The University Of Notre Dame Law School: Academics, Campus, Rankings & More

Nestled within the prestigious University of Notre Dame, the Law School is a pillar of legal excellence. It’s more than just a school; it’s a place where future lawyers are molded into champions of justice. With a history dating back to 1869, this institution has earned its reputation as the oldest Catholic law school in the United States. But it’s not just about age; it’s about values.

Notre Dame Law School teaches law as a calling, a way to make the world fairer and more just. Join us on a journey to discover the significance and legacy of this esteemed establishment in the realm of legal education.

History And Background

The University of Notre Dame Law School is a testament to the evolution of legal education in the United States. It also represents the enduring influence of the Catholic faith in American society.

Establishment Of The University Of Notre Dame Law School

• 1869: The Notre Dame Law School became the second Catholic law school in the United States. It opened its doors and is the oldest in continuous operation. Classes are held initially in the university’s Main Building.
• Founding principles: The Law School emphasizes a unique blend of legal education. It has a strong grounding in Catholic moral and ethical principles. Notre Dame Law’s focus on ethical formation and social justice distinguishes it from other institutions.
• Early curriculum: The Law School offers a two-year program. It focuses on common law principles and legal practice. Students must have completed a liberal arts education before enrolling. This was a progressive approach for the time.

Key Milestones And Historical Developments

• 1889: The Law School moves to Sorin Hall, dedicating more space to its growing student body and faculty.
• 1919: The Hoynes College of Law (now Crowley Hall) opens. It marks a significant expansion for the Law School. This reflects its growing reputation.
• 1920s & 1930s: The Law School gained national prominence under Dean Thomas Konop. He strengthened the curriculum and attracted renowned faculty.
• 1940s & 1950s: The Law School contributes to developing legal scholarship on natural law and legal realism. It also welcomed its first female graduate, Graciela Olivarez, in 1970.
• 1960s & 1970s: The Law School is a public interest law and civil rights advocacy leader. It also expands its international presence by launching a study abroad program in London.
• 1980s & 1990s: The Law School continues to grow and diversify. It is adding new programs in areas like environmental law and intellectual property. It also acquires the Chicago Bar Association Library collection, significantly expanding its resources.
• 2000s & beyond: The Law School remains at the forefront of legal education. It embraces new technologies and approaches to teaching. It also continues to attract top students and faculty. This maintains its reputation as one of the nation’s leading law schools.
• 2025: The Law School launched the second year of the ASLH/Notre Dame Graduate Legal History Colloquium, bringing J.D. and Ph.D. students together to present legal history research across South Bend and Chicago campuses. The program reflects Notre Dame’s continued commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and positions the school as a national hub for legal historical dialogue.

Location And Campus

Notre Dame Law School is located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Its setting fosters a close-knit, values-driven community ideal for immersive legal study and professional development.

Address And Geographical Location Of The Law School

Notre Dame Law School is located on the main campus of the University of Notre Dame in north-central Indiana, just outside the city of South Bend. The full address is:

Notre Dame Law School

1100 Eck Hall of Law

Notre Dame, Indiana 46556

The campus sits approximately 10 miles north of South Bend and is easily accessible by major highways, air, and rail. South Bend International Airport (SBN) is the closest airport, just a 15-minute drive from campus and offering direct flights to major hubs. For broader domestic and international connections, Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports are each within a two-and-a-half-hour drive. The Indiana Toll Road (I‑80/90) also provides direct highway access, making Notre Dame a convenient destination for visiting scholars, prospective students, and alumni.

The law school’s location blends the quiet beauty of a collegiate campus with accessibility to legal markets in Chicago, Indianapolis, and the Great Lakes region. Its Midwestern setting supports a welcoming environment and encourages deep intellectual engagement away from urban distractions, while remaining connected to a national legal network through Notre Dame’s growing alumni presence and federal clerkship placements.

Description Of The Campus And Its Facilities

Notre Dame Law School is centered on two main buildings—Eck Hall of Law and Biolchini Hall of Law—situated at the southern edge of the university’s historic main quad. The campus itself spans over 1,250 acres and is renowned for its Gothic architecture, reflecting the university’s Catholic identity and academic tradition.

Eck Hall, completed in 2009, is a state-of-the-art legal education facility featuring smart classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, and the McCartan Courtroom, which replicates a federal courtroom. Its striking atrium and glass façade overlook the Law Quad, offering a modern, open setting ideal for both formal instruction and informal student interaction. A large Commons area within Eck also provides seating and collaboration space designed for social and academic engagement.

