JD Program

At William & Mary Law School, we believe that we prepare students for the ethical practice of law better than any other program in the country.

It all starts with our philosophy of the citizen lawyer, the ideal of the lawyer as skilled advocate and devoted public servant. That concept translates into an academic curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and the "human element" of the law—compassion, ethics and public service.

In our J.D. program, first-year courses do more than cover the basics. In addition to required coursework in civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property and torts, every 1L goes through W&M's leading Legal Practice Program. You’ll research and draft memos and briefs, learn how to interview clients and negotiate on their behalf. From the very first day, you'll be putting ethical lawyering skills to practice in a supportive academic setting, trained by both full-time legal writing professors as well as by practitioners in the field.

Legal Practice continues into the second year of law school, where you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in an area of practice as you continue to improve your writing and lawyering skills.

Starting in the second year, you'll also choose from nearly 100 different elective course offerings. Every aspect of modern law practice is covered, from intellectual property to national security to business and corporate law. Our nine clinics and one Practicum will help prepare you for the practice of law and membership in the profession. Students in our clinics provide more than 14,000 hours of service annually to underserved clients that include the elderly, children with special needs, and veterans.

All the while, you'll be engaged in learning opportunities outside the classroom through the Law School's more than 40 student organizations and five student-edited journals. Participation in some of these endeavors, such as the National Trial Team and journals, is eligible for credit.

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Clinics

From helping veterans obtain the benefits they earned to briefing and arguing constitutional claims in the United States Courts of Appeals, our students have the opportunity to practice their lawyering skills and professional judgment while working closely with supervising attorneys. These professors are leaders in their fields who provide close mentorship, guided reflection, and exploration of professional responsibility, all within the context of client representation.

Our clinical program — featuring nine clinics with approximately 200 seats available annually for 2L and 3L students — addresses the unmet legal needs of our community while strengthening skills and a sense of responsibility among our students. Their dedication to their clinic work is inspirational and forms a solid foundation for their future pro bono work and ethical practice of law.

Appellate & Supreme Court Clinic students engage in appellate practice in the federal Courts of Appeals and the US Supreme Court, focusing on First and Fourth Amendment cases.
The Domestic Violence Clinic provides students the opportunity to interview victims and witnesses, provide advice and counsel to those victims, and represent them in court.
Elder & Disability Law Clinic students provide free legal assistance for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. The Clinic assists clients in creating plans to deal with current legal and financial issues and prepare for the future and in drafting the necessary documents to carry out those plans. Additionally, should the need arise, the Clinic provides advocacy for clients who are unable to speak for themselves.
Family Law Clinic students work in the Williamsburg office of the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, providing legal services to low-income clients that address divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution matters.
The Federal Tax Clinic teaches students federal tax practice and procedure in order to assist in the representation of low-income Virginia taxpayers.
The Immigration Clinic students engage with immigration law matters including assisting noncitizens with legal concerns, participating in community outreach and education, as well as conducting policy research and advocacy.
Innocence Project Clinic students participate in the legal investigation and research of inmate claims of actual innocence.
The Parents Engaged for Learning Equality (PELE) Special Education Advocacy Clinic students assist children with special needs and their families with eligibility, Individualized Education Programs, discipline matters, mediation, and administrative hearings.
The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic students assist veterans with claims and appeals for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Puller Clinic has captured national attention with its interdisciplinary approach and innovative partnership with Starbucks, called Military Mondays.

As a clinic student, you will have the opportunity to practice your lawyering skills and judgment while still supported by faculty who can reflect on and analyze your performance, and help you develop strategies for future improvement. Being in a clinic also allows you to consider issues of social justice and ethical-moral dilemmas that arise in the practice of law.

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Practicum

Virginia Coastal Policy Center

The Middle Peninsula kicked off the 2022 RAFT season with the January 28th virtual Opportunities Workshop. Six localities including King William, King and Queen, Middlesex, Essex, West Point, and Mathews convened to discuss their resiliency scorecards, developed by VCPC Practicum I students in Spring 2021, then identified opportunity shortlists for efforts and partnerships that could increase community resiliency over the upcoming year. In February, VCPC will begin implementation work with King William County and Middlesex County-- stay tuned for updates!

