EDUCATING A DIFFERENT KIND OF LAWYER
NOTRE DAME LAW SCHOOL
“If the legal profession is not better, if justice is not better served because you became a lawyer and practiced and taught law, then you do not deserve to call yourself a Notre Dame Lawyer.”
REV.
THEODORE M. HESBURGH, C.S.C. (1917–2015) President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame
WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2029
From the Dean:
Congratulations on your admission to Notre Dame Law School and welcome to the Notre Dame family! This is an exciting time as you begin your legal education.
To me, law is the noblest profession in the world. Lawyers save lives, protect rights, and grease the wheels of the economy. Lawyers are the glue that holds society together.
It has been the great privilege of my life to train lawyers, and I am honored to have the opportunity to help do so at one of the most important law schools in the world. I can’t stress enough what a special place the University of Notre Dame is and the role the Law School plays within it. At Notre Dame Law School, we are committed to excellence with purpose. We train lawyers who are not only competent but caring, not only good lawyers but lawyers for good. These kinds of lawyers are needed now more than ever, especially given the tumult our nation and world have experienced in the past few years from the pandemic, reckonings with systems of racist oppression, and political discord.
The information in this packet begins to tell the story of Notre Dame Law School. You will see how our unparalleled academic programs, world-class faculty, and devoted alumni network provide access to opportunities across the United States and internationally. You will see how our collegial community and location in the heart of Notre Dame’s beautiful campus produce a nurturing environment for developing the mind, body, and spirit.
The University of Notre Dame’s foundation in the Catholic Church drives our mission to be a force for good in the world. Our Catholic faith also moves us to be open and welcoming to people of all viewpoints and religious traditions and faiths. We encourage each of our students to channel what inspires them to live with a passion for justice and to be a light for others. As Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, said, “With eyes of faith, consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.”
This is our story. I invite you to make it yours.
Dean G. Marcus Cole Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law
OUR
MISSION
EDUCATING A DIFFERENT KIND OF LAWYER
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—a Notre Dame Lawyer.
Dean G. Marcus Cole
Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law
Since arriving at Notre Dame Law School in 2019, Dean G. Marcus Cole has significantly enhanced the school’s programs and diversity. He established the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic, which advocates for the fundamental right to religious freedom. The clinic enables students to collaborate with faculty on briefs in US and international courts, including the US Supreme Court.
In 2020, he opened the Exoneration Justice Clinic, focusing on securing justice for the wrongfully convicted. The clinic has secured substantial grants, doubling its capacity to support clients and providing valuable learning experiences for students. In the past few years, the Law School has opened several new clinics including a Veterans Law Clinic along with the Global Human Rights Clinic, reinforcing its commitment to addressing human rights violations and creating a global impact.
Dean Cole has also expanded international programs through his Global Lawyering Initiative, positioning Notre Dame as a leader in the international legal landscape.
Under his leadership, the Law School fosters a culture of dignity and respect, cultivating future lawyers committed to making a positive impact. Guided by Catholic social teaching, students are encouraged to engage openly, recognizing that while disagreements may arise, everyone deserves respect. Dean Cole emphasizes that education at Notre Dame is not just for personal gain; it prepares students to serve the world and equips them to meet the challenges of being a Notre Dame lawyer.
DEAN’S INITIATIVES
Dean Cole’s Global Lawyering Initiative prepares students for a transnational legal environment, emphasizing the importance of international practice. Our highly successful and robust London program and other scholar programs enhance student exposure to global law. The initiative has expanded exchange programs all over the world, including the Global South.
Experiential Learning: The Law School prioritizes experiential learning to prepare students for a diverse legal landscape. As a national law school, we ensure our graduates are equipped to meet various bar requirements across the country, including the
“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.”
establishment of new clinics that provide hands-on experiences while serving community needs.
Affordability: Dean Cole emphasizes values-based education, with the goal of attracting students committed to its Catholic mission. We aim to make attendance feasible through recruitment scholarships, financial education, and loan repayment assistance, ensuring diverse access to legal education without compromising quality and supporting a broad spectrum of legal careers.
ACADEMICS
Notre Dame Law School’s curriculum—a mix of analytical training in the classroom and hands-on experiences in externships, clinics, skills courses, and immersion programs—is designed to provide students with the foundation they need to practice law in a diverse, global economy.
Students pursuing a J.D. degree have the option of specializing in a particular area of the law by following one of our programs of study.
Some students pair their J.D. with a second Notre Dame degree, like an MBA, through our dual-degree programs. For those who don’t pursue a dual degree, there’s an option to take 9 credit hours in other Notre Dame graduate programs. All first-year law students can choose an elective during the spring semester.
Attentive Faculty
(WHO KNOW YOUR NAME)
The Law School’s small class sizes and student-faculty ratio of 7:1 ensure that our expert faculty are accessible to students both during class and outside the classroom. This setting provides students with opportunities for directed readings, research assistant positions, and mentoring from faculty.
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.
