University of Dayton School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
The 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 JD program and a part-time Online Hybrid JD program, providing a distinguished tradition of concern for the individual student in a challenging yet supportive environment. Dayton Law’s student body of approximately 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.
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.
Law Clinic
Our Law Clinic provides the invaluable opportunity for students to work with real clients, attorneys and judges. Clinic areas of law include civil, criminal, immigration and intellectual property.
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.
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 3.5, a minimum score of 155 on the Law School Admissions Test (or equivalent GRE score) and demonstrated leadership potential. There are a limited number of spots available in each class.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
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 or GRE 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.