Legal education at Maryland Carey Law combines academic excellence with practical experience. The institution offers a broad selection of degree programs, specialized areas of study, experiential learning opportunities, and student support services. Academic resources are designed to prepare learners for careers in diverse fields of law while ensuring they develop critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills. A strong commitment to both foundational knowledge and applied practice makes Maryland Carey Law a hub for professional growth and personal development.
Table of Contents
Degree Programs
Maryland Carey Law provides multiple pathways for students with different career goals. Each degree program emphasizes intellectual rigor while offering opportunities for customization.
- JD Program (Juris Doctor)
- The core program is designed for students who wish to practice law.
- First-year foundation in contracts, criminal law, torts, and constitutional law.
- Options in later years to specialize in areas like health law, environmental law, or business law.
- LLM Program (Master of Laws)
- Tailored for law graduates seeking advanced knowledge.
- Designed for both U.S. and international lawyers.
- Focus areas include global business law, constitutional law, and human rights.
- MS in Law Program
- Ideal for professionals working outside traditional law practice.
- Prepares individuals for roles in compliance, policy, and regulatory environments.
- Curriculum balances legal theory with industry-specific applications.
- Dual-Degree Programs
- Enables students to combine a JD with another advanced degree.
- Partnerships with other schools allow integration with fields such as public policy, business administration, and health.
Areas of Study
The curriculum offers flexibility to align academic choices with professional aspirations. Students can specialize or pursue a broad approach.
- Business and Corporate Law – Courses on corporate governance, mergers, and financial regulation.
- Constitutional and Public Law – Training in civil rights, constitutional interpretation, and government processes.
- Criminal Law and Procedure – Study of criminal justice systems, defense, and prosecution strategies.
- Environmental and Energy Law – Exploration of environmental policy, natural resources, and energy regulations.
- Health Law – Preparation for roles in healthcare compliance, bioethics, and medical liability.
- International and Comparative Law – Focus on global trade, treaties, and cross-border regulations.
- Intellectual Property Law – Training in copyright, trademarks, patents, and technology law.
Programs and Centers
Maryland Carey Law strengthens academic experiences through specialized programs and research centers.
- Centers for Research – Facilitate scholarship in areas like health law, global policy, and technology.
- Special Initiatives – Organize conferences, lectures, and publications to advance legal debates.
- Collaborative Projects – Engage students with faculty in real-world legal analysis and community outreach.
Clinics
Practical training forms a key part of Maryland Carey Law education. Clinics allow students to apply classroom theories while representing real clients.
- Opportunities include:
- Family Law Clinic
- Immigration Clinic
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Skills developed:
- Client interviewing and counseling
- Legal research and drafting
- Advocacy in real courtrooms
- Negotiation and mediation
Experiential Learning
Beyond clinics, students access diverse experiential opportunities to refine skills.
- Internships and Externships – Work placements in government agencies, law firms, and non-profits.
- Trial Advocacy Programs – Training in courtroom procedures, argumentation, and persuasion.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Community engagement projects that promote access to justice.
Certificates and Tracks
Certificates provide recognition for specialized study. Tracks guide students in building a focused academic profile.
- Health Law Certificate – For students pursuing careers in medical law and policy.
- Business Law Track – Concentration on financial systems, transactions, and compliance.
- Public Interest Law Track – Dedicated to careers serving underrepresented communities.
Bar Preparation
Preparation for the bar exam is integrated into the academic framework.
- Structured Courses – Cover subjects tested on state and national bar exams.
- Workshops – Practice essay writing and multiple-choice strategies.
- Advising Support – Guidance on scheduling and exam preparation techniques.
Advising and Student Support
Academic advising ensures students receive assistance at every stage.
- Course Selection Guidance – Advisors help balance required and elective courses.
- Career Counseling – Dedicated staff provide insights on internships and job placements.
- Stress Management Resources – Counseling and wellness programs help maintain academic balance.
Academic Resources
Students access a range of resources that enhance academic progress.
- Academic Calendar – Outlines important dates, including exams, registration, and breaks.
- Policies and Procedures – Ensure transparency and fairness in academic administration.
- Course Catalog – Detailed listings of available classes with descriptions.
- Library Access – Comprehensive legal databases, journals, and study facilities.
Overview of Academics at Maryland Carey Law
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| JD Program | A Core degree for law practice with specialization options in later years. |
| LLM Program | Advanced degree for law graduates, including international students. |
| MS in Law Program | Prepares professionals outside the law for compliance and policy roles. |
| Dual-Degree Programs | Combine JD with other advanced degrees like business or health. |
| Areas of Study | Business, Constitutional, Criminal, Environmental, Health, IP, International |
| Clinics | Real client representation in family, immigration, environmental, and criminal law. |
| Experiential Learning | Internships, externships, trial advocacy, and volunteer opportunities. |
| Certificates & Tracks | Health Law, Business Law, and Public Interest Law specializations. |
| Bar Preparation | Courses, workshops, and advising to prepare for bar exams. |
| Advising & Support | Course planning, career guidance, and wellness services. |
| Academic Resources | Calendar, catalog, library, policies, and procedures. |
Contact Information
- Office of Admissions
500 West Baltimore Street, Suite 130
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1786- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Email: admissions@law.umaryland.edu
- Phone: (410) 706-3492
- Fax: (410) 706-1793
Summing Up
Academics at Maryland Carey Law reflect a comprehensive approach to legal education. Students gain a strong foundation through degree programs while refining practical skills through clinics and experiential learning. Support systems, specialized tracks, and bar preparation services further strengthen career readiness. A combination of academic rigor and professional opportunities ensures that graduates are well-prepared to succeed in diverse legal careers.
Common Questions
Q1. What makes the JD program unique at Maryland Carey Law?
The JD program offers a balance of foundational legal training and opportunities for specialization, supported by clinics and experiential learning.
Q2. Can international students apply for the LLM program?
Yes, the LLM program welcomes both U.S. and international law graduates, providing global perspectives in specialized legal areas.
Q3. How does experiential learning enhance legal education?
Experiential learning bridges theory and practice, allowing students to gain courtroom experience, participate in externships, and engage with real clients.
Q4. Are there resources for students preparing for the bar exam?
Yes, structured courses, workshops, and personalized advising support ensure students are well-prepared for bar examinations.