7:1
STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO #20
OVERALL LAW SCHOOLS
ACADEMICS AREAS OF INTEREST
The Law School’s programs of study serve as guides to help students identify courses and experiential learning opportunities that align with their professional interests. Students can choose to concentrate on an area of law by focusing on a particular program of study or take courses in more than one program. Students are not required to choose one of these programs, and none of the programs has an application process.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of Notre Dame Law School’s offerings. Students interested in another specialty— such as sports law, health law, or immigration law—will find strong courses and experiential learning opportunities in those areas as well.
Listed here are a few of our course offerings.
U.S. News & World Report ACADEMICS
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 AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Develop expertise in the law of natural resource use and protection—including land and water, fossil fuels, wildlife management, climate change, and more.
GLOBAL LAW
Explore the transnational nature of many of today’s legal problems through a deeper study of international and comparative law.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND TECHNOLOGY LAW
Learn core IP doctrines—patents, copyrights, trademarks, and unfair competition—plus fields such as design, cyberlaw, and antitrust.
LAW, ETHICS, AND 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.
Student Groups
Our many student-run organizations empower students to plan their own activities and programs. These groups often host distinguished legal experts, judges, and alumni for discussions on specific legal subjects. In addition, they help build a sense of community among students. The list of organizations evolves with student interests, with new clubs launching each year.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
American Civil Liberties Union
American Constitution Society
Art, Cultural Heritage, and Museum Law Society
*Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
*Black Law Students Association
Business Law Forum
Christian Legal Society
Death Penalty Abolition Society
Education Law Forum
Environmental Law Society
Exoneration Project
Federalist Society
*First Generation Professionals
Food and Beverage Law Club
Future Prosecuting Attorneys Council
Health Law Society
*Hispanic Law Students Association
Intellectual Property Law Society
International Human Rights Society
International Law Society
Jus Vitae (Right to Life)
Legal Voices for Children and Youth
*LGBT Law Forum
Married Law Students Organization
*Middle Eastern Law Students Association
*Military and Veteran Law Society
Moot Court
National Lawyers Guild
*Native American Law Students Association
Public Interest Law Forum
Real Estate Law Society
Saint Thomas More Society
Space Law Society
Sports, Communications, and Entertainment Law Forum
Student Bar Association
Tax Law Society
Transactional Law Society
Vis Moot
*Women’s Legal Forum
*AFFINITY STUDENT GROUPS
ND Law has several affinity groups that are part of the Student Bar Association. These groups are very active and meet regularly, host speakers, organize panel discussions, network with alumni, and plan social events. Many have mentor programs for first-year students.
ACADEMICS RESEARCH & WRITING
KRESGE LAW LIBRARY
With more than 420,000 print volumes and digital access to millions of legal articles, the Kresge Law Library is a premier resource for law students and legal scholarship. In addition, its skilled team of law librarians helps prepare students to research and write as attorneys.
The library’s Main Reading Room, with its soaring Gothic architecture, provides a calm-yet-inspiring environment for reading and studying.
STUDENT-RUN JOURNALS
Notre Dame Law School’s five student-run journals provide ample opportunity to research and write on legal topics that match students’ passions and interests.
Students are chosen for journals through a write-on competition at the end of their 1L year. Notre Dame Law School has a large number of journal seats for the size of our student body. That means more of our students are able to have the experience of working for a law journal.
STUDENTS IN 1L CLASS
We aim to enroll no more than 185 students in each first-year class. These small class sizes ensure that our expert faculty are accessible to students. 35+
STUDENT-RUN JOURNALS
Notre Dame Law Review
Journal of International & Comparative Law
Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy Journal of Legislation
Journal on Emerging Technologies
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations enable students to plan their own programming, network, and build community with others who share common interests.
FACULTY
Notre Dame Law School’s faculty members are renowned scholars who are respected within academia and the courts.
Many of our professors have served as judicial clerks, including 15 at the US Supreme Court. In 2020, one of our longtime faculty members, Amy Coney Barrett, was confirmed as a US Supreme Court justice. Other professors came to academia with years of experience in law firms and businesses that enable them to offer valuable insights in the classroom.
With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, our professors are able to know students on an individual level. Also, one advantage of going to law school in a smaller city like South Bend is that most faculty members live near campus and are more accessible than they would be in a major metropolitan area.
Our faculty recognize that educating a different kind of lawyer requires one-on-one attention as students discern their unique roles in furthering the cause of justice.
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.
Paolo Carozza
Professor Paolo Carozza, an expert on international law, currently serves on the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and on the Oversight Board of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
FACULTY HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO SERVE IN
The White House
US Department of Justice
US State Department
US Treasury Department
Meta Oversight Board
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
United Nations
Venice Commission of the Council of Europe
The Vatican
50+ FULL-TIME FACULTY
14 FORMER SUPREME COURT CLERKS
*Princeton Review ranking for best professors
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.
#4 BEST PROFESSORS*
FACULTY RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
Members of the Notre Dame Law School faculty are diverse in terms of their backgrounds, philosophies, and scholarly interests. Faculty expertise covers all areas of the law.
The Law School’s interdisciplinary approach to legal studies is reflected in our six research programs, which enable our professors to focus on their research, collaborate with other scholars throughout the world, and host conferences and lectures. The programs also create opportunities for students to be involved in research projects.
