The Admissions Committee gives considerable emphasis in its evaluation to the personal statement. The statement should provide the Admissions Committee with insights about the applicant and the applicant's interest in pursuing both a legal education and career. The most effective personal statements also typically provide further insight into the writer's personality, background, professional interests, or matters that are not fully present in other parts of the application. An applicant may consider answering the following question: In what ways have your culture, upbringing, or experiences inspired and motivated you and your pursuit of a legal education?

The personal statement must be the applicant's original work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. The personal statement must be included with the application at the time of submission. The personal statement's header must include the student's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "NDLS Personal Statement."

For further information regarding formatting preferences of the Admissions Committee, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

The mission of Notre Dame Law School is to educate a "Different Kind of Lawyer" - one who sees the law as more than just a profession, but as a service to others. Students are encouraged to explore not only the moral and ethical dimensions of the law but also their unique roles in furthering the cause of justice. In Dean G. Marcus Cole's charge to each graduating class in recent years, he stated the following:

"If there was ever a time when the world needed a different kind of lawyer, it is now. If there was ever a time for lawyers to be active, and vocal, and brave, it is now. If there was ever a time for lawyers to practice love, it is now. Whatever area of law you choose to practice, in whatever community you choose to live, don't forget where you came from."

Given the mission of Notre Dame Law School, Dean Cole's address, and his call to action, please provide a response to the following: How have your experiences, identities, or communities positioned you to become a Different Kind of Lawyer?

The "Different Kind of Lawyer" statement must be the applicant's own work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. If an applicant plans on providing this statement, it must be included with their application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the applicant's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "DKL Statement."

For further information regarding formatting preferences of the Admissions Committee, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit this statement and use it to express why they wish to attend Notre Dame Law School specifically. If Notre Dame is the (or a) top choice for the applicant, it can be noted in this essay. Consistent with the Catholic mission of the University, Notre Dame Law School views the law as a vocation - a means by which we as lawyers can be of service to God and to humankind. Our Catholic faith also moves us to be open and welcoming to people of all viewpoints and all religious traditions. Please provide a response to one or both of the following:

How can the unique legal education at NDLS (both in program and in mission) assist in your professional and personal formation?

How do your actions and community involvement demonstrate your commitment to the values Notre Dame Law School promotes, e.g., law as a vocation, excellence with purpose, inclusion and belonging, and integration of reason and faith?

The "Why Notre Dame Law School?" statement must be the applicant's own work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. If an applicant plans on providing this statement, it must be included with their application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the applicant's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "Why NDLS Statement."

For further information regarding formatting preferences of the Admissions Committee, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

If the applicant believes the Admissions Committee would benefit from additional information about their candidacy that is not specifically and/or fully expressed elsewhere in the application, the applicant is welcome to provide further notes via the Addendum. Examples of information typically provided in this section of the application include, but are not limited to explanations of specific circumstances impacting the applicant's academic record or LSAT/GRE score. (Applicants are encouraged also to include how these circumstances were resolved and to point to other measures which demonstrate their potential for success in law school.)

• further information regarding specific items on an applicant's resume.

• further information about the applicant's background, including, but not limited to financial hardship.

• eligibility for various military educational benefits such as the Yellow Ribbon program or the Funded Legal Education Program.

• Applicants should double-space the Addendum. The Addendum's header must include the applicant's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "Addendum."

The Dean's Initiative for Leadership and Scholarly Excellence (LSE) is a pre-orientation program to support a small cohort of incoming Notre Dame Law students transition into legal education and build the academic, professional, and community foundations for law school success. LSE focuses on early exposure to law school expectations, structured mentorship, skill development, and connection to the Notre Dame Law community and its broader professional network.

