The Early Decision Program is designed for those applicants who have an extraordinary level of interest in Notre Dame Law School. Early Decision candidates are, typically, those who have researched various law schools and have concluded that a Notre Dame legal education is most compatible with the applicant's goals for professional development. Admission standards for Early Decision applications are the same as those applied during the Regular Decision review process.

All Early Decision applicants are assured of receiving an admission decision by December 15. Additionally, should an Early Decision applicant qualify for fellowship assistance, this decision is communicated by December 15.

Early Decision applicants who are offered admission have until January 4 to accept the offer of admission. At the point that an Early Decision offer of admission is accepted, the candidate then commits to enrolling at Notre Dame Law School and, in so doing, he or she agrees to withdraw applications to other law schools.

Candidates who choose to apply for Early Decision must apply by November 1, with all supporting documents in the possession of the Admissions Office by November 10. If an early decision application is not complete by November 10, the admission committee will review the application under the regular decision review process.