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Externships

Students may earn academic credit by externing in a legal or law-related setting. Externships combine the benefits of complementing traditional classroom education, enhancing practical skills, and exposure to a broad range of substantive and procedural law.

The externship program is governed by both the American Bar Association’s Standards and Executive Committee Regulations of the Association of American Law Schools.

Externship Opportunities

Students may extern with dozens of pre-approved externship organizations. Students also may arrange an externship through their own contacts or through a referral provided by the Associate Dean for Externships.

Types of Externships

We offer the following types of externships:

Federal Government Externship with executive or legislative agencies, Congressional committees, and members of Congress.
Judicial Externship with judges, hearing officers, courts, and organizations that provide research, educational, and management services to judges and courts.
Nonprofit Organization Externship with civil legal services/legal aid organizations and U.S. private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations. Organizations outside the U.S. qualify if they are nonprofit organizations that would qualify for 501(c)(3) status if they were U.S. organizations. Externships with U.S. private, nonprofit organizations with IRS status other than 501(c)(3) are not eligible.
Private Practice/In House Counsel Externship with solo practitioners, law firms, and in-house law departments of corporations and trade associations.
Prosecutor Externship with state and local prosecutors.
Public Defender Externship with federal, state, and local public defenders.
State/Local Government Externship with state or local government agencies and offices, such as city/county attorneys; attorneys general; executive or legislative agencies; and state legislators. Placements with prosecutors and public defenders are covered by their respective externships described above.
U.S. Attorney Externship with the civil or criminal divisions of U.S. Attorney offices.
Virginia Attorney General Externship with the divisions and sections of that office.

For questions or additional information, please contact Katherine Ainslie, Administrative Assistant for Externships and Public Service, at keainslie@wm.edu or 757-221-4870

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Combination Degrees

Combined degree programs allow students to complete two graduate degrees concurrently in less time than would be required to complete each degree separately. William & Mary law students can pursue a degree in law and a second degree in one of the following:

Business
American Studies (MA)
Public Policy (MPP)

For more information and requirements for admission, please visit our admissions website.

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Semester Exchange Programs

If you have the interest, we encourage you to explore law courses in foreign institutions. All J.D. graduation requirements must still be met for those students who study abroad. In addition, a plan of action crafted with your OCS advisor is required as part of your application.

We have Exchange Agreements with eight law schools around the world:

Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, Spain
University of Auckland School of Law, New Zealand
Keio University School of Law, Tokyo, Japan
University of Vienna, Austria
China University of Politics and Law, Beijing, China
City University of Hong Kong
University of Luxembourg
Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Up to two William & Mary students may be selected each year for each institution. Courses are taught in English, though if you are fluent in the host school language, you may take courses taught in that language

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Student Life

Student Organizations

William & Mary law students do more than just study the law.

They participate in a variety of activities outside of the classroom and, in doing so, share interests and passions, promote community spirit, serve the greater good as future citizen lawyers, or refine their writing, editing, or advocacy skills. Our student organizations also sponsor hundreds of events each year which offer opportunities to exchange ideas with faculty and other distinguished guest experts, learn more about emerging issues in the law, and make a difference for the better at the Law School and in the local community.

Student Bar Association

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the Law School's student government organization. Serving students both within and outside the law school, SBA liaises between students, student organizations, and the administration to provide transparency and communication. SBA also organizes and conducts major social events, including the Fall Formal and Barrister's Ball (Spring Semester).

Advocates for Life

Agricultural Law Society

Alternative Dispute Resolution Team

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Team (ADRT) is an ABA Student Division Program dedicated to helping law students hone practical skills through competitions that focus on client counseling and methods of dispute resolution other than litigation. ADRT members compete against each other to advance to the regional level in national competitions. In recent years, team members have competed in the ABA Law Student Division Negotiation Competition, the ABA LASD Client Counseling Competition and the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Advocacy in Mediation Competition.

American Constitution Society

The American Constitution Society (ACS) is a national network of progressive law students, lawyers, judges, and policymakers. ACS seeks to promote a vision of the Constitution that emphasizes individual rights, equal access to justice, and the separation of powers. The ACS chapter at the Law School supports and influences this progressive vision through an array of speakers, events, and legal projects that are aimed at provoking thought and debate about our Constitution in the 21st century.

