The SMU Dedman School Of Law: Here’s What You Should Know First

Navigating through the SMU Dedman School of Law offers a dynamic journey into one of the most respected legal institutions in the country. Established in 1925 and located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, Dedman Law has cultivated a legacy of excellence in legal education, with over 17,000 alumni contributing to diverse fields such as law, government, and business. Hands-on experiences complement the school’s rigorous academic foundation through ten legal clinics, interdisciplinary academic centers, and scholarly publications.

First-year students are immersed in core legal subjects like Contracts, Torts, and Civil Procedure, while upper-level students explore specialized interests and gain practical skills. With nationally recognized graduate employment outcomes and a deep commitment to public service, Dedman Law equips students to succeed in an evolving legal landscape. Whether aspiring to litigate, legislate, or lead, students find in SMU Dedman a supportive and intellectually vibrant community rooted in both tradition and innovation.

Overview And History

Brief History Of The Law School

SMU Dedman School of Law began in 1925 with two professors and a few students in Dallas Hall. The institution expanded steadily, with Charles Shirley Potts serving as its first dean, followed by Robert G. Storey, who played a critical role in the Nuremberg Trials. His leadership marked a period of significant growth, including the establishment of one of the country’s earliest legal clinics and the launch of graduate programs such as the LL.M. in Taxation and the S.J.D. in Law. The school prioritized international law early, fostering cross-border academic initiatives. The American Bar Association has given this law school its approval. U.S. News & World Report ranks it among its top 50 law schools. Students here will earn a J.D. or an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law.

The Underwood Law Library opened in 1971, growing into the largest private academic law library in the western United States. In 2001, the law school was renamed in honor of Robert H. Dedman Sr. and Nancy Dedman. With more than 17,000 alumni, the school developed strong ties to the Dallas legal community and emphasized rigorous academics, public service, and legal scholarship.

Its Role And Influence In Texas And Beyond

This law school stands out as one of the top law schools in Texas. It shapes the legal field of the state. Many top lawyers, judges, and scholars studied here. Students get real-life legal practice thanks to its clinical education.

Outside Texas, the school’s mark is felt, too. It is known for international law and its stand for social justice. Alumni from this school have tackled big global legal issues.

The school excels in international law. Many courses focus on this, and the faculty are experts in it. Social justice is also a top priority. Courses here tackle issues like poverty and discrimination.

Key Facts

In this section, we will explore key facts about SMU Dedman School of Law, including its location, national rankings, admissions data, tuition costs, accreditation status, and the range of academic programs offered.

Address

SMU Dedman School of Law sits at 3305 Daniel Avenue in Dallas, Texas. Dallas is known as a significant legal hub. The location offers students great chances for legal internships and job opportunities.

Ranking

Southern Methodist University (Dedman) ranked No. 43 among 195 institutions in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report list of Best Law Schools, achieving an overall score of 80. The law school earned a peer assessment score of 2.7 and a 3.2 rating from lawyers and judges. Its influence extended across various legal disciplines, with notable placements in specialty rankings. Business/Corporate Law stood at No. 41. At the same time, Criminal Law reached No. 40. Clinical Training held position No. 53, and Constitutional Law ranked at No. 70. Contracts/Commercial Law secured No. 66. Health Care Law reached No. 46.

The school also earned recognition in Environmental Law (No. 64), Intellectual Property (No. 63), International Law (No. 71), and Trial Advocacy (No. 48). In Tax Law, it ranked No. 53. Dedman Law distinguished itself further by ranking No. 27 among law schools with the most graduates at large law firms, reflecting its strong career outcomes.

Acceptance Rate, LSAT, And GPA

In 2025, Southern Methodist University (Dedman) Law School maintained a competitive admissions profile. The median undergraduate GPA for admitted students was 3.86, with the middle 50% range between 3.6 and 3.93. LSAT scores fell between 161 and 166 for the 25th to 75th percentile, with a median score of 165. An acceptance rate of 30.4% reflected the school’s selective nature. These figures demonstrate the academic strength and preparedness of students entering the program during the 2025 admissions cycle.

Tuition

In 2025, the full-time tuition at Southern Methodist University (Dedman) Law School stood at $66,044 for both in-state and out-of-state students, indicating no difference in residency-based pricing. The cost of attendance extended beyond tuition, with estimated expenses for food and housing reaching $19,630 annually. Books and academic materials added approximately $2,000 to the overall budget. These figures placed the total estimated yearly cost at over $87,000, highlighting the financial commitment required for a legal education at SMU Dedman.

Accreditation

SMU Dedman School of Law holds the American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation. This ensures the education students receive meets this respected body’s high standards.

Academic Offerings And Programs

SMU Dedman School of Law provides a diverse range of academic programs designed to equip students with strong legal foundations, specialized expertise, and interdisciplinary skills for dynamic legal careers.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

The Juris Doctor program at SMU Dedman School of Law formed the core of its academic offerings. This full-time program required 87 credit hours and focused on both foundational legal theory and practical skills development. Students engaged in coursework designed to build strong competencies in legal analysis, research, writing, and courtroom practice.

Master Of Laws (LL.M.)