Our faculty members extend their influence well beyond academia, serving as government advisers, legal experts, litigators, judges, and prolific authors. They actively shape legal
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROGRAMS
discourse, contributing to prominent casebooks and journal articles, filing amicus curiae briefs in landmark Supreme Court cases, and receiving citations in significant court rulings.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Approximately 75 law students, both during the school year and in the summer, serve as research assistants for professors. These positions allow students to work on cuttingedge legal issues and gain practical experience. Close relationships formed between faculty and research assistants lead to mentorships and guidance during law school and beyond.
CHURCH, STATE & SOCIETY
CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & TECHNOLOGY LAW
LAW & ECONOMICS
LAW & MARKET BEHAVIOR
PRIVATE LAW
FACULTY
MENTORSHIP
Our faculty take pride in providing valuable mentorship to Notre Dame Lawyers, both during law school and after they enter the profession. Students and alumni frequently talk about how the Notre Dame Law faculty offer the very best of themselves to help students grow in mind, body, and spirit as they learn to be lawyers.
The time and attention our faculty invest in our students contribute to Notre Dame Law School’s unique sense of community.
“It is an honor to be there with someone at the stage of their life when they are trying to figure out what they want to do and how they want to do it, and to help guide them in that process.”
Associate Professor of Law
MARIA
MACI Á Faculty Perspective
FACULTY
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Experiential learning—which includes opportunities at the Notre Dame Clinical Law Center as well as skills courses, externships, and immersion programs—is a core component of the Notre Dame Law School curriculum. These programs complement the analytical training of the classroom by enabling students to develop practical skills, explore potential career paths, and observe the justice system at work.
The Law School offers a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities on campus, in the greater South Bend community, and in Chicago and London.
Galilee Program
Notre Dame Law School offers a unique experiential learning opportunity that you won’t find at other law schools. Galilee is an immersion program that sends students to underserved US communities during winter break. Students work with public interest lawyers, volunteer at nonprofits, network with alumni, and gain firsthand insight into the legal challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Graduates often return to offer pro bono services or full-time legal aid in these communities, often recalling this as one of the most memorable aspects of their law school experience.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SKILLS COURSES
Notre Dame Law students hone their lawyering skills through courses that require them to practice the crafts of advocacy and legal writing under simulated conditions.
The Law School’s renowned trial advocacy programs provide comprehensive training by experienced trial attorneys and judges from around the country in the strategies and techniques to build competency for litigation practice.
Through various trial advocacy courses, Moot Court, and other trial competition programs, students master all aspects of the litigation process.
Most students at Notre Dame Law School participate in at least one skills course.
Transactional Skills
Learn to draft contracts and protect clients’ designs.
Transactional Law Intensive
Transactions Practice
Licensing Transactions
Patent Litigation
Trial Advocacy
Practice trial skills through exercises such as depositions and simulated trials.
Intensive Trial Advocacy
Comprehensive Trial Advocacy
Deposition Skills
Moot Court—Trial
Appellate Advocacy Skills
Practice brief writing and learn how to argue a case at the appellate level.
Appellate Advocacy
Moot Court—International Appellate Advocacy Competitions
Justice Amy Coney Barrett Moot Court Tournament
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CLINICS
Students have the opportunity to work in one of our 10 teaching law clinics. Our clinics aren’t just classrooms; they’re dynamic, real-world law offices where our students work as lead attorneys on real cases under the close supervision of seasoned attorneys and faculty members.
In our clinics, you won’t just study law— you’ll live it. You’ll dive headfirst into litigation, immerse yourself in transactional work, and navigate the intricacies of mediation. These experiences complement the analytical training you’ll receive in the classroom. Due to the clinics’ substantial capacity and the volume of cases, there are ample opportunities available to students to participate in our clinics.
Our 10 clinics are teaching law offices where students work as lead attorneys on real cases under the close supervision of faculty members.
APPLIED MEDIATION CLINIC
Serves people litigating civil matters such as child custody cases and landlord-tenant disputes.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLINIC
Offers non-litigation services to clients on a range of business, nonprofit, and real estate matters.
EVICTION CLINIC
Represents low-income clients in litigation with a focus on eviction defense and related matters.
EXONERATION JUSTICE CLINIC
Investigates and litigates wrongful conviction cases to exonerate people based on actual innocence.
GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC
This groundbreaking clinic takes on cases in a global effort to protect human rights around the world.
IMMIGRATION CLINIC
Provides legal counseling and direct representation to individuals before US Citizenship and Immigration Services and in removal proceedings before the immigration courts.
IP CLINIC
Provides free legal services regarding patent, copyright, and trademark law.
LINDSAY AND MATT MOROUN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CLINIC
Defends religious liberty through claims in trial courts and appeals, up to and including the Supreme Court.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLINIC
Serves parents of children with disabilities in South Bend by providing legal advocacy for educational services and accommodations.
VETERANS LAW CLINIC
Provides free legal assistance to US military veterans in matters such as disability claims and appeals.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EXTERNSHIPS
ND Law students with their client through the Law School’s Immigration Externship, where they represent clients and families in asylum cases.
