E D U C A T I N G
A
D I F F E R E N T
K I N D
O F
L A W Y E R
NOTRE DAME LAW SCHOOL
At Notre Dame Law School, we see the law as more than just a profession. We encourage students to view the practice of law as a 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. As an eminent law school at the heart of a great Catholic university, our view of legal education is informed and inspired by our religious tradition. It’s a tradition that spans the globe, embraces people of all backgrounds, and illustrates the possibilities of dialogue between reason and faith. With rigorous academics, attentive faculty, and a close-knit community, Notre Dame is a place where generations of lawyers have found their callings. They have learned to be counselors to those in need, to be voices for the voiceless, and to use their talents to uphold human dignity. They have learned what it means to be a different kind of lawyer. II
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ACADEMICS
Notre Dame Law School’s curriculum—a mix of
Students pursuing a J.D. have the option of
analytical training in the classroom and hands-
specializing in a particular area of the law by
on experiences in externships, clinics, skills
following one of our programs of study. Some
courses, and immersion programs—is designed
students choose to pair their J.D. with a
to provide students with the foundation
second Notre Dame degree, such as an MBA
they need to practice law in a diverse, global
or a master of global affairs, through one
economy. The Law School is noted for its
of our dual degree programs. Law students
particular strength in constitutional law,
who do not pursue a dual degree are allowed
ethics, law and religion, and international law.
to take 9 credit hours in Notre Dame’s other graduate programs.
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20
#
OV E RA L L L AW SC HOOLS U.S. News and World Report
7:1
ST U D E NT -FAC U LT Y RATIO
DEGREES J.D., LL.M., J.S.D.
ACADEMICS
A R E AS O F I N T E R E S T * Business Law Criminal Law Energy and Environmental Law Global Law Intellectual Property and Technology Law Law, Ethics, and Public Policy Public Law Real Estate/Land Use Planning *Listed here are a few of our various course offerings.
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DEA N G . M A RC U S C O L E Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law
“I can’t stress enough what a special place the University of Notre Dame is and the role the Law School plays within it. “Our mission statement calls us to train a different kind of lawyer, one that has an impact for good, one who is a force for good. As the needs of our society call for ethically and morally guided lawyers and leaders, Notre Dame will continue to answer that call.”
D E A N ’ S I N I T I AT I V E S Since arriving at Notre Dame Law School in 2019, Dean G. Marcus Cole has overseen the establishment of six new clinics including the Lindsay and Matt Morous Religious Liberty Clinic, the Exoneration Justice Clinic, and the Veterans Legal Clinic and has expanded international programs through his Global Lawyering Initiative. He has also seen the enrollment of the most diverse classes in the Law School’s history.
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185 5
+ 35
S T U D E N TS I N 1 L C L AS S
S T U D E N T- R U N J O U R N A LS
S T U D E N T O RGA N I Z AT I O N S
We aim to enroll no more than
Notre Dame Law Review
These organizations enable
185 students in each first-year
Journal of International & Comparative Law
students to plan their own
class. These small class sizes
Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy
programming, network, and build
ensure that our expert faculty
Journal of Legislation
community with others who
are accessible to students.
Journal on Emerging Technologies
share common interests.
No class sections, No class rankings
We do not divide our student body into sections, and we do not rank students by GPA. These are two intentional ways that Notre Dame Law School fosters a sense of community where classmates know each other and learn together in a collegial environment.
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FACULTY
Notre Dame Law School’s faculty members are
years of experience in law firms and businesses
renowned scholars who are respected within
that enable them to offer valuable insights in the
academia and the legal field.
classroom. The Law School’s small class sizes mean that our professors get to know students
Many of our professors have served as judicial
on an individual level. Our faculty recognize that
clerks, including 14 at the US Supreme Court.
educating a different kind of lawyer requires one-
One longtime faculty member, Amy Coney Barrett,
on-one attention as students discern their unique
was appointed as a Supreme Court justice in
roles in furthering the cause of justice.
