The success and stature of the University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law are grounded in a commitment to excellence in preparing lawyers for productive careers. With the resources of the University of Louisville behind it, the law school is able to provide world-class faculty, strong programs and top-notch academic support.
The University of Louisville School of Law strives to promote collegiality and professionalism. Its culture is based on civility and respect for all students and faculty. The school also seeks to admit and support a diverse law school population and provides opportunities to share and discuss differing opinions.
Distinctive Programs
The study of law is an experience in discovery, discourse and discipline. At the University of Louisville School of Law, students find the excitement of new ideas, the challenge of intellectual exchange and the rigor of critical analysis. The school's rich curriculum provides a comprehensive education in legal doctrine, practical skills and professional values, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Students also have the opportunity to enhance their program of legal study through international study and clinical externships.
Dual Degree Programs
The University of Louisville offers several dual degree programs designed to enhance the student's understanding, skills and career opportunities in both areas of study. Each requires application and admission to both participating schools.- Master of Business Administration/Juris Doctor (MBA/JD)
- Master of Science in Social Work/Juris Doctor (MSSW/JD)
- Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Humanities (JD/MAH)
- Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity (JD/M.Div.)
- Juris Doctor/Master of Political Science (JD/MA)
- Juris Doctor/Master of Urban Planning (JD/MUP)
A Strong Tradition of Student Success
The University of Louisville School of Law has a strong track record in moot court and professional skills competitions. Students are also actively involved in writing for and publishing the University of Louisville Law Review and the Journal of Law and Education.
Participation in numerous student organizations also enhances student success, providing access to a lively intellectual community. Students are active in the International Law Society, Environmental Law Society, Federalist Society, Lambda Law Caucus, Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys, Women's Law Caucus, Black Law Students Association, Christian Law Society, Student Bar Association, the Foundation for Equal Justice and several legal fraternities.
Service in the Real World
As one of America's first five law schools to incorporate public service into the required curriculum, the University of Louisville School of Law assures that every student's education includes a chance to work outside classroom walls, dealing with real people and real problems with professional supervision and mentoring.Every student is required to perform a minimum of 30 hours of law-related public service prior to graduation. Nationwide opportunities include service in legal clinics, assisting in death penalty litigation, working on domestic violence issues, serving as court advocates for children, working with victims of rape, and dealing with environmental issues. Through these experiences, students develop legal skills, professional values and an understanding of the real issues faced by the community.
Each year, Brandeis students donate more than 4,000 hours of law-related work to local, state and national organizations through this program.
Clinical Externships
Through the clinical externship program, upper-level students perform law related work and gain practical experience under the supervision of faculty and members of the bar. Students who meet the required prerequisites can choose from the following clinical experience.
- Judicial Externship - Students will be afforded an opportunity to observe the legal system from the perspective of the judge.
- Legal Aid Clinical Externship - Students will study and practice in legal skills: including interviewing, investigation, counseling, negotiation, and courtroom behavior, with the goal of developing a model of lawyer decision-making.
- Criminal Justice Externship - Students may be assigned to one of the following agencies: Public Defender, Jefferson County Attorney, or Commonwealth Attorney.
- Tax Externship - Students will work with the local office of the Internal Revenue Service and will also study an overview of tax procedure and receive instruction in computer assisted tax research.
- Domestic Violence Externship - At the Center for Women and Families, students will study statutes concerning family violence and procedures fro seeking remedies and will participate in intake meetings with clients and court appearances involving protective orders, divorce, custody, visitation and dependency.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The University of Louisville participates in all federally authorized student loan programs and annually commits more than $600,000 to financial aid in the form of recruiting, academic, research, need-based and activity scholarships or awards. Many scholarships are funded by law firms, corporations, alumni and other friends of the law school. All applicants are automatically evaluated for possible scholarship or award eligibility.
A Supportive Family of Alumni
The Law School's nearly 5,500 living alumni serve the legal profession, the business community and allied professions in 49 states and six foreign countries. Local alumni also volunteer their time and expertise in a mentoring program for students and as coaches for moot court competitions.
The school's alumni include two justices on the Kentucky Supreme Court, members of the U.S. Senate and the Kentucky legislature, and judges in a host of national and state administrative tribunals. Brandeis alumni also include past governors of Kentucky, a past president of the American Bar Association, and a past commander of the U.S. Strategic Air Command.
Nearly one-third of all Kentucky lawyers and more than half of all Louisville lawyers are graduates of the Brandeis School of Law.
An Invitation
All prospective students, alums and friends are invited to visit the Brandeis School and to tour its acclaimed facilities. Wilson W. Wyatt Hall is located at 2301 South 3rd Street, at the picturesque "oval" on the Belknap Campus.
The School's postal address is:
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky 40292