Practical Experience

At Denver Law, experiential learning isn’t just a buzz phrase but an approach to teaching that’s been a part of our culture for more than a century. In fact, we've long been recognized as a pioneer in experiential learning, opening the nation's first law school legal aid clinic in 1904.

Our students are always priority number one, and we are dedicated to providing them with the practical skills they need to succeed in today's, and tomorrow's, legal market. We accomplish this through live-client clinics, high-quality externships, competitions and legal simulation courses that provide training in doctrine, written and oral skills. Denver Law graduates enter the workforce with career-focused academic experiences and marketable skills that prepare them to thrive in their early careers and beyond.

March 2024: For the 7th consecutive year, the Sturm College of Law Receives an A+ for Practical Training from preLaw Magazine. The Spring 2024 issue also highlights 3L Katie Wynn and her experiential learning experiences at Denver Law.

Denver Law student and alumni in law firm

Practical Learning at Denver Law

The Sturm College of Law is home to nationally ranked clinical programs, nationally ranked programs in legal writing and trial advocacy, and one of the largest legal externship programs in the country. This wide variety of practice-based experiences puts students in the shoes of practicing lawyers under the tutelage of expert professors and practitioners, providing unparalleled opportunities to develop as a lawyer.

A+ Best Schools for Practical Training 2018 - 2024 preLaw Magazine

Because of the integrated, practical legal education that I received at Denver Law, by the time I sat for the bar exam, I had tried four cases (three to a jury), represented many clients in plea negotiations and filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals. It was because of this experience that I was able to start my own firm after only three years in practice. I cannot say enough about the incredible importance of hands-on learning. DU gets this more than other schools and excels at creating programs to truly educate students in the practice of law, not just the study of it. Jennifer Longtin, JD’11, The Law Office of Jennifer E. Longtin

#5 Clinical Training U.S. News & World Report

#8 Trial Advocacy U.S. News & World Report

#20 Legal Writing U.S. News & World Report

The Experience is the Advantage