Southwestern University School of Law: Overview and Admissions Requirements

Summary

Southwestern University School of Law is one of the top institutions in the country for legal education and has been recognized as a leader in providing legal education for over a hundred years. Located in Los Angeles, the school offers an array of legal programs, including both traditional and online options. The faculty and staff are highly dedicated to providing an excellent legal education and are committed to advancing the field of law.


The school offers a full range of courses and degrees, from a Certificate in Legal Studies to a Juris Doctor (J.D.), and is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. The school provides an exceptional learning environment, with a knowledgeable faculty and staff committed to the success of each and every student.

Southwestern Law offers more than 125 courses and programs, spanning a variety of topics, such as business law, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law. The school encourages students to understand the importance of diversity in their coursework and encourages them to apply theory to real-world situations. The school's curriculum is tailored to both the legal practitioner and the legal scholar.

In addition to its renowned academic offerings, Southwestern Law is also known for its commitment to public service. Throughout its history, the school has provided free legal assistance to communities in need and is proud of its role in addressing issues of social justice. The school also offers mentorship programs and internships that help students develop their professional skills.

The Southwestern Law School boasts an impressive list of alumni, including leaders in the legal community. Many graduates have gone on to become prominent judges, attorneys, politicians, and legal scholars. Southwestern Law features a successful alumni network that offers support and guidance for graduates as they pursue their careers in the legal world.

The Southwestern University School of Law provides an exceptional legal education to a wide range of students. With a dedicated faculty and staff, as well as an impressive list of alumni, the school enjoys a reputation for excellence. Its commitment to public service and its commitment to diversity in its coursework make Southwestern Law one of the most respected law schools in the country.
 

Southwestern University School of Law

Southwestern University School of Law (SWU Law) is one of the oldest and most established law schools in California. Although the school has changed names over the years, its present name has been in effect since 1911. Southwestern University School of Law is located in Los Angeles, California and began in 1911 as the first law school in the area. SWU Law prides itself on its commitment to diversity, innovation and excellence, and offers a variety of courses, activities, and facilities that are designed to provide students with the best legal education. Southwestern University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, and is considered to be one of the top 10 law schools in California.

The faculty at Southwestern University School of Law are highly accomplished in both teaching and scholarship. They come from a variety of backgrounds and bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the classroom. The faculty is committed to helping students develop their legal skills and knowledge, and encouraging students to think critically and creatively as they pursue their legal careers. The faculty also serves as mentors, providing guidance and support to students.

Southwestern University School of Law provides a rigorous academic experience and a supportive learning environment. The faculty works closely with students to develop a personalized academic plan that meets the individual needs of each student, as well as provides guidance and support as they navigate the legal curriculum. The law school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and legal clinics, that allow students to further develop their knowledge and skills and network with other professionals in the field.

In addition to its excellent academic offerings, Southwestern University School of Law also offers an array of resources, including a comprehensive library system, state-of-the-art computer and technology labs, an extensive network of alumni, and study abroad opportunities. Southwestern University School of Law is dedicated to providing its students with the resources and support necessary to succeed in their legal studies.

Southwestern University School of Law was founded in 1911 and is one of the oldest institutions of legal education in California. With a commitment to excellence and diversity, SWU Law offers a variety of courses, activities and facilities designed to provide students with the highest quality of legal education. With top-ranking faculty coming from a variety of backgrounds, SWU Law provides an excellent academic experience and comprehensive student services to help its students succeed in their legal studies.

One who doesn't know much about Southwestern University School of Law might ask, as one of 15 private ABA-approved law schools in California, what is unique and distinctive about Southwestern? Upon closer examination, Southwestern University School of Law offers unique excellence in its curriculum and its student success, due in part to its location, history, faculty expertise, and alumni presence in the community.

Southwestern has developed a reputation for leadership and merit in several areas, including: entertainment and media law, international law, criminal law, and trial advocacy/litigation. Southwestern also sponsors summer law programs in Cambridge, England; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Vancouver, Canada; and Guanajuato, Mexico.

