Shaping Future Legal Minds
Cultivating Excellence and Innovation in Law
At the University of San Diego School of Law, we believe in a collegial, creative, and balanced approach to life and law. It encourages us to build authentic, long-lasting relationships, innovate constantly, and grow together as a community.
An ABA-accredited law school, the USD School of Law serves as the intellectual resource for advancing San Diego and beyond, with fresh thinkers and policy that can shape society and drive progress. The intersection of industries and entrepreneurialism in San Diego offers endless opportunity in the region and abroad. These factors, combined with an extensive network of supportive alumni, ensure students are prepared for wherever they go next.
We aim to foster a community of people with diverse experiences and points of view. Always open-minded, we believe that diversity of thought drives dialogue. The broad spectrum of student and faculty perspectives provides an opportunity to hone critical thinking skills across policy and practices — a key to success in the legal field. Our proximity to an international border drives international exposure and encourages diverse perspectives.
Come experience all that the University of San Diego School of Law has to offer!
The USD School of Law Experience
Explore Our Campus
Nestled in the vibrant San Diego community, the USD School of Law campus is more than just a place of learning, it's where lasting relationships are forged, fostering personal growth and professional success for our students.
USD School of Law Mission Statement
We are proud to be an integral part of the University of San Diego -- an engaged contemporary Catholic university community that is “committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community and preparing leaders who are dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service. The central mission of the USD’s School of Law (“Law School”) is to cultivate and sustain a stimulating, entrepreneurial, and compassionate intellectual environment that nurtures and supports both our students’ education and training and our faculty’s scholarship. In the service of this central mission, we have educational and scholarly missions that sustain and reinforce each other. Our educational mission is to prepare our students to become outstanding attorneys and leaders who excel in the practice of law. Our scholarly mission is to make an enduring mark on our fields of study and to illuminate and enliven how we educate our students.
We strive through our teaching, scholarship, and service activities to instill in our students the capacity for critical judgment and practical skills that they will need to thrive in their professional lives. We are committed to providing our students with a deep understanding of the legal and social theory and research skills that will inform their choices and arguments. We are dedicated to endowing our students with a full appreciation of the ethical duties and responsibilities that come with being a member of the legal profession, which will allow them to become leaders in their public lives.
Faculty at the Forefront
As well-published, internationally recognized experts with a passion for inspiring the next generation of legal minds, our faculty come to campus ready to evolve our students' thinking, impart practical skills, and offer irreplaceable mentorship. Our faculty's accessibility and approachability foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging students to engage in meaningful discussions and develop a deeper understanding of the law.
Supporting Success
Our Administrative Offices play a pivotal role in the University of San Diego School of Law, offering a suite of essential services for both students and staff. From admissions and financial aid to alumni relations and career development, these offices are the backbone of our institution. They ensure efficient operations and provide vital support in maintaining our standing as one of the best law schools in California.
Leadership and Guidance
Composed of distinguished alumni and donors, the Board of Visitors provides crucial advice and insights for driving the strategic direction and priorities of USD Law. Their committed engagement is vital to ensure that our law school continues to be a trailblazer in legal education, equipping students to thrive in the dynamic world of law.
Research Centers at USD Law
The USD School of Law's centers and institutes are at the heart of academic innovation and legal scholarship. While they are primarily focused on faculty-driven research and scholarship, the centers and institutes offer students the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal studies under the guidance of renowned scholars.
Collaborating for Community Legal Support
Some of the oldest on the west coast and in Southern California, the USD School of Law Legal Clinics blend hands-on practical legal education with impactful service to our community. Our clinics are unique in that students represent real clients in real cases. These valuable experiences mean students graduate from USD law as practice-ready lawyers and leaders.
Alumni Stories and News
Advocate Alumni Magazine
Advocate is USD Law’s alumni magazine that is published yearly. It features a rich array of content, including thought-provoking articles and inspiring success stories of our graduates. Essential for anyone connected to USD Law, Advocate offers a captivating look into the varied paths and accomplishments of our alumni community.
Contact Us
For more information about the University of San Diego School of Law, feel free to contact us by email at lawpub@sandiego.edu.