Biolchini Hall, originally built in 1930 and renovated in 2010, is home to the Kresge Law Library, one of the largest academic law libraries in the U.S. with over 600,000 volumes. It also houses the Law Review reception space, traditional classrooms, and several administrative and career services offices. The two buildings are linked by a Gothic-style archway, creating an enclosed quadrangle that serves as the central hub of the law school experience.

Academic Programs

The University of Notre Dame Law School offers a variety of rigorous academic programs designed to prepare students for a diverse range of legal careers.

Overview Of The Law School’s Academic Offerings

Notre Dame Law School offers a comprehensive and rigorous legal education, preparing its students for success in a diverse range of legal careers. The core J.D. program provides a strong foundation in legal theory and practice. Students take courses in contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and property. The first-year curriculum is designed to provide a common core of knowledge and develop essential legal skills like critical thinking, writing, and oral advocacy.

Students can tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations in their upper years. They can do this through various elective courses and specialization programs. Some popular focus areas include –

• Business Law: Corporate law, securities law, intellectual property law, tax law, and entrepreneurship.
• Criminal Law: Criminal procedure, criminal theory, criminal justice policy, and white-collar crime.
• Energy & Environmental Law: Environmental law, energy law, natural resources law, and climate change.
• Global Law: International law, human rights law, comparative law, and international trade law.
• Intellectual Property & Technology Law: Copyright law, patent law, trademark law, and cyberspace law.
• Law, Ethics & Public Policy: Legal ethics, bioethics, health law, and public interest law.
• Public Law: Constitutional law, administrative law, and government regulation.
• Real Estate Law: Real estate transactions, land use, and housing laws.

Notre Dame Law School also offers several interdisciplinary programs in conjunction with other departments at the university, such as the Law and Business Program and the Law and Public Policy Program. These programs allow students to gain expertise in a specific field while acquiring a strong foundation in legal principles.

Notable Faculty And Their Contributions

Notre Dame Law School boasts a distinguished faculty of renowned scholars and practitioners dedicated to teaching and research. Some notable faculty members include:

• Dean Marcus Cole: Current Dean and Professor of Law, he is an expert in bankruptcy and law-and-economics. He leads institutional growth and interdisciplinary innovation while publishing in top legal journals and guiding Notre Dame’s national academic reputation through Catholic social thought and empirical scholarship.
• Justice Amy Coney Barrett: Former professor and three-time Distinguished Professor of the Year, Barrett taught constitutional law and statutory interpretation. Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020, she remains Notre Dame Law’s most prominent alumna and regularly returns for lectures and occasional teaching engagements.
• Professor Richard Garnett: A constitutional law scholar and media commentator, Garnett directs the Program on Church, State & Society. He teaches First Amendment, criminal law, and school choice, and regularly publishes on religious freedom, earning national recognition for advancing church-state dialogue and policy engagement.
• Professor Nicole Stelle Garnett: A leading scholar in property, urban law, and education policy, she explores how law shapes cities and schools. Her interdisciplinary work connects legal theory with social reform, contributing to Notre Dame’s mission of public service and community-centered legal scholarship.

These are just a few examples, and the law school faculty includes many other accomplished scholars and practitioners who contribute to the vibrant academic environment.

Specialized Programs And Clinics Offered

Notre Dame Law School offers a wide range of specialized programs and clinics designed to provide hands-on legal training. These clinics allow students to serve real clients, gain courtroom experience, and work under the direct supervision of expert faculty. The Religious Liberty Clinic, part of the Religious Liberty Initiative, allows students to litigate and advocate for conscience protections, immigration claims, and faith-based legal disputes. It has gained national prominence for defending religious rights across faiths.

The Global Human Rights Clinic provides an opportunity for students to work on international and domestic legal issues related to human rights and humanitarian law. Students collaborate with NGOs, draft legal briefs, and contribute to advocacy campaigns. Similarly, the Eviction Clinic addresses pressing housing insecurity issues in Indiana by representing low-income tenants in court and pushing for systemic policy changes.

