St. Mary’s University School Of Law: Location, Academics & Rankings
St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, offers a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Known for its strong academic programs and commitment to social justice, it fosters a welcoming, service-oriented community. Students benefit from expert faculty, real-world legal training, and nationally ranked advocacy programs.
Whether pursuing a full-time, part-time, or online JD, students are equipped for impactful legal careers. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of St. Mary’s Law, covering academics and admissions, campus life, and career support.
Table of Contents
Location And Facilities
St. Mary’s University School of Law is located in San Antonio, Texas, offering students access to rich cultural, legal, and professional resources. Its campus blends academic tradition with modern legal facilities in a vibrant setting.
Address And Contact Information
St. Mary’s University School of Law is located at 127 Law Building, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228-8503. The main phone number for the law school is (210) 431-2411. For questions regarding admissions, academic programs, or general inquiries, students and visitors are encouraged to contact the administrative offices directly, and its website is https://law.stmarytx.edu/.
Campus Environment And Surrounding Area
Set within a leafy, historic campus, St. Mary’s Law offers a peaceful yet engaging learning environment. Students gather beneath large oaks, connect over coffee, and study in serene spaces. The surrounding city of San Antonio provides access to courts, law firms, cultural institutions, and culinary experiences, making it a dynamic place to live and learn.
Noteworthy Facilities
St. Mary’s Law features exceptional resources, including a comprehensive law library, modern moot courtrooms, and advanced tech-equipped classrooms. Its legal clinics provide students with hands-on legal training through real client work. The Advocacy Center, home to nationally ranked trial teams, prepares students for high-impact courtroom practice and professional excellence.
Academic Excellence
St. Mary’s Law is known for rigorous academics, innovative teaching, and a commitment to justice. Students receive a strong legal foundation through expert faculty, real-world training, and nationally recognized programs designed to develop practice-ready lawyers.
Programs Offered
St. Mary’s offers multiple degree paths, including a full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (JD) program, an online JD, and joint degrees such as JD/MBA and JD/MPA. The curriculum emphasizes core legal principles and practical skills. Evening and part-time options accommodate working professionals. Students also benefit from certificate programs in advocacy, public interest law, and international legal studies.
Specialized Centers And Institutes
The law school hosts impactful centers like the Center for Legal and Social Justice, which trains students in pro bono advocacy. The Bock Center for Business & Transaction Law and the Institute on Chinese Law and Business offer global and commercial perspectives. These centers provide focused training, research opportunities, and hands-on legal experience.
Rankings And Accolades
St. Mary’s University School of Law continues to earn national recognition for its academic strength, clinical training, and advocacy excellence. Its consistent rankings reflect a strong commitment to legal education, public service, and student outcomes.
National And Regional Rankings
St. Mary’s University School of Law is ranked among the top law schools in the country and region. In 2025, St. Mary’s Law is tied at No. 148 nationally in U.S. News & World Report. Its part-time JD ranks No. 36. The law school is regionally acclaimed in Texas and the Southwest for its trial advocacy and clinical programs, which consistently outperform larger institutions in competitions and student success metrics.
Notable Achievements In Legal Education
St. Mary’s Law received the 2023 ABA Pro Bono Publico Award for its exceptional public service. The school’s Clinical Program ranks among the top 25 nationwide, and its National Dispute Resolution Team won a national title in 2025. These honors underscore the school’s leadership in experiential learning and student-led legal advocacy.
Recognition In Specific Practice Areas
St. Mary’s University School of Law is nationally recognized for excellence in advocacy and experiential legal education. Its rankings reflect the strength of its faculty, curriculum, and student achievements in real-world legal environments and competitions.
In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Law School Specialty Rankings, St. Mary’s earned recognition across a wide range of disciplines:
- #16 in Trial Advocacy (tie)
- #60 in Clinical Training (tie)
- #36 in Part-Time JD Programs (tie)
- #35 in Dispute Resolution (tie)
- #127 in Business/Corporate Law (tie)
- #106 in Contracts/Commercial Law (tie)
- #155 in Criminal Law (tie)
- #161 in Constitutional Law (tie)
- #156 in Environmental Law (tie)
- #157 in Health Care Law (tie)
- #160 in Intellectual Property Law (tie)
- #109 in International Law (tie)
- #134 in Tax Law (tie)
These rankings reflect the St. Mary’s University School of Law’s commitment to specialized training and its students’ achievements in diverse fields. This is a highly respected law school that is known for its excellence in legal education.
Admissions And Acceptance Rate
St. Mary’s Law maintains a selective admissions process that balances academic performance, LSAT scores, and life experience. With a steadily growing applicant pool, it offers accessible legal education while upholding high academic and ethical standards.
Selectivity And Competitive Admissions Process
St. Mary’s University School of Law reviews applications holistically, valuing academic rigor, leadership, and commitment to public service. Although admission is competitive, the school welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Key Selectivity Stats (2024–2025):
- Applicants: 2,417
- Admitted: 785 (≈ 32.5% acceptance rate)
- Enrolled: 275 (≈ 35% yield)
- Median LSAT: 153
- Median GPA: 3.41
- Class Size: 275 1Ls
Admission Requirements And Criteria
Applicants must submit an LSAT score, undergraduate transcripts, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Optional materials include a résumé and addenda that explain any unique circumstances.