IMMIGRATION EXTERNSHIP
Represent clients in asylum cases and other matters in immigration court with the National Immigrant Justice Center.
JUDICIAL EXTERNSHIP
Assist judges with legal research and writing in state and federal courts.
PUBLIC DEFENDER EXTERNSHIP
Represent clients by negotiating plea bargains, interviewing witnesses, and writing discovery motions under the direction of the local public defender’s office.
PUBLIC INTEREST EXTERNSHIP
Work with nonprofit legal organizations or government agencies such as state and federal prosecutors, city attorneys, and legal aid organizations.
SEVENTH CIRCUIT PRACTICE
EXTERNSHIP
Third-year students represent clients in direct appeals before the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Externships help students develop the skills that are important for success in the profession by providing opportunities to work with practicing attorneys and real clients at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, judicial chambers, and corporate counsel offices.
The Law School’s broad array of externships enables students to “try out” virtually any area of law. Students may participate in externships during the academic year in the South Bend area, in Chicago, and while studying abroad in London.
CORPORATE COUNSEL
EXTERNSHIP
Explore the practice of law from the perspective of in-house counsel, gaining practical knowledge of the day-to-day operations within a corporate legal department.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
EXTERNSHIP
Gain experience in intercollegiate athletics administration with Notre Dame Athletics, including contract review, policy development, legal research, and compliance responsibilities.
APPALACHIA EXTERNSHIP
Each fall break and spring break, students spend a full week assisting low-income legal services attorneys in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky with a variety of legal matters.
EXPUNGEMENT EXTERNSHIP
Students work directly with clients to petition for the sealing of past criminal records.
APPALACHIA EXTERNSHIP
Chicago
Students may spend one spring semester in an externship in Chicago, one of the nation’s largest and most diverse legal markets. The program operates out of Notre Dame’s building at 224 S. Michigan Ave.—across the street from Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
DC
Students can spend one spring semester in the nation’s capital in positions related to the federal government, including federal agencies, executive branch offices, and congressional offices. A weekly seminar taught by Notre Dame Law faculty rounds out the experience.
London
Students in the Notre Dame London Law Programme may work with British barristers and solicitors, global corporations, nonprofits, and government offices. Externships enable students to enjoy a deeper experience while studying abroad and explore the possibility of a career in international law.
DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, AND SUBSIDIARITY
STATEMENT OF DIGNITY, SOLIDARITY, AND SUBSIDIARITY
Notre Dame Law School is a Catholic law school founded upon the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the principle that 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 identity. 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.
Through intentional dialogue and rigorous discussions on topics that shape our society,
we strengthen our community, modeling cultural humility and respectful disagreement to prepare students as leaders ready to foster inclusive engagement within the legal profession.
Our programs related to dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity focus on education, communitybuilding, cultural exchange, service, justice, mentorship, and inclusion, to create an environment where every individual feels valued and supported. With resources tailored to help students of all backgrounds succeed academically and professionally while navigating the demands of life, we aim to foster a more equitable environment where students can thrive while pursuing their legal education.
Through regular assessment of our cultural climate and collaboration across our community, we hold ourselves accountable, regularly making adjustments to improve and realize our shared vision: a community where all feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves and are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in life and the legal profession.
225+ Undergraduate Schools
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Students
Notre Dame’s unmatched global reach enables our students to connect with learning, research, and employment opportunities worldwide.
The Law School has been a leader in international legal education since establishing the Notre Dame London Law Programme in 1968. Today, in addition to London, our students may choose to study in Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, South Africa, and Switzerland through our exchange programs with preeminent law schools in those countries.
Our Global Lawyering Initiative reflects Notre Dame Law School’s commitment to educating lawyers with a global perspective. This initiative offers exciting opportunities students can apply to, including the Dublin Honor Scholars Program, which places students in paid summer internships at top Irish firms; the Hamburg Honor Scholars Program, which allows students to participate tuition-free in Bucerius Law School’s prestigious summer programs and offers job opportunities in Hamburg; and the Hague Honor Scholars Program, which provides students with firsthand experience working with international courts and legal matters across the full spectrum of international law.
in the Notre Dame London Law Programme take classes in Fischer Hall, located next to Trafalgar Square in central London.
GLOBAL LAWYERING
ND LAW STUDY ABROAD LOCATIONS
LONDON LAW VIDEO
LONDON LAW PROGRAMME
Open to all second- and third-year law students.
Students may spend a semester or full year in London.
Faculty consists of prominent American, British, and European legal scholars.
Founded in 1968, it is the oldest studyabroad program offered by an American law school and a rare yearlong overseas program approved by the American Bar Association.
