Concentrations
A comprehensive range of optional programs and concentrations for JD students distinguishes them in the marketplace.
Selecting one of our optional concentrations will deepen your understanding of the work lawyers do and train you how to approach complex legal problems. You will be equipped to work on major problems and transactions from the start of your legal career.
Completion of the requirements of a concentration or program will distinguish you as someone with an unusual level of knowledge and mastery in your field. Concentrations are not printed on official transcripts or diplomas.
Curricular Concentrations consist of a sequence of required and elective courses selected from a substantial menu of course offerings in the chosen field.
Apply
To apply for a Concentration or Curricular Program, please submit an online application.
The School of Law offers the following curricular concentrations:
This concentration provides students with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to become effective litigators at the trial and appellate levels. The concentration is nationally unique, exposing students to essential experiences that foster the development of skilled litigators.
The Criminal Law Concentration combines foundational coursework, advanced electives, and hands on learning to give students a strong understanding of criminal law and procedure. Through lectures, seminars, and practical training, students develop the analytical and advocacy skills needed for careers in criminal prosecution, defense, policy, and related fields.
This concentration capitalizes on our border location to provide students with classroom and on-the-ground exposure to a wide range of cross-border legal issues including those relating to international business transactions, immigration, international trade and tax. Students choose four courses from a wide variety of offerings, and also complete a capstone experiential course which pairs them with local alumni to gain experience in cross-border legal work.
The concentration in family law introduces students to the breadth of the family law area with three required courses: Family Law, Domestic Violence Law, and Children and the Law. Through additional elective courses and practice experiences, students round out their education in the family law area. The final writing project provides students with an opportunity to more deeply explore an issue in family law under the guidance of faculty.
The Intellectual Property and Privacy Law Concentration prepares students to address the legal challenges created by emerging technologies, innovation, and the digital economy. Through coursework in intellectual property, privacy, patent, copyright, trademark, and technology law, students develop a deeper understanding of the legal issues surrounding the ownership, use, and protection of information, creative works, and technological advancements.
Lawyers must understand and interpret events in countries that may have different legal systems. This concentration prepares students for careers in private or public international law. Traveling seminars offer students the opportunity to observe foreign legal systems in their native setting under expert faculty guidance. International externships are also available.
Students take advantage of the many offerings in our sports and entertainment curriculum, ranging from broad survey courses to a hands-on mock NHL salary arbitration seminar and externship opportunities with local college athletic departments.
Students research issues in sports law and contribute articles to the UB Law Sports & Entertainment Forum, which serves as an online community for law students and alumni who share an interest in these fields.
Our vibrant Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Law Society supports a variety of extracurricular activities, including UB Bulls tailgate events for sports aficionados, field trips, and other sports-related events throughout the year.