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.
344
KU Law is home to 344 J.D. students who come to Lawrence from colleges and universities across the U.S. (as of Oct. 5, 2022).

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.

Professor Webb Hecker shares KU Law history in front of old Green Hall

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.

Members of the Hispanic American Law Students Association pose for a group photo at the Diversity in Law Banquet

News

Upcoming WTO conference addressing vital issues, can reverse existential crisis, international trade law expert says

The World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference is set for Feb. 26-29 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The conference, which meets every two years, is the supreme governing body of the WTO.

Law Journal Symposium to explore art law complexities

On Feb. 23, the 2024 Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy Symposium will host academics, legal scholars and museum professionals for discussions rooted in the public policy considerations of art law issues. Event speakers will include experts from the Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and…

KU Law graduate wins national writing prize

A recent graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law has won second place in a national writing competition for her paper on cryptocurrency regulations in international trade.

Law professor outlines risks, encourages best practices to use AI for legal, academic writing

Andrew Torrance, the Paul E. Wilson Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas, is co-author of “ChatGPT and Works Scholarly: Best Practices and Legal Pitfalls in Writing With AI,” recently published in SMU Law Review. The paper provides ethical guidelines for those curious about…

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.