William Mitchell’s criminal law program integrates legal theory, ethics, and practical skills to fully prepare you for a career in criminal justice and related fields. Attorneys with a focus in criminal law often work as public defenders, private defense attorneys, prosecutors, corporate counselors, and judges, just to name a few.

The program offers an expansive array of courses that cover the fundamental principles of criminal law and procedure, as well as advanced courses that cover criminal law from state, federal, and international perspectives. Our trial advocacy program utilizes mock trials to provide trial skills, such as examining witnesses and giving opening and closing statements, while our clinic program allows you to represent actual clients in pending cases though the Misdemeanor Clinic and Criminal Appeals Clinic, or to assist inmates with post-conviction legal work through the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) Clinic.