About The Law School

From Tradition to Tomorrow

Founded in 1899 and steeped in rich tradition, the University of North Dakota School of Law blends an innovative education with creative and entrepreneurial opportunities and a spirit of community in its education of approximately 250 students.  The education of our students includes courses taught by a talented group of faculty from some of the nation’s "best" law schools and with impressive experience in private practice and government service. The faculty includes a former international war crimes prosecutor, former high profile government lawyers from various federal offices, former attorneys from upper-echelon law firms and legal experts with advanced degrees, and specialization in such areas as taxation, environmental and Native American law. We offer a solid core curriculum designed to develop and refine our students’ skills in critical analysis and elective communication, instilling in them an appreciation of the special responsibilities that accompany the profession of law. In addition, a wide range of courses in more specialized subjects are available, drawing on dedicated adjunct faculty members who bring to the classroom their expertise and experience in the practice of law.

Creative and Entrepreneurial

A variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities help our students explore their creative and entrepreneurial aspirations. The door is wide open with opportunity. Writing and advocacy opportunities are available through the Law Review, Moot Court, and Student Trial Advocacy programs. Clinical education is offered as a way of applying the lessons of law school to real clients and practice situations. Externships are available to help students gain real-life lawyering skills in a controlled environment. The school’s scholar-in-residence and jurist-in-residence programs have exposed students to an African human rights expert, a European judge, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and a former Harvard chair named by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential Americans. We offer both joint degree and European study abroad programs, and our Northern Plains Indian Law Center is home to one of the "nest Native American outreach and scholarship programs in the country.

Spirit

As you compare law schools, you’ll find one feature that is truly unique to UND — the strength of our commitment to a spirit of community. Our students are provided with the best of all possible learning environments — a small, select student body with full access to a dedicated, high-quality faculty. The personal attention given to each student and the intimate nature of the educational experience are, in part, a function of our size. But even more, the spirit of community is due to the character of the people who work and study together at UND.  We invite you to explore our traditions, our excellence, and our dedication to learning and public service. Welcome to the University of North Dakota School of Law!