Externship opportunities are available with British barristers, solicitors, multinational corporations, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and law firms.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Notre Dame Law students may study abroad for a semester in:
Brazil: FGV Law in Rio; Insper in São Paulo
Chile: Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago
China: Peking University Law School in Beijing
France: Paris-Panthéon-Assas University in Paris
Germany: Bucerius Law School in Hamburg; Humboldt University Faculty of Law in Berlin
Ireland: Trinity College of Law in Dublin
Israel: Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv
Italy: Bocconi University in Milan
Kenya: Strathmore Law School in Nairobi
South Africa: University of Cape Town in Cape Town
Switzerland: University of Lucerne in Lucerne
ISRAEL
KENYA SOUTH AFRICA
CAREERS
Every student brings a unique mix of experiences and passions to law school, and every aspiring lawyer has a unique vision of professional success. Notre Dame Law School is devoted to preparing all students to succeed on their individual career paths. Our alumni are leaders in big law firms and corporate headquarters as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the United States and abroad.
The Law School’s Career Development Office is staffed with experienced lawyers who are dedicated to helping students achieve their professional goals. From offering one-on-one advising and resume feedback to coordinating interview programs and networking opportunities with alumni, the CDO provides a full slate of services to assist students.
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIPS
Our graduates have a strong record of securing judicial clerkships. According to ABA data, Notre Dame has ranked in the top five in the nation for the percentage of graduates entering federal clerkships upon graduation for the past three years, with 17 percent of Notre Dame Law’s 2024 graduates securing federal clerkships for the 2024–25 term. Additionally, eight alumni of Notre Dame Law School have served as clerks at the US Supreme Court from 2019 to present.
The Law School’s Career Development Office has a dedicated clerkship adviser and a faculty-led clerkship committee that offer substantial support to students who wish to
pursue clerkships, providing comprehensive guidance throughout the application process. Together, they help students determine what type of clerkship is right for them and map out an application strategy that meets their individual career goals.
RECRUITING AND NETWORKING EVENTS
Recruiting and networking events are common at Notre Dame. Each semester, the Career Development Office coordinates a large employer reception for 1Ls, and employers and our alumni visit campus to host networking events and educational programs for students throughout the year.
On average, more than 135 employers across nearly 60 markets in more than 30 states hire Notre Dame Law graduates each year.
PUBLIC INTEREST AND GOVERNMENT
Notre Dame Law School encourages students to pursue legal careers where they can make important contributions to the world, even if those positions are in fields that pay lower salaries.
The Law School offers a generous Loan Repayment Assistance Program and a multitude of fellowships and stipends to ensure that financial concerns do not prevent students from entering careers in public interest and public service.
For the Class of 2024, 90% of graduates who took the July bar exam did so outside of the state of Indiana. Additionally, 2024 graduates secured jobs in 28 states and Washington, DC.
CLASS OF 2024 EMPLOYMENT 10 months after graduation
J.D. GRADUATES 98% EMPLOYED
NOTRE DAME CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES 48% Big Law Firms (more than 100 attorneys) 9% Other Law Firms 18% Government/Public Interest 22% Clerkships 3% Business/Industry
Jobs requiring bar passage or J.D. advantage 53 CLERKSHIPS Secured at federal, state, and local courts $145k
MEDIAN SALARY
WHERE ND LAW’S CLASS OF 2024 WORKS
*1% pursuing a full-time graduate program and education sector employment
DESTINATION: BIG LAW
Most members of the Law School’s Class of 2024 chose to work for law firms after graduation. Of the 105 graduates hired by law firms, the vast majority went to work for large firms that employ 100 or more attorneys. The chart at right shows the number of ND Law graduates hired by firms of different sizes.
CAREERS ND LAWYER ALUMNI NETWORK
One of the benefits of earning a degree from Notre Dame Law School is that graduates become members of a vibrant alumni community. Our community of Notre Dame Lawyers includes all lawyers who have a Notre Dame degree—whether it’s a degree from the Law School or another degree from the broader University.
These loyal alumni are eager to assist students and new graduates with networking and mentorship as they start their careers.
The Law School organizes opportunities for students to network with alumni throughout the year. These events take place on Notre Dame’s campus and across the country to aid students in their nationwide job searches.
For example, more than 200 Notre Dame Lawyers in cities across the country volunteer each year to participate in the Law School's mock interview program and mentorship program. These programs are great opportunities for students to network with alumni, receive career advice and mentorship, and hone job search skills.
#5
IN FEDERAL CLERKSHIPS
More than 17 percent of our 2024 graduates entered federal clerkships upon graduation, the fifth best rate among American law schools.
In the years following their graduation, individuals from our 2020–24 classes have obtained at least 253 clerkships in federal, state, and local courts across the United States, including the US Supreme Court.
PUBLIC INTEREST PROGRAMS
Notre Dame has a history of encouraging its graduates to use their education for the public good—it’s a responsibility that flows directly from the 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 total forgiveness of their federal student loans in 10 years with minimal out-of-pocket payments.
CAREERS NATIONAL NETWORK
Notre Dame, as a university and as a law school, is national in scope. The top three states where Notre Dame Law School graduates are employed— Illinois, New York, and California—stretch from coast to coast.
Notre Dame Law School students benefit from this geographic diversity because they end up connected with an alumni network and opportunities that enable them to go anywhere.
We do not teach toward one state’s bar exam, nor do we limit students to particular geographic markets in their job searches.
Notre Dame Lawyer Committees, which organize events and service projects, are active in more than 30 cities in 20 states plus Washington, DC. The committees have become one of the keys to tying law alumni together and helping current students gain a foothold in their target markets.
