Programs
Juris Doctor Overview
In addition to admissions requirements, students must complete 90 units of study with an average of C (a grade point average of 2.0). In order to receive credit for a course, students must complete not less than 80% of verifiable academic engagement required in each course in which the student is enrolled.
Both the full- and part-time degree plans must be completed in five years or less. The full-time program must include at least three consecutive academic terms within five years; the part-time program must include at least four consecutive academic terms within five years.
Any student with a disability requiring special arrangements will be accommodated upon petition, with supporting documentation and pending approval from the Registrar's Office. Special accommodations will be carefully tailored to meet the documented need in accordance with the Trinity Law School disability policy.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Juris Doctor degree will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the law in key areas tested on the California Bar Exam by obtaining a grade of C or higher on a class examination.
- Demonstrate that law may be practiced as a tool of ministry through pro bono or low-cost legal services.
- Identify and formulate the legal issues and theories that apply to the facts of a described situation or problem in the content area as demonstrated by successful performance on an examination.
- Compare case law to a given set of facts, using it to determine the appropriate action as demonstrated by written case briefs and participation in classroom discussion.
- Integrate biblical principles to content area topics by classroom discussion and/or assignments.
Juris Doctor Flex Academic Support Classes
Students who have not taken the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or who score below 145 on the LSAT may be eligible for the JD Flex Academic Support Classes. Five of the six JD Flex Academic Support Classes are similar to the regular JD courses with the added benefit of a sixth course focused on improving students' legal analysis skills. The JD Flex Academic Support Classes also include academic support components designed to help students pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination (FYLSX). For a total of 18 units, students must enroll in and successfully complete the JD Flex Academic Support Classes for Torts 1, Contracts 1, and Criminal Law in the first semester, and Torts 2, Contracts 2, and FYLSX Skills in the second semester.
Trinity Law School requires all students in the Flex Academic Support Classes to take and pass the FYLSX exam at the conclusion of the second semester. The FYLSX will be waived if the student meets one of the following conditions:
- Submits an LSAT score of 145 or higher before the last day of the first semester; and earns a grade of “C” or higher in each of the JD Flex Academic Support Classes for Torts 1, Contracts 1, and Criminal Law; or
- Earns a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.67 or higher at the end of the six JD Flex Academic Support Classes.
The five paths
Path1
- The FYLSX will be waived for students who both:
- Submit an LSAT score of 145 or higher before the last day of the first semester, and
- Earn a grade of “C” or higher in each of the first semester Flex First-Year Courses.
Path 2
The FYLSX will be waived for students who:
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher at the end of the Flex First-Year Courses; thus, the FYLSX will be waived. (Based on the grading curve, approximately 15-20% of Flex students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher.)
Path 3
If Path 1 or Path 2 have not been achieved, the FYLSX is required.
- Take and pass the FYLSX after the Flex First-Year Courses.
Path 4
The FYLSX will be waived for students who both:
- Enroll in a third semester of Flex classes, and
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher at the end of the third semester.
Path 5
If Paths 1-4 have not been achieved, the FYLSX is required.
- Take and pass the FYLSX after the completion of the third semester.
Master of Legal Studies Overview
The Master of Legal Studies is a 30-unit online degree program. Students complete a core curriculum of 15 units and must choose from one of 15-unit tracks for a total of 30 units. The available 15-unit tracks are: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bioethics, Church and Ministry Management, Contracts and Negotiation, Criminal Justice, General Legal Studies, Human Resources Management, Human Rights, and Nonprofit Organizations. Courses are offered on a modular schedule beginning every eighth week. The program is designed to be completed within two years.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Legal Studies degree will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the law in areas applicable to a wide range of business and management positions.
- Apply the law as a tool for effective and ethical decision making.
- Identify legal issues and formulate legal theories that impact their professional career.
- Effectively interact with attorneys regarding the application of legal solutions to business and ministry challenges.
- Recognize and resolve ethical issues by applying knowledge of secular law and biblical principles to contact area topics.
Legal Fundamentals
A student required to take Legal Fundamentals may not enroll in any other course until the student successfully completes Legal Fundamentals. Exception will only be granted upon a showing of a strong likelihood of success in Legal Fundamentals and approval by the Dean.