JURIS DOCTOR OFCOLLEGELAW
Dean and Doyle Rogers Distinguished Professor of Law
Welcome to Belmont Law. Lawyers are a tremendous force for good. At Belmont Law we believe lawyers have a special responsibility in American society. We value public service, and our goal is to produce leaders in the bar and in our community. We incorporate ethics, professionalism and integrity into everything we do. We believe law students become professionals on the day they enter law school, rather than on the day they graduate.
During my career as a lawyer I have witnessed numerous changes in our profession. For one, law firms today expect new lawyers to “hit the ground running.” Consequently, the Belmont Law faculty of experienced teachers, scholars and practicing attorneys integrate traditional legal analysis and practical legal skills, with the goal of graduating practice-ready attorneys for today’s global market.
Hope to see you soon,
Additionally, today it is more common for someone with a law degree to have multiple careers with different employers.
ALBERTO R. GONZALES
We hope you will take the opportunity to review our website and learn more. We also invite you to visit us in the vibrant city of Nashville. It would be my pleasure to meet with you personally to explore how Belmont Law can prepare you to become a successful attorney, as well as the many opportunities to serve others with a law degree.
A quality legal education is the foundation that provides the flexibility to pursue one’s dreams. We take seriously our obligation to help prepare our students to make the choices that will lead to a more productive and satisfying life.
One of Forbes’ FASTEST CITIES IN AMERICA GROWINGQUALITYLEGAL EDUCATION in Tennessee’s capital city STUDENT to FACULTY RATIO 18:1
WHY BELMONT LAW
The mission of Belmont University College of Law is to prepare qualified students with an excellent understanding of the law that will equip them to become professional counselors, advocates and judges; researchers, teachers and philosophers of the law; entrepreneurs; and engaged citizens. Belmont University College of Law is committed to the Christian tradition. We believe that instilling the highest standards of personal and professional conduct is our ethical and communal responsibility. We seek to ensure that the knowledge and values that we transmit to our students serve the ends of justice.
INDUSTRIES IN THE “IT” CITY HealthNon-ProfitsGovernmentCare Management Corporate SportsTourismAdvertisingOperationsandMediaandMusicEntertainment
“I have had the pleasure to work with several Belmont College of Law students as interns and three graduates as law clerks in my chambers. I am consistently impressed with their commitment to the profession and ability to quickly learn how to accomplish the task at hand.”
FRANK G. CLEMENT, JR. Tennessee Court of Appeals
Vice President, Corporate & Legal, SVMIC Vice President, Tennessee Bar Association
RUSS MILLER Member Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
“We have had tremendous success hiring Belmont Law students through our summer associate program over the past five years. Belmont Law students have impressed our attorneys with their strong work ethic, professionalism and the quality of their work. We will continue to look to Belmont in the future for law students that have the potential to be great lawyers.”
SHERIE EDWARDS
Practice-orientedprogramjust STEPS FROM MUSIC ROW Located 2 miles from DOWNTOWNNASHVILLE
“I have had the pleasure of mentoring students through the Belmont Law Inn of Court. Through one-on-one mentorship and working on legal education presentations, I have been impressed with the students’ intellectual curiosity, dedication to studies, professionalism and ability to interact with attorneys, judges and fellow law students on a high level.”
JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAM
Belmont Law offers an innovative curriculum that integrates traditional legal analysis and practical legal skills. Each semester of the JD curriculum builds upon the prior semester. One unique aspect of Belmont Law’s curriculum is the practicum required each semester. Through practicum work, students become proficient in the practice of law. Students must also complete a rigorous writing requirement during their second or third year in order to graduate.
