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Criminal Law Program

Cooley Law School’s Criminal Law Program is structured to build career-ready skills through a strong academic foundation followed by focused, practice-driven electives.

During the first year, students complete foundational coursework that establishes core legal knowledge and analytical skills essential to criminal practice, including Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law. These courses provide the framework for understanding due process, courtroom procedure, evidentiary standards, and the constitutional principles that shape the criminal justice system.

In the second and third years, students deepen their focus through advanced electives aligned with modern criminal practice. Courses such as Electronic Discovery, Legal Ethics in a Digital Space, Domestic Violence, and Immigration Law allow students to explore emerging legal issues, refine litigation strategy, and understand the broader social and technological context of criminal cases.

This progression from foundational doctrine to specialized, forward-looking coursework ensures graduates are prepared to navigate today’s complex and evolving criminal justice landscape with confidence. 

 

Curriculum & Experiential Learning

Explore the core courses, advanced electives, clinics, and externships that help you build practical skills and apply criminal law principles in real-world settings. Cooley’s combination of rigorous academics and hands-on experience prepares you for confident, career-ready practice.

 

Required Courses

  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Evidence
  • Personal & Professional Responsibility
  • Advocacy

Experiential Learning Opportunities

  • Moot Court Competitions: First-Year, Intra-School, National Teams
  • Mock Trial Competitions: First-Year, Intra-School, Evidence, National Teams
  • Client Counseling Competition
  • Negotiation Competitions
  • Mediation Competition
  • Innocence Project
  • Public Defender Clinics (Washtenaw County, MI & Hillsborough County, FL)
  • Criminal Law related externships

Featured Elective Courses

  • Advanced Criminal Procedure
  • Child Abuse & Neglect
  • Criminal Sentencing & Practice
  • Death Penalty Seminar
  • Domestic Violence
  • Electronic Discovery
  • Federal Courts
  • Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases
  • Immigration Law
  • Asylum & Refugee Law
  • Incarceration and the Law
  • Jury Dynamics
  • Juvenile Law
  • Legal Ethics in a Digital Space
  • Section 1983 Litigation (Remedies for Civil Rights Violations)
  • Trial Skills
  • Persuasive Storytelling for Lawyers
  • Wrongful Convictions
  • Treatment Courts
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Student Groups & Organizations

Connect with peers, practitioners, and mentors through student organizations, competition teams, and networking opportunities focused on criminal law. These groups strengthen your professional development and expand your legal community.

  • American Constitution Society
  • Criminal Law Society
  • Mock Trial Board
  • Moot Court Board
  • International Law

Featured Faculty

Learn from faculty with real-world experience in prosecution, defense, judicial service, and policy who bring practical insight and mentorship into every course.

 

Alumni Community & Professional Development

Discover how alumni practicing in criminal law support a strong professional network, while dedicated career services help you prepare for employment and long-term success. From resume development to interview preparation, your career readiness remains a priority.

 

Turning Pain into Purpose

Reda Taleb’s Life’s Work: Turning Pain into Purpose — and Giving It Back to Dearborn  

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A Journey of Purpose and Public Service

Judge David Hamilton: A Journey of Purpose and Public Service  

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Legal Analysis - NYC Mayor Eric Adams' Case

Associate Dean Recognized as a 'Champion of Justice' by the Grand Rapids Bar Association 

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News & Events

Stay informed about program awards, hosted events, guest speakers, and student achievements that highlight the Criminal Law program’s recognition, leadership, and active engagement within the legal community.

 

Kimberly Ayala, Prof. Elpiniki Roussos, Dahlia Despradel, and John Johnson.

Cooley Law School Moot Court Team Earns Runner-Up Finish at National Competition

Students advance to championship round after preparing appellate brief in just 13 days; team receives invitation from U.S. Rep. Darren Soto to attend congressional hearing Tampa,...

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Cooley Innocence Project Gala

Cooley Innocence Project Celebrates 25 Years of Fighting Wrongful Convictions

Dan Slepian and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez highlight human toll of wrongful incarceration; State Rep. Kara Hope honored for advocacy LANSING, Mich. – (Sept. 21, 2026) - Cooley Law...

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Criminal Law Program FAQs

When can I start taking criminal law electives in law school? ▾

Most students begin focusing on criminal law electives during their second and third years after completing foundational first-year courses such as Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law.

What careers can I pursue with a focus in criminal law? ▾

A criminal law focus can prepare graduates for careers as prosecutors, public defenders, criminal defense attorneys, judicial clerks, compliance professionals, government agencies, JAG, non-profits, and policy advocates.

Does focusing on criminal law limit my career options? ▾

No. The litigation, research, writing, and advocacy skills developed through criminal law coursework are transferable to many other practice areas.

What hands-on experience can I gain in criminal law? ▾

Students may participate in clinics, externships, trial advocacy courses, and other experiential learning opportunities that provide practical courtroom and client experience.

Do I need prior experience in criminal justice to focus on criminal law? ▾

No prior experience is required; the first-year curriculum provides the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue advanced criminal law coursework.

How does a criminal law focus help with bar exam preparation? ▾

Courses such as Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence cover subjects commonly tested on the bar exam and reinforce core legal principles.

Can I combine criminal law with other areas of interest? ▾

Yes. Many students pair criminal law with related areas such as constitutional law, immigration law, trial advocacy, or public interest law to broaden their professional opportunities.

Take the Next Step

Contact Admissions to learn how you can build a future-ready career in criminal law and explore how this focus fits into your J.D. path.