Academics
As one of only four law schools in San Diego, Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers a strong academic program with experienced professors and an array of hands-on, real-world experiential learning programs, including Mock Trial, Moot Court, and ADR Competition teams, Law Review, and three law school clinics.
Residential Law Degree Programs
Juris Doctor (JD) Program
Our residential JD program includes core and elective offerings including live client clinics, Law Review, and Moot Court and Mock Trial teams. Full-time students typically graduate in three years, and part-time students in four. Summer and Spring intersession courses enable students to take fewer units during regular semesters or potentially graduate a semester early.
Graduates of the JD program are immediately eligible to take the California bar exam.
Master of Laws (LLM) Program
Our LLM programs are 24 units and typically take one year to complete. Candidates for the LLM program must hold a JD, LLB, or equivalent first degree in law.
Choose from a LLM in American Legal Studies or a LLM in Practice Skills.
Online Law Degree Program
Juris Doctor (JD) Online Program
Our online JD program is a flexible online law degree program that allows you to study on your schedule right from home. Students may choose to earn up to 15 credits on campus. Flexible options allow you to complete the full-time program in three years, or the part-time program in four years.
Graduates of our online JD program are immediately eligible to take the California bar exam.
Study Abroad Program
Study law in one of the few cities in the world that rivals San Diego for both climate and beauty—Nice, France. The Nice Summer Law Program encourages students to experience international law in an international setting, to exchange ideas with students from a different land, and to explore cultural differences that influence international business and legal transactions.
This three week program enables an accelerated graduation, and/or ability to work in the summer.
Experienced Faculty
As industry professionals, our faculty draw from a wide range of experiences. Some have litigated before the World Court and U.S. Supreme Court, and others have authored books and produced research published in leading journals and cited in courts across the country. You can literally learn from professors who wrote the book.
Law Centers & Fellowships
Thomas Jefferson School of Law has two centers of academic excellence, the Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law Center and the Criminal Law Fellowship & Center Law Policy. Each center addresses profound changes in our society that are giving rise to new fields of law, while rapidly transforming virtually traditional areas of law practice.
Clinics & Internships
Our hands-on learning experiences include student-run clinics, internships, and externships. Students learn through practice while providing invaluable service to the local community. Clinics and internships range from veterans legal assistance, non-profit & small business clinics, patent & trademark clinics, and more.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our curriculum at Thomas Jefferson School of Law provides the foundation you need for a successful legal career.
Learn More About Our JD Curriculum
Learn More About Our LLM Curriculum
Academic Success Program
Our robust Academic Success Program (ASP) provides guidance and support for all students, from before the first day of classes through the bar exam.
Bar Prep
At Thomas Jefferson School of Law, we take preparation for the California Bar Exam very seriously. California has an extremely difficult bar exam and we strive to provide our students with the support they need to succeed. Preparation begins during orientation, and we continue to provide counseling, mentorship, and support until they pass the exam.
TJSL Library
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study or need to conduct legal research, we’ve got it all and we’re open late! Our staff is always friendly, helpful, and ready to answer your questions.