ND Lawyer Committees
ARIZONA
Phoenix
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
Orange County
San Diego
San Francisco
COLORADO
Denver
FLORIDA
Miami
GEORGIA Atlanta
MISSOURI Kansas
NEBRASKA Omaha NEW
New
NORTH
OKLAHOMA Oklahoma
OREGON Portland
PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia Pittsburgh
TEXAS
WASHINGTON,
COMMUNITY
Law students cheer on the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium while wearing The Law School Shirt, which is designed by students each year.
The University of Notre Dame is widely regarded as one of America’s most beautiful college campuses, and the Law School is situated in the heart of it. The Law School’s location at the center of campus contributes to the strong sense of community here, as law students are able to participate fully in the academic and social life of the University.
The Law School’s Student Bar Association is very active in organizing events and activities for the student body—from softball leagues to formal dances to service projects.
Notre Dame Law School is known for its friendly, congenial, and non-competitive environment, a distinction that is frequently highlighted by its students, setting it apart from other law schools.
Notre Dame is both Catholic and catholic. When capitalized, the word refers to the Catholic Church and the faith that drives Notre Dame’s mission to be a force for good in the world. The lowercase word means comprehensive and universal, and it describes how Notre Dame, as a great university, embraces people of all backgrounds, faiths, and viewpoints. Our latest two classes, one-third of whom are people of color, have been the most diverse classes in the Law School’s history.
Generations of students have found a home at Notre Dame, and students of all backgrounds will find resources on campus and in the larger South Bend community to nurture their academic progress, wellness, and faith.
Duncan Student Center offers a full fitness facility, including a climbing wall, in addition to a variety of dining options and study areas.
Students volunteer at Green Bridge Growers, a nonprofit run by Professor Jay Tidmarsh’s family.
Barristers’ Ball is an annual spring event for law students.
Mass is celebrated six days per week in the Law School’s St. Thomas More Chapel.
A student organization hosts a panel discussion in McCartan Courtroom.
The Band of the Fighting Irish marches under the Law School arch.
COMMUNITY LIFE AT NOTRE DAME
With grassy, tree-lined quads, Collegiate Gothic architecture, two lakes, and nationally recognized landmarks like our Main Building’s Golden Dome and the Hesburgh Library’s “Touchdown Jesus” mural, Notre Dame provides an idyllic and inspiring setting for learning and growth.
The Law School is located at the center of the University’s campus, right next to Main Circle on Notre Dame Avenue. All campus amenities such as recreation centers, dining, fine arts, and sports venues are within a five-minute walk from the Law School.
Attending Fighting Irish football games is one of the highlights of the Notre Dame experience. Law students are guaranteed access to football tickets and sit together in the student section.
In addition, there are many other men’s and women’s varsity sports teams to cheer on including basketball, soccer, baseball, and hockey.
The arts thrive on Notre Dame’s campus, too.The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center welcomes more than 100,000 patrons annually for musical and theatrical performances as well as foreign, independent, and classic films. A new art museum, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, opened on campus in the fall of 2023.
Faith is a meaningful aspect of life at Notre Dame. Students, regardless of denomination or faith tradition, will find Notre Dame to be a supportive place for spiritual growth. Campus Ministry offers programming specifically for graduate students. The Law School has its own chapel dedicated to the patron saint of lawyers, St. Thomas More Chapel, where Mass is celebrated six days per week. In addition, students are welcome at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which serves as the University church.
103k
SOUTH BEND’S POPULATION
LIVING IN SOUTH BEND
Eddy Street Commons, located right at the edge of campus, offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, apartments, and a new Trader Joe’s.
800k POPULATION OF MULTI-COUNTY
MICHIANA REGION
The University of Notre Dame, located right next to South Bend, Indiana, provides access to a diverse city rich in history and culture, offering everything you need without the hassle and high costs of a major metropolitan area.
Notre Dame offers on-campus housing for graduate students that is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Law School. Many off-campus housing options are available nearby in South Bend and the surrounding community. Living close to campus and to each other makes it easy for law students to spend time together, whether that time is spent studying or having fun.
Downtown South Bend and several other city neighborhoods have been undergoing a renaissance in recent years. Private developers have renovated several historic buildings, adding more restaurants and hundreds of apartments to the city center. The city is also
First-year students at Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs
directing more attention to the St. Joseph River by investing in a riverside trail system and upgrading waterfront parks.
The Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend complements Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center by hosting concerts, comedians, and Broadway touring shows. The downtown area is also home to several museums, including the South Bend Museum of Art and the Studebaker National Museum, which preserves and displays the Studebaker vehicles that were once manufactured in South Bend.
Lake Michigan beaches and sand dunes, as well as southwest Michigan’s wine country, aren’t far from campus either. And, when students do need a taste of a bigger city, Chicago is just a 90-minute drive away and an easy destination for a day trip.
