Our curriculum is one of the many reasons Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a great fit for current and former military, reservists and spouses. The rolling application schedule is perfectly suited for applicants who might arrive in San Diego on short notice and those whose career and life demands require the ability to switch between part-time and full-time, or daytime and evening enrollment. Our flexible curriculum options also allow students to pursue directed study and distance education courses that help meet the demands of active duty service and military transfers.
The academic rigors of law school can be exciting and quite challenging at the same time especially for those who might be entering law school after many years away from college. To help you perform to the best of your ability, TJSL provides students with comprehensive guidance and support through the Academic Success Program. Our dedicated and experienced ASP faculty and staff will help you develop the study, research, writing and other skills needed for success in law school and in your professional career.
Our curriculum is taught by experienced practitioners, many of whom are considered experts in their respective fields and some of whom, like professors William Slomanson and K.J. Greene, also served in the military. Our world-class, full-time faculty are also highly productive scholars, having authored hundreds of articles, collectively, in well-respected law journals, as well as widely-used casebooks.
View our expansive listings of required and elective courses. There are courses to fit almost all areas of practice in today's globalized environment.
In addition to our four Centers of Academic Excellence, the law school offers several academic areas in which it has significant strength, based on the exceptional credentials of the faculty and the valuable expertise they bring to the classroom. These academic specialties include:
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Business, Investment & Trade
- Entertainment & Sports Law
- Legal Practice Specialty
- Human Rights Specialty
- Criminal Law Specialty
- Policy & Jurisprudence
- Civil Rights & Liberties
- Family Law
Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers a select group of our incoming students the opportunity to take part in one of three academic Fellowship Programs: criminal law, intellectual property law, and sports law and policy.
Students may earn academic credit and valuable professional experience through the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (VLAC), which provides limited legal assistance and full-service legal representation to formerly homeless veterans affiliated with the Veterans Village of San Diego. The VLAC is one of several live-client legal clinics operated by the law school, including the new Veterans Self-Help Legal Clinic.
If your interest is your own law practice, Thomas Jefferson houses the innovative Center for Solo Practitioners, a 12-to-18-month program that supports recent graduates in establishing practices. To qualify, students must take courses in the Solo Practice Concentration.
Learn about all these programs and more on our Academics page.
LCDR Eric Bernsen, Class of 2012
Navy MH-605 Helicopter Pilot (Veteran)
“I left active duty exactly 19 days before I started classes at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. It was a wild change, but the staff and faculty made the transition exceedingly easy. They were very supportive of my Navy Reserve duties and fully accepted the Post-9/11 GI Bill. There is no exaggeration saying the faculty is accessible, supportive and all-around amazing. Not only that, but the students are more like a family. Sure, there’s competition, but it’s not the rip-the-pages-out-of-your-book competition. Thomas Jefferson has an environment that I didn’t experience at other schools. I am proud to be a Thomas Jefferson School of Law graduate.”
Lieutenant Jennifer McCollough, Class of 2013
Navy MH-605 Helicopter Pilot (Veteran)
“I was apprehensive about attending law school while on active duty, but it was obvious that the faculty and staff truly care about the students and our success. When a fellow pilot was killed, the staff adjusted my class schedule, enabling me to finish the semester and still be there to help his family in their time of need. The faculty is nothing short of amazing! I appreciate their ability to let different voices and opinions be heard. My academic and personal experience at Thomas Jefferson School of Law has provided me with a whole new perspective on life.”
Nicole Heffel, Class of 2013
Master at Arms (Veteran)
“Coming to law school straight from active duty was difficult. I encountered several separation issues that I was not anticipating. The veteran community at Thomas Jefferson offered the support and resources I need to succeed. Any time I have a question or I need assistance with my G.I. Bill, the staff is eager to assist. If I need help in one of my classes, a fellow veteran is by my side showing me the way. I am proud to be a student veteran at Thomas Jefferson School of Law.”
CPT Sarah Green, Class of 2012
Army Judge Advocate (Active Duty)
"I went to law school under the U.S. Army Educational Delay program, with the purpose of joining the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) upon graduation. My experience at Thomas Jefferson School of Law was great; the student veteran population at Thomas Jefferson is tight-knit, and I truly enjoyed the camaraderie. The professors are very knowledgeable and engaging, and I loved the variety in class choices. The school was also very supportive of veteran needs, and our military service and achievements were often recognized and celebrated. I couldn't have asked for a better law school experience."