Southwestern Law School
General Info
Southwestern Law School (formerly known as Southwestern University School of Law) is a private ABA-accredited law school located in Los Angeles, California, with about 1,000 students on a campus that includes the Bullocks Wilshire building, an admired art deco landmark. Founded on November 25, 1911 by John J. Schumacher, the school offers four J.D. programs of study as well as one LL.M. program. The school should not be confused with Southwestern University, a liberal arts institution in Georgetown, Texas.
Contact information
- (Website) https://www.admissions.swlaw.edu/
- (Admissions Dean) admissions@swlaw.edu
- (Location) Los Angeles, CA
Southwestern Law School Admissions
Southwestern Law School is considered a Somewhat Competitive law school, which accepts only 60% of its applicants. Comparatively, Southwestern is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.
| Applications | Offers | Matriculated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 1892 | 1123 (59.36%) | 314 (16.6%) |
| 25% | Median | 75% | |
| GPA | 2.91 | 3.17 | 3.39 |
| LSAT | 149 | 152 | 154 |
Tuition And Financial Aid
| In-State Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $48,280 | $48,280 |
| Part Time | $32,260 | $32,260 |
Living Expenses
- Living on-campus: $25,803
- Living off-campus: $30,123
- Living at home: $15,048
Important Dates
- Early Decision 1: N/A
- Early Decision 2: N/A
- Regular Decision: 07/01
- Application Fee: $60
Southwestern Law School Admissions Predictor Tool
Southwestern Law School COMPARISON TOOL
Southwestern Law School
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Southwestern Law School Community
Southwestern Law School is considered to have a Somewhat Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Southwestern is Above Average.
Student body
Faculty Statistics
- Full Time: 57
- Part Time: 73
Faculty
- # Female Faculty: 60
- # Minority Faculty: 35
Ratio
17.1 Students
1 Faculty
Housing Options
- On Campus Housing: No
- Graduate Housing: No
- Law Specific Housing: No
Southwestern Law School Curriculum
The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. Southwestern Law School 1L section size is 9% larger than law schools in California and 12% larger than all PRIVATE law schools.
1L Section Size Comparison
Positions Available in Advanced Courses
- Simulation Courses: 1354
- Faculty Supervised Clinics: 147
Students Involved in Advanced Activities
- Field Placements: 408
- Law Journals: 100
- Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0
Attrition Rates
- First Year: 19.0%
- Second Year: 2.8%
- Third Year: 0.6%
- Fourth Year: 0.0%
Southwestern Law School Employment
Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The Southwestern Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 76% with 2% pursuing an additional degree.
Employment Comparison
In 2023, 97.1%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.
Type of Employment
- Law Firms: 59.0%
- Business: 28.0%
- Government: 3.0%
- Public Interest: 3.0%
- Academia: 3.0%
- California: 97%
- Texas: 1%
- Florida: 0%
Bar Passage Rates
- Reporting: 97.1%
- First Time Takers: 305
- Average School: 56.1%
- Average State: 66.1%
- Pass Difference: -10.0%
Top Bar Jurisdiction
- California: 66.1%
- Passed: 166 of 296 (56.1%)
- State Average: 66.1%
- Difference: -10.0%