2020. Other professors came to academia with 6
Bruce Huber Professor and Associate Dean Bruce Huber teaches and conducts research in the areas of environmental law, natural resources law, property, and energy law.
Emily Bremer Professor Emily Bremer specializes in administrative law and civil procedure, and serves as a public member of the Administrative Conference of the United States.
Michael Addo Professor Michael Addo, director of the ND London Law Programme, has contributed his expertise to United Nations projects in the areas of business and human rights.
FAC U LT Y H AV E B E E N A P PO I N T E D TO S E R V E I N
Diane Desierto
The White House
Professor Diane Desierto,
US Department of Justice
Law School’s Global Human
US State Department
Expert Group of the United
who directs Notre Dame Rights Clinic, is a member and former chair-rapporteur of the Nations Working Group on
US Treasury Department
the Right to Development.
Meta Oversight Board Inter-American Commission on Human Rights United Nations Venice Commission of the Council of Europe The Vatican
+ 50 F U L L-T I M E
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FORMER SUPREME
#4
FAC U LT Y
C O U RT C L E R KS
P RO F E S S O R S *
BEST
*Princeton Review ranking for best professors
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FAC U LT Y
R ES EA RCH & SCHOLA R SHIP Members of the Notre Dame Law School
legal expertise. This interdisciplinary approach
faculty are diverse in terms of their
is reflected in the Law School’s six research
backgrounds, philosophies, and scholarly
programs, which enable our professors to
interests. Faculty expertise covers all areas
concentrate on their research, collaborate
of the law.
with other scholars throughout the world, and host conferences and lectures. The programs
Many faculty members hold doctoral degrees
also provide opportunities for students to be
in other subjects that relate to their areas of
directly involved in research projects.
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I N T E R D I S C I P L I N A RY R E S E A RC H P RO G RA M S
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C HU RC H , STAT E & SOC IE T Y
L AW & E C ONOM IC S
C ON S T I T U TIONAL S T R U CT U R E
L AW & M ARK E T B E HAV IOR
I N T ELL ECT UAL P ROP E RT Y & T EC H N OLOGY L AW
P RIVAT E L AW
FAC U LT Y
M EN TOR SH I P
With small classes and a 7:1
It’s not unusual for faculty
student-faculty ratio, our
members to help students
professors are able to get to know
make connections with other
students on an individual level.
lawyers, judges, and business
Also, many faculty members live
professionals, and provide
near Notre Dame’s campus and are
guidance to students about
more accessible than they would
pursuing careers, specific areas
be in a major metropolitan area.
of practice, and clerkships.
“My favorite part of the Law School is the faculty mentorship. The professors genuinely care about your progress and put every measure in place to ensure you are advancing in your studies. Whatever career path you are interested in, there is a professor with the relevant experience.” Class of 2027 MATILDA KODUAH ASSIN NSUTA, CENTRAL REGION, GHANA
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Through our clinics, students gain hands-on experience advocating for individuals and families, making a meaningful impact locally, nationally, and internationally, while strengthening their commitment to social justice.
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Experiential learning—which includes
The Law School offers a wide variety
opportunities in clinics, externships, skills
of experiential learning opportunities
courses, and immersion programs—is a core
on campus, in the greater South Bend
component of the Notre Dame Law School
community, and in London and Chicago.
curriculum. These programs complement
The Law School operates 10 clinics that
the analytical training of the classroom by
function as teaching law offices where 2Ls
enabling students to develop practical skills
and 3Ls work on real cases under the close
and explore potential career paths.
supervision of faculty.
