Dean's Initiative for Leadership and Scholarly Excellence (LSE)
Program Description
The Dean's Initiative for Leadership and Scholarly Excellence (LSE) is a pre-orientation program to support a small cohort of incoming Notre Dame Law students transition into legal education and build the academic, professional, and community foundations for law school success.
LSE focuses on early exposure to law school expectations, structured mentorship, skill development, and connection to the Notre Dame Law community and its broader professional network.
LSE participants take part in an August pre-orientation program that includes:
-
Introduction to law school academics, including legal reading, writing, and exam preparation
-
Overview of key Notre Dame resources, including financial support and wellness services
-
Opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, alumni, and current students
-
Exposure to legal careers, professional pathways, and networking opportunities
-
Introduction to the Notre Dame and South Bend communities
Participants will also engage in monthly programming throughout their first year to continue building skills, relationships, familiarity with the legal profession, and receive academic support. They will receive a one-time $2,000 housing stipend to assist with pre-orientation expenses.
Application Instructions
Applicants interested in the LSE program must respond to the LSE essay prompt within their Notre Dame Law School application via the LSAC application. All components of the LSAC application will also be considered by the LSE Committee. Only admitted students will be considered for LSE participation. The deadline to apply for priority LSE consideration is January 15, 2027. Initial offers to August 2027 LSE participants will be sent by March 1, 2027. Later applicants will be considered until the program is full.
In an essay format, please respond to both of the following questions and upload your statement below.
-
How would participation in the LSE program support your transition to law school and your academic and professional goals?
-
Please describe the experiences, preparation, or circumstances that have shaped your readiness for legal study, and explain how early mentorship, skill-building, and community support would help you successfully navigate your first year.
You may also include any additional information not otherwise reflected in your application that you would like the LSE Committee to consider.
The essay should be no longer than two pages, double-spaced. The essay should include the student’s name and LSAC number in the header, in addition to the title of the document.
If you have already submitted your admissions application without including your LSE essay but still wish to apply, you may send your statement as a PDF attachment in an email, addressed to the Office of Admissions at bulletin@nd.edu. Please include “LSE Essay” in the subject line of the email.
Click here for important dates and deadlines for scholarship information.