LSE participants take part in an August pre-orientation program that includes:

Introduction to law school academics, including legal reading, writing, and exam preparation

Overview of key Notre Dame resources, including financial support and wellness services

Opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, alumni, and current students

Exposure to legal careers, professional pathways, and networking opportunities

Introduction to the Notre Dame and South Bend communities

Participants will also engage in monthly programming throughout their first year to continue building skills, relationships, familiarity with the legal profession, and receive academic support. They will receive a one-time $2,000 housing stipend to assist with pre-orientation expenses.

LSE Statement Prompt

How would participation in the LSE program support your transition to law school and your academic and professional goals? Please describe the experiences, preparation, or circumstances that have shaped your readiness for legal study, and explain how early mentorship, skill-building, and community support would help you successfully navigate your first year.

You may also include any additional information not otherwise reflected in your application that you would like the LSE Committee to consider.

The LSE Program statement must be the applicant's original work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. The LSE Program statement must be included with the application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the student's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "LSE Statement."

The Polking Family Fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders who understand that law and public policy are essential elements in building a sustainable culture of life. Recipients of this fellowship will receive a scholarship along with the opportunity to work closely with the deNicola Center for Ethics and Culture. Polking Fellows will be invited to attend and participate in special Center events, work with its visiting fellows, interact with speakers and guests of the Center, conduct scholarly research, and receive special career mentoring and summer internship opportunities. To apply for this Fellowship, students must:

1. Submit a complete application to Notre Dame Law School by December 1, 2026.
2. Submit a separate statement outlining their specific interest in the Polking Family Fellowship.

The Polking Family Fellowship statement must be the applicant's original work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. The Polking Family Fellowship statement must be included with the application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the student's name, LSAC account number, and be titled "Polking Statement."

Notre Dame Law School's Program on Church, State & Society is proud to offer its Edward J. Murphy Fellowship. In addition to a generous scholarship, Murphy Fellows are provided with special programming and mentorship opportunities and are frequently invited to meet with distinguished visiting judges and speakers. Designed for students who are interested in religious freedom and church-state relations, the Murphy Fellowship also enables students to participate in the Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic, one of the foremost law school clinics in the United States, whose cases have been litigated in several federal courts of appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Upon graduation, past Murphy Fellows have begun working in private legal practice; for federal district, appellate, and Supreme Court judges/justices; and as legal academics. Learn more about Edward. J Murphy, for whom the fellowship is named. To apply for this Fellowship, students must:

1. Submit a complete application to Notre Dame Law School by December 1, 2026.
2. Submit a separate statement outlining their specific interest in the Murphy Fellowship.

The Murphy Fellowship statement must be the applicant's original work in their own words. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages. The Murphy Fellowship statement must be included with the application at the time of submission. The statement's header must include the student's name, LSAC

An applicant's resume should highlight their educational, professional, leadership, and service experiences. The applicant may also wish to highlight honors, awards, or special skills. An applicant may note full-time vs. part-time or hours per week and weeks per year when applicable. There is no page limit for the resume but one to two pages is recommended. For further information regarding the resume preferences of the Admissions Committee, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page here.

Notre Dame Law School requires truthful, accurate, and complete reporting of all requested character and fitness information. Past relevant conduct, particularly if isolated and/or not recent, may not necessarily preclude admission to NDLS. Thus, applicants should not presume a prior record of conduct relevant to character and fitness will necessarily be disqualifying. A failure to truthfully, accurately, and completely respond to this Character and Fitness inquiry, however, may be disqualifying, and more detrimental to admission prospects. Please check "Yes" or "No" for each question. If you answer "Yes" to either question, you must submit a full explanation of circumstances involved and resolution of the situation(s) for each question so answered as an electronic attachment. Please double-space your explanation and label the attachment with your name, LSAC account number, and use the title "Character and Fitness" in the header.

You have a continuing requirement to immediately report any updates to your Character and Fitness information through the application process as well as post-enrollment at Notre Dame Law School: Please send updates to bulletin@nd.edu, subject line "Character and Fitness Update."

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.

