The Law School | University of Notre Dame

Established in 1869, Notre Dame Law School is the oldest Catholic law school in the United States. The Law School’s approach to legal education is informed and inspired by faith. Students are trained to view the law as a vocation in service to others, to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of the law, and to discover their unique roles in furthering the cause of justice.

Unmatched global reach

Our Global Lawyering Initiative connects students and faculty with learning and research opportunities worldwide.
Champions for religious liberty

Our Religious Liberty Initiative promotes religious freedom for all through advocacy, student formation, and scholarship.
Preparing the next generation

ND Law's renowned faculty take pride in mentoring students, during law school and after they enter the profession.

G. Marcus Cole Reappointed as Dean

Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law G. Marcus Cole has been reappointed to lead Notre Dame Law School for another five-year term.

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Programs of Study

Business Law

Study the constantly changing legal puzzles that face businesses, with a special emphasis on transactional practice.

Criminal Law

Prepare to uphold the rule of law by learning the procedures lawyers must follow to prosecute and defend criminal charges.

Energy & Environmental Law

Develop expertise in the law of natural resource use and protection — from land and water, to oil and gas, to climate change.

Global Law

Confront the increasingly transnational nature of today's legal problems through a deeper study of international and comparative law.

Intellectual Property & Technology Law

Learn core IP doctrines — patents, copyrights, trademarks, and unfair competition — and study fields such as cyberlaw and antitrust.

Law, Ethics & Public Policy

Understand and analyze the standards by which we can gauge the value of laws. This program focuses on critical moral evaluation.

Public Law

Learn about the area of law that regulates the structure of government and its relations with individuals and foreign nations.

Real Estate Law

Build a foundation to address various real estate issues in legal practice, including development, finance, land use, and transactions.

A Global Approach

Expand your horizons through one of our study-abroad programs, and connect with alumni nationwide and worldwide via ND Law's unparalleled global network.

Study Internationally Nation-wide Careers