Notre Dame Law School enjoys a rich tradition and heritage. Established in 1869, the Law School is among the oldest law schools in the nation, and the first law school established on the campus of a Catholic university. The history and mission of the Law School and the University are integral to the distinctive qualities of a Notre Dame legal education.

The Law School's academic programs prepare students for an array of legal careers in all jurisdictions in the United States, as well as the practice of law internationally. Yet, beyond mere professional competence, a Notre Dame legal education focuses on issues of justice and values inspired by two traditions, the Catholic tradition and the Anglo-American legal tradition.

The Juris Doctor (JD) program enrolls approximately 525 students. JD students must complete 90 hours of course work. First-year students take a prescribed curriculum of a total of 30 credit hours, with upper-level students enrolling in 12 required credit hours and at least 48 elective credit hours.

The Law School confers three graduate law degrees: an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law, and an LL.M. and J.S.D. in International Human Rights. Click here for additional information regarding these graduate programs.

Additionally, the Law School offers a number of dual-degree programs that permit students who have particular interests to earn two advanced degrees in less time than it would take to earn the degrees separately, click here for information.