Policies

All units and coursework toward the JSM degree must be completed at Stanford.

To obtain the JSM degree, students must complete at least 35 but no more than 45 approved quarter units of course work under the personal supervision of a faculty adviser and the SPILS Teaching Fellow. At least 26 of these units must be Law School courses.

JSM candidates are subject to the following criteria with regards to course selection:

• JSM candidates may not take more than forty-five (45) units while enrolled at Stanford Law School. All units taken at Stanford Law School or Stanford University count toward this total, whether or not these units are taken for credit towards the degree.

• JSM candidates may not take any courses that are required as part of the first quarter of the first year of the JD curriculum and must petition for permission to take any courses that are required as part of the second or third quarters of the first year of the JD curriculum.

• JSM candidates may not take any courses at other law schools.

• JSM candidates may take for Law School credit no more than 9 units elsewhere in the University and may not take any foreign or English language courses for Law School credit.

• Because of their special course and thesis requirements, JSM candidates cannot avail themselves of the “clinical quarter.”

To receive the JSM degree, a student must be “in residence” as a law student for at least 3 quarters. For purposes of the JSM degree, the term “in residence” means that a student:

• Takes at least 9 quarter units of credit that can be counted toward the degree each quarter.

• By the date all grades for the quarter are due, passes at least 8 units each quarter.

• Pays full tuition to the law school.

• Does not work more than 20 hours per week during the term. (See section entitled ‘Limitations on Working’ for more information.)

A student must be in residence during the quarter in which the final degree is conferred or during the quarter immediately preceding degree conferral.

Candidates for the JSM degree are expected to complete all degree requirements within one academic year and must complete the degree requirements within two consecutive academic years.

Students considering sitting for the California or New York Bar Exams are strongly encouraged to consult with the Director of Academic Success. The requirements for sitting for these exams (including, but not limited to, courses that must be taken in advance) are very complicated and change frequently. So it is essential that you seek guidance.