Law School Curriculum | New England Law
Source: https://www.nesl.edu/curriculum
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Law School Curriculum | New England Law
New England Law Boston Curriculum
With more than 100 electives, certificates, and concentrations in today’s in-demand legal fields, and an extensive array of legal clinics where you’ll work with real clients and attorneys, our curriculum is built around your career success.
View Courses
Your Academic Experience
Year 1: Build Your Legal Foundation
In your first year (and part of your second), you’ll complete a curriculum carefully curated to equip you with the knowledge and skills essential for success in law school and beyond: Civil Procedure I and II, Constitutional Law, Contracts I and II, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure I, Evidence, Law and Ethics of Lawyering, Legal Research and Writing I–III Property I and II, Responsible Lawyering I and II, and Torts.
Learn more about the First-Year Experience
Years 2 and 3: Gain a Competitive Edge
Once you understand the basics of the law, your next step is to become familiar with different areas of the law and discover where your career passions lie. Choose from more than 100 electives, which include judicial internships, as well as clinics and courses that simulate a practice environment, so you can fine-tune your professional path and gain practical experience that gives you a competitive edge.
Learn more about the Upper-Class Experience
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my Résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
—
Christopher Hughes, Graduate
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
—
Katie Milligan, Graduate
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
—
Karyn Polito, Graduate
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
—
Czara Venegas, Graduate
Program Curriculum
Course Schedule for Law Students
First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure
4
Contract II
3
Contacts I
2
Property II
2
Property I
3
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Constitutional Law
4
Torts
4
Constitutional Law
3
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
15.5
Total Credits
14.5
Second Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Evidence
3
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
3
Criminal Procedure
3
Electives
9-12
Electives
6-9
–
–
Total Credits
12-15
Total Credits
12-15
Third Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
12-15
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
7-10 or 0-12*
Total Credits
12-15
Total Credits
12-15
Learn more >
Course Schedule
Evening Part-Time Program: First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure I
2
Civil Procedure II
2
Contacts I
2
Contacts II
3
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Torts
4
Criminal Law
2
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
10.5
Total Credits
10.5
Evening Part-Time Program: Second Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Property I
2
Property II
3
Constitutional Law
4
Criminal Procedure I
3
Electives
3
Electives
3-6
Electives
0-3
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Evening Part-Time Program: Third Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Law & Ethics of Lawyering
3
Electives
9-12
Electives
6-9
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Evening Part-Time Program: Fourth Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
5-8
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Learn more >
Course Schedule
Day Part-Time Program: First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure
4
Constitutional Law
4
Contacts I
2
Contacts II
3
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Torts
4
Criminal Law
3
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
12.5
Total Credits
12.5
Day Part-Time Program: Second Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Property I
3
Property II
2
Evidence
3
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
3
Criminal Procedure
3
Electives
4-7
Electives
0-3
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Day Part-Time Program: Third Year Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Electives
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Day Part-Time Program: Fourth Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
5-8
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Learn more >
The curriculum for this two-semester, 24-credit program comprises:
Academic Excellence
Course and writing requirements:
Constitutional Law
,
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
,
Substantial Writing Requirement (may be satisfied by the completion of a seminar or
Legal Research and Writing I, II, or III
)
Electives
Learn more >
Pursue Your Legal Passion. Tailor Your Career Path.
100+ Electives
Electives will make up half of your course load, providing plenty of freedom to choose. Explore different areas of law, experiment, and familiarize yourself with those you’re most interested in. Delve deeper into those that interest you most; we offer robust programs in many areas, including business, criminal, international, family, real estate, and tax law.
View Courses
Certificates and Concentrations
Graduate with the knowledge and experiences to hit the ground running in an area of law you’re passionate about, with a concentration or certificate in an in-demand field. We offer a certificate in criminal practice and procedure and concentrations in business law, family law, international law, litigation, public interest law, small firm practice, or trusts and estates.
Learn more
Clinics and Externships
Represent real clients in the field, under supervision. Gain hands‑on experience drafting motions, negotiating settlements, and advocating in court, while earning academic credit and professional mentorship. New England Law is one of the nation’s few schools that guarantee a clinical or externship experience to all interested students: you may take up to four before you graduate.
Learn more
Study Abroad
Spend a summer in Galway, Ireland, at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Or spend a semester at The Lebanon Tribunal or the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, the International Human Rights Institute in London, or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, and learn the inner workings of these vital organizations.
Learn more
Summer Courses
New England Law offers several courses each summer. These courses are open to current New England Law students and those in good standing at any ABA-accredited U.S. law schools and at Canadian and European university law programs.
Learn more
Personalized Support
From the Academic Excellence Program for first‑year students to our Honors Program, we offer every student guidance and support to meet their individual needs.
Learn more
Top-Ranked Bar Preparation
Designed and led by a recognized expert in test-taking skills and strategies, our top-ranked Bar Examination Preparation Program helps students pass the bar at higher rates.
Learn more
We’re Here to Help
To learn more about New England Law | Boston, complete the form, and we’ll send you the latest information.
Have a specific question or want to speak with an admissions counselor?
Call: 617-422-7210
Email:
admit@nesl.edu
Admissions Contact Us Form
See Yourself at New England Law
Think New England Law | Boston is the perfect fit for you but want to find out before you apply?
VISIT CAMPUS
REQUEST INFO
VIEWBOOK
STUDENT LIFE
Already Admitted?
Get ready to hit the ground running at New England Law. Our Admitted Students Portal can help you access orientation details, class registration, and other details, class registration, and other essential resources to jumpstart your success.
LOG IN
New England Law Boston Curriculum
With more than 100 electives, certificates, and concentrations in today’s in-demand legal fields, and an extensive array of legal clinics where you’ll work with real clients and attorneys, our curriculum is built around your career success.