1. Have you ever been disciplined (i.e., suspended, dismissed, expelled, asked to withdraw, or placed on probation) or found responsible for any academic, scholastic, disciplinary, or other misconduct by any school, college, or university? Please include in your response an explanation of any instances where you have been accused of wrongdoing and are subject to a pending or incomplete academic, scholastic, disciplinary or other misconduct-related proceeding at any postsecondary institution.
2. Have you ever been charged with, and/or convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime? This includes charges that are pending and/or to which you have plead "guilty" or "no contest," but this excludes expunged convictions or arrests.

Juris Doctor Application Instructions: 2026-2027 Application Instructions Introduction Notre Dame Law School (NDLS) admits new Juris Doctor students for the fall term only and begins accepting applications on September 1 for the next year's entering class. Given the competitive nature of the applicant pool and NDLS's rolling processes for both admission and scholarship, the Admissions Committee recommends that prospective students read the following directions closely and consider applying early in the admission cycle.

Standards for Admission The Admissions Committee seeks to enroll a highly qualified and diverse class that will help the Law School achieve its mission of educating lawyers who will serve the good of the human family.

To that end, the Admissions Committee evaluates candidates in a holistic manner and considers an array of factors including, but not limited to, the following: academic achievement and potential; undergraduate and graduate coursework; demonstrated leadership skills; community involvement; overcoming adversity; work and life experiences; and a specific interest in the study and practice of law. When completing the application, students are encouraged to consider how they may address the factors listed above. While it is not necessary to address each item in the application, many of our most competitive applicants highlight the factors they believe are the strongest, address a specific interest in the study and practice of law, and indicate how Notre Dame Law School, specifically, will assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Application Dates The Regular Decision application opens September 1; the application deadline is March 1. All supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, etc.) must be on file by March 10.

Because NDLS uses a rolling process for both admissions and scholarship, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible beginning September 1.

Regular Decision Application: The binding Early Decision policy has been eliminated to promote a more inclusive admissions process. Students for whom NDLS is their top choice, or is among their top choices for law school, should indicate this in their "Why Notre Dame Law School?" Statement. (See instructions in the essay prompt.)

Application Fee The fee for applying to Notre Dame Law School is $75 US paid by credit card. This fee is non-refundable.

A fee waiver is available for some applicants, including those for whom this fee presents a burden, as well as those who have one or more years of full-time service in the US military, Alliance for Catholic Education, AmeriCorps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Peace Corps, or Teach for America.

Application Materials A complete Regular Decision application is composed of the following required documents. The use of assistive generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, GoogleBard, etc.) to draft, edit, proofread, or otherwise create any written statements is prohibited. We also provide detailed application instructions and recommendations on our website.

1.) This application form

2.) Personal statement

3.) Resume

4.) Two letters of recommendation from faculty and/or professional supervisor(s) submitted within the last year

5.) LSAT and/or GRE score report

6.) Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions

7.) LSAC CAS Report

8.) Character and Fitness information

9.) English proficiency exam score report (for non-native English speakers)

The following are optional:

1.) "Why Notre Dame Law School?" Statement (highly encouraged)

2.) "Different Kind of Lawyer" Statement (highly encouraged)

3.) Addendum

4.) Interview (by request of the Admissions Committee only)

Demographics Questions: We collect race and ethnicity data for reporting purposes and applicants may answer these questions accordingly. Although we do not consider race as a factor in admissions decisions and the file readers do not have access to applicants' responses to the race and ethnicity prompts, applicants are permitted to discuss race as part of their lived experience in other parts of the application.

Scholarship Consideration Notre Dame Law School is committed to providing a legal education of the highest quality at a tuition structure that compares favorably to other nationally regarded private law schools. Through the generosity of alumni and friends of the Law School, financial assistance in the form of scholarship may be available to members of each entering class.

Every applicant admitted to the Law School is automatically considered for recruitment scholarships. Additional information may be requested as needed.

