Hybrid Juris Doctor

The Hybrid JD Program allows students to remain in their jobs and homes while earning their JD because the curriculum requires them only to come to campus or other locations for select and well-planned periods of in-person learning each term (fall term—two periods of 3-5 days each, spring & summer terms—one period of 3-5 days).

The balance of the curriculum—as well as other crucial areas of student engagement, such as career services and academic support—will be done remotely, either synchronously or asynchronously.

Online instruction and coursework will include:

• live and pre-recorded video lectures
• reading and writing assignments
• assessments
• discussion board contributions

Learning management system orientation and 24/7 tech support will be provided, as well as virtual office hours and 1-to-1 real-time engagement opportunities with faculty and fellow students.

The curriculum is designed to be year-round, 10 semesters total, lasting 3.5 years. Additionally, Hybrid JD students will have the opportunity to participate in UNH Franklin Pierce’s legal residency program during their final year in the program.

At all times, whether in-person or on-line, as a member of UNH Franklin Pierce, our part-time Hybrid JD students will experience the same high-caliber JD experience that generates practice-ready attorneys that our full-time, residential JD students enjoy.

IP law examines how human creativity, and new digital technologies, are developed and deployed. Through this program students are given the tools and resources needed to support the inventors and technologists, startups and corporations building the future. Legal experts in this field are in hot demand, and UNH Franklin Pierce will set you up to be those industry leaders.

We are the IP powerhouse in legal education. UNH Franklin Pierce’s Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property has been consistently ranked as a top IP law program and our students graduate ready to hit the ground running. In 2019, UNH Franklin Pierce’s first-time bar passage rate was 87.09% across 12 jurisdictions (100% first-time bar passage in seven jurisdictions: NY, MA, CT, DC, NJ, PA, TX). Additionally, you’ll benefit from our #6 national ranking — and the #1 ranking in New England — for students securing employment on the open market.

The Who

1. What is an intellectual property or technology professional? 

More than 40 years ago, UNH Franklin Pierce pioneered the study of law for the information age. Intellectual Property law is the study of how the results of human creativity are treated in the legal system—how they are used, owned, bought, sold, and so much more. It also looks at how that treatment impacts individuals and institutions both personally and professionally. Without a doubt, IP is now the primary driver of the global economy. 

Especially in the digital age, human creativity intersects with technology. And understanding how to protect its creation, governance, security, and privacy is more important than ever. IP and technology professionals are a diverse and dynamic group, including but not limited to those working in education, healthcare, engineering, entertainment, licensing, technology development, new ventures, finance, and other industries. 

2. Who are the instructors in this program? 

Our professors are world experts in IP and technology law. They draft legislation, advise global leaders on IP valuation, launch startups, analyze the latest sports law issues, help emerging economies transition to an information economy, and lead scholarship on privacy and data. Oh, and did we mention: They help inventors change the world. 

In addition to our full-time faculty, you will also have the opportunity to learn from industry experts from around the world (many who are alumni themselves). Like learning patent strategy from Microsoft’s Chief Patent Counsel or learning how branding can transform an industry from Pepsi’s Chief Counsel for Global Trademarks. 

The What

Our curriculum consists of both standard law school 1L topics to ensure a solid and fundamental understanding of the law along with focused curriculum on intellectual property, technology and information law. Please see the 'curriculum' fold above for further details.

The When

1. When are the residential/in-person components to the program? 

The program follows the UNH Franklin Pierce academic calendar. Residential time is limited to one or two on-campus (or other locations) visits each semester. While not participating in in-person learning, Hybrid JD students are consistently engaged in virtual education and collaborative learning. 

The residential/in-person periods will be the same each semester: 

• Fall semester residential session: 
  • 5 days in August
  • 4 days in October 
• Spring semester residential sessions: 
  • 4-5 days in March 
• Summer semester residential session:
  • 4 days in May
• Each residential day will contain roughly 9 hours of class time, as well as time for non-classroom activities, such as individual sessions with Career Services staff. Students should expect to be in class from 8 AM on the first day of immersion until 5 PM on the last day of immersion.

2. Am I responsible for my own travel and hotel costs? 

You are responsible for arranging your own travel (e.g. airfare). We are able to help with planning and recommendations. You are responsible for hotel and transportation costs, although we have negotiated hotel room blocks so students can take advantage of the best rates.

3. When must I pay my tuition and fees? 

For payment and tuition information, please visit our Business Services website: https://www.unh.edu/business-services/billnpay 

The Where

1. Where are the in-person immersion period courses held? 

Presently, all residential/in-person immersion period courses are held at our law school building, 2 White St, Concord, NH 03301. Other locations will be scheduled for future immersion periods.