Other notable offerings include the Special Education Law Clinic, which began in 2023 and continues in 2025 with expanded casework for students with disabilities. Students also participate in the Notre Dame Law Review, a leading student-run journal, and in policy-focused centers such as the Center for Social Concerns. Together, these programs empower students to apply classroom theory to real-world impact, enhancing their readiness for practice.

Rankings And Recognition

The University of Notre Dame Law School is highly regarded in legal education, consistently earning recognition for its excellence in various rankings and evaluations.

Current Ranking Of The University Of Notre Dame Law School

• U.S. News & World Report 2025: Ranked #20 (tie) out of 195 accredited law schools in the U.S.
• Above the Law 2024–2025: Ranked #10 in the Top 50 Law School Rankings, based on employment outcomes, alumni satisfaction, and cost-benefit analysis.
• National Law Journal 2025: Ranked #22 in the Go-To Law Schools list, based on percentage of graduates placed at the nation’s largest law firms.

Recognition And Accolades Received By The Law School

Notre Dame Law School is widely recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to ethical legal education. The school fosters a strong culture of service, leadership, and professional development across diverse areas of the law.

Top 10% In The Nation For

• Federal Clerkships: Ranked #4 nationally in 2025 for federal clerkship placements. Notably, 17.11% of the Class of 2024 secured federal clerkships, with two students set to clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justices in the 2025–26 term.
• Supreme Court Clerkships: Notre Dame consistently places graduates in high-profile judicial positions, including regular U.S. Supreme Court placements.
• Public Interest Law: The law school supports fellowships, clinics, and pro bono programs focused on service, earning national recognition in public interest rankings.

Top 20% In The Nation For

• Business/Corporate Law – Ranked #26 (tie)
• Constitutional Law – Ranked #19 (tie)
• Contracts/Commercial Law – Ranked #30 (tie)
• Criminal Law – Ranked #57 (tie)

Other Notable Accolades

• Highly Selective Admissions: Fall 2025 acceptance rate is approximately 23.3%, reflecting a competitive and selective admissions process.
• Strong Employment Outcomes: Roughly 95.2% of graduates secured full-credit jobs within 10 months of graduation.
• Bar Passage Success: First-time Bar passage rate is around 91.5%, with an ultimate Bar pass rate near 96%.
• Faculty Reputation: Peer assessment score of 3.7/5.0; lawyer/judge assessment score of 4.0/5.0, demonstrating strong national regard.
• Robust Alumni Network: More than 20,000 alumni worldwide in leadership roles across law, business, public service, and academia.
• Mission and Values: The school maintains a strong commitment to Catholic values, public service, and ethical legal education through its clinics, fellowships, and student programs.

Admissions

Getting into Notre Dame Law School is no easy feat! It’s a highly selective institution with a competitive admissions process, but understanding the key aspects can put you in a strong position. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Acceptance Rate And Selectivity

Notre Dame Law School remains one of the most selective law schools in the country. For the Fall 2025 entering class, the acceptance rate was approximately 23.3%, meaning less than one in four applicants gained admission. This level of selectivity underscores the school’s competitive nature and its commitment to enrolling students with exceptional academic and leadership potential.

Notre Dame Law School receives thousands of applications annually from across the country and around the world. The admissions committee conducts a holistic review of each application, considering not just academic metrics but also personal achievements, professional background, and alignment with the school’s mission. This rigorous review process helps ensure that each admitted student can thrive in Notre Dame’s academically demanding and values-driven environment.

Admission Requirements And Criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be eligible for admission. The admissions committee accepts either LSAT or GRE scores, with no official minimum. However, competitive candidates typically present scores in the mid to high 160s or higher on the LSAT. For the Fall 2025 class, the median LSAT score was an impressive 169, demonstrating academic excellence.

In addition to standardized test scores, applicants should have a strong undergraduate record—reflected in a median GPA of 3.85. Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic sources familiar with the applicant’s intellectual potential. Personal statements, résumés, and optional essays also contribute to the admissions evaluation. Other valued factors include work experience, community service, leadership, and extracurricular engagement.

Profile Of The Incoming Class

The Fall 2025 entering class at Notre Dame Law School reflects a highly accomplished and diverse group of students. The GPA range for the middle 50% of admits was 3.74–3.92, while the LSAT range was 164–170, indicating both consistency and academic strength. Students represent a wide variety of undergraduate institutions and academic disciplines.