Regarding its unique curriculum, Southwestern is the only law school with four courses of study leading to the J.D. degree. The school offers traditional full-time and part-time (part-time day and part-time night) programs, as well as a unique two-year alternative curriculum. The only Los Angeles area law school on a subway route, Southwestern is within a block of the Wilshire Center Metro Rail station providing convenient access to businesses, courts and government offices in the downtown district, Hollywood and the Valley. Southwestern alumni include public officials-from members of Congress to mayors, district attorneys, and over 200 judges-as well as founders of major law firms and general counsels of multinational corporations.
 

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The one facet of the curriculum that stands out above other schools' is that Southwestern offers a first-of-its-kind Master of Laws in Entertainment and Media Law degree. Southwestern established the Donald E. Biederman National Entertainment and Media Law Institute, with the largest contingent of full-time entertainment and media law faculty at any law school. Southwestern can draw upon a deep pool of alumni and adjunct faculty who hold prominent positions in the entertainment and media industries. It doesn't hurt that the school is in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world and has a great laboratory in Los Angeles to work from. Southwestern also maintains ongoing relationships with the major entertainment and media organizations in the area, such as the studios, guilds, agencies, and law firms in the industry.

To illustrate how The Entertainment and Media Institute draws upon the media and entertainment industry, they sponsor a series of "Conversations With…" discussions that feature prominent publishers, tv and film executives, senior counsel for entertainment and media enterprises and public officials. These conversations offer an exploration of the various contemporary issues relating to the internet, music publishing, copyright, and on and on. The classes offered can range from learning about licensing and copyright to software, motion pictures, and music publishing. Southwestern is a great place to keep your pulse on the evolving law in these fields.

Southwestern's distinctive location is definitely an asset, fronting Wilshire Boulevard. Located in the midst of major law firms, corporate headquarters, Superior Court facilities, film studios, and guilds, the school is also within 30 minutes of quiet canyons overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It offers the best of both worlds… you can take advantage of the many stimulating opportunities in the Los Angeles area, and then enjoy the tranquility of a sunset over the Pacific. From the bustling city of Los Angeles to the hush of its landmark law library, the Southwestern campus is an environment that inspires contemplation and study, collaboration and community.

People who are interested in the history and glamour of old Hollywood would be fascinated to learn about the history of Bullocks Wilshire. (The location of Southwestern's library, conference rooms and seminar rooms.) The building was conceived by John J. Bullock and designed by John and Donald Parkinson, who also designed other landmarks in Los Angeles, such as the Coliseum, City Hall, and Union Station. The architects gained their inspiration at the 1925 Exposition of Decorative and Modern Arts In Paris, where the art deco style, or "moderne," style was introduced. It was finished in 1929 and was a modern and beautiful building in its day. Regarding its history, the Bullocks Wilshire was originally a department store… and unlike any department store that preceded it. It was the first department store located in the suburbs, the first to feature specialty boutiques, and the first to cater to the automobile. In the early years, patrons drove their cars to the motor court and a valet escorted them in. Residents of the wealthy surrounding communities of Hancock Park, Windsor Square and Fremont Place flocked to the stylish new store, and so did Hollywood's elite. John Wayne, Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcock, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Mae West and many other stars were regular customers. This sort of clientele helped the store survive the Great Depression, which began a month after its opening.

Southwestern bought the building in 1994 from bankruptcy court to accommodate its growing law library, faculty and student body. And, the restoration has continued. The former Tea Room has taken on a life of its own, serving as a dining area and center for informal gatherings of students and faculty and visiting scholars.

As is evident, Southwestern is indeed unique among law schools. With its historic, beautiful buildings and innovative curriculum, it does stand out among the many law schools in California. One other unique feature is that Southern University School of Law is a "stand alone" law school. The law school is the sole program of the University.

Southwestern strives to prepare its students for real-life experiences in the legal community. It does this through its successful Moot Court Intramural Competition, many externships, keeping relations going with the community, as well as its Career Counseling.