Southwestern Law School

General Info

Southwestern University School of Law logo

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

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

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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

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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

Southwestern Law School: 165
California Average: 150
PRIVATE School Average: 146

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

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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%