PRACTICAL LEGAL SKILLS Legal Research & Writing Client Interviewing & Counseling NegotiationLitigation ACADEMIC JOURNALS Belmont Law Review Health Law Journal Criminal Law EntertainmentJournalLawJournal ACADEMICS
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS JD + MBA PROGRAM Complete both degrees in 3 years with the Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business. 3 + 3 PROGRAMS Earn a BA or BS along with a JD through one of Belmont’s approved 3 + 3 programs. CERTIFICATES Our three certificate programs reflect top industries in Middle Tennessee. Students may earn a certificate in addition to their JD within the threeyear curriculum. Completion of a certificate indicates to prospective employers that a student has specialized knowledge in their chosen field. Students obtaining a certificate will receive a notation on their transcript. CRIMINAL LAW CERTIFICATE HEALTH LAW ENTERTAINMENTCERTIFICATE&MUSIC BUSINESS DEBORAHPROFESSORFARRINGER Director of Health Law Studies PROFESSOR LOREN MULRAINE Director of Music & Entertainment Law Studies PROFESSOR LUCIAN DERVAN Director of Criminal Justice Studies
NASHVILLE IS OUR LEGAL CLINIC
Nashville combines big-city charisma with small-town charm to create an enriching experience for Belmont Law students. As Tennessee’s capitol city, Nashville is a major urban, government and not-for-profit center. Nashville is music, sports, and culture; quiet parks and rowdy festivals; cowboy boots and business suits. Welcome to Music City. LAW STUDENTS HELD SUMMER
HAVE
AND/OR FULL-TIME POSITIONS WITH: • BMI • CMA • CMT • Eventbrite • The Nashville Predators • The Tennessee Titans
LEARNINGEXPERIENTIAL
BELMONT
• Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender’s Office
• Davidson County Department of Children’s Services
National Champions—Emory Civil Rights and Liberties Moot Court Competition
The Board of Advocates (BOA) is a great opportunity to get involved on campus, sharpen your practical legal skills, and form a sense of community with your law school peers.
ADVOCACY
MOOT COURT (NAAC)
MOCK TRIAL (AAJ)
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Regional Champions—American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
PROFESSOR AMY MOORE of
Earn credit-hours working in live-client situations, under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. Belmont students have completed field placements with over 200 different organizations including:
Director
Advocacy PROFESSOR KRISTI ARTH Director of Field Placements MINIMUM OF 100 HOURS to complete field placement COMPONENTCLASSROOM ALSO REQUIRED earn CREDIT HOURS WORKING in live-client situations
FIELD PLACEMENTS
• Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts
• Tennessee Court of Appeals
• United States Attorney’s Office—Middle District of Tennessee
• Nashville Metropolitan Council
• Disability Rights Tennessee
• Nashville Predators
• Tennessee Attorney General—Consumer Advocate and Protection Division
TRANSACTIONAL TEAM
National Champions—L. Edward Bryant, Jr. National Health Law Transactional Moot Court Competition
PUBLIC INTEREST
• Immigration Clinics
The Office of Career and Professional Development offers specialized career counseling to students seeking public interest careers. Services include resume and cover letter review, individual coaching, and public interest job search strategies. The Office regularly hosts programming focused on public interest careers and even has a Public Interest Coordinator to assist students interested in this legal practice.
Belmont partners with community organizations to put on pro bono legal clinics in the Middle Tennessee area. Our students have had the opportunity to volunteer with several groups including, but not limited to:
• Expungement Clinics
• Debt and Bankruptcy Clinics
• Free Legal Answers Clinics
Belmont Law students partnered with the Tennessee Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the Administrative Office of the Courts Access to Justice Initiative to launch the first ever Essential Documents for Essential Workers clinic. Volunteer attorneys met with officers from the Franklin Police Department to draft and execute Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Healthcare Directives. Law students and Belmont staff served as witnesses for the estate documents.
• Estate Planning Clinics
LAW STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE
SPECIALIZED CAREER SERVICES
Belmont encourages students to complete the Pro Bono Pledge by performing 50 or more hours of pro bono service during their law school careers. These students are recognized at graduation and are named a Law Student for Justice by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
PRO BONO CLINICS
“As the first person in my family to go to law school...I felt like I was navigating a foreign land without a compass. That all changed when I met my attorney mentor. From our first meeting until today, my mentor has been a constant source of guidance, stress-relief, and friendship.”
MENTORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
JESSICA GAPP Class of 2020
Match with a 2L or 3L through our Peer Mentor Program to receive advice on class preparation, exams, outlining, summer internships, and networking within the student body.
ATTORNEY MENTORS
The opportunity to connect with judges and attorneys in a structured format on a monthly basis is an invaluable benefit offered to first-year students through our chapter of the American Inns of Court.
