Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer
No matter which area of law is calling you, whether it’s criminal, constitutional, sports, or intellectual property law, all good lawyers must know how to apply rules to facts. In this course, you’ll learn how the IRAC method is used to analyze legal issues. You’ll explore the major components of the international legal system, how to navigate a shifting legal landscape through the lens of sports law, and analyze how intellectual property law protects people’s brands, ideas, and designs.
The law course application opens summer 2024. Click or tap below to be notified when it's open.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2- and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,495
Discover the Methods Used By Effective Lawyers
The Workings of Legal Reasoning
Differentiate the U.S. legal system from others, and the lawyers' roles in criminal proceedings. Explore how a case moves through court from prosecutorial charge to sentencing.
Review and Compare Constitutional Designs
Compare the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution and in the South African Constitution. How do they differ? Which is more effective?
Delve Into International Law and the Role of the United Nations
Understand the relationship between international law and the UN, and how individuals bring claims for human rights violations. Study major treaties, and how they impact people’s lives.
An Inside Look at Intellectual Property Rights
How do you protect your ideas, designs, or inventions? Analyze scenarios of intellectual property and think critically about whether the owner was harmed by potential infringement.
Dive Into Sports Law
Explore how sports lawyers ensure compliance with league rules, engage in contracts with other teams, and work to ensure gender equality.
Explore College Majors and Future Careers
Topics covered in this course offer a good background for potential college majors and career paths related to law, such as lawyer, judge, paralegal, and law clerk.
How You Will Benefit
- Analyze legal issues using the IRAC method across different areas of law
- Describe the U.S. legal system and articulate how it compares to the legal system of other countries
- Explain the various judicial philosophies used to interpret the U.S. Constitution
- Complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a capstone project that allows you to:
- Understand legal reasoning in a complex case involving drug possession.
- Know the constitutionality of search and seizure practices performed by the police investigating this case.
- Compare two previous court cases that reached differing conclusions based on interpretation of the rules.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Capstone Project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule
- Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
Course Designed by University of Notre Dame Faculty
Christine Venter, J.S.D.
Director, Legal Writing Program, Notre Dame Law School
Venter holds an LL.M in International Law and Human Rights (summa cum laude) from Notre Dame Law School and a J.S.D., also from Notre Dame Law School. She is a member of the Legal Writing Institute, the Association of Legal Writing Directors, and is an editor of The Journal of the Legal Writing Institute.
Want to know more?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch!
Frequently asked questions
When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.
Admissions
Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.nd.edu for assistance.