Art & Cultural Heritage Society

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) is a cultural, academic, advocacy, and social group dedicated to enriching the lives of all law students at William & Mary, but with a particular focus on Asian Pacific Americans. Our goals are to provide academic support, create a fun social environment, increase the enrollment of minority students, inform people of issues affecting the Asian Pacific American community, and strengthen the relationship between current and alumni APALSA members.

Barristers' Softball Council

Black Law Students Association

The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) furthers the academic, social, and professional needs and goals of the Black law student. BLSA members work together to foster a successful learning environment that focuses on building the skills and confidence of its members. Members also participate in social activities and community service projects. Two of BLSA's most significant accomplishments are its Law Day and Oliver Hill Weekend. On Law Day, BLSA invites undergraduate minority college students to the Law School to give them an introduction to the school and encourage graduate education. Oliver Hill Weekend was established to honor an African-American man who was at the forefront for the legal fight for racial equality. On this weekend, we celebrate our successes of the school year and give out awards. Learn more: BLSA

Business Law Society

The Business Law Society (BLS) provides a forum for students at the Law School to engage in business law issues. The society's purpose is to promote awareness of business related legal issues within the Law School community, and to provide members with opportunities to develop relationships in the business legal community.

Christian Legal Society

The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is a national, nondenominational, Christian membership association of lawyers, judges, law professors, law students, and other associates (friends of CLS who do not have a law degree) whose members participate in the broad and rich variety of Christian congregational life and traditions.

Comparative Legal Student Scholars

Comparative Legal Student Scholars (CLSS) is the student division of the Center for Comparative Legal Studies and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding. The group is dedicated to offering law students a wide range of academic and real-world professional experiences in the field of post-conflict peacebuilding.

Criminal Law Society

The Criminal Law Society (CLS) aims to encourage student discussion and exploration of the criminal law practice field. To promote this goal, CLS sponsors events, both individually and in collaboration with other student organizations, where speakers debate and discuss topics of interest to those exploring this field.

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Legal Society

Doctors' Commons Legal History Society

The society fosters interest in legal history and connects law students to undergraduate and graduate history programs at William & Mary, as well as to the broader legal and historical community in the Tidewater region. Aiming to further this goal of gathering together like-minded lawyers, Doctors' Commons was inspired by the society of the same name, which dates from sixteenth-century. As Charles Dickens said of the London Doctors' Commons in his novel, David Copperfield, it is a "cosey, dosey, old-fashioned, time-forgotten, sleepy-headed little family party." We welcome all to join our "little family party" as we delve into the past and forge new experiences and understandings.

Election Law Society

The Election Law Society is the student organization that works with the Election Law Program to promote education and discussion about issues surrounding the American electoral process. We are a multi-partisan student organization that organizes an annual voter registration drive, an "Election Law 101" education series and multiple social functions throughout the year. In the spring semester, the group hosts its annual symposium, which covers the upcoming elections and the effects that current election laws will have on candidates, campaigns and results.

Equality Alliance

Open to all regardless of sexual orientation, the Equality Alliance seeks to educate, raise awareness and foster discussion within the Law School regarding legal issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bi-gender and transgender community. The alliance holds many informal social gatherings, attends functions sponsored by such organizations as Virginians for Justice and GAYLAW (a lawyers group based in Washington, D.C.) and invites guest speakers to campus.

Family and Education Law Society

The Family and Education Law Society promotes awareness of the legal needs and rights of children and encourages students to become active children's advocates. The society sponsors programs such as lectures and lunches with visiting scholars and practitioners and also seeks to increase student involvement with organizations that provide legal services for children and that advance children's rights.

The Federalist Society

The William & Mary Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of law students dedicated to bringing conservative and libertarian ideas into the law school community. The society sponsors debates, speeches and panels to advance the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be.

First Generation Student Alliance

Ghost Law Society

Health Law and Policy Society

Honor Council

The Honor System at the Law School exists to provide a living and learning environment that reflects the values of the Law School community, including those of academic integrity, personal integrity, and personal and professional responsibility. The Honor Council is a student body of nineteen Justices, including a Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, comprised of student representatives from the 1L, 2L and 3L classes. Council members are selected through application and interview with officers of the Student Bar Association, the student governing body of the Law School.

