School of Law Juris Doctorate Program
The School of Law offers the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. All students in the program must complete 90 semester-hours of study in areas that are essential to the understanding and practice of law.
Barry University combines traditional and innovative teaching methods to provide a dynamic, professional program. The JD curriculum is designed to develop students' analytical ability, communication skills, and understanding of the codes of professional responsibility and ethics that are central to the practice of law.
The faculty utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including simulations and role-playing. Courses designed to develop and refine writing abilities are required. Seminars and advanced courses provide close interaction with faculty.
Grading Scale and Distribution
Grades and Grade Points. The numerical equivalent of grades for all course work is as follows:
| Grade Point Distribution |
| A |
4.0 |
| A– |
3.7 |
| B+ |
3.3 |
| B |
3.0 |
| B– |
2.7 |
| C+ |
2.3 |
| C |
2.0 |
| C– |
1.7 |
| D+ |
1.3 |
| D |
1.0 |
| F |
0.0 |
Pass/Fail Courses. In certain courses, a grade of P (Pass) is assigned if the student satisfactorily completes the course. P does not have a grade point or other equivalent. A grade of F (Fail) has a grade point of 0.0 and shall be factored into a student’s GPA accordingly.
Comprehensive Legal Academic Success Program ("CLASP")
CLASP supports students from admission to oath through licensing by helping students develop the academic skills necessary to succeed in law school and pass the bar exam. Each student is assigned a CLASP counselor who is available to assist with study skills, exam strategies, course advising, and general law school advice and support. In addition to one-on-one counseling, CLASP offers workshops and a resource library. Dean’s Study Fellows are also available to help students succeed in their courses. CLASP provides additional programming to help students succeed on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam, which is required to become an attorney in most states. Finally, CLASP works closely with graduates preparing to take the bar exam to ensure that they are maximizing their chances for success on the bar exam.
Juris Doctorate in Law (90 credits)
Required First-Year Courses (29 credits)
Required Upper-Division Courses (33 credits)
Experiential Courses (6 credits)
Electives (28 credits)
The remaining 28 credits of the required 90 credit hours for graduation can be chosen from a variety of electives.
The required course load in the full-time division is 13–16 credits per semester. The required course load in the part-time division is 6–12 credits per semester.
All students are required to complete the Upper Level Writing Requirement and complete (6) hours of professionalism enhancement offerings. In addition students are required to provide 50 hours of Pro Bono service.