E X PE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G
CLI NICS
APPLIED MEDIATION CLINIC
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLINIC
EVICTION CLINIC
EXONERATION JUSTICE CLINIC
GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC
IMMIGRATION CLINIC
IP CLINIC
LINDSAY AND MATT MOROUN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CLINIC
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC
VETERANS LEGAL CLINIC
“My experience in the Exoneration Justice Clinic has been incredibly meaningful because of the opportunity to do hands-on work that directly impacts the lives of wrongfully convicted individuals. It is a powerful way to learn while serving others and exemplifies what it means to be a different kind of lawyer at Notre Dame.” Class of 2026 AUTUMN CHASSIE
EXPERIENTIAL COUR SES
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CO R PO RATE CO U N S E L
IMM IG RATIO N
INT E RCO L L E G IATE AT H L E TICS
JUD ICIA L
E X PE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G
E XTER NS H IPS
Notre Dame Law School teaches
law. Students may participate in
students to think like lawyers and
externships during the academic
practice the skills that are important
year at nonprofit organizations,
for success in the profession. This
government agencies, judicial
education includes getting out of
chambers, and corporate counsel
the classroom and working on
offices in the South Bend area, in
cases with real clients, lawyers,
Chicago, and while studying abroad
and judges.
in London. Students can even create
PUB L IC D E FE N DE R
their own externships through the The Law School’s broad array of externships enables students
PUB L IC IN TE R E S T
S E V E N TH CIRCU IT PRACTICE
APPA L ACH IA
Students provide vital immigration legal services to low-income immigrants through the National Immigrant Justice Center externship, gaining hands-on experience in asylum and immigration court cases. More than 100 students have worked on numerous cases with about a 90 percent approval rate.
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to “try out” virtually any area of
Public Interest Externship.
E X PE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G
SKI LLS COUR SES
Notre Dame Law students hone
long been a national leader in trial
their lawyering skills through
advocacy training in particular.
courses that require them to
Most students at Notre Dame Law
practice the crafts of advocacy
School participate in at least one
and legal writing under simulated
trial advocacy, appellate advocacy,
conditions. The Law School has
or transactional skills course.
T R I A L A DV O CACY Practice trial skills
T RA N SACT I O N A L
A P P E L L AT E
U N I V E R SA L
S K I L LS
A DV O CACY S K I L LS
L AW Y E R I N G S K I L LS
through exercises such
Learn to draft contracts
Practice brief writing and
Develop skills that
as depositions and
and protect clients’
learn how to argue a case
lawyers need in all areas
simulated trials.
designs.
at the appellate level.
of the legal profession.
Students from the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITA) compete in the mock trial finals at the St. Joseph County Courthouse.
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CLA SS OF
2029
U N D E RG RA D UAT E C O L L E G E S A N D U N I V E R S I T I E S R E P R E S E N T E D I N T H E 1 L C L AS S Alma College American University Bates College Baylor University Bellarmine University Boston University Brigham Young University Brigham Young University-Idaho Brown University California State University-Long Beach California University Of Pennsylvania Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University Of America College Of The Holy Cross College Of William And Mary Cornell University-NY Covenant College Depaul University Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityTeaneck Florida International University Florida State University Fordham University Georgetown University Gonzaga University Goshen College Grinnell College Harvard University Hillsdale College Holy Cross College Hope College Indiana University-Bloomington Kansas State University Kenyon College
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Lake Forest College Liberty University Loyola University Lubbock Christian University Michigan State University North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh Northeastern University Northern State University Northwestern University New York University Ohio State University-Columbus Oklahoma Baptist University Pepperdine University Princeton University Purdue University-West Lafayette Queens College - CUNY Saint Mary's University TX Saint Olaf College Southwestern University SUNY At Binghamton Center SUNY At Buffalo Center Syracuse University Texas Christian University The Master's College The Univ. Of South Dakota Vermillion The University Of Texas At Austin United States Naval Academy University Of Alabama University Of ArkansasFayetteville University Of California-Irvine University Of California-Los Angeles University Of Central Florida University Of Colorado-Boulder