Honor Council members are responsible for hearing and deciding Honor violations that are brought to the attention of the Council as provided for in the Honor Code. Honor Council members have a duty to maintain confidentiality in all Honor proceedings and to treat all participants in any Honor proceeding fairly and equitably. Although it is incumbent upon each individual student to know and abide by the Law School's Honor Code, Honor Council members are also available to provide information to students, faculty and staff about the Law School community's standards of conduct as embodied in the Code, and to provide information about Honor procedures.

Human Security Law Center Student Division

The student division of the Human Security Law Center enlists the help of its officers and members to help plan and host events on campus.

If/When/How

If/When/How is a national nonprofit that trains, networks, and mobilizes law students and legal professionals to work within and beyond the legal system to champion reproductive justice. The W&M chapter organizes panels and outreach for organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Immigration Law and Service Society

The Immigration Law and Service Society (ILSS) aims to serve the immigration needs of the community here in Williamsburg and beyond. Partnering with numerous nonprofits and law firms, ILSS members volunteer at naturalization clinics, give legal presentations on immigration law topics and changes, assist with “Know Your Rights” presentations at the regional detention facility, and hosts a whole array of fundraising drives, including an interview clothing drive for incoming refugees. Finally, it attempts to add to the national conversation on immigration through hosting symposia and speakers.

Institute of Bill of Rights Law Student Division

The Institute of Bill of Rights Law Student Division is the student organization that works with the Institute of Bill of Rights Law to promote education and discussion about issues surrounding the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Student members have the opportunity to plan and participate in debates, lectures, and outreach programs to local schools. In the fall semester, members work closely with the Institute staff to host the annual Supreme Court Preview. In the spring semester, the group hosts its annual symposium. Learn more: IBRLSD

International Law Society

The International Law Society (ILS) promotes the professional and academic pursuits of William & Mary law students interested in all aspects of international law, from transnational insolvency to human rights. The ILS also fosters interaction among students, faculty and visiting scholars from around the world who are concerned with global issues.

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

The mission and purpose of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society is to "affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer's personal religious conviction" and "through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law." The William & Mary student chapter sponsors lectures and its members enjoy networking opportunities with other chapters throughout the world.

Jewish Law Students Association

The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) is a diverse, non-denominational group open to people of all backgrounds. JLSA seeks to provide a sense of community, cultural and educational activities, holiday dinners and celebrations, philanthropic ("tzedakah") projects, and a social environment in which students—as well as interested faculty and staff—can meet. Additionally, JLSA hosts forums and invites speakers to address legal issues from a comparative perspective or of particular importance to the Jewish community.

Latinx Law Students Association

LLSA is a club for anyone who wants to celebrate Latin American cultures, music, and traditions. We hope to increase Latino enrollment at the Law School and address the under-representation of Latinos in the field of law.

Lawcapella

Lawyers Helping Lawyers

A legal career has the potential to be exciting, fulfilling, and meaningful, but it also comes with challenges. One such challenge is the high percentage of legal professionals who deal with substance abuse, mental health conditions, stress and other wellness-related health issues. To address these concerns among practicing lawyers, many state bar associations have created anonymous support organizations dedicated to helping affected legal professionals identify and treat their mental health problems. In Virginia, this organization is called Lawyers Helping Lawyers (LHL). The Law School's Lawyers Helping Lawyers chapter is a subset of the statewide organization. W&M LHL is committed to offering our fellow law students innovative and healthy ways to cope with stress. To that end, we host a wide variety of events at the Law School, ranging from weekly meditation sessions, to monthly events in our Wellness Series, to bi-annual De-Stress Days, all free and open to all members of the Law School Community. We also serve as a liaison with the statewide LHL organization, offering connections with the services that it can provide. By encouraging wellness, offering our colleagues free services to brighten their days, and helping law students access a wide variety of mental health resources, W&M LHL continually reminds students that they are part of a community that cares.

Military and Veterans Law Society

The Military and Veterans Law Society (MVLS) is an organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and awareness of how the military, the government, and the legal system interconnect. MVLS is not just for those in the military, but is open to all individuals who have an interest in the interface between the armed forces and the law. As a student-run organization, the members of MVLS work hard to not only educate fellow students on the career opportunities available in this field, but also to give back to our veterans and active duty military members who serve and protect.