PEER MENTORS
1L TO LAWYER
Meet your attorney mentor
Bar Refresher Course
Apply for summer legal positions or field placements
YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY 2L1L 2L3L3L 1L SPRINGFALLFALLFALL SPRINGSPRING
Continue & strengthen relationship with Inn of Court attorney mentor On-Campus Interviews (OCI’s)
Finalize after-grad employment
Renew your student membership in the TBA Check our career portal bi-weekly for job postings
Network through special-interest student organizations
Professional Development Week
Monthly American Inn of Court meetings begin Meet individually with the Office of Career & Professional Development
Begin student membership in the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA)
Apply for summer legal positions or field placements
Professional Development Week
Professional Development Week
SERVICESGRADUATE CATEGORIES
CAREER
THE OFFICE OF CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Employer fairs and on campus interviews are just a couple ways our students connect with others, creating a strong employment success rate. Belmont Law graduates are practicing all over the United States and provide a robust alumni base for extensive networking opportunities. 66% FIRMS 19% PUBLIC SERVICE 15% BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
EMPLOYMENT
ABA employment data from the most recent reported class Resume writing Career Personalizedadvisingemployer communication strategies Job search strategies
The Office of Career and Professional Development prepares students for success through individualized coaching, small group workshops, and employer fairs. On-campus interviews, mock interviews, internships, and assistance with job placement are just some of the services provided.
Former Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office
Former White House Counsel to the President
Chair of the American Bar Association
Criminal Justice Section Global White Collar Crime Institute
Chair of the ABA Commission on the American Jury
FACULTY
Director of Criminal Justice Studies
Former Texas Secretary of State
Former General Counsel to the Texas Governor
PROFESSORFARRINGERDEBORAH
Director of Health Law Studies
TIMOTHYPROFESSORCHINARIS
Tennessee Bar Association Ethics and Professional TennesseeCommitteeResponsibilityMemberBarAssociationAttorneyWell-BeingCommitteeMemberFormerEthicsDirectoroftheFloridaBarImmediatepastchair,FloridaBarCommitteeonProfessionalism
80th Attorney General of the United States
Coach - Moot Court Transactional Team
Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section
Former Senior Associate General Counsel, Vanderbilt University Faculty Supervisor for the Belmont Health Law Journal
DEANGONZALESALBERTO
Previous Justice of the Texas Supreme Court
Seasoned LEADERSEXPERIENCED TEACHERS
Former Chief Diversity Officer, Tennessee State University
LUCIANPROFESSORDERVAN
Immediate Past Chair of the ABA CJS
Professor Dervan has twice appeared before the United States House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee, and has testified before the Federal Senate of Brazil
Belmont Law’s faculty is highly experienced and well-credentialed. Visit belmont.edu/law to learn more about our 20 full-time faculty members.
Director of Academic Success 1993 Truman Scholar
TRACEYPROFESSORCARTER
CHARLESPROFESSORTROST
Served on the American Bar Association’s Task Force on the Federalization of Criminal Law Serves on the steering committee of the Tennessee Criminal Justice Reinvestment Task Force
Three-term former District Attorney General of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County
PROFESSOR HAROLD SEE
Served as a law clerk to Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Tennessee Uniform Law Commissioner
Reporter Draftsman of the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Committee,Laws—ExecutiveTreasurer
Legal clients have included Grammy, Dove and Stellar award winners, gold, platinum and multi-platinum selling artists, producers and songwriters, filmmakers, independent labels and management companies
Former articles editor on the Boston College Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif
Former resident scholar, First Amendment Center
Of counsel with Bone McAllester Norton, PLLC
Past Commissioner of Revenue for the State of Tennessee
LEGAL SCHOLARS
Justice Robert H. Jackson Legal Fellow for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama
TORRYPROFESSORJOHNSON
Author, co-author, or co-editor of more than 40 books
First Amendment Fellow for the Freedom Forum Institute
Life Member of the Uniform Law Commission
ELIZABETHPROFESSORUSMAN
DAVIDPROFESSORHUDSON
PROFESSORMULRAINELOREN
Director of Music & Entertainment Law Studies
PRACTICING Attorneys
Contributing editor to the Federal Circuit Bar Journal
OUTCOMESPROGRAM94% EMPLOYMENT RATE 2018–2019 Graduating Classes TOP 10 BEST VALUE PRIVATE SCHOOLS PreLaw Magazine #6 IN THE NATION 2019 First Time Bar Pass Rate American Bar Association #1 IN THE NATION FOR HIGHEST ULTIMATE BAR PASSAGE RATE TWO YEARS IN A ROW
“The individualized coaching that I received through Moot Court and my professors’ determined dedication to my legal education not only gave me the skills I needed to feel confident and prepared to seamlessly begin arguing motions and conducting bench trials, but also gave me the confidence I needed to patiently and earnestly attain my dream job.”
