About KU Law

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 43rd overall and 19th 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

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.

Life in Lawrence

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.

University of Kansas

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.

Visit & Connect

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.

365

KU Law is home to 365 J.D. students who come to Lawrence from colleges and universities across the U.S. (as of Oct. 2024).

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 145 years in the making has produced a legacy of traditions and pastimes at KU Law.

History

Traditions

Inclusion & Belonging

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.

Inclusion & Belonging at KU Law

News

KU law school to host world’s leading patent scholarship conference

On April 10-11, the University of Kansas School of Law will host the 14th annual Patent Conference, the nation’s leading annual patent scholarship conference. Patent scholars from 18 institutions across 15 states and Germany will present cutting-edge research on patent law, policy and business.

KU research shows JOBS Act backfired, resulting in acquisitions of companies instead of increasing IPOs

Alex Platt, KU School of Law professor, has published research showing that the JOBS Act of 2012, which was intended to revive the IPO market, has had the opposite effect. Instead of making it easier for companies to go public through the IPO process, it has resulted in "dual-track bias," which has led many companies to sell to larger companies instead.

KU Law to honor distinguished alumni

The University of Kansas School of Law will recognize Judge Dan Crabtree, Steve Leben and Diane Parrish with its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. The award celebrates graduates for their professional achievements, contributions to the legal field and service to their community and the university.

Supreme Court ruling allowing race-based immigration stops hampering relief from government misconduct, legal scholar argues

Sharon Brett, associate professor of law at the University of Kansas, has published a new case study arguing the Supreme Court decision in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo — and Justice Brett Kavanaugh's concurring opinion — miss the mark legally and factually and continue to make seeking relief from government misconduct exceedingly difficult.

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