School of Law

About the school

With a history dating to its establishment in 1867, the School of Law at Washington University is recognised as a pioneer in legal education. A group of St. Louis visionaries founded this innovative school that has thrived since then in heritage, creativity, and achievement. Nestled within the vibrant city of St. Louis, the law school enjoys a dynamic urban location, granting direct access to legal organisations, corporations, and government bodies. Renowned for its academic excellence, the law school consistently ranks among the top institutions in the US. William H. Webster (former director, CIA and FBI) and Jonathan Kanter (assistant attorney general, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice) are among the well-known law school alumni. The law school aims to provide students with the information and abilities needed to practise law ethically and successfully in a dynamic and internationally integrated legal environment.

Where is the school located?

Life at the School of Law

The vibrant atmosphere at Washington University’s School of Law warmly embraces students from around the globe. Dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, the law school cultivates a supportive community for international students. The Office of Student Life is committed to this inclusiveness. Students and faculty enrich their learning experience by embracing varied backgrounds and perspectives. This environment nurtures skilled graduates prepared for impactful legal careers. The University provides diverse on-campus housing choices prioritising student convenience. Students can apply via the Housing Application Waitlist and get a response within a week. Also, graduate students have options such as House 22 (suite-style) and House 5 (traditional style). For those seeking different living arrangements, off-campus housing choices are readily available in the campus vicinity. Students can avail of versatile dining options that accommodate various preferences. A well-known dining service is the Law Café, situated on the third floor of Anheuser-Busch Hall. It provides Kaldi's coffee, salads, pizzas, carvery, comfort food specialities, soups, grab-and-go items, pastries, and salads. Additionally, the school provides modern fitness centres equipped with the latest exercise, entertainment, and relaxation technologies. These include the Sumers Recreation Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring cardio and strength equipment, group fitness studios, an indoor track, basketball courts, and more. It also provides a wide range of fitness programmes. Transportation for students is convenient and hassle-free. They have easy access to buses, subways, and commuter trains, facilitating transportation to and from central areas of the city. The University has partnered with Enterprise for car sharing.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Law

Studying at Washington University’s School of Law has numerous additional advantages. - Research Excellence: With substantial annual research funding, students have unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge legal research projects that shape the trajectory of legal theory and practice - Distinguished Faculty: The faculty comprises more than 25 accomplished experts across various legal domains. Besides providing students with invaluable guidance and support, they also bring practical knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom - Substantial Resources: The law school offers cutting-edge legal education and research facilities such as the Anheuser-Busch Hall. Completed in 1997, it houses classrooms, libraries, computer labs, study spaces, and faculty offices - Diverse Programmes: The law school also offers various programmes catering to diverse legal interests and career goals. These include programmes for international lawyers, US-trained lawyers, non-judicial students, and online programmes. Specifically, some are LLM in intellectual property and technology law, and LLM focuses on negotiation and dispute resolution

Admissions criteria

When considering admission to the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, please take into account the following criteria: - Completed application - Statement of purpose - Letters of recommendatio - Official transcripts - Interview to be scheduled by the candidate’s Admissions Counselor - Resume/ CV

For international applicants, the following is mandatory: - Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 90, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115. - GRE: Required for international students - Transcripts not in English must be submitted with an official English translation. - Visa clearance forms (F-1 or J-1) and a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that proves you will be able to fund your study and stay.

Fees and other expenses

As you embark on your academic pursuit at the School of Law, it is essential to bear in mind the expenses to be incurred: - University Health & Wellness Fee (mandatory): $616 - Student Bar Association Fee: $120 - Health insurance:$2,500 - Books and supplies: $1,500 - Housing: $12,150 - Food: $3,600 - Miscellaneous: $5,000 - Transportation: $720

Job placements

The School of Law presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals pursuing Master's programmes in legal studies. With its impressive track record of job placements, the law school excels in preparing students for lucrative professional careers. It actively supports the growth and development of its students by aiding them in crafting personalised placement strategies. Consequently, graduates from the School of Law find themselves highly sought after nationally and internationally. Essential to the law school’s strategic approach are diverse internship options that allow students to acquire invaluable practical experience in legal and associated fields. For example, students in the externship programme spend a semester working full-time for a nonprofit, government, or internal corporate law department in exchange for academic credit. The School of Law further enhances students' career prospects through the Law School Fair held on campus. - Career Development Support: Facilitates direct interaction between students and prospective employers from diverse industries - Professional Contacts: Students are provided with networking opportunities