Funds are awarded on a rolling basis for admitted candidates. The Admissions and Scholarship committees encourage students to apply early in the admissions cycle so as to maximize their potential for a scholarship offer.

Students are encouraged to research and apply for outside scholarships that may provide further assistance. Notre Dame Law School is happy to partner with AccessLex who provides excellent financial resources to incoming and current law students.

Supplemental Scholarship Information Form You have the option to submit additional information to document your financial circumstances. The information provided may be utilized in the determination of scholarship eligibility but will not be considered by the Admission Committee when determining your admissibility to Notre Dame Law School.

You may provide your financial information through the following secure link: https://obforms-prod.cc.nd.edu/shared/lsFANeeds.html

Loan Assistance In order to qualify for Federal loan programs, applicants must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Notre Dame's School Code is 001840. The University's Office of Financial Aid requests that applicants submit their FAFSA by February 28. Applicants are able to complete and submit the FAFSA as early as October. Law students are considered independent for the FAFSA, so parent information is not requested.

Applicants can find more information regarding Federal loans at the Office of Financial Aid's website.

Yellow Ribbon Program and Veterans Educational Benefits Notre Dame Law School is a proud participant in the Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program. Veterans or their beneficiaries must be 100% Post 9/11-eligible in order to qualify. The Law School will contribute funds that - when combined with matching dollars from the Veterans Administration and support from the Post 9/11 GI Bill - will equal the cost of tuition. The amount of the combined financial support will not exceed the cost of tuition and required fees.

The Admissions and Scholarship committees encourage relevant applicants to identify their eligibility and status for military and/or veterans educational benefits in both the Military Service and Addendum sections of the application. The Office of Admissions may reach out to candidates for further information as needed.

Applicants may find more information on required documents and procedures regarding military and/or veterans educational benefits on the University Registrar's website dedicated to Veterans Affairs.

Applicants may find more information regarding the University's support of active duty military, veterans, and military dependents on the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs website.

Notice of Non-Discrimination In compliance with federal law and the University of Notre Dame's non-discrimination policy, Notre Dame Law School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, or in employment.

Notre Dame Law School is committed to building an inclusive community and welcomes all individuals. The University's "Spirit of Inclusion" statement may be reviewed at https://dulac.nd.edu/university-mission-and-vision/spirit-of-inclusion/.

The University has designated the Assistant Vice President of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator ("AVP") to handle all inquiries regarding its Notice of Non-Discrimination. You may contact the AVP by emailing equity@nd.edu, by calling 574-631-0444, or by writing to: Assistant Vice President of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, 100 Grace Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

As a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), Notre Dame Law School complies with the provision of AALS Bylaw 6-3 that requires member schools to provide equality of opportunity in legal education for all persons. Notre Dame Law School is committed to building an inclusive community and welcomes all people, regardless of gender (including identity and expression), religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class, nationality, disability, or age.

The Career Development Office complies with the American Bar Association (ABA) and the AALS requirements that all employers to whom we provide assistance and facilities for interviewing and other placement functions observe the principles of equal opportunity to obtain employment without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, national origin, gender (including identity and expression), sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or discrimination on the basis of religion.

Notre Dame Law School welcomes people of all faiths and religions. At the same time, consistent with ABA Standard 205, Notre Dame Law School reserves its right under the law to make hiring, admission, and other decisions in accord with its Catholic identity and its mission as a Catholic institution. In addition, Notre Dame Law School reserves all other legal rights as a religious institution.

The University of Notre Dame strives to maintain a community characterized by respect for others. At a minimum, this means a community that is free from sexual and discriminatory harassment. Our culture of respect means that no type of sexual or discriminatory harassment is tolerated, and all incidents of intolerant or disrespectful conduct will be addressed. The University is dedicated to responding quickly and thoroughly to all reports of sexual or discriminatory harassment, and to enforcing the University's Non-Retaliation Policy to protect those who report and/or are involved in an investigation of sexual or discriminatory harassment.