2025 Notre Dame Law School Admissions Viewbook

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.

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2 ACA D E M I C S

6 FAC U LT Y

10 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

14 I N T E R N AT I O N A L

16 CA R E E R S

20 COMMUNITY

24 A P P LY & V I S I T

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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, ethics,

who do not pursue a dual degree are allowed

law and religion, and international law.

to take 9 credit hours in Notre Dame’s other graduate programs.

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#

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. n ot r e da m e l aw

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DEA N G. MARCUS COLE 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 three new clinics including the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic and the Exoneration Justice 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

Randy Kozel Professor and Associate Dean Randy Kozel, who directs the Notre Dame Program on Constitutional Structure, served as a law clerk for US Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

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 n ot r e da m e l aw

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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.

“I have been impressed and welcomed by the Notre Dame Law professors and staff from day one. Being taught by professors that are people first and bring their passion to class every day is inspiring and keeps very tough schoolwork engaging and exciting.”

Class of 2025 MANUELA CORREA JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

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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 ten 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

PUB L IC D E FE N DE R

E X PE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G

E XTER NS H IPS

PUB L IC IN TE R E S T

S E V E N TH CIRCU IT PRACTICE

APPA L ACH IA

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 their own externships through the

The Law School’s broad array of externships enables students to “try out” virtually any area of 12

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 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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CLA SS OF

2028

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 American University Arizona State University Baylor University Benedictine College Bethel College (Indiana) Boston College Boston University Brigham Young University Butler University Calvin University Canisius University The Catholic University of America Catawba College Colby College College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of William & Mary Columbia University – Columbia College Corban University Cornell University (NY) Creighton University Davidson College Duke University Duquesne University Emory University Florida State University Fordham University – Fordham College at Rose Hill Furman University Georgetown University Grove City College Hillsdale College Hope College Howard University Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University South Bend Kennesaw State University Liberty University Longwood University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Marquette University 14

McGill University Mercyhurst University Michigan State University Northeastern University Northern Kentucky University Northwest Missouri State University Northwest University (Washington) New York University – College of Arts & Science New York University – Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development The Ohio State University – Columbus Old Dominion University Oregon State University Pace University – New York, NY Pennsylvania State University – University Park Princeton University Purdue University – West Lafayette Regis University Rhodes College Rice University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College (Indiana) St. John’s University – Queens St. Lawrence University St. Mary’s College of Maryland St. Thomas Aquinas College Southern Methodist University Stetson University SUNY Albany SUNY Binghamton SUNY Buffalo Taylor University Temple University Texas Tech University The University of Texas at Austin Trinity College (Connecticut) United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy

University of Alabama University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Connecticut – Storrs University of Dallas University of Denver University of Florida University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign University of Iowa University of Maryland Global Campus University of Miami University of Michigan – Ann Arbor University of Mississippi University of Missouri – Columbia University of Missouri – St. Louis University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Carolina – Columbia University of Southern California University of Tennessee – Knoxville University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin – Madison Vanderbilt University Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University Westmont College Wichita State University Xavier University Yale University

C U R R E N T 1 L C L AS S P RO F I L E

3,579 Applications Received

186 1Ls Enrolled

52%

20% Students of Color

65% Catholic

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Average Age

Direct from Undergrad

32%

52% 1–3 Years Out

16%

LSAT 75th Percentile

171

170 LSAT Median

LSAT 25th Percentile

3.95

Undergraduate GPA Median

3.89

Undergraduate GPA 25th Percentile

Undergraduate GPA 75th Percentile

38

States Represented (Including DC)

Female

3+ Years Out

166

3.77 117

Undergraduate Colleges and Universities Represented

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

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program enables students to spend a

International opportunities are also

semester or a full year at Notre Dame’s

available in the summer with our Dublin,

London campus, learning from premier

Hamburg, The Hague, Beijing, and São

British and European legal scholars.

Paolo Honor Scholars Programs.

LONDON

GLOBAL LAWYERING

N D L AW E XC H A N G E PRO G R A M S IRELAND LONDON FRANCE

GERMANY SWITZERLAND ITALY

CHINA ISRAEL

KENYA BRAZIL

“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 interview

are leaders in big law firms and corporate

programs and networking opportunities

headquarters as well as government

with alumni, the CDO provides a full slate

agencies and nonprofit organizations

of services 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 24 W O R KS *

#5

48%

Big Law Firms (more than 100 attorneys)

IN FE D E RAL C L E RKSHIPS

9%

More than 17 percent of our

Other Law Firms

2024 graduates entered

18%

federal clerkships upon graduation, the fifth best rate

Government/Public Interest

among American law schools.

22%

Clerkships

In the years following their

3%

graduation, individuals from our 2020–24 classes

Business/Industry

have obtained at least 253 clerkships in federal, state,

*1% pursuing full-time

and local courts across the

graduate program and

United States, including the

education sector employment

US Supreme Court.

C L AS S O F 2 0 24 E M P LOY M E N T 10 months after graduation

187

J . D . G RA D UAT E S

98

%

E M P LOY E D

Jobs requiring bar passage or J.D. advantage

PUBLIC INTEREST P RO G R A M S 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

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C L E R KS H I PS Secured at federal, state, and local courts

$145k M E D I A N SA L A RY

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. n ot r e da m e l aw

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Students mingle with employers during the kickoff reception for Notre Dame Law School’s on-campus interviews.

CAR EERS

NATIONA L NET WOR K

One of the benefits of earning a

The Law School organizes

degree from Notre Dame Law School

networking opportunities throughout

is that graduates become members

the academic year, during winter

of a vibrant alumni community.

break, and over the summer. These events take place on campus and

Notre Dame Lawyer Committees,

across the country to aid students in

which organize events and service

their 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 0 – 24 )

2

3

1

1

3

11

4

2

11

65

41

4

6 4

106

16

2

179

24

1

26 1

14

1

3

13 NJ

10 DE 7 MD

10

74 DC

11

10 5

1 RI 3 CT

34

55

27 MA

2

1 5

7

8

36

38 2

11 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 0 – 24 )

1

2

3

4

5

C H ICAGO

NEW YORK CITY

WAS H I N GTO N , D C

B O S TO N

BAY A R E A

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COMMUNITY Law students cheer on the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium wearing The Law School 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 community is a special place. It takes coming here and experiencing it for anybody to understand that you can be a vessel for God through helping people, helping the community, and helping society.”

Class of 2024 JAMAL WILSON Compton, California

Mass is celebrated six 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 a class observation, an

Law School achieve its mission of educating

admissions information session, and a student-led

lawyers who serve the good of the human family.

tour of the Law School. Please check law.nd.edu/

We evaluate applications in a holistic manner to

visit for registration information and further details.

identify those candidates whose academic talent, We look forward to meeting you!

personal background, professional experiences, and points of view will ensure our community personifies the pursuit of excellence and leadership for the betterment of society.

OFFIC 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

$

75

Application Fee* *Service and needbased fee waivers application available at law.nd.edu/waiver

$

73,950

Tuition and Fees 2025–26

$

27,340

Estimated Cost of Living 2025–26

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.