University Of Dallas University Of Dayton University Of Denver University Of Georgia University Of Illinois-Urbana University Of Iowa University Of Kansas University Of Maine-Orono University Of Maryland-College Park University Of Miami University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor University Of MinnesotaMinneapolis University Of Missouri-Columbia University Of Nebraska-Lincoln University Of North Texas University Of Notre Dame University Of Pennsylvania University Of Saint Thomas-MN University Of South CarolinaColumbia University Of Southern California University Of St. Andrews University Of Strathclyde University Of Utah University Of Washington University Of Wisconsin - Madison Virginia Commonwealth University Vanderbilt University Villanova University West Virginia University Morgantown Wheaton College-Illinois Xavier University Yale University Yeshiva University
C U R R E N T 1 L C L AS S P RO F I L E
3,723 Applications Received
183 1Ls Enrolled
Receiving Scholarship
25% Students of Color
61% Catholic
50%
Direct from Undergrad
40%
38% 1–3 Years Out
22%
LSAT 75th Percentile
172
171 LSAT Median
LSAT 25th Percentile
3.98
Undergraduate GPA Median
3.90
Undergraduate GPA 25th Percentile
39
Average Age
Undergraduate GPA 75th Percentile
100
Undergraduate Colleges and Universities Represented
92% Female
3+ Years Out
168
States Represented (Including DC)
3.74 24
S TAT E M E N T O F D I G N I T Y, S O L I DA R I T Y, A N D S U B S I D I A R I T Y Notre Dame Law School is a Catholic law school founded upon the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the principle that each and every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This means that every member of the Notre Dame Law School community is worthy of and entitled to the respect demanded by their human dignity. We are a community in solidarity with each other. As members of this community, we undertake the responsibility to create a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds and identities, inclusive of every race, sex, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, or sexual orientation. Under the principle of subsidiarity, we acknowledge that each of us has the individual responsibility to provide care and support for each person, and to do our part to ensure that every member of our community experiences the loving creative power of God.
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INTERNATIONAL Students in the Notre Dame London Law Programme take classes in Fischer Hall, located next to Trafalgar Square in central London.
Notre Dame Law School has been a leader
In addition to London, ND Law students
in international legal education since
may study in one of our exchange programs
establishing the Notre Dame London Law
at top law schools in nine countries.
Programme in 1968. The one-of-a-kind program enables students to spend a
International opportunities are also available
semester or a full year at Notre Dame’s
in the summer with our Dublin, Hamburg,
London campus, learning from premier
and The Hague Honor Scholars Programs.
British and European legal scholars. 16
LONDON
GLOBAL LAWYERING INITIATIVE
N D L AW E XC H A N G E PRO G R A M S IRELAND LONDON FRANCE
GERMANY SWITZERLAND ITALY ISRAEL
KENYA BRAZIL
SOUTH AFRICA
“Participating in the Notre Dame London Law Programme was an amazing opportunity to fully immerse myself in an international environment. Having access to leading international legal scholars inside the classroom and everything that London has to offer outside the classroom created unparalleled academic and personal experiences.” Class of 2026 ANTHONY WARNICK Ardmore, Pennsylvania
CHILE
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CAREERS
Students have many opportunities to network with firms and ND alumni throughout the year.
Every student brings unique experiences
The Law School’s Career Development
and passions to law school, and each
Office is staffed with experienced lawyers
aspiring lawyer has a unique vision of
who are dedicated to helping students
professional success. Notre Dame Law
achieve their professional goals. From
School is committed to preparing students
offering one-on-one advising and resume
for their individual career paths. Our alumni
feedback to coordinating recruiting events
are leaders in big law firms and corporate
and networking opportunities with alumni,
headquarters as well as government
the CDO provides a full slate of services
agencies and nonprofit organizations
to assist students.
across the United States and abroad.