“Belmont Law strives to make every student practice-ready with a wide offering of practical experiences, from summer internships to the Board of Advocates competition teams. Through the field placement program, I was able to gain exposure to several areas of practice, with placements at the Nashville District Attorney’s Office, the 21st Judicial District Public Defender, and even a semester clerkship on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. These opportunities gave me the perfect foundation for my current work in indigent appellate defense.”
EMMIE FUTRELL
JESSICA BUTLER
Class of 2019, Associate at Ortale Kelley
“I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I was always welcome to walk into any of the faculties’ offices to discuss school, career goals, or even life in general. It is truly a one-of-a-kind support staff you have at your fingertips. Furthermore, Belmont promised to have me practice-ready coming out of school, and it followed through on that promise. Thanks in large part to Belmont Law, I am confident that when my time comes, I will serve my country and my Marines in an exceptional manner.”
“Belmont Law provided me not only with the legal knowledge needed to succeed but also how to practically apply that knowledge so that I was able to start my legal career with hundreds of hours of legal experience…Belmont allowed me to get my hands dirty and actually participate in the discussion rather than simply reading a textbook and testing me on what I learned from the reading. I strongly advise anyone who not only wants a great education but who also wants a successful career to attend Belmont.”
TAYLOR WILKINS
Class of 2018, Marine Corps Judge Advocate (JAG)
Class of 2017, Associate at Riggs Davie PLC
JOE STOVALL
Class of 2019, Assistant Public Defender – Appellate Division
ALUMNI SUCCESS
“Unlike the typical persona of law school, Belmont is not at all a cut-throat or ultra-competitive atmosphere. While every student strives to do well and works really hard, there is an overall atmosphere of camaraderie and kindness. My experience here is that the students and faculty want you to succeed, and most are more than happy to help you however they can.”
THOMAS STEELE Class of 2020
MICAH BARRETT Class of 2023
“I chose Belmont Law because it is highly respected not only by the community but also future employers. In addition, Belmont Law offers practicum courses that provide real world practice and creates practice ready attorneys.”
EXPERIENCESSTUDENT
“I chose Belmont Law because its sincere culture and challenging curriculum are perfectly suited for grooming ambitious law students into confident legal professionals.”
JOSEPH NORTH Class of 2020
BELMONT LAW REVIEW
HEALTH LAW JOURNAL
Students have the opportunity to practice trial advocacy, appellate advocacy and arbitration.
BLACK
CRIMINAL
WOMEN’SSTUDENTLEGALHEALTHFEDERALISTFAMILYENTERTAINMENTSOCIETYLAWSOCIETYLAWSOCIETYSOCIETYLAWSTUDENTASSOCIATIONAIDSOCIETYBARASSOCIATIONLAWSTUDENTORGANIZATION
The Law Review publishes an annual journal, consisting of articles written by attorneys, professors and scholars, and notes written by Law Review members.