Moot Court Program

The Moot Court Program is one of the Law School's best opportunities for students to develop and refine both oral advocacy and brief writing skills. Team members participate in Moot Court tournaments, which require each team to research and write an appellate brief, then defend it before a panel of judges in an oral argument. Membership on Moot Court is an honor, and tryouts for the team are competitive.

Each year the Team sends its members to approximately ten inter-collegiate moot court tournaments around the nation. William & Mary's teams have enjoyed resounding success. In addition to competing, the Team annually hosts the William B. Spong, Jr., Invitational Moot Court Tournament. In existence for more than 35 years, the Spong Tournament focuses on current issues in constitutional law. Rounds are judged by panels of federal and state court judges. The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association is the tournament's co-sponsor, and its representatives also serve as judges for the tournament. Competitors at the Spong Tournament represent schools from across the United States.

Muslim Law Students Association

National Trial Team

William & Mary's National Trial Team boasts a formidable record in each of the most prestigious national competitions. Membership on the National Trial Team is a highly sought after honor and accomplishment, with more than 100 first and second year law students vying for one of approximately twelve open spots each year during the Team's Annual Selection Tournament. Selected members take part in a rigorous and comprehensive development program taught by the Team's advisor, Jeffrey Breit, an accomplished trial lawyer and past president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). Members gain extensive training in all levels of trial advocacy, from evidentiary objections and fundamental trial skills to sophisticated trial strategy and persuasion. Members of the National Trial Team showcase and hone these skills by traveling and competing in locations across the United States.

Native American Law Society

Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity

Phi Delta Phi, established in 1869, is the oldest legal fraternity in North America and has 197 Inns spread across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Between students and practitioners,the fraternity has more than 200,000 members. Here at William & Mary, Phi Delta Phi members participate in professional development, social functions, community service, and networking meetings. Phi Delta Phi also offers numerous scholarship opportunities to its members.

Property Rights Initiative

The Property Rights Initiative (PSI) is the student division of the Property Rights Project. It is dedicated to encouraging, facilitating, and nurturing interests and discussions on property law and property rights issues.

Public Discourse Initiative

Public Service Fund, Inc.

PSF is a student-run organization committed to public interest law. We provide stipends for law students working in non-paid summer jobs through fundraiders such as the PSF Annual Auction. PSF funding supports much-needed legal services to the underprivileged, as well as state and local government agencies. We are a non-profit group that distributes funds on a yearly basis; our distributions are based on the money we raise each year. Summer stipends have been awarded to students interning in the U.S. and abroad.

Secular Students Alliance

Sports and Entertainment Law Society

The Sports and Entertainment Law Society cultivates interest in legal issues affecting the sports and entertainment industries. Student-run symposia, round-table discussions, professional networking programs and a good dose of fun through contests and sporting events are all part of the Society's activities. It is a vehicle for improving the understanding of the lawyer's role in the ever-changing world of sports and entertainment.

Students Against the Death Penalty

Student Bar Association

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the Law School's student government organization. Serving students both within and outside the law school, SBA liaises between students, student organizations, and the administration to provide transparency and communication. SBA also organizes and conducts the law school's major social events, including the Fall Formal and Barrister's Ball (Spring Semester). Learn more: SBA

Student Environmental & Animal Law Society

The Student Environmental & Animal Law Society (SEALS) raises awareness and involvement in environmental issues; provides networking with practitioners and advice for environmental law careers, practice, and scholarship; encourages stewardship in public policy, environmental advocacy, jurisprudence, and law; and contributes to developing environmental policies at the university. The society also co-sponsors symposia, hosts socials, nature hikes, cleanups and film viewings for its members. Learn more on our Facebook page.

Students for the Innocence Project

Students for the Innocence Project (SFIP) is an education and advocacy organization comprising students who are passionate about preventing and remedying wrongful convictions. Though we do not complete legal work and are not affiliated with The Innocence Project, we work to educate the community about the causes and consequences of convicting the innocent. Our members regularly participate in tours of jails and prisons, and every semester we feature at least one speaker.

Student Intellectual Property Society

The Student Intellectual Property Society seeks to introduce students to the many facets of this exciting and expanding area of law. Encompassing patent, trademark and copyright law, this field may appeal to those with engineering, scientific, artistic or literacy backgrounds or interests. Society activities vary from year to year but may include, for example, guest speakers and a trip to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services, a student-run organization of volunteer law students, offers free assistance to William & Mary students, faculty, staff, and organizations. Law student volunteers offer information and help with decisions concerning the law, criminal matters, landlord-tenant relations, contracts, insurance, and almost any other legal issue. Student Legal Services can also assist with school disciplinary charges and proceedings. Located in Room 166 in the Campus Center, SLS can be contacted at (757) 221-3304 or legalservices@wm.edu. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.