View Courses
Your Academic Experience
Year 1: Build Your Legal Foundation
In your first year (and part of your second), you’ll complete a curriculum carefully curated to equip you with the knowledge and skills essential for success in law school and beyond: Civil Procedure I and II, Constitutional Law, Contracts I and II, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure I, Evidence, Law and Ethics of Lawyering, Legal Research and Writing I–III Property I and II, Responsible Lawyering I and II, and Torts.
Learn more about the First-Year Experience
Years 2 and 3: Gain a Competitive Edge
Once you understand the basics of the law, your next step is to become familiar with different areas of the law and discover where your career passions lie. Choose from more than 100 electives, which include judicial internships, as well as clinics and courses that simulate a practice environment, so you can fine-tune your professional path and gain practical experience that gives you a competitive edge.
Learn more about the Upper-Class Experience
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my Résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
—
Christopher Hughes, Graduate
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
—
Katie Milligan, Graduate
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
—
Karyn Polito, Graduate
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
—
Czara Venegas, Graduate
Program Curriculum
Course Schedule for Law Students
First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure
4
Contract II
3
Contacts I
2
Property II
2
Property I
3
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Constitutional Law
4
Torts
4
Constitutional Law
3
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
15.5
Total Credits
14.5
Second Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Evidence
3
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
3
Criminal Procedure
3
Electives
9-12
Electives
6-9
–
–
Total Credits
12-15
Total Credits
12-15
Third Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
12-15
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
7-10 or 0-12*
Total Credits
12-15
Total Credits
12-15
Learn more >
Course Schedule
Evening Part-Time Program: First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure I
2
Civil Procedure II
2
Contacts I
2
Contacts II
3
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Torts
4
Criminal Law
2
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
10.5
Total Credits
10.5
Evening Part-Time Program: Second Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Property I
2
Property II
3
Constitutional Law
4
Criminal Procedure I
3
Electives
3
Electives
3-6
Electives
0-3
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Evening Part-Time Program: Third Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Law & Ethics of Lawyering
3
Electives
9-12
Electives
6-9
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Evening Part-Time Program: Fourth Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
5-8
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Learn more >
Course Schedule
Day Part-Time Program: First Year Required Courses
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Civil Procedure
4
Constitutional Law
4
Contacts I
2
Contacts II
3
Legal Research and Writing I
2
Legal Research and Writing II
2
Torts
4
Criminal Law
3
Responsible Lawyering I
.5
Responsible Lawyering II
.5
Total Credits
12.5
Total Credits
12.5
Day Part-Time Program: Second Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Property I
3
Property II
2
Evidence
3
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
3
Criminal Procedure
3
Electives
4-7
Electives
0-3
–
–
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Day Part-Time Program: Third Year Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Electives
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Day Part-Time Program: Fourth Year Required Courses and Electives
Fall Term
Credits
Spring Term
Credits
Electives
9-12
Advanced Legal Writing Requirement
1
–
–
Advanced Legal Analysis
3
–
–
Electives
5-8
Total Credits
9-12
Total Credits
9-12
Learn more >
The curriculum for this two-semester, 24-credit program comprises:
Academic Excellence
Course and writing requirements:
Constitutional Law
,
Law and Ethics of Lawyering
,
Substantial Writing Requirement (may be satisfied by the completion of a seminar or
Legal Research and Writing I, II, or III
)
Electives
Learn more >
Pursue Your Legal Passion. Tailor Your Career Path.
100+ Electives
Electives will make up half of your course load, providing plenty of freedom to choose. Explore different areas of law, experiment, and familiarize yourself with those you’re most interested in. Delve deeper into those that interest you most; we offer robust programs in many areas, including business, criminal, international, family, real estate, and tax law.
View Courses
Certificates and Concentrations
Graduate with the knowledge and experiences to hit the ground running in an area of law you’re passionate about, with a concentration or certificate in an in-demand field. We offer a certificate in criminal practice and procedure and concentrations in business law, family law, international law, litigation, public interest law, small firm practice, or trusts and estates.
Learn more
Clinics and Externships
Represent real clients in the field, under supervision. Gain hands‑on experience drafting motions, negotiating settlements, and advocating in court, while earning academic credit and professional mentorship. New England Law is one of the nation’s few schools that guarantee a clinical or externship experience to all interested students: you may take up to four before you graduate.
Learn more
Study Abroad
Spend a summer in Galway, Ireland, at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Or spend a semester at The Lebanon Tribunal or the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, the International Human Rights Institute in London, or the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, and learn the inner workings of these vital organizations.
Learn more
Summer Courses
New England Law offers several courses each summer. These courses are open to current New England Law students and those in good standing at any ABA-accredited U.S. law schools and at Canadian and European university law programs.
Learn more
Personalized Support
From the Academic Excellence Program for first‑year students to our Honors Program, we offer every student guidance and support to meet their individual needs.
Learn more
Top-Ranked Bar Preparation
Designed and led by a recognized expert in test-taking skills and strategies, our top-ranked Bar Examination Preparation Program helps students pass the bar at higher rates.
Learn more
We’re Here to Help
To learn more about New England Law | Boston, complete the form, and we’ll send you the latest information.
Have a specific question or want to speak with an admissions counselor?
Call: 617-422-7210
Email:
admit@nesl.edu
Admissions Contact Us Form
See Yourself at New England Law
Think New England Law | Boston is the perfect fit for you but want to find out before you apply?
VISIT CAMPUS
REQUEST INFO
VIEWBOOK
STUDENT LIFE
Already Admitted?
Get ready to hit the ground running at New England Law. Our Admitted Students Portal can help you access orientation details, class registration, and other details, class registration, and other essential resources to jumpstart your success.
LOG IN