NEXT STEPS
VISIT CAMPUS
We encourage all admitted students to visit Notre Dame Law School to see what makes us different. We look forward to meeting you during the spring semester. Please see your letter of admission, inserted in the front of this booklet, for information about a travel stipend that we provide to help cover part of your cost of traveling to campus. More details about using your stipend are at law.nd.edu/admitted
The Law School is scheduled to host Different Kind of Lawyer Day on Friday, March 20 This program will include class observations, tours, panels with students and alumni, and presentations from administrators regarding clinics, careers, and financial aid.
If you cannot come to campus for our Different Kind of Lawyer Day, we can plan your visit on another day as your schedule allows. Admitted students will also have opportunities to connect with our admissions staff and student ambassadors remotely and via virtual programming.
Please visit law.nd.edu/admitted for up-to-date information, as plans are subject to change.
CONFIRM YOUR ENROLLMENT
You can confirm your attendance by submitting your confirmation form and enrollment deposit online at confirmlaw.nd.edu
Admitted students intending to enroll have two confirmation deposits—one for $600 by May 1 and another for $400 by June 1. (Note: We will close the confirmation form when we receive our maximum number of deposits, which may occur before May 1.)
Students have the option to submit both deposits before the May deadline. These deposits act as a prepayment on your initial tuition bill.
The Law School requires confirmation forms as well as deposits at both deadlines. If you choose to pay your deposit in full before the May deadline, you must still complete the June 1 confirmation form.
IMPORTANT DATES
October 1
January 15
February 28
Early March
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens. This form is required for all federal loans. Complete it at fafsa.ed.gov. Notre Dame’s federal code is 001840.
Priority deadline for submitting the Supplemental Scholarship Information Form to Law School Financial Services
Preferred deadline for submitting the FAFSA to the Office of Financial Aid
Application for on-campus graduate housing opens and needs to be filled out ASAP for those who wish to secure on-campus housing. Also, the Office of Financial Aid begins mailing loan information to those who submitted their FAFSA by February 28.
March 20
May 1
Different Kind of Lawyer Day (in person)
Deadline for initial confirmation form and first enrollment deposit of $600 for admitted students. Submit your enrollment plans at confirmlaw.nd.edu (Note: We will close the confirmation form when we receive our maximum number of deposits, which may occur before May 1.)
June 1
Mid-June
July 1
Deadline for second confirmation form and enrollment deposit of $400 for admitted students. Submit your enrollment plans at confirmlaw.nd.edu
Check your Notre Dame email for information from other Law School offices.
Deadline for receipt of your final, official undergraduate transcript. It must include the date your degree was conferred. Your undergraduate registrar must submit it directly to LSAC.
Early July
Mid-July
Early August
August 17
August 24
Typical deadline for submitting your medical history and physical forms to University Health Services. Links to the proper forms are available on the Admitted Students Website.
Office of Student Accounts will send your first tuition billing statement with a due date of mid-August. Information will be sent to your nd.edu email account.
Receive your first semester schedule from the Law School registrar.
Welcome Week begins for Class of 2029.
First day of class
CONTACTS
Admissions Office 574-631-6626
lawadmit@nd.edu
Career Development 574-631-7542 lawjobs@nd.edu
Registrar Jennifer Fox 574-631-6895 jenniferfox@nd.edu
Student Services
Christine Holst-Haley 574-631-5365 lawstsrv@nd.edu
Care and Wellness Consultant
Stella Miller 574-631-9256 smille44@nd.edu
Financial Aid financialaid.nd.edu 574-631-6436 finaidgr@nd.edu
On-Campus Housing residentiallife.nd.edu/graduate 574-631-8607 residentiallife@nd.edu
Graduate Student Life gradlife.nd.edu 574-631-1221 gradlife@nd.edu
Campus Ministry campusministry.nd.edu 574-631-7800 ministry@nd.edu
University Health Services uhs.nd.edu 574-631-7497
Sara Bea Accessibility Services supportandcare.nd.edu
International Student and Scholar Affairs issa.nd.edu 574-631-1138 issa@nd.edu
NEXT STEPS FINANCING
COST OF ATTENDANCE
The Notre Dame Law School student expense budget for the 2025–26 academic year includes:
TUITION AND FEES
$73,950 $27,340*
Housing and Food: $16,200
Books and Supplies: $1,750
Personal Expenses: $6,690
Transportation Expenses: $2,700
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Law school is an investment in your future. At Notre Dame, you will find many options for financing your education through loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
TOTAL
$101,290
* Actual costs will vary based on housing choices, travel costs, and personal expenses. Annual increases in the cost of a Notre Dame education are anticipated. The University will release cost figures for the 2026–27 academic year in March. + =
We encourage you to take the time to understand your options and make a sound financial plan. The nonprofit organization AccessLex, available at accesslex.org, is a great resource that Notre Dame Law students can use to evaluate their choices.
While tuition costs are set by the University, the larger costs associated with your legal education will be unique based on your choices for housing and personal expenses.
South Bend has a very affordable cost of living when compared with major metropolitan areas, which means you will pay less for housing here and save money on other essentials like food and parking.
Note: The student budget represents the maximum amount of financial assistance a student may be awarded for the academic year (total of all grants, scholarships, and loans). Those with higher-thannormal expenses may request a review of the living expenses portion of the student budget from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with federal guidelines.
