.D./M.B.A. Dual-Degree Program students have several options of when to begin. They can begin taking M.B.A. courses in the summer prior to their first year of law school (1L year) or after their 1L year. If they choose any of these optional start dates, they can complete the JD/MBA Program in as little as three academic years plus one summer semester. Alternatively, students may complete their M.B.A. studies during the period of time between when they take the bar examination (late July or late February) and when the exam results are released, a couple of months after the exam. Finally, dual-degree students may also, if they so choose, take a semester break from the J.D. Program to complete coursework toward their M.B.A. Notwithstanding the start date, the final two semesters of the J. D. Program and post-graduate bar preparation must be completed consecutively.

Dual-degree students enrolled in J.D. classes in a particular semester may also enroll in M.B.A. classes if they so choose. However, all J. D. students, including J.D./M.B.A. dual-degree students, must obtain the approval of the law school's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to enroll in 17 or 18 credit hours in a single semester, and no J.D. student may enroll in more than 18 total credit hours in any single semester.

You must apply to and qualify for each program separately. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other program.

Applications for LMU’s J.D. Program must completed through the Law School Admission Council’s website – https://www.lsac.org.

Applications for LMU’s M.B.A. Program must be completed through LMU’s website - https://www.lmunet.edu/target-x/index.html. There is no fee to apply.

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JD/MPA Joint-Degree Program

LMU offers a joint-degree program through which students may obtain both the Juris Doctor (JD) degree and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Students enrolled in LMU Law School’s JD program must successfully complete ninety (90) credit hours. The program of legal education includes sixty-seven (67) credit hours of required courses and twenty-three (23) hours of elective courses. Students enrolled in the LMU MPA program must successfully complete thirty-six (36) credit hours, including eighteen (18) required credit hours and eighteen (18) elective credit hours. Students enrolled in the JD/MPA Dual-Degree Program may use up to twelve (12) credit hours of coursework in approved JD elective courses to fulfill MPA program elective credit hours.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, state/provincial, and federal/national government, and increasingly in non-governmental organizations (NGO) and non-profits. Those with MPA degrees increasingly are being called to work in large national and multi-national organizations and in the healthcare industry. LMU’s MPA program focuses on the systematic investigation of executive organization and management. The main objective of the program is to help students in understanding and recognizing the development and principles of the field of public administration, including the making, management, implementation, and assessment of public policy in our society today.

You must apply to and qualify for each program separately. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other program.

Applications for LMU’s J.D. Program must completed through the Law School Admission Council’s website – https://www.lsac.org.

Applications for LMU’s M.P.A. Program must be completed through LMU’s website - https://www.lmunet.edu/target-x/index.html. There is no fee to apply.

Learn more about this opportunity

JD/MSCJ Joint-Degree Program

LMU offers a joint-degree program through which students may obtain both the Juris Doctor (JD) degree and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree. Students enrolled in LMU Law School’s JD program must successfully complete ninety (90) credit hours. The program of legal education includes sixty-seven (67) credit hours of required courses and twenty-three (23) hours of elective courses. Students enrolled in the LMU MSCJ program must successfully complete thirty (30) credit hours, including eighteen (18) required credit hours and twelve (12) elective credit hours. Students enrolled in the JD/MSCJ Joint-Degree Program may use up to twelve (12) credit hours of coursework in approved JD elective courses to fulfill MSCJ program elective credit hours.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program at Lincoln Memorial University is an online graduate degree program that provides knowledge and skills that will prepare students either seeking leadership roles in criminal justice organizations or preparing for doctoral study. The LMU MSCJ program requires thirty (30) credit hours to graduate and provides tracks in Administration, Applied Professional, and Research. All students will demonstrate proficiency in theories of crime and justice, justice ethics, scientific research methodology, policy analysis, and leadership. The program offers a variety of elective courses that provide students with the opportunity to tailor coursework to meet their individual needs and interests.

Interested students must apply to and qualify for each program separately. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other program.

Applications for LMU’s JD Program must completed through the Law School Admission Council’s website – https://www.lsac.org. Other than the Credential Assembly Service/ Law School Report fee charge by the LSAC, there is no fee to apply.

Applications for LMU’s MSCJ Program must be completed through LMU’s website - https://www.lmunet.edu/target-x/index.html. There is no fee to apply.

Learn more about this opportunity

Student Life

Over 25 Student Organizations

LMU Law believes that your law school experience is best enhanced through involvement in extracurricular activities. Currently, in addition to robust moot court, mock trial, and client counseling teams and competitions, LMU Law has over 25 student organizations covering a wide array of interests and specializations. Also, we add new student groups each year so if you do not see one or more that fits your interest, the Office of Student Affairs wants to help you get one started. More information about the current student groups can be gained through the Student Bar Association's website.

