A Juris Doctor degree is one of the most versatile graduate credentials available. While many JD graduates go on to practice law in firms large and small, in government, in public interest organizations, and in courtrooms across the country, others leverage their legal training in business, policy, academia, journalism, finance, and beyond. The analytical rigor, persuasive communication skills, and deep understanding of institutions that a legal education develops are assets in virtually every professional context. A JD is not just a license to practice law. It is a framework for thinking clearly and advocating effectively in a complex world.
King Hall's faculty are nationally and internationally recognized scholars who bring both intellectual depth and real-world expertise to the classroom. Students engage with the theory and history behind the law, not just its current doctrinal state, developing the kind of sophisticated legal reasoning that defines exceptional lawyers. Small class sizes mean that faculty are genuinely accessible, intellectual relationships form naturally, and every student is known by name.
Davis is a vibrant, walkable college town with a collaborative spirit and a quality of life that is hard to match. King Hall takes student well-being seriously, with robust wellness programming, mental health resources, and a culture that recognizes the whole person behind every law student. From orientation through bar preparation, students are supported academically, professionally, and personally at every stage of the journey.
King Hall graduates go on to clerk for federal and state judges, lead nonprofits, shape legislation, build companies, and represent clients across every area of law. Whatever direction a student takes their degree, the King Hall community of faculty, staff, alumni, and peers is invested in helping them get there.
Degree Requirements
To earn the Juris Doctor degree, students must complete six semesters of study in residence, earn 88 semester credits, pass all required courses, and maintain a minimum 2.3 grade-point average. The three-year curriculum is designed for full-time day students. More detailed information on current graduation requirements can be found here.
King Hall uses a four-point letter grading system with plus and minus grades; some courses are graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Regular class attendance and preparation are required of all students. Not all courses are offered every academic year, and course availability may vary. The study of law requires reading, writing, and class discussion across a wide range of challenging subject matter, including criminal acts, civil wrongs, violence, and injustice, among other difficult topics and areas of human experience.
Law students must adhere to the University's Honor Code.