O N AV E RAG E , M O R E T H A N 1 3 5 E M P LOY E R S AC RO S S N E A R LY 6 0 M A R K E TS I N M O R E T H A N 3 0 S TAT E S H I R E N OT R E DA M E G R A D UAT E S E AC H Y E A R .
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W H E R E N D L AW ’ S C L AS S O F 2 0 2 5 W O R KS *
#4
41%
Big Law Firms (more than 100 lawyers)
IN FE D E RAL C L E RKSHIPS
12%
with more than 17% of its
Other Law Firms
graduates entering federal
16%
clerkships upon graduation,
Government/Public Interest
and the Classes of 2021-
24%
280 clerkships in federal,
2025 have obtained at least
Clerkships
state, and local courts across
4%
the United States, including the Supreme Court.
Business/Industry
1%
Education
PUBLIC INTEREST P RO G R A M S Notre Dame has a history of encouraging its graduates to use their education for the
C L AS S O F 2 0 2 5 E M P LOY M E N T 10 months after graduation
public good—it’s a responsibility that flows directly from the
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J . D . G RA D UAT E S
98
%
E M P LOY E D
Jobs requiring bar passage or J.D. advantage
University’s Catholic mission. ND Law’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) covers graduates in public interest jobs with salaries as high as $110,000. The program is designed to work in conjunction with Public Service Loan Forgiveness to enable our alumni in those fields to achieve
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C L E R KS H I PS
$120k
total forgiveness of their federal student loans in 10 years with minimal out-of-pocket payments.
M E D I A N SA L A RY
Secured at federal, state, and local courts
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Students from Notre Dame Law School's Class of 2028 connect with members of the Notre Dame Law Association (NDLA) Board at the 1L Networking Reception during Homecoming weekend.
CAR EERS
NATIONA L NET WOR K
One of the benefits of earning a
The Law School organizes networking
degree from Notre Dame Law School
opportunities throughout the
is that graduates become members
academic year, during winter break,
of a vibrant alumni community.
and over the summer. These events take place on campus and across
Notre Dame Lawyer Committees,
the country to aid students in their
which organize events and service
nationwide job searches.
projects, are active in more than 30 major cities. These loyal alumni are eager to assist students and new graduates with networking
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
and mentorship as they start their careers.
From Coast to Coast
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N D L AW Y E R COMMITTEES 20
I N I T I A L J O B P L AC E M E N T O F N D L AW G R A D UAT E S ( 2 0 2 1 – 2 5 )
2
4
1
3
8
3
1
1 16
20
3
4
6 MD
8
61 DC
2
1 1
7 DE
11
7 3
2 CT 14 NJ
26 32
57
188
8
66
42
3
6 4
106
17
2
21 MA
6
5
8
44
38 13 NON-U.S.
TO P C I T I E S F O R N D L AW G R A D UAT E S ( 2 0 2 1 – 2 5 )
1
2
3
4
5
C H ICAGO
NEW YORK CITY
WAS H I N GTO N , D C
S O UT H B E N D
LO S A N G E L E S
6
7
SA N F RANC I SCO (BAY A REA )
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COMMUNITY
Law students cheer on the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium wearing The Law School T-shirt, which is designed by students each year.
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The University of Notre Dame is widely
Notre Dame is both Catholic and catholic. The
regarded as having one of America’s most
first word refers to the Catholic Church and
beautiful college campuses. The Law School’s
the faith that drives Notre Dame’s mission
location in the heart of campus contributes
to be a force for good. The lowercase word
to the strong sense of community here as law
means universal and describes how Notre
students are able to participate fully in the life
Dame, as a great university, embraces people
of the University.
of all backgrounds, faiths, and viewpoints.
Students volunteer at Green Bridge Growers, a nonprofit run by Professor Jay Tidmarsh’s family.
