Notre Dame > Requirements

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

Personal Statement

Required

Personal statement

Personal Statement Required

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. 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."

Different Kind of Lawyer Statement

Perspective statement

Different Kind of Lawyer Statement

Perspective statement

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. 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."

“Why Notre Dame Law School” Statement

Why x essay

“Why Notre Dame Law School” Statement

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. 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."

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."

Resume

Required

Resume

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.

Character and Fitness

Required

Character and fitness

Character and Fitness Required

Character and fitness

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.
Have you ever been charged with, 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.

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