JD Program

Located an hour north of Cincinnati and an hour west of the state capital, Columbus, Ohio, the University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university. We offer a full-time residential J.D. program and a part-time Online Hybrid J.D. program, providing a distinguished tradition of concern for the individual student in a challenging yet supportive environment. Dayton Law’s student body (over 300) promotes ample opportunity for one-on-one interaction with faculty, staff, and classmates, creating an atmosphere of collegiality.

An education at the University of Dayton School of Law will prepare you to make an impact anywhere. We teach students how to use their knowledge of the law as a tool to help people resolve their legal problems as well as community and global issues.

So what is different about that? We believe the best way to learn is by doing. You will work with legal professionals and observe the practical application of the theories you have been studying in class.

We believe experiential learning is so important that we offer practical training in essential lawyering skills beginning in your first year with our highly respected Legal Profession Program. You will receive training in important skills, such as accessing and understanding legal authority and effectively communicating legal analysis. As a result, you will quickly develop the strong professional capabilities necessary to be an effective and efficient attorney.

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Externships

An externship is a semester-long legal apprenticeship for students to develop practical, professional skills and obtain significant experience in a legal setting, such as a governmental agency, law firm, corporation, court or legal aid. An externship provides students with the opportunity to practice their craft, to observe highly respected attorneys and judges at work and to network with the legal community.

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Law Clinic

Our Law Clinic provides the invaluable opportunity for students to work with real clients, attorneys and judges. Clinic areas of law include administrative, civil, criminal and immigration and human rights.

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Joint Degree Programs

We offer joint degree programs such as J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.P.A., J.D./M.S. in Educational Leadership, and students can also create a customized joint degree program with approval.

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Leadership Honors Program

Our Leadership Honors Program (LHP) offers a Full-Tuition Scholarship. The program is designed for highly-motivated students in the residential program who want to be part of the next generation of lawyer-leaders. Students have an opportunity to learn from some of the top professionals in their field while creating their own law school leadership legacy.

Incoming students must be nominated — and cannot apply directly — to participate in the LHP. Qualifications for consideration for acceptance into the LHP are a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.6, a minimum score of 158 on the Law School Admissions Test (or equivalent GRE or JD-Next score) and demonstrated leadership potential. There are a limited number of spots available in each class.

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Human Rights Collaborative

With the rise of global instability, the world more than ever needs lawyers trained in the law of human rights. At Dayton Law, students aren’t merely learning about human rights, they’re putting that knowledge into practice.

In a unique collaboration with the University’s Human Rights Center, students and faculty work side by side to protect the rights of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.

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Program in Law & Technology

The Program in Law and Technology is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in several areas: patent law, copyright and trademark law, business dimensions of intellectual property law (particularly the licensing of intellectual property), computer/cyberspace law, entertainment law and the impact of technology on the practice of law. In addition to courses, there are opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities related to law and technology including the PILT Fellows Program.

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Summer Study Abroad Program

Thanks to a partnership with the St. Mary's University School of Law, students at Dayton Law have the opportunity to take part in our Summer Study Abroad Program in Innsbruck, Austria.

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Student Life

On-campus Housing

The University of Dayton and the Dayton community offer a wide variety of housing options for students. The Dayton metropolitan area has an array of homes, condominiums, townhouses and apartments to fit any lifestyle. Students in the School of Law are eligible for on-campus housing that includes approximately 100 apartments designated for graduate and law students.

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Student Organizations

Dayton Law offers a plethora of student organizations. Whether students strive for social justice, enjoy politics, advocate for a cause, or are looking for a special group to enhance their academic skills or professional network, there's likely a group where they can connect and make a difference. Or they can also start a new one.

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Career Placement and Bar Passage

Career Services Overview

The Career Services Office (CSO) is dedicated to offering students and alumni comprehensive career planning services. With over half of our students coming to UDSL from outside of Ohio, and over half of our alumni practicing out-of-state, our CSO staff is prepared to assist our students and alumni wherever they plan to work.

Class of 2024

89% of all grads employed in long term, full-time bar pass required or J.D. advantage positions

Top 2 out of 10 Ohio-area law schools in employment in full-time bar pass required and J.D. advantage positions

Road to Bar Passage

Dayton Law encourages bar exam success during and after law school. Student success is promoted with referral and early intervention policies, and a bar preparation course is required. The Bar Pass Program also helps students prepare for the bar exam after graduation by providing services such as offering graduates dedicated study space in the library, planning a study schedule, offering and reviewing practice questions, and organizing simulated practice exams.

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Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

The Admissions Committee looks for a well-rounded and diverse group of students for each entering class. Undergraduate GPA and LSAT, GRE or JD-Next scores are seriously considered. However, commitment, motivation, leadership and a breadth and depth of experiences are also a part of the applicant review. Decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in November and continuing through late spring/early summer. Please note that admissions and decision deadlines for the Online Hybrid JD differ from the residential program.

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