This Curriculum Guide provides an overview of the substantive areas in which the Law School offers courses. The Guide is intended to assist you in charting out a course of study that reflects your academic interests and professional goals, whether you approach the Guide with a strong sense of what field you plan to specialize in or whether you are interested in exploring a wide array of topics.

The narratives in each subject area give a general overview of the topics covered within a specific grouping of courses as well as specific recommendations regarding the sequencing of certain courses. Because so many substantive areas of the law intersect and complement each other, we have provided links within each subject area to other relevant areas within the Guide. The Guide also notes clinical offerings and other programs within the Law School that relate to a specific subject area. Please note that additional student-run organizations and journals within the Law School allow for further opportunities to explore these topics in depth through scholarship, networking events, competitions or pro bono work.

Beyond the courses required of all students for graduation (outlined in the Law School’s Academic Regulations), you may tailor your course of study to meet your personal objectives. However, there are certain courses which I would recommend to all students as they consider the Law School’s elective offerings:

Administrative Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence and Taxation, while not required courses, address core aspects of many areas of practice and would contribute greatly to any student’s overall understanding of fundamental concepts in the law.

Given the changes in legal practice in a global economy, I suggest that each student take at least one international law course, such as International Law, International Business Transactions or International Trade. Students interested in international aspects of legal practice can also take a wide variety of specialized offerings. Similarly, I would also recommend that students take at lease one course in Intellectual Property, such as the Intellectual Property survey course, Copyright Law, Trademark Law, or Patent Law.

Prospective litigators should also take Federal Courts, while those considering a career as a transactional lawyer should take the course in Corporate Finance or Securities Regulation. These courses also serve as gateways to more specialized electives. Students interested in federal court clerkships are well-advised to take Federal Courts, as well as Evidence and Criminal Procedure.

Students who entered Law School in Fall 2007 are required to take a designated "professional skills" class. I urge all other students to take advantage of the Law School’s outstanding clinical offerings, simulation courses and externship opportunities as well. These courses allow students to develop effective advocacy skills and to gain exposure to the demands of representing clients in a variety of practice environments.

A well-rounded legal education also includes courses in jurisprudence, legal theory, and legal history, which help students gain broader perspectives on the law and the legal system.

For students who are interested in those topics that may appear on the bar exam, both Evidence and Criminal Procedure are subjects on the multi-state bar exam. For the New York State bar exam, relevant courses include New York Practice, Decedents’ Estates, Trusts (or the combined course in Trusts & Wills), and Family Law.

It is important to seek out advice from faculty and other members of the Fordham community to gather input into what courses and related activities best match your interests and goals. I urge you to seek such advice early in your law school career so that you may take introductory courses early on to be eligible for advanced specialized courses that may have pre-requisites.

As a final note, not all courses described in this guide are offered every semester or even every year. For a listing of courses to be offered in a specific term, consult the course schedule provided by the Registrar's Office.

This guide contains hyperlinks to course descriptions. These descriptions are intended for general information only. Descriptions for courses with the same title may vary over time and from professor to professor. Please be sure to review the course descriptions that are linked to the registration materials for the particular semester that you are considering taking a class.

I am always happy to speak with you regarding our course offerings and your upper level elective choices.

Sheila Foster
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Albert A. Walsh Professor of Law, Co-Director Stein Center for Law & Ethics