“The Notre Dame Law community is defined by relationships that extend far beyond the classroom. Through experiences like our football games, the London Law Programme, our experiential learning through clinics, and Rome conference, I have formed meaningful friendships and international connections that I know will last a lifetime.” Class of 2027 HALEY PALUMBO
Mass is celebrated six
Tampa, Florida
days per week in the Law School’s St. Thomas More Chapel.
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COM M U N I T Y
Four Winds Field, home
LIVING I N SO U TH BEND
of the South Bend Cubs
The University of Notre Dame is located right
makes it easy for law students to spend time
next to South Bend, Indiana—a diverse city
together, whether that time is spent studying
that’s big enough to provide everything you
or having fun.
need without the traffic and high costs of a Downtown South Bend and several other
major metropolitan area.
city neighborhoods have been undergoing Notre Dame offers on-campus graduate
a renaissance in recent years. Private
student housing that is a 10- to 15-minute
developers have renovated several historic
walk from the Law School. Many off-campus
buildings, adding more restaurants and
housing options are available nearby in South
hundreds of apartments to the city center.
Bend and the surrounding community. Living in
The city is also directing more attention to
close proximity to campus and to each other
the St. Joseph River by investing in a riverside trail system and upgrading waterfront parks.
102k 800k SOUTH BEND’S PO P U L AT I O N
PO P U L AT I O N O F M U LT I - C O U N T Y
“ M I C H I A N A” R E G I O N
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River Lights in downtown South Bend
Downtown South Bend and St. Joseph River
STUDENT LIFE
Eddy Street Commons, located adjacent to Notre Dame’s campus, houses a variety of retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and apartments.
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APPLY
VISIT
law.nd.edu/apply
law.nd.edu/visit
You may apply to Notre Dame Law School via
Prospective students are invited to connect with
LSAC beginning September 1.
our admissions staff and student ambassadors in person or remotely.
Our Admissions Committee seeks to enroll a talented, diverse class that will help Notre Dame
On-campus visits include:
Law School achieve its mission of educating
•
a class observation
lawyers who serve the good of the human family.
•
an admissions information session
•
a student-led tour of the Law School.
We evaluate applications in a holistic manner to identify those candidates whose academic talent, personal background, professional experiences, and points of view will ensure our community personifies the pursuit of excellence and leadership for the betterment of society.
Please check law.nd.edu/visit for registration information and further details. We look forward to meeting you!
OF F IC E OF A D M ISSIONS 1329 Biolchini Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 574-631-6626 lawadmit@nd.edu law.nd.edu/admissions
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Main Building (The Golden Dome) Hesburgh Library Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Notre Dame Law School
Duncan Student Center
Notre Dame Stadium
Eddy Street Commons
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A P P L I CAT I O N DAT E S A N D D E A D L I N E S
OT H E R I M PO RTA N T DAT E S
SEPT. 1
OCT. 1
Applications Accepted
FAFSA Opens for Loan Eligibility
MARCH 1
FEB. 28
Application Deadline
FAFSA Priority Deadline | ND Law’s Federal Code: 001840
A P P L I CAT I O N R E Q U I R E M E N TS
I M PO RTA N T F E E S
Application form
Resume
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university
Two letters of recommendation
$
“ Why Notre Dame Law School?” essay*
LSAT or GRE
“ Different Kind of Lawyer” essay*
Personal statement
*Recommended
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Application Fee* *Service and needbased fee waivers application available at law.nd.edu/waiver
$
76,336
Tuition and Fees 2026–27
$
28,990
Estimated Cost of Living 2026–27
Notre Dame Law School Office of Admissions 1329 Biolchini Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 574-631-6626
lawadmit@nd.edu
law.nd.edu/admissions
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Notre Dame is committed to building an inclusive community and welcomes all individuals. All prospective students are encouraged to read the University’s Spirit of Inclusion statement as well as the University’s policies for reporting discriminatory harassment at equity.nd.edu.
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LAW.ND.EDU
The full nondiscrimination policy may be viewed at law.nd.edu/nondiscrimination.