• Transactional Team (Health Law)
• Moot Court (NAAC)
• Mock Trial (AAJ)
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS & JOURNALS
CHRISTIAN
AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY LAW STUDENT ASSOCIATION LEGAL SOCIETY LAW
CRIMINAL LAW JOURNAL
BOARD OF ADVOCATES
FALL SEMESTER SPRING
FIRST YEAR (FUNDAMENTAL YEAR) SEMESTER
Course Credits Course Credits Elective Bar Refresher Course 6 Elective Elective Practicum Elective Elective Practicum Secured Transactions 2 Total Credits 14 Total Credits 14 Students must complete a rigorous writing requirement during their 2L or 3L year. Total Credits Required to Graduate: 88
FALL SEMESTER SPRING
Course Credits Course Credits Constitutional Law II: Individual Rights 3 Business Associations 4 Elective Criminal Constitutional Law 3 Evidence 4 Elective Practicum Practicum Wills & Trusts 3 Professional Responsibility 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 16
THIRD YEAR (CAPSTONE YEAR) SEMESTER
FALL SEMESTER SPRING
CURRICULUM
SECOND YEAR (EXPERTISE YEAR) SEMESTER
Course Credits Course Credits Civil Procedure I: Mechanics 3 Civil Procedure II: Jurisdiction 3 Contracts & Sales 4 Constitutional Law I: Powers & Structures 3 Practicum – Legal Information & Communication I 3 Criminal Law 3 Torts 4 Practicum – Legal Information & Communication II 3 Property 3 Total Credits 14 Total Credits 15
Judiciary Practicum
Ethics
Law Office Management Legal Globalization and Comparative Law: Australia
GovernmentalFieldFamilyPlanningLawPracticumPlacementRelations Law
Advanced Research
ELECTIVE OPTIONS Mental Health Law Liability Public Health Law Workers Compensation
¢ Products
¢
Belmont Criminal Law Journal ¢ Health Care Fraud and Abuse Regulation Immigration Law Juvenile Law National Security Law State Constitutional Law ¢ White Collar Crimes Wrongful Convictions: Reasons & Remedies q Belmont Entertainment Law Journal q Copyright Law q Cyber Law q Debtor-Creditor Law ¢ q Employment Discrimination q Entertainment Law q Federal Income Taxation q Franchising Law q Intellectual Property q International Business Transactions q Law & Economics q Mass Media Law ¢ q Mediation q Sports Law q Trademark Law ¢ Administrative Law ¢ Belmont Health Law Journal ¢ Biomedical Ethics ¢ Disability Law ¢ Employment Law ¢ Health Care Blog ¢ Health Care Business and Finance ¢ Health Law ¢ Insurance Law ¢
Advanced Trial Advocacy ¢ Board of Advocates Competition Client Interviewing, Counseling & Communication Courtroom Technology Practicum Criminal Procedure Practical Issues in Criminal Law Sentencing Law Trial Advocacy ¢ q Alternative Dispute Resolution ¢ q Contract Drafting q Entertainment Law Practicum q Film and Television Transactional Law ¢ q Negotiations ¢ Non-Profit Organizations ¢ Health Law Blog ¢ Health Law Practicum ¢ Mediation ¢ Medical Malpractice ¢ Practice Issues in Medical Legal Partnerships
Federal Courts First LocalLawLandAmendmentUseReviewGovernment Law
Estate
Conflict of Laws
Education Law
Family Law
SalesRemediesSeparation of Powers KEY Criminal Law Certificate q Entertainment & Music Business Law Certificate ¢ Health Law Certificate PRACTICUM OPTIONS One practicum course is required each semester. Practicum courses are typically smaller classes (20 students or less) to allow students to dive into the practical aspects of the law. Electives and practicums rotate depending on need and interest.
Real Estate Transactions
EnvironmentalLaw
Legal
¢
Estate & Gift Taxation
Applied Legal
Pretrial Litigation
For more information, contact our admissions team at LAW@BELMONT.EDU 52% RECEIVINGSTUDENTSSCHOLARSHIPS† †Median merit scholarship of $33,855 for 2019–2020 academic year SCHOLARSHIPS Bruin Tuition Remission Scholarships • Range from 25% to 100% tuition remission Dean’s Scholars Program • 100% tuition remission for select Early Decision Applicants Bell Tower Scholars Program • 50% tuition remission for select AAE Applicants MILITARY BENEFITS Belmont University College of Law is committed to extending Yellow Ribbon Program and Post-9/11 GI-Bill funds to qualified veterans. View the complete listing at belmont.edu/veterans BELMONT LAW STUDENTS HAVE RECEIVED VETERAN BENEFITS* 21 *Fall 2015–Spring 2020
LAW-224304 Nondiscrimination Statement: Nondiscrimination statement: Belmont University is a Christian community. The University faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies, programs, activities or admissions. The Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs serves as coordinator of compliance for these policies. Inquiries should be directed to: Lauri Chaudoin, Director of Title IX Compliance and Prevention Programs, Freeman Hall 3rd floor, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212. Phone: 615.460.5661. Email: lauri.chaudoin@belmont.edu.For more information on Belmont’s nondiscrimination policy,visitwww.belmont.edu/nondiscrimination. /BelmontUniversityCollegeofLaw@belmont_law@BelmontLaw Belmont University College of Law COLLEGE OF LAW 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212 belmont.edu/law615.460.8400