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Career Placement and Bar Passage

The Office of Career Services is committed to providing our students with the services and resources needed for a lifetime of successful career management. We understand that early skills training and career planning are vital to a successful job search and career satisfaction. We strive to equip students with the tools they will need to launch a successful job search.

The Office of Career Services also serves as an intermediary between law students and prospective employers. We maintain ongoing employer outreach to increase employer interest and community exposure to benefit our students. A variety of flexible recruitment opportunities are available for employers, including on-campus and virtual interviewing.

For Students

The Office of Career Services is here to equip you with the tools and resources you need to launch a successful job search. While each student is ultimately responsible for his or her own career planning, our role is to instruct, guide, and facilitate the career development process.

Counseling

We encourage you to make an appointment so we can help you examine your career interests, practice interviewing techniques, or discuss any career-related questions that you may have.

Online Job Postings

We maintain employment and internship postings from private and public employers. These postings are located on our Career Services Canvas page.

Professional Development Programming

We provide professional development programming throughout the academic year. These programs include presentations on resume writing, corresponding with potential employers, interviewing skills, and professional etiquette. We also offer panels and presentations by legal practitioners who can share information about specific practice areas.

Resource Center

The Office of Career Services works with the library to develop and maintain career resources in the library. We make every effort to acquire electronic versions of the materials so that they will be available 24 hours a day.

Resume/Cover Letter Critique

We are happy to review your resume and cover letter before you apply for a job. Once you have completed your initial draft, email it to the Office of Career Services. We will provide guidance and feedback in order to help you craft an effective and professional resume.

Symplicity®

Symplicity is a tool available to students and employers to manage legal employment opportunities. It is an interactive database of present and past employers that gives students the opportunity to see available positions and sometimes apply online. Students and employers can modify their profiles to display information relevant to positions. Students also may use a resume builder tool within Symplicity to help them catch the attention of future employers. Students can log in today to set up an account.

For Employers

If you are planning to hire a law clerk, summer associate, or intern in the next year, LMU Law's Office of Career Services is happy to help. We offer a variety of flexible recruitment options at no cost to your firm or organization.

LMU Law School requires that all employers who use LMU Law's assistance and facilities for interviews and other placement functions observe the principles set forth in ABA Standard 205(d): equal opportunity to obtain employment without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Contract Work Employment Listings

We offer a contract listing service to assist employers who need to hire students to perform legal research. This service may reduce costs for employers who often need temporary law clerks for short- or long-term projects.

Employment or Internship Postings

The Office of Career Services offers employers the ability to post current employment and internship opportunities year-round on a password-protected site. We also allow blind postings of vacancies in which the name of the employer is not revealed. If your organization is interested in posting a position, please download our job posting form.

Events and Networking

LMU Law presents programming that includes workshops and career panel discussions detailing career options and professional development. These panels and workshops give students important opportunities to explore practice areas and topics in professional development. If you are interested in participating, contact us.

On-Campus and Videoconference Interviewing

On-campus interviews provide employers with an efficient, cost-effective way to interview many qualified students in a short period of time. Employers may use our facilities at their convenience and pre-screen candidates they wish to interview. All interviews are conducted in private rooms away from the distractions of daily activities. Career Services also provides videoconference capabilities for the convenience of students and employers. There is no charge for these services.

Resume Collection

If you are not able to visit campus but are interested in interviewing our students, we can conduct a resume collection for you. We will post the opening, collect application packets, and forward all materials directly to you. We are happy to help schedule interviews for any applicants you may select.

BAR PASSAGE

LMU Law's Academic Success and Bar Preparation Programs are designed to enable students and graduates to internalize, develop, and apply legal knowledge and essential lawyering skills in a way that will enhance their performance in law school, on the bar exam, and throughout their legal career.

The law school's extensive Academic Success and Bar Preparation Programs begin prior to matriculation, offer students support all the way through graduation and continue until students have passed the bar examination. Significant components of the programs include:

An Orientation Program before matriculation;
A required academic success course for all students during their first semester ("Legal Foundations I");
A required academic success course for students who have a cumulative GPA of 2.32 or below after the first semester ("Legal Foundations II");
Additional required academic success courses for upper-level students ("Advanced Independent Academic Study");
Two required bar preparation courses;
An optional bar preparation course focused on writing bar essays;
Individual tutoring sessions and scheduled workshops conducted by Dean's Fellows and academic success faculty members, including the writing specialist; and
A post-graduation supplemental bar preparation program conducted by LMU Law faculty to complement the provided commercial bar review course.

