Kentucky Law Schools

Law schools in Kentucky offer a three-year program for full-time students and evening courses for part-time students. Students participating in evening courses typically take six years to complete degree requirements. In addition to traditional classroom learning, students participate in a myriad of programs designed to gain an understanding of the law in action. Kentucky law school students can earn law degrees in a variety of disciplines, including, corporate, criminal, civil, and family law.

The Salmon P. Chase College of Law is located in northern Kentucky. This law school offers certificate in advocacy and transactional law programs. The law school offers a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree and a joint J.D. and M.B.A. degree. Courses which comprise a law degree include civil procedure, basic legal skills, family law, corporate law, criminal law, administrative law, limited liability companies, will and trusts, tax law, professional responsibility, torts, property law, evidence, and legal analysis.

University of Kentucky School of Law in Lexington is located near the downtown metropolitan area, and features an enrollment of approximately 450 per academic year. Law students must complete six semesters of full-time enrollment before graduating. Ten credits hours is considered full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment must be approved by the administration. Law students must also have permission in order to take more than 16 credit hours. Courses, which comprise the J. D. degree, include business association, evidence, criminal procedure, secured transactions, trusts and estates, taxation, professional responsibility, administrative law, and advance estate planning. Students will be taught according to both the "Socratic" and case study methods.

The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is part of the University of Louisville. Students may complete the required 90 quarter hours of law classes on either a full or a part-time basis. Full-time students typically complete the degree requirements in three years, where non-traditional students commonly finish the coursework in four years. After completing the first year of required courses, students can switch between the part and full-time tracks of study. Joint degree programs include a J.D. and Master of Divinity degree, J.D. and Master of Arts in Humanities degree, J.D. and Master of Arts in Political Science degree, J.D. and Science in Social Work degree, J.D. and Master of Urban Planning degree, and a J.D. and Master of Business Administration degree.

Students at all three Kentucky law schools offer the opportunity to participate in pro bono programs, and community service learning initiatives. Studying abroad educational programs, as well as "mock-trial" events serve to enhance real world law experiences and practical application of coursework.

Kentucky law schools also aid students in securing internships within local law firms, as well as clerking positions for elected officials. Career night events are another outreach features offered at all three law schools to for recruitment and graduate employment purposes. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Resources used for this article include the University of Kentucky Law School website, University of Louisville Law School website, and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law website.