Why Notre Dame Law? Apply NowRequest Info
Educating a Different Kind of Lawyer
Ann Merchlewitz ‘83 J.D.
“Educating a Different Kind of Lawyer”
Time 0:42
The Notre Dame Law School educational experience focuses on professional competence inspired by enduring values. We believe that academic development does not occur in a vacuum, and we strive to provide resources that allow students to broaden their social, spiritual, and emotional lives, along with honing their intellectual and professional skills. With its focus on heritage and tradition, faith and values, and community service, the Notre Dame experience inspires students to examine their practice of law within the context of their responsibilities as members of the bar, as participants in an active faith community, and as citizens of the world. A Notre Dame lawyer embodies the characteristics of exceptional moral and ethical standards, extraordinary ability, and a compassion for others. With the honor of a Notre Dame degree comes the responsibility to maintain this distinct reputation.
Faculty as Scholars and Mentors
A defining characteristic of a Notre Dame legal education is the collegial relationship that exists between and among faculty and students. Our preeminent law school faculty consistently publish scholarship in top legal journals, yet are just as committed to providing an excellent professional education while encouraging students to understand how the study and practice of law fit into a life that also includes family, friends, and service.
> Watch Video
A Collegial and Vibrant Community
The word “community” is often used by alumni and current students when describing their Notre Dame law school experience. The sense of community that exists among Notre Dame law students, faculty, and staff is fostered by a culture that encourages students to do their personal best, while supporting classmates in their development as professionals. Students are greeted warmly, treated collegially, and challenged intellectually, all within an environment of cooperation and faith, which will form the basis of life-long friendships and professional relationships. > Watch Video
A Global Perspective of the Law
The Notre Dame London Law Centre, located in Trafalgar Square in central London, operates the Concannon Program of International Law, the only ABA-approved, year-long overseas program offered by an American law school. The program presents a unique opportunity for students interested in international law to study abroad under the instruction of prominent American, British, and other European faculty. > Read More > Watch video
Practical Skills Training Opportunities
Students are given a variety of opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. Acquiring a unique combination of practical training and job skills through our Trial Advocacy Program, Public Defender Legal Externship Program, and Legal Aid Clinic, students are prepared to succeed in every sector of the legal job market. > Read More
> Watch Video
An Outstanding Alumni Network
One of Notre Dame Law School’s greatest strengths—and something that distinguishes it from other top-tier law schools—is its alumni network. The Notre Dame Law Association boasts a membership of over 8,000 alumni and supporters practicing around the world. The Notre Dame Law School alumni play a significant role in the life of the Notre Dame Law School student. They give generously of their time and talents to help the Admissions Office recruit the finest future Notre Dame lawyers, they help prospective students gain a better understanding of the Law School, its academic programs, career opportunities, culture, and mission, and they assist many current students who seek employment in a wide range of public and private sector positions.
> Watch video
High Employment Rates
Our exceptional Career Services Office provides programs, resources, and counseling to assist students in managing their careers in public- and private-sector positions at law firms, government offices and organizations throughout the United States. Students are provided with a wide range of services including on and off campus interview programs, judicial clerkship application support, career fairs and conferences, and collaboration with student organizations on career related programming, allowing them to achieve success in securing employment. The Notre Dame Law School’s employment rates routinely exceed the national average. For example, 99.4 percent of the class of 2006 were employed within nine months of graduation. > Read More
Dual-Degree Opportunities
As an ND Law student, you will have several opportunities to combine the study of law with another academic discipline, earning two degrees at the end of your course of study. These include the J.D./M.B.A., the J.D./M.A. in English, and the J.D./M.S. in Engineering. > Read More
Great Location
South Bend enjoys four distinct seasons, and close proximity to Chicago and Indianapolis without the big-city congestion and high cost-of-living. In addition to taking advantage of the many sources of recreation on Notre Dame’s campus—from athletics to the performing arts—you will have easy access to plenty of places for food and fun in downtown South Bend: The Morris Performing Arts Center features top-billed music and theatre performances; the St. Joseph River is popular for canoeing and kayaking; museums and the zoo entertain kids and adults alike; and a multitude of restaurants suit every palate. Learn more at the following locations:
St. Joseph County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
City of South Bend
City of Mishawaka
Law School Expansion and Renovation
Late next year, the Law School community will move into a new building that combines the University’s storied charm and tradition with cutting-edge technology and significantly more space. As Dean Patricia O’Hara states, “Our new facility will capture in its very bricks the Law School’s commitment to shaping the minds, hearts, and souls of the next generation of Notre Dame lawyers.”
Tour the new law school
