SMU Dedman School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar; 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598; 312-988-6738) and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. You can find each state's requirements here.
SMU celebrated the centennial of its founding in 1911 and its opening in 1915. SMU was founded by what is now The United Methodist Church, in partnership with civic leaders, and was shaped by the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. The University is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX1 Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, ACCESSEQUITY@SMU.EDU. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
1Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688.
Why SMU Dedman School of Law?
Welcome to SMU Dedman School of Law
The School of Law at SMU was established in February 1925. Highlighting the celebration of its 75th year, SMU School of Law was named Dedman School of Law in 2001 in honor of Dallas benefactors Nancy and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and their family. With more than 17,000 graduates, SMU Dedman School of Law has a national and international reputation of training prominent lawyers in both law and business. The Dean of the law school is Jason P. Nance, Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law.
We continue to provide our students with the best possible education and help them secure outstanding employment outcomes upon graduation.
- The SMU Law faculty is recognized throughout the region, nation, and even internationally for its contributions to the law.
- We have innovative ways for our students to gain practical legal experience in areas that complement our curricular strengths, including business and corporate law, international law, intellectual property, energy law, and family law and advocacy.
- Dedman School of Law publishes four law journals and has 11 legal clinics and projects serving diverse community needs with free or low-cost legal service. Pro bono legal service is a requirement for graduation.
- SMU Dedman School of Law also has three academic centers, providing an interdisciplinary platform for educational programming, to facilitate academic research, and to provide educational opportunities that engage students and the academic and business/legal communities.
- The Underwood Law Library is the largest private academic law library west of the Mississippi River.
- Prominent alumni include Texas Supreme Court justices, members of the U.S. Congress, an ambassador, a governor, foreign ministers and members of the highest courts worldwide, as well as partners at leading law firms and general counsels at major corporations.
First Law School in Dallas
As the first law school in Dallas, we are fortunate to be in a city with a thriving economy, many corporate headquarters, and an outstanding legal community. SMU Dedman School of Law continues to strive to develop the next century of leaders.