Online asynchronous courses are accessible at any time via our Learning Management System. These courses are designed to open by module and most allow you to complete your work at any time during the week. Some courses may have a limited number of synchronous online components, which will be timed carefully according to various time zones.  

2. Where will I be eligible to sit for the bar exam after graduation?

The State of New Hampshire Supreme Court has concluded that graduates of the Hybrid Program are eligible for admission to the bar. We are aware of one state, New York, where graduates of the Hybrid JD Program would not be eligible to sit for the state bar exam due to that state's cap on the number of distance education credits that can be earned during law school. Prospective students are encouraged to discuss any questions they might have about their likely bar exam plans post-graduation with our admissions team. Students applying to the Hybrid JD Program should check with the jurisdictions in which they may seek admission to the bar to ensure that graduation from this program will make them eligible for taking the bar exam and being admitted to the bar in those jurisdictions.

The Why

1. Why should I consider a JD focused on intellectual property and technology? 

IP is relevant across multiple industries today. In a comprehensive report from 2016, “Intellectual Property and the U.S. Economy,” the Commerce Department found that IP-intensive industries support at least 45 million jobs— that’s roughly 30% of all jobs in the United States and contributes more than 38.2% of Gross Domestic Product. This report also found that IP-intensive industries comprise 81 of the 313 total industries nationwide, from healthcare to cybersecurity, software to music, big data to marketing. Earning a JD focused on IP and technology enables students to deep dive into a particular subject matter that is substantially relevant in more than one-quarter of all industries nationwide. 

There is an increasing need for legal education related to IP and technology as new and emerging digital technologies transform the private and public sectors at lightning speed, raising questions such as:

• How does one navigate the regulatory landscape for inventions in the healthcare space
• How can attorneys help their clients protect information in an era of big data?
• How do clients launch a business (or innovate an existing business) in an economy based on information and content? 
• How can crypto-currencies be used safely and legitimately? 
• How can attorneys shepherd clients through the transformation of entire industries like sports, from rights of publicity to the explosion of new industries, such as eSports? 

These are all questions people are asking everyday—and our program helps build your unique IP path in an ever-changing legal landscape.

2. Why should I attend UNH? 

We are a consistently top-ranked IP law school and our graduates run a significant part of the intellectual property infrastructure around the world. They are heads of IP at companies like Microsoft, Bayer, Pepsi/Frito Lay, Samsung, and WeWork. They are managing partners of top IP firms. They run governmental IP offices around the world, including in Taiwan, Argentina, and Nigeria. In sum, our graduates lead IP practice and policy in more than 80 different countries globally.

The How

1. How long will it take me to complete the program of study? 

The program will take you 10 semesters (3.5 years) to complete. 

2. How will my instructor know that I attended the online class? 

Your attendance is automatically tracked each time you log into your course. 

3. I’ve never participated in an online degree program before. What should I expect? How should I prepare? 

Our program features a full online orientation session where we walk you through how to use the learning management system and familiarize yourself with all the tools. You’ll discover how to interact with other students in the class, how to engage with your professor, and how to navigate assignments. You will also have access to complete 24/7 technical support in case any issues arise — our goal is for you to have the most dynamic and engaging experience possible. 

4. What technology is required to participate in the online courses? 

Students should have reliable access to a high-speed, broadband Internet connection. A minimum download speed of 5 mbps and minimum upload speed of 2 mbps is recommended. Students are encouraged to use a laptop or desktop computer rather than a tablet or smartphone to watch and access course content, though viewing via tablet or smartphone is permissible. 

5. How can I apply for the Hybrid JD?

UNH Franklin Pierce only accepts applications through LSAC. Please visit http://lsac.org to get started with your application. To learn more about our application process, please visit https://law.unh.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/how-apply. Students applying to the Hybrid JD Program should check with the jurisdictions in which they may seek admission to the bar to ensure that graduation from this program will make them eligible for taking the bar exam and being admitted to the bar those jurisdictions. 

6. What is the application deadline? 

UNH Franklin Pierce is now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester. The priority deadline in March 15, 2023. The final application deadline is July 15, 2023. We encourage you, however, to submit your application as early in the application cycle (which officially begins in October) as you can for optimum opportunity for limited space in each new class. 

7. Is there a fee for applying? 

UNH Franklin Pierce does not charge an application fee, though some fees may apply for LSAC registration and fees. 

8. If I am admitted, am I required to pay a deposit to hold my place? 

For payment and deposit information, please visit our Business Services website: https://www.unh.edu/business-services/billnpay 

9. Am I required to interview for admission? 

An interview is not required, but the admissions team, faculty, and UNH Franklin Pierce leadership team welcome the opportunity to speak with you at your convenience to answer any questions and explore how the hybrid JD program could fit your professional goals. 

10. How much is tuition? 

Degree program fees and current tuition information at UNH Franklin Pierce is available here.

