JD Program

Mastering legal doctrine is just the beginning of a proper legal education. Lawyers play countless roles in our society—as advocates, as advisors, as leaders in their own right. They practice law, work in business and government, put their degrees to use in science, education, and policymaking, and serve their communities in many other ways. Knowledge of the law, both its content and how to argue about it, remains critical in all these roles. But it is not enough, and a lawyer must also understand the needs of the people he or she serves and the consequences for them of different legal positions. And because those needs cross disciplinary boundaries, Stanford Law—true to Stanford University’s heritage of learning without limits— offers the opportunity for a truly interdisciplinary, multidimensional legal education.

Stanford Law has adopted a variety of innovative approaches to prepare students to think not just like lawyers but also like clients and scholars. To begin, we make it easy to experience the diverse learning opportunities that are possible only at a university like Stanford—with its breadth of highly ranked schools and departments, all located close together on a well connected physical campus. Stanford Law students have broad access to courses outside the law school that will fill out their legal education. In this way, students benefit from academic thought leaders across disciplines, not to mention the intellectual life of the campus found in the myriad of conferences and events held each year and in countless other multidisciplinary research programs.

Nor do the opportunities to broaden your legal education at Stanford Law end here. In addition, you can explore law’s intersection with a growing range of fields by pursuing a joint degree and adding a master’s or doctorate to your law degree or by taking teamwork oriented simulation courses with students and faculty from other parts of the university.

M. Elizabeth Magill 1
Life is about decisions, each choice shaping the future. Accepting an invitation to attend Stanford Law School will allow access to a community characterized by intellectual rigor, tremendous collegiality, and inspiring faculty and students eager to explore law’s impact on the big questions of our day. Now, as you choose a law school, we have a big question for you: Are you ready to shape the future? Because at Stanford Law, that’s what we do.

M. ELIZABETH MAGILL Richard E. Lang Professor of Law and Dean

Upcoming Admissions Events

Law Admissions Workshop Series (L.A.W.S.)

This summer, SLS will be co-hosting a series of workshops across the country with colleagues from other leading law schools. These workshops will take place in Washington DC, New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. The workshops will focus on legal education, the legal profession and how best to prepare for the application process. The workshops will consist of a panel discussion and a follow-up Q & A session. Immediately following that, you’ll have ample opportunity to meet with representatives from each school for individualized discussions.

Details on each program can be found here. Note that space is limited at these workshops. An online RSVP is required.

Hope our paths cross this summer.

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