The school offered several LL.M. programs to meet specialized and international legal education needs. These included a General LL.M., an LL.M. in Taxation, and an LL.M. for foreign-trained lawyers. Each of these programs required 24 credit hours and allowed for focused academic exploration in specific legal areas, with flexible full- or part-time enrollment options.

Doctor Of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

As the most advanced degree available, the S.J.D. program emphasized scholarly legal research. It required candidates to complete original research leading to a dissertation. This degree served individuals seeking academic or policy-focused legal careers.

Joint Degree Programs

SMU Dedman Law integrated legal education with other disciplines through joint degrees. These included the J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.A. in Economics, and an accelerated J.D./LL.M. in Taxation. Each program was designed to prepare students for interdisciplinary careers at the intersection of law, business, and public policy.

Noteworthy Clinics, Internships, Or Externship Opportunities

SMU Dedman School of Law maintains a strong focus on experiential learning through its extensive clinical, externship, and internship offerings. The clinical program includes ten practice areas such as civil, environmental law, consumer, criminal justice, federal tax, innocence, and patent law. Each clinic involves direct client representation under faculty supervision, fostering both legal skill and professional responsibility. The Corporate Counsel Externship enrolls over 100 students annually, placing them in legal departments of major corporations while pairing the fieldwork with a seminar. The Federal Judicial Externship offers placements in federal court chambers, where students gain mentorship and insight into judicial processes.

Government and Public Interest Externships involve service in agencies and nonprofit organizations, supported by reflective academic components. A specialized Mid-Size and Small Firm Externship provides practical experience in client relations, negotiation, and drafting. Through the Deason Center, students engage in rural criminal law externships in Texas, assisting in prosecution or defense roles. The school also permits student-initiated placements that meet academic and ABA criteria. These programs integrate applied legal work into the academic framework, promoting real-world readiness and ethical awareness

Campus Life

Campus life at SMU Dedman School of Law offers a mix of academics, student involvement, and support. The environment encourages learning, fosters engagement, and promotes personal and professional development.

Brief Description Of The Campus Environment

SMU Dedman School of Law has a lively campus and is located on a tree-lined campus just north of downtown Dallas, blending historic architecture with modern facilities. The environment supports academic focus through quiet green spaces and iconic buildings such as the Underwood Law Library. Students benefit from wellness, health, and multicultural services that promote a supportive community. The campus encourages engagement through moot court competitions, law journals, and student organizations. Access to nearby courts, corporate offices, and legal nonprofits enhances experiential learning. The setting combines academic intensity with collegiality, fostering a balanced law school atmosphere grounded in tradition and connected to professional opportunities in Dallas.

Extracurricular Activities

SMU Dedman School of Law offers an expansive range of extracurricular activities designed to support legal education through practical engagement and community involvement. More than forty student-run organizations cover a wide spectrum of interests, including areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, and air and space law. The Tsai Center’s board encourages involvement in policy and advocacy-related initiatives. Moot court and mock trial teams participate in national competitions, earning recognition for their advocacy performance, including recent success in gaming law contests.

The Student Bar Association manages academic, social, and service events, acting as a central hub for student interaction. Chapters of the American Inns of Court promote close mentorship between students, practicing attorneys, and judges. Scholarly opportunities arise through student-edited journals such as the SMU Law Review and the Science & Technology Law Review, which allow students to contribute to legal scholarship and gain editing experience. These offerings support both academic excellence and professional development.

Support Services For Students

SMU Dedman School of Law offers a wide range of student support services that address academic, personal, and professional needs. The Academic Success Program provides mentoring, skills workshops, and tutoring for first-year students. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center delivers medical care and mental health counseling. Wellness resources include fitness facilities, substance support groups, and confidential legal wellness services. The DASS office manages accommodations for students with disabilities. Career Services facilitates job placements, résumé reviews, and employer outreach. The Office of Academic Services oversees course registration, degree tracking, and exam logistics, ensuring structured academic and administrative support throughout enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions About The SMU Dedman School Of Law

1. Is SMU Dedman A Good Law School?

Yes, SMU Dedman School of Law is reputable and offers vital programs. Its preparation of students for legal careers is widely recognized. Strong faculty, practical training, and career outcomes enhance its standing nationally.

2. What Is The Ranking Of The Dedman Law School?

SMU Dedman School of Law is ranked #43 in National Law Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

3. Is SMU Law School Hard To Get Into?

Yes, SMU Dedman School of Law is moderately hard to get into. With a 30.4% acceptance rate in 2025, a median LSAT score of 165, and a 3.86 median GPA, it maintains a competitive admissions process.

4. What Is The Average LSAT For SMU Dedman School Of Law?

The average (median) LSAT score for entrants to SMU Dedman School of Law in 2025 is 165, with the middle 50% of scores ranging from 161 to 166.

Conclusion

SMU Dedman School of Law offers a strong blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and professional development. Its rigorous programs, supportive campus environment, and wide range of extracurricular and clinical opportunities shape well-rounded legal professionals. Consistent national rankings, competitive admissions, and strong career placement reflect its reputation and impact. With access to Dallas’s legal and corporate community, students gain meaningful exposure and real-world skills. The school fosters a balanced law school experience rooted in tradition, community, and career readiness.