Admissions also consider leadership roles, professional experience, and service commitments. International students or those with foreign credentials must meet additional requirements and demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores, where applicable.
Demographics Of The Student Body
St. Mary’s University School of Law has a diverse student body. The school enrolls students from all over the country and from various backgrounds. The following table shows the demographics of the St. Mary’s University School of Law student body for the 2024–2025 academic year:
| Demographic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Female | 55% |
| Male | 44% |
| Other/Non-binary | 1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 58% |
| White | 32% |
| Black or African-American | 4% |
| Asian | 3% |
| American Indian/Other | 2% |
Innovative Teaching Methods
St. Mary’s Law blends traditional legal instruction with experiential learning, technology-enhanced coursework, and real-world application. The faculty uses simulations, client-based projects, and advocacy exercises to prepare students for modern, practice-ready legal careers.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
St. Mary’s emphasizes learning by doing. Through externships, simulations, and client-based projects, students gain practical legal experience beyond the classroom. The law school partners with courts, nonprofits, and law firms, giving students exposure to diverse practice areas. These immersive experiences ensure graduates understand the complexities of the legal system and can serve clients effectively.
Moot Court And Mock Trial Programs
The Moot Court and Mock Trial programs at St. Mary’s are top-notch, which is another reason why this law school is considered one of the best law schools in Texas. The law school’s nationally ranked Trial Advocacy and Moot Court programs provide students with real courtroom experience. Participants argue cases before panels of practicing attorneys and judges.
These competitions enhance public speaking, legal research, and persuasive writing skills. Success in national tournaments showcases the strength of the school’s coaching, preparation, and advocacy training.
Clinical Programs And Legal Aid Services
Through the Center for Legal and Social Justice, students represent real clients under faculty supervision in areas like immigration, criminal justice, and consumer law. These clinics offer valuable legal aid to underserved communities while giving students hands-on training. The clinical model at St. Mary’s is a cornerstone of its mission to serve and educate.
Career Opportunities And Alumni Network
St. Mary’s Law graduates enjoy diverse career paths in law firms, government, business, and public interest. A strong alumni network—over 9,000 members—supports mentorship, career advice, and networking, connecting students with professionals nationwide.
Employment Statistics And Placement Rates
According to the latest ABA disclosures, 84.5% of the Class of 2022 secured employment within ten months post-graduation—a recognition in line with many Texas law schools. Positions included 53% in law firms and 13.6% in government, with nearly 71% in jobs requiring bar passage and 11% in JD-advantage roles.
Strong And Influential Alumni Base
St. Mary’s boasts over 9,000 alumni across the U.S. and internationally, actively engaged through the Law Alumni Association, regional chapters, and the “Lawyer Link” mentorship program. Alumni often serve as guest speakers, mock interviewers, and career advisors, strengthening students’ professional and personal development networks. Their presence spans legal practice, business, government, and academia.
Campus Life And Extracurricular Activities
St. Mary’s Law fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where students balance rigorous academics with social, cultural, and service-driven experiences. Campus life includes diverse organizations, events, and opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development.
Student Organizations And Clubs
With over 30 active student organizations, St. Mary’s Law offers something for every interest—advocacy, public service, cultural identity, and academic focus. Groups like the Student Bar Association, Hispanic Law Students Association, and Federalist Society host speaker panels, service events, and networking mixers, fostering leadership and engagement throughout the law school journey.
Events, Competitions, And Conferences
St. Mary’s Law School is a hub for exciting events. Students can participate in moot court and mock trial competitions. The campus calendar features mock trial tournaments, moot court showcases, legal symposia, and professional panels.
Students compete nationally and host local competitions that attract law schools across the country. Annual conferences and workshops connect students with prominent attorneys, judges, and scholars, creating opportunities to develop skills and engage with emerging issues in the legal field.
Student Support Services And Resources
St. Mary’s provides comprehensive student support, including academic advising, bar prep services, and mental health counseling. The Office of Career Strategy assists with internships and job placements, while peer mentoring and tutoring bolster academic success. The law library, study lounges, and wellness initiatives ensure students have the tools to thrive both personally and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mary’s University School Of Law
1. Is St. Mary’s Law School Hard To Get Into?
St. Mary’s Law School has a competitive admissions process, but gaining admission is relatively straightforward. The school seeks solid academic records, strong LSAT scores, well-written personal statements, and involvement in extracurricular activities. A well-prepared application significantly boosts your chances of admission.
2. Where Does St. Mary’s Law School Rank?
St. Mary’s University School of Law is ranked 147-193 in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings of law schools. It is well-regarded in Texas for its solid legal education, particularly in areas such as trial advocacy and international law, but it only occasionally appears in the top 100 national rankings.
Conclusion
Navigating St. Mary’s University School of Law is an exciting journey. The campus life and extracurricular activities add depth to the academic experience. Student organizations, clubs, events, competitions, and strong support services enrich student life. These experiences prepare students for their careers and a rewarding life in the legal profession. At St. Mary’s, students are more than just learners; they are active participants in a vibrant legal community.