Dr. Justin Simard

Associate Professor

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Biography

Justin Simard is an Associate Professor at the MSU College of Law, where he teaches courses including Contracts, Professional Responsibility, and Commercial Law, as well as legal history. He directs the Kelley Institute for Ethics and the Legal Profession. Simard holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Rice University and completed his J.D. and Ph.D. in History at the University of Pennsylvania. His research emphasizes the significance of routine legal work, investigating the economic influence and underlying professional assumptions that shape American law. His scholarly contributions have been featured in respected legal journals such as the Stanford Law Review and the California Law Review, among others. Simard also founded and directs the Citing Slavery Project, which explores the historical connections between law and slavery in the American legal context. His academic focus contributes to a broader understanding of legal structures and their implications for society.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

MSU College of Law • East Lansing, MI

Teaches Contracts, Professional Responsibility, and Commercial Law, and directs the Kelley Institute for Ethics and the Legal Profession.

Requirements for Michigan State University College of Law

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.73
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:17
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:110
Overall
Required:110
PTE
Listening
Required:48
Reading
Required:48
Writing
Required:48
Speaking
Required:48
Overall
Required:53
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration
  • LSAT Score (Valid within 5 years)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Personal Statement (2-3 pages)
  • Professional Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (up to four accepted)
  • Application Fee ($75)
  • Character & Fitness Disclosures
Specialization Notes

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional degree. Admission is based on LSAT scores, academic record, and professional accomplishments. Median LSAT for Fall 2025 was 162.