About KU Law


Exterior of the law building on a spring day

Overview

The University of Kansas School of Law has been preparing students to be outstanding members of the legal profession since 1878.

Our students learn the foundations of the law, then gain the hands-on experience necessary to begin their careers ready for practice. KU Law offers several clinical and field placement programs. Students also have access to skills simulations, student publications and a nationally ranked moot court program.

KU School of Law faculty are active scholars, researchers and subject matter experts in their fields. KU ranks 40th overall and 16th among public law schools for scholarly impact. Many professors are authors of textbooks and casebooks used in classes at KU and in law schools around the U.S. and overseas.

Students enjoy small class sizes, a collegial environment and access to a loyal alumni network of more than 8,000 Jayhawk lawyers.

Mission

  • To further the knowledge and understanding of law and the legal system through a balanced and integrated program of teaching, research and service.

Where We Are

Students in front of downtown Lawrence businesses

Life in Lawrence

Lawrence is a city of 95,000+ and a hub of culture and progressive change. KU’s stunning hilltop campus overlooks the Kansas River and a vibrant downtown. The location between Topeka and Kansas City offers access to urban amenities and outstanding employment opportunities.
Aerial view of the KU campus

University of Kansas

KU Law is an integral part of the University of Kansas, the state’s flagship research institution. KU is the only school in Kansas belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Home to nearly 30,000 students, KU is a school rich in tradition.
Two students walk up the main stairs at Green Hall

Connect With Us

Our Office of Admissions, students and faculty are always willing to talk with interested students. Get in touch to request printed information, attend an online info session or plan a visit to campus. No matter where you are, we want to meet you.

Fast Facts

8,000+
More than 8,000 KU Law alumni live in all 50 states, several U.S. territories and dozens of foreign countries.
1878
KU Law has been open to all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity since the school's founding in 1878.
362
KU Law is home to 344 J.D. students who come to Lawrence from colleges and universities across the U.S. (as of Oct. 2023).

History & Traditions

Since its founding in 1878, the KU School of Law has trained students to be committed to professional achievement and public service. A history more than 140 years in the making has produced a legacy of traditions and pastimes at KU Law.

KU Law students sit on the steps of Lippincott Hall for the 2024 Walk to Old Green.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

KU Law values diversity in its student community. Through events, co-curricular programs, student organizations and other initiatives, the law school is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all members of the KU Law community.

KU Law students at the 2024 Diversity Banquet

News

KU Law ranks No. 19 for faculty impact among public law schools

The University of Kansas School of Law ranks No. 19 in the nation among public law schools and No. 43 overall for scholarly impact, according to a recent study.

New book on water law examines growing legal trend of access to water as a human right

“Water Law: Concepts and Insights, 2nd Edition” provides an overview of case law, understanding of where water law is currently, including an analysis of the emerging trend of access to water in the United States as a human right.

Reducing barriers nets Raj Bhala 2024 Shulenburger Award

Spurred on by a desire to increase affordability for students and to broaden access for international colleagues shut out by costly paywalls, Raj Bhala worked with a team at KU Libraries to openly publish his widely used textbook on international trade law. He is the recipients of the 2024 Shulenburger Award for Innovation & Advocacy in Scholarly Communication.

Kansas Economic Policy Conference to address the future of energy in Kansas

On Oct. 24, the Institute for Policy & Social Research will convene the 2024 Kansas Economic Policy Conference: Powering the Future of Kansas. Every year, the conference brings together community and industry leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss an issue of urgent importance to the state.

Get started

Ready to discover the value of a degree from KU Law? Start your application, schedule a visit and learn why KU Law is a great place to be.