11. Are scholarships available? 

Partial scholarships are available for qualified applicants. Please contact our admissions team directly for more information.

12. Would other law schools accept transfer credits from the Hybrid JD Program if I were to apply to transfer to another school?

Please be aware that some law schools may not accept transfer credits from the Hybrid JD Program.

Terms of Importance

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
This is a test for international students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. It is scored on a scale from 0 to 120. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires either a TOEFL score or IELTS score if the applicant did not graduate from an English-speaking undergraduate university/college. Learn more about the TOEFL here. Our minimum TOEFL score is 100.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
This is a test for international students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. It is scored on a scale from 0 to 9. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires either an IELTS score or TOEFL score if the applicant did not graduate from an English-speaking undergraduate university/college. Learn more about the IELTS here. Our minimum IELTS score is 7.

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
This is a test that applicants to U.S. law schools can take. The LSAT measures skills deemed necessary for the successful practice of law: Logic, reasoning, and advanced reading comprehension. It is scored on a scale from 120 to 180. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires either an LSAT score or GRE score. Learn more about the LSAT here. Learn more about our 25%/50%/75% scores.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
This is a test that applicants to U.S. law schools can take. The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires either a GRE score or LSAT score. Learn more about the GRE here.

LSAC (Law School Admissions Council)
LSAC creates and administers the LSAT, and also acts as an information clearinghouse during the law school admissions process, processing and assembling all of an applicant’s documents and information, and then submitting them to law schools once the files are complete and the applicant is ready to begin the application process. You can access LSAC’s website here.

CAS (Credential Assembly Service)
This is a service provided by LSAC that collects, summarizes, and combines all an applicant’s law school application information. This service is also in charge of summarizing and interpreting an applicant’s transcript and putting together a Law School Report with all the applicant’s information. The Law School Report is submitted to law schools during the application process. You can read more about CAS here, and more about Law School Reports here.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants

1. What is the TOEFL and why does UNH Franklin Pierce require it?

The TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is created and administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS). The TOEFL is used to measure your English language writing, reading, and speaking abilities. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires it if the applicant did not graduate from an English-speaking undergraduate university/college because we want to ensure that you have the verbal, reading and listening skills necessary to succeed at our institution. You can learn more about the TOEFL here. UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law also accepts scores from the IELTS as an alternative to the TOEFL.

2. Does UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law accept either the LSAT or the GRE?

Yes. In order to apply to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, you may take either the LSAT or GRE exam. If you select to take and submit an LSAT score through LSAC, we are required to use that score and ignore any GRE score. However, if you have taken the LSAT, you must report that on your application, even if you have taken the GRE. LSAT and GRE scores (as well as cancelations and absences) for the past five years will be included on your CAS report.

3. How can you prepare for the LSAT if you don’t live in the U.S.?

Making time to study for the LSAT should be high on your list of priorities. To be considered for our competitive application process, your LSAT score should be 157 or higher. You may take the LSAT multiple times, and we will acknowledge your highest score. It is recommended that you prepare for 2-3 months for optimum success. Here are a few free online resources to help:

• LSAT Prep Resources (free practice tests available)
• Kahn Academy Free LSAT Prep

4. Where can you take the LSAT if you don’t live in the U.S.?

Depending on the country where you live, you may or may not have a designated LSAT testing center. You can view a list of testing centers outside the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean here. If there is no testing center listed for your country, you may request that one be set up for you. Instructions on how to do that can be read on the LSAC website, here.

5. How can you prepare for the GRE if you don’t live in the U.S.?

Making time to study for the GRE should be high on your list of priorities. To be considered for our competitive application process, your GRE score should be the equivalent percentile as the 157 LSAT. Here is a free online resource to help:

• GRE Prep Resources (free practice tests available)

6. Where can you take the GRE if you don’t live in the U.S.?

Depending on the country where you live, you may or may not have a designated GRE testing center. The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year and in more than 1,000 locations in more than 160 countries. You can also take the GRE General Test at home in most regions of the world. You can search for testing locations near you here. If there is no testing center listed for your country, you may be able to take the test online. Learn more about the GRE test at home here.

7. Are international applicants given more leeway in their LSAT or GRE scores?

No. At UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, we expect our students to excel at both the LSAT or GRE and their undergraduate performance. We will not make exceptions for low LSAT or GRE scores for international applicants or non-native English speakers, just as we would not make exceptions for American or English-speaking applicants.

8. How do you submit your materials to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law?

UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires you to submit your materials through LSAC. In order to do this, you will need to sign up for the Credential Assembly Service, or CAS (read more on how you can do that here). You will then send or upload all your materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, résumé) to CAS. It will then be assembled into one cohesive application package by LSAC and will be sent to us once your application is complete and you are ready to submit it for consideration.