In addition, LMU Law's commitment to academic success continues with our Faculty Advising program throughout law school. At the start of each academic calendar, LMU Law assigns each student a faculty advisor, a member of the full-time faculty who provides guidance on course selection, career opportunities, and other issues. This program connects every student to an individual member of our faculty, each of whom is a specialist in their field. If students are interested in a particular area of the law in which their advisor is not a specialist, their faculty advisors will assist the students to seek out other faculty members who teach or specialize in that area.

In addition, LMU Law has partnered with Themis Bar Review to provide academic support and bar exam-related workshops, programs, materials, resources, and diagnostic assessments to every student throughout law school. Prior to graduation, LMU Law provides all of its students free access to the full Themis Bar Review course.

Learn more about career placement at LMU Law

Tuition and Aid

Expense	Cost
Tuition	$42,600.00
Fees	$3,453.00
Expected Cost of Attendance	$72,013.00

Everyone loses when financial constraints prevent a promising student from enrolling in law school. LMU Law is pleased to provide substantial merit-based scholarships. Scholarships are reserved for students with superior academic backgrounds, outstanding leadership qualities, a track record of community service, need, and other qualities worthy of recognition. These financial awards recognize each recipient's potential for success in our program and will be credited toward their tuition.

We are committed to eliminating financial barriers that stand in the way of students with the potential to benefit from a legal education. Students offered admission should be able to attend and remain at LMU Law without regard to personal financial circumstances. To this end, we are strongly committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for admitted students lacking sufficient financial resources. Every applicant's file is considered for scholarship opportunities as it is considered for admission.

Admission and scholarship decisions are based on a thorough review of each applicant's file. While an applicant's score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) figure prominently in admission decisions, multiple factors are considered in making both admission and scholarship recommendations/decisions. Among the factors considered are the breadth and difficulty of academic background, diversity, military service, fulfillment of the University's mission, advanced academic degrees awarded, extracurricular and community activities, leadership roles assumed or earned, participation in collegiate athletics, participation in volunteer experiences, personal background, and any other pertinent information provided by the applicant.

Subject to eligibility, current students can apply for new and/or additional scholarship awards at the end of each academic year.

LMU Law Scholarship Guarantee

Beginning in 2016, any scholarship awarded to an entering law student will be renewed automatically as long as the student remains in good standing academically and graduates within the number of years of the program for which he or she was admitted. To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

For the full-time program, LMU Law operates a rolling-admission process. Prospective students may begin the process as soon as applications are made available. The Admission and Scholarship Committee (Admissions Committee) reviews files as soon as they are complete. The Admissions Committee may designate to the Associate Dean for Enrollment Services the ability to review files where an applicant’s metrics are above or below a certain range. In the event there is a character and fitness issue, the Associate Dean from Enrollment Services may refer a file to the full Committee or Dean for review. There are a limited number of seats available in each program of study. The likelihood of garnering an offer of admission decreases as the cycle progresses. It is possible that worthy applicants, applying late in the admissions cycle, may not receive an offer of admission. The application deadline is July 1st, and the priority consideration deadline is March 15th.

For the part-time/hybrid program, admission decisions are made on a scheduled basis. Because the program has a limited number of seats (50 for fall 2024 and 60 for fall 2025), the Admission and Scholarship Committee will make offers on a limited basis. Although the application deadline is July 1st, the first priority consideration deadline is February 15th. The first set of offers will be made after the first priority consideration deadline. We hope to fill the program with applicants who applied by that time. The second priority consideration deadline is May 1st. Offers will be extended for the remaining seats available after the initial acceptance deadline of April 1st. The final round of offers will be extended after the July 1st application deadline.

LMU Law seeks to attract and retain students whose goals are consistent with the mission and purpose of the institution. The educational experience of all students is enhanced by admitting applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Strong consideration will be given to those applicants who possess a desire to serve the underrepresented and underserved populations throughout the Appalachian region and beyond.

Admission decisions are based on a thorough review of each applicant’s file. While the applicant’s score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) figure prominently, multiple factors are used to reach a decision. The Committee will consider the breadth and difficulty of academic background, extracurricular and community activities, advanced academic degrees awarded, exposure to the legal profession, participation in volunteer experiences, communication skills, personal background, and any other pertinent information provided by the applicant.

Applicants who demonstrate they possess the qualities and characteristics that will enable them to achieve success in the study and practice of law will be selected for admission. Admission decisions are communicated in writing. Admitted applicants are required to pay a seat deposit to secure a place in the entering class. The amount of the seat deposit, and the deadline for submission, will be set forth in the letter of admission. Seat deposits are non-refundable, but they will be credited toward tuition and/or fees upon matriculation.

Once all items are received by the Office of Admissions, unless requested otherwise, an applicant’s file will be deemed “complete” and will be forwarded to the Admission and Scholarship Committee (or its designee) and Dean for consideration.

Learn more about admission at LMU Law