WORK ON CAMPUS/ASSISTANT RECTORS
Law students may obtain part-time work at Notre Dame to reduce their need for loans. Each year, more than 50 law students serve as assistant rectors in campus residence halls and 75 law students work as research assistants for faculty.
For financial questions, please contact Heather Ellerbrock,
Associate Director of Student Financial Services
hellerbr@nd.edu
FINANCING SOURCES
SCHOLARSHIPS
Notre Dame Law School awards scholarships to members of the entering class during the admissions process. All admitted students are automatically considered for recruitment scholarships based on the holistic strength of the application for admission. Scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student is in good standing. Law School Admissions Scholarships are restricted to, and will not exceed, tuition and fees.
Applicants may complete an optional Supplemental Scholarship Information Form to document their financial circumstances. Your application for admission remains the primary consideration for recruitment scholarship amounts, but the information provided may be utilized in the determination of additional scholarship eligibility. This form is due by January 15, 2026, for students admitted prior to that date, or within one week (seven days) of admission for students admitted after January 15, 2026. Admitted students may access the Supplemental Scholarship Information Form at the QR code below, if not previously submitted.
Many scholarships, grants, and prizes are available from outside organizations. Visit accesslex.org to see a searchable database of external scholarships available to law students. We encourage students to apply for all that they determine to be appropriate.
LOANS
To be eligible for federal student loans and work-study, students must submit the FAFSA. Notre Dame’s federal code is 001840.
Through the Federal Direct Loan Program, eligible students may borrow up to $50,000 annually. Students may also consider private loan programs. We encourage you to review the AccessLex “Guide to Private Student Loans” for additional considerations: accesslex.org/ tools-and-resources/guide-private-student-loans
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Students may consider the monthly payment plan administered by Nelnet. This interest-free plan allows students to spread education payments over a nine- or 10-month period rather than making one large payment at the beginning of each semester. Students can reduce the overall cost of their education by paying as much as possible interest-free instead of borrowing.
LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Law School is proud to offer a generous Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to support J.D. graduates beginning legal careers in public interest and public service. Designed to alleviate the financial burden of law school debt, LRAP allows graduates to pursue important roles at modest salaries, up to $110,000.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FORM
Since its launch in 2003, LRAP has disbursed millions of dollars to hundreds of graduates in various public interest and service roles. The program provides up to 10 years of loan assistance and works alongside the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to help graduates achieve total forgiveness of their federal student loans with minimal income-driven payments. The program is consistently expanding to better support graduates in their commitment to public service. Visit law.nd.edu/LRAP
NEXT STEPS HOUSING
HOUSING
The University of Notre Dame offers on-campus apartments for graduate students in the Fischer Graduate Residences. The complex is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Law School.
Students interested in on-campus housing need to complete an application as soon as it becomes available—usually in February—at fog.bradleyco. com. You must submit your confirmation form and deposit before you can submit an on-campus housing application.
There is a wide variety of off-campus housing at different price points near campus in South Bend. The website offcampus.nd.edu, which is run by the Office of Residential Life, is your best resource for researching apartments and homes for rent, and for connecting with potential roommates.
ASSISTANT RECTORS
In a typical academic year, more than 50 secondand third-year Notre Dame Law students serve as assistant rectors in undergraduate residence halls on campus. As hall staff members, assistant rectors receive compensation and free room and board while supplying additional layers of pastoral care for hall residents. A majority of assistant rectors on campus are law students.
MARRIED STUDENT HOUSING
The Landings at Notre Dame is a newly constructed apartment complex designed for Notre Dame students who are married or parenting. The Landings is located 1.5 miles from the Law School. For more details, visit thelandingsatnotredame.com
The Law School
Numerous housing options are available within walking and biking distance of the Law School. Those that are farther away are still within a 15-minute drive.
On-campus parking is plentiful and inexpensive. The most recent cost for an annual parking pass was $300 for the year.
Visit offcampus.nd.edu for more information.
CONNECT WITH US
ADMISSIONS STAFF
We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions.
You may contact the Law School’s Admissions Office at 574-6316626 or lawadmit@nd.edu More details are at law.nd.edu/ admissions/connect
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Notre Dame Law School’s Student Ambassadors are current 2Ls and 3Ls who are excited to share their experiences and insights about law school. Learn about them at law.nd.edu/ambassadors
ADMITTED
STUDENTS
WEBSITE
Visit law.nd.edu/admitted for updates, event schedules, and more information about confirming your enrollment at Notre Dame Law School.
Your username is futuredomer; your password is ND1L.
Notre Dame Law School Office of Admissions 1329 Biolchini Hall of Law Notre Dame, IN 46556 574-631-6626 lawadmit@nd.edu law.nd.edu/admissions
Marisa Simon Director, Law School Admissions
Holly Allenbaugh Associate Director, Law School Admissions
Jorge Argueta
Assistant Director of Recruiting, Law School Admissions
Sarah Spear Assistant Director, Law School 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.
The full nondiscrimination policy may be viewed at law.nd.edu/nondiscrimination.