Established in 1869, Notre Dame Law School is the oldest Catholic law school in the United States. The Law School’s approach to legal education is informed and inspired by faith. Students are trained to view the law as a vocation in service to others, to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of the law, and to discover their unique roles in furthering the cause of justice.
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Unmatched global reach
Our Global Lawyering Initiative connects students and faculty with learning and research opportunities worldwide.
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Champions for religious liberty
Our Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic promotes religious freedom for all through advocacy, student formation, and scholarship.
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Preparing the next generation
ND Law's renowned faculty take pride in mentoring students, during law school and after they enter the profession.
Read the 2026 Notre Dame Lawyer Magazine
The 2026 issue of the Notre Dame Lawyer magazine is here! This edition highlights Notre Dame Law alumni serving in the judiciary.
Programs of Study
Business Law
Study the constantly changing legal puzzles that face businesses, with a special emphasis on transactional practice.
Criminal Law
Prepare to uphold the rule of law by learning the procedures lawyers must follow to prosecute and defend criminal charges.
Energy & Environmental Law
Develop expertise in the law of natural resource use and protection — from land and water, to oil and gas, to climate change.
Global Law
Confront the increasingly transnational nature of today's legal problems through a deeper study of international and comparative law.
Intellectual Property & Technology Law
Learn core IP doctrines — patents, copyrights, trademarks, and unfair competition — and study fields such as cyberlaw and antitrust.
Law, Ethics & Public Policy
Understand and analyze the standards by which we can gauge the value of laws. This program focuses on critical moral evaluation.
Public Law
Learn about the area of law that regulates the structure of government and its relations with individuals and foreign nations.
Real Estate Law
Build a foundation to address various real estate issues in legal practice, including development, finance, land use, and transactions.
A Global Approach
Expand your horizons through one of our study-abroad programs, and connect with alumni nationwide and worldwide via ND Law's unparalleled global network.
News & Highlights
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Reflects on Law, Faith, and Judicial Responsibility at Notre Dame Law School
2026 Church, State & Society Writing Competition
Notre Dame's mission to Mexico: Defending the most vulnerable
Fighting for religious liberty
Notre Dame Law School stands ready to advocate and defend religious freedom for all people.