The class also exemplifies Notre Dame’s commitment to forming well-rounded legal professionals. With a student-faculty ratio of 5.9:1, the school offers personalized instruction and mentorship. In terms of outcomes, 95.2% of graduates secure full-credit jobs within 10 months, and the first-time Bar passage rate stands at 91.5%, well above the national average of 77.5%. This strong profile reflects Notre Dame’s standing among the nation’s elite law schools.

Campus Life

The University of Notre Dame Law School is a dynamic and enriching experience. It blends academic rigor with a vibrant community atmosphere.

Student Organizations And Extracurricular Activities

Notre Dame Law School has a vibrant and diverse student life. It offers over 30 student organizations catering to various interests. Here are some highlights:

Law-Related Organizations

Notre Dame Law offers more than 30 student-led organizations, including academic and advocacy groups that enrich campus life. The Student Bar Association (SBA) serves as the official student government for over 600 students, organizing social, spiritual, and academic events. The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) foster diversity, networking, and inclusion.

The International Human Rights Society (IHRS) engages members in human rights advocacy and advocacy internships during the academic year. Other active groups include specialty legal interest clubs such as the Public Interest Law Society (PILS), Moot Court Board, and affinity groups for Latinx, LGBTQ+, and military student communities, reinforcing Notre Dame’s mission-driven environment.

Non-Law-Related Organizations

In addition to legal associations, students at Notre Dame Law can join clubs related to music, sports, faith, and culture. Popular examples include the Irish Law Society, which celebrates Irish heritage, and arts organizations such as law school choirs, visual arts groups, and student-run theater productions. These activities help students build friendships and maintain work-life balance.

Athletics and wellness are also part of campus life, with intramural leagues in basketball, soccer, and other sports, as well as access to the university fitness center. Religious and spiritual life is active across Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim student groups. Together, these organizations create a rich extracurricular environment that complements Notre Dame’s holistic approach to legal education.

Moot Court And Mock Trial Opportunities

Notre Dame Law School has a nationally respected moot court tradition. The Moot Court Board fields teams in competitions like the Jessup International Moot Court, the Religious Freedom Appellate Tournament, and the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition. These teams are coached by faculty and alumni and often placed among the top finishers nationwide.

Mock trial also plays a major role in experiential learning. Notre Dame teams compete in the National Trial Competition and AAJ Trial Advocacy Tournament, where they practice courtroom skills and litigation strategies. Students earn academic credit through related courses, and coaching from experienced trial lawyers ensures a strong foundation in oral advocacy and case development.

Overview Of Student Services And Support

Notre Dame Law School is committed to providing its students with comprehensive services. It also supports them to ensure their success. Some key resources include –

• Academic Support: Writing Center, tutoring services, academic advisors, and Bar exam preparation programs.
• Career Services: Assistance with job searches, resume writing, interview preparation, and career counseling.
• Wellness Services: Counseling center, health insurance, and disability services.
• Tech Support: Help with law school technology and resources.
• Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and loan programs.
• Housing and Dining: On-campus housing options and various dining halls.

Frequently Asked Questions About The University Of Notre Dame Law School

1. Is Notre Dame A Good School For Law?

Yes, Notre Dame Law School is a top-tier institution. Ranked #20 nationally in 2025, it offers strong academics, clerkship placements, and public interest programs. Its national reputation and consistent rankings affirm its quality legal education.

2. What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Notre Dame Law?

Notre Dame Law does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, admitted students typically have strong academic records. The median GPA for the 2025 entering class is 3.85, with a middle 50% range of 3.74 to 3.92.

3. What Is The Admit Rate For Notre Dame Law School?

Notre Dame Law School has a competitive acceptance rate of 23.3% as of 2025. This makes it one of the most selective law schools in the U.S., admitting fewer than one in four applicants each year.

4. Is Notre Dame Law School Ivy League?

No, Notre Dame Law School is not part of the Ivy League. However, it consistently ranks among the nation’s top 20 law schools and is recognized for academic rigor, national clerkship placements, and its values-driven legal education.

Conclusion

The University of Notre Dame Law School stands as one of Indiana’s most prestigious legal institutions, known for its rich tradition, academic excellence, and values-driven mission. Its strong national rankings, selective admissions, and impressive career outcomes reflect a commitment to shaping principled and skilled legal professionals.

Through rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a supportive campus community, Notre Dame Law prepares students for meaningful legal careers. Its ethical foundation and global alumni network make it a compelling choice for future lawyers.