The Juris Doctor degree is recommended for each candidate who has completed the following:

  1. Six semesters of residence as a law student enrolled at an ABA accredited law school. The candidate must have earned at least 50% of their 90 credits at Maine Law. 
  2. 90 hours of credit, with a grade of Pass or Low Pass, in a Pass/Fail course and a D or above in a graded course. 
  3. All required courses, including all first-year courses, Professional Responsibility; Experiential courses totaling at least six credit hours (beginning with the Class of 2026, this includes successful completion of clinical and/or externship courses); and two of the following four courses prior to graduation: (1) Administrative Law; (2) Evidence (or Trial Advocacy); (3) Business Associations; (4) Taxation I. 
  4. 64 credits of direct instruction. 
  5. No more than 50% of credits earned through distance education. 
  6. The Upper Level Writing Requirement.

All candidates for the JD must be in good academic standing at the time of graduation.  Any candidate who fails to meet the good standing requirement but meets the other requirements for graduation will be recommended for the degree only under special circumstances and by special vote of the Executive Committee. A candidate may not graduate if they have a pending case under the UMS Student Conduct Code.