9. How does the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) work for you?

UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law requires you to use the Credential Assembly for your law school application. This means that we do not want you to send us your materials via mail; instead, we require you to send everything to LSAC’s CAS, which will in turn compile it into one cohesive file and send it on to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law once it is complete. For most international applicants, the CAS process has one additional step: Your documents will be evaluated through the Credential Assembly Service Authentication and Evaluation for Internationally Educated Applicants (CAS A&E).

As per LSAC, “You MUST have international transcripts, academic records, mark sheets, and degree certifications sent directly from the issuing institution IF you are applying to a law school that requires Credential Assembly Service Authentication and Evaluation (CAS A&E) and you received your bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the United States, its territories/associated states, or Canada or you were directly enrolled at one or more institutions outside of the United States, its territories/associated states, or Canada and the total amount of work you completed at all of these institutions combined is the equivalent of more than one year of undergraduate study in the United States, its territories/associated states, or Canada. LSAC, in cooperation with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), will authenticate and process all your academic records and related documentation. This includes transcripts/mark sheets, copies of degrees/diplomas, and degree and graduation certificates.” You can read more about how the CAS Evaluation and Authentication feature works here.

10. How will you pay for law school? Can you get financial help from UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law?

UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law has limited scholarship funds for international students. International students are eligible for our merit, Jorda and Opportunity scholarships. These scholarships are awarded upon admission to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. In additional to your application, we require you to submit proof of availability of funds to pay for the entirety of your legal education. International students do not qualify for educational loans from the U.S. government, which is how many American students pay for their legal education. Learn more about our financial aid policies for international students on the "international funding sources" tab here.

11. If I am admitted, how will I apply for a student visa?

The U.S. government and UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law will require international students to acquire a valid visa before traveling to the United States to attend classes. The Office of International Students and Scholars will support admitted students with this process.

Applying to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law

To begin work on your application, sign up for an LSAC.org account. With an LSAC.org account you can use LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and apply online to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. Our application is available through LSAC starting in September each year.

We require the following items as part of our application process:

• e-Application
• Personal statement
• Additional statement of your interest in Intellectual Property
• 2-3 letters of recommendation
• Transcript(s)
• LSAT or GRE score(s)
• Résumé

Application Materials

1. e-Application: This is found on the LSAC website and is completed by you. It asks all the typical application questions: Biographical, academic, extracurricular, and conduct information. This can be completed online directly into the LSAC website (through your LSAC.org account).
2. Personal statement: This is an essay written by you and then uploaded onto the LSAC website. Please share insight into who you are, why you are interested in pursuing a law degree, and your goals for the future.
3. Additional statement of your interest in Intellectual Property: This is a required essay in addition to the personal statement. You write this to share your specific experience or interest in Intellectual Property and then upload it to the LSAC website.
4. 2-3 letters of recommendation: You will request at least 2 but no more than 3 letters of recommendation from 2-3 of your professors/teachers and/or employers. These recommenders, after writing the letters, send them directly to LSAC, along with a cover sheet available on the LSAC website. You cannot send this in yourself. These are then processed by LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and are added to your file. It can take LSAC up to two weeks to process these letters after they receive them.
5. Transcript(s): You request these from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. The institution submits them directly to LSAC, along with a cover sheet available on the LSAC website. You cannot send these in yourself. These are then processed by the CAS and are added to your file. It can take LSAC more two weeks to process transcripts after they are received.
6. LSAT or GRE score(s): If you take the LSAT exam, you do not have to submit LSAT scores to LSAC. LSAC, as the administrator of the LSAT exam, already has these scores on file, and automatically links them to your file. If you take the GRE, you can designate up to four institutions or fellowship sponsors to receive your scores as part of your test fee (to send your GRE scores to UNH Law, use our school code of 3396). If you wish to send your GRE General Test scores to additional institutions or you decide to send scores after test day, you may do so by ordering Additional Score Reports for a fee.
7. Résumé: You write this and upload it to the LSAC website.

Once each of these elements has been completed and/or requested, they must be uploaded or submitted to LSAC. Only once all the elements are processed can you submit your completed application to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law through the LSAC website.

Submitting Your Application

Once all the elements of your application have been completed, submitted, and processed in your LSAC account, it is time to submit your application to UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. LSAC will electronically submit your documents to us. Everything is handled through your LSAC.org account, including payment for your Law School Report and application fee, submission of documents, and processing of information.

UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law operates on what is known as “rolling admissions,” which means that applications are considered as they “roll in,” rather than all at once after the application deadline. We encourage you, however, to submit your application as early in the application cycle (which officially begins in October) as you can for optimum opportunity for limited space in each new class. Our priority deadline is March 15.