Transactional Law Team

The Transactional Law Team helps students explore and improve transactional law ability, skills, and interest through preparation for and participation in transactional law competitions. Learn more: Transactional Law Team

Virginia Bar Association, W&M Chapter

The Virginia Bar Association (VBA) is a voluntary organization of Virginia lawyers committed to serving the public and the legal profession by promoting the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and excellence in the legal profession; working to improve the law and the administration of justice; and advancing collegial relations among lawyers. At William & Mary, a student-led Council furthers the VBA's commitments by sponsoring networking and educational events, and participating in the state-wide annual Legal Food Frenzy as a charitable contribution to local food banks.

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

William & Mary Business Law Review

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender and Social Justice

William & Mary Law Review

Women’s Law Society

The Women's Law Society was created to provide a network for women at the Law School. We are always open to new ideas, and never short on enthusiasm or support. Members provide academic mentoring and advice to the newest members of our community, bring speakers to campus to discuss women's issues, sponsor fundraising events for local shelters, and host social networking events with professionals in the community. We can do more than just hold the scales of justice!

The George Wythe Society

Founded in 1921, The George Wythe Society of Citizen Lawyers is the oldest student club at the Law School. The Society sponsors educational programs and activities to promote the citizen-lawyer ideal as George Wythe envisioned in 1779 as William & Mary’s, and America’s, first professor of law. The Society also advocates a more profound appreciation of William & Mary as the first law school in North America. The Society fosters and encourages a commitment of service, as lawyers, to our community and fellow man. The Society upholds George Wythe's pledge, "Here we will form such characters as may be useful in the national councils of our country."

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Pro Bono and Community Service Opportunities

Whether you want to help low-income clients with their legal problems or prepare Thanksgiving baskets for people in need, you’ll find a service niche at William & Mary Law School. Our students’ initiative and their desire to serve, combined with the Law School’s citizen-lawyer tradition, produce a broad array of service opportunities.

Pro bono service – unpaid, non-credit bearing legal assistance to those unable to pay – takes many forms at William & Mary. Recent initiatives include:

Student Legal Services: Law students assist and provide referrals for members of the William & Mary community for a variety of legal problems.
Students for the Innocence Project (SFIP): Law students raise awareness about wrongful convictions, conduct exonoree outreach, and assist The Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project with prevention and correction of wrongful convictions.
Wills for Seniors: Students work with attorneys from the law firm of Williams Mullen to conduct intake interviews and help prepare, execute, and witness wills for clients referred by the Peninsula Agency on Aging.

The range and breadth of our students’ nonlegal community service is as diverse as our students themselves. They volunteer on campus, in greater Williamsburg, in their home communities, and throughout the United States and the world. Indicative of students’ volunteerism is their participation in the Law School's Community Service Program (CSP), through which students pledge at least 35 hours of community service. Students who satisfy their pledges are recognized at the graduation awards ceremony and receive a certificate.

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Services for Students

How can we help you? There is an office on campus for nearly every need.

Being a Student

The William & Mary Study Skills Office and the Law School Academic Success Program are designed to hone the study skills needed for academic success.

The Office of the Dean of Students provides important services to all students. It manages the Student Conduct processes, including responding to students who have experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault. Information on discrimination-related resources can be found within this office as well. It provides administrative coordination of the Honor System. In conjunction with Dean Roberts, it provides support for students taking personal and medical leaves of absences and coordinates mid-semester withdrawals from the College. It coordinates Parent and Family Programs, Transfer Student Support Services, Care Support Services, and Disability Services.

Student Accessibility Services fosters student independence, encourages self-determination, emphasizes accommodation over limitation, and creates a comprehensively accessible environment to ensure that individuals are viewed on the basis of ability not disability.

The Domicile Office can assist students who believe they qualify for in-state residency (and, thus, in-state tuition).

The Financial Aid Office facilitates the application process for a variety of loan types. Scholarships are administered by the Law School Admission Office.

