Admissions personnel at schools without specialized programs emphasize that patent or environmental lawyers must have a sound grasp of legal fundamentals. This is true, but it ignores several very important points. Core legal curricula throughout the U.S. are very similar. Subjects such as legal research and writing, civil and criminal procedure, contracts, property and constitutional law are usually required. Of the 80 to 90 credit hours typically obtained in pursuit of the JD, a third or more will be elective.
Few schools require many courses beyond the first year.
Law school electives, of necessity, also cover fundamentals, but from differing perspectives. The alternative is to have to select many courses having little or no personal appeal. In light of such factors, tuition differentials may seem less significant, or disappear altogether. Anyone interested in intellectual property should visit Jon's extensive Intellectual Property Mall. If you have questions, email Tom Field .