The Law School Registrar is an outpost of the University Registrar Office. Check with the Law School first for issues relating to courses, grades, graduation or student status. Check the University Registrar for ordering transcripts.

Student Conduct and Honor System serve to maintain the College community's unique values and behavioral expectations of its students. All students are also bound by the rules and regulations stated in the Student Handbook.

Order your books online to pick-up at the William & Mary Bookstore or visit the store for the latest book releases and campus memorabilia.

Technology - where to find help, how to purchase a computer, use of computers in law classes.

The Job Search

The Office of Career Services assists students and graduates with their job search and professional development through individual counseling, programming, resource materials, and employment opportunities.

Health and Wellbeing

The Counseling Center offers a range of free professional services to students wanting help with personal concerns.

William and Mary's Chapter of Lawyers Helping Lawyers focuses on supporting law student health and happiness. Check the LHL web pages for more information and resources.

Recreational Sports is a one-stop shop for your physical well-being. Check out the facility and activities they offer.

The Student Health Center exists solely to support the health needs of the student. From a routine cold to healthy lifestyle education, the Health Center is your resource.

Another resource of tips on good mental health while a law student and lawyer is a toolkit produced by the ABA Student Division. This document takes a couple of minutes to download but you may find of good interest.

Life Outside School

William & Mary Child Care Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students may capture a highly sought after spot for their child in this well regarded facility.

Center for Student Diversity promotes cultural activities to create an awareness of and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity.

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Student Housing

Live at the Graduate Complex and live next door!

Apartment-style housing is available at the Lettie Patte Whitehead Graduate Complex. Adjacent to the Law School, the Graduate Complex has two-, three-, and four- bedroom apartments furnished with all the basics. The apartments include a kitchen, living/dining area and one or two bathrooms. Rent varies depending on the number of bedrooms but includes all utilities, private telephone with voicemail, cable TV, and high-speed Internet access.

Convenient to the Law School, the Graduate Complex is also a short walk to Colonial Williamsburg or a hop on the bus that stops at the complex's entrance and ventures beyond historic Williamsburg to other shopping and entertainment areas.

About 20 percent of the Law School student body secures housing at the Graduate Complex. Apartment-mates may be students from any of the various William & Mary graduate programs. The complex does not accommodate families or married couples.

Off-campus housing

The Williamsburg area has an abundance of neighborhoods which comprise single family, condo and apartment living. Local newspapers such as the Virginia Gazette and realty companies are good resources for both purchasing and renting. The apartment guide, HotPads, RenttoOwnLabs.com, trulia, Zillow, or zumper may be useful to hunt down appropriate living accommodations. Off Campus Partners maintains a database of area landlords seeking renters and one of students seeking roommates.

Have kids?

The Williamsburg area is kid-friendly. There is a campus childcare center for pre-school age children and both public and private school options are available.

Dining on campus

Zime, the Law School's bistro, offers fresh soups, sandwiches, salads and sushi. Or just stop by for a caffeine fix with specialty coffees and teas or a healthy juice drink.

Purchase a meal plan and dine at any number of University facilities where food choices ranges from down-home favorites at the Sadler Center dining hall to the upscale food court at the Marketplace Cafe or to refined cuisine like blackened tuna and arugula pasta at "The Caf."

Career Placement and Bar Passage

When you've been around for over two centuries, you make a couple of contacts.

The Office of Career Services partners with students and alumni to help them pursue careers that are both professionally and personally satisfying.

It all starts with you. We believe in individual advising. Our professionals help you define and refine your career goals and job search strategies. To assist you in understanding the world of options, we offer a full range of programs and workshops where attorneys from law firms, businesses, government agencies, courts, and non-profit organizations share their experiences and answer your questions.

The Law School is strongly committed to producing citizen lawyers dedicated to public service. The Law School’s summer public service fellowship programs offer financial support to students assisting non-profit organizations and government agencies. Our post-graduate public service fellowships and loan repayment assistance program help graduates who choose careers in public service.

Our faculty and alumni are excellent resources for learning about employment options. These accessible, accomplished individuals are eager to help you.

We have longstanding relationships with many employers across the country and around the world. Among judges, practicing attorneys, and recruiting professionals, our office enjoys a reputation for efficiency and integrity.

Learn more about career placement at William & Mary Law School