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| state = [[California]]
| state = [[California]]
| country = United States
| country = United States
| students = 950<ref name=ABAData>https://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/Disclosure509.aspx</ref>
| students = 964<ref name=ABAData>{{cite web|url=http://officialguide.lsac.org/SearchResults/SchoolPage_PDFs/ABA_LawSchoolData/ABA4703.pdf|title=Southwestern Law School Official ABA Data|website=lsac.org|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806121329/http://officialguide.lsac.org/SearchResults/SchoolPage_PDFs/ABA_LawSchoolData/ABA4703.pdf|archive-date=6 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| faculty = 160<ref name=ABAData />
| faculty = 180 total, 69 full-time<ref name=ABAData />
| ranking = 147th-193rd<ref name="usnews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/southwestern-law-school-03013|title=Southwestern Law School|access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref>
| ranking = 145th (tie) (2024)<ref name="usnews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/southwestern-law-school-03013|title=Southwestern Law School|access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref>
| bar pass rate = 84.6% (October 2020 1st time takers)
| bar pass rate = 62.2% (July 2023 1st time takers)
| annual tuition = $43,650 (Full-time)<br />$29,100 (Part-time)<ref name=USNWR />
| homepage = [http://www.swlaw.edu/ www.swlaw.edu]
| homepage = [http://www.swlaw.edu/ www.swlaw.edu]
| motto = ''A Landmark in Legal Education''
| motto = ''A Landmark in Legal Education''
}}
| aba profile = [https://officialguide.lsac.org/Release/SchoolsABAData/SchoolPage/SchoolPage_PDFs/ABA_LawSchoolData/ABA4703.pdf Southwestern Law School]
|acceptance rate=38%}}


'''Southwestern Law School''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Law school in the United States|law school]] in [[Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles]]. It is accredited by the [[American Bar Association]] and enrolls nearly 1,000 students. Its campus includes the [[Bullocks Wilshire]] building, an [[art deco]] [[National Register of Historic Places]] landmark built in 1929. Southwestern is an independent law school with affiliation to the undergraduate program at [[California State University, Northridge]].
'''Southwestern Law School''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Law school in the United States|law school]] in the [[Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles|Mid-Wilshire neighborhood]] of [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]. It is accredited by the [[American Bar Association]] and enrolls nearly 1,000 students. Its campus includes the [[Bullocks Wilshire]] building, an [[art deco]] [[National Register of Historic Places]] landmark built in 1929. Southwestern is an independent law school with affiliation to the undergraduate program at [[California State University, Northridge]].


== History ==
== History ==
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The [[Great Depression]] and [[World War II|Second World War]] took a severe toll on the enrollment, and by the end of the 1930s the law school was the only school that remained. However, as [[GI Bill|veterans returned home]] the school experienced a surge of interest, and in 1974, the campus was moved to the school's current location on Westmoreland Avenue in the [[Wilshire Center, Los Angeles|Wilshire Center]] area of Los Angeles.
The [[Great Depression]] and [[World War II|Second World War]] took a severe toll on the enrollment, and by the end of the 1930s the law school was the only school that remained. However, as [[GI Bill|veterans returned home]] the school experienced a surge of interest, and in 1974, the campus was moved to the school's current location on Westmoreland Avenue in the [[Wilshire Center, Los Angeles|Wilshire Center]] area of Los Angeles.


It joined the [[Association of American Law Schools]] (AALS) in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aals.org/about_memberschools.php#r-s|title=Member Schools – Association of American Law Schools|website=aals.org|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> It is a member of the [[North American Consortium on Legal Education]].
It joined the [[Association of American Law Schools]] (AALS) in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aals.org/about_memberschools.php#r-s|title=Member Schools – Association of American Law Schools|website=aals.org|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717014748/http://www.aals.org/about_memberschools.php#r-s|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is a member of the [[North American Consortium on Legal Education]].


In 1994, Southwestern acquired the adjacent [[Bullocks Wilshire]] building, a historic landmark which was subsequently renovated to house the school's law library, classrooms, faculty offices, and court room and advocacy center.
In 1994, Southwestern acquired the adjacent [[Bullocks Wilshire]] building, a historic landmark which was subsequently renovated to house the school's law library, classrooms, faculty offices, and court room and advocacy center.
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== Campus ==
== Campus ==
[[File:Bullocks Wilshire, rear.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The [[Bullocks Wilshire]] Building on the campus of the '''Southwestern Law School''']]
[[File:Bullocks Wilshire, rear.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The [[Bullocks Wilshire]] Building on the campus of the '''Southwestern Law School''']]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:swlawcampus.jpg|thumb|200px|The Promenade at the center of the Southwestern Law School campus]] -->

The campus is in the [[Koreatown, Los Angeles|Koreatown]] area of the [[Mid-Wilshire]] district near [[downtown Los Angeles]]. The campus comprises the Westmoreland Building and the Bullocks Wilshire Building. Both house classrooms, administrative offices, and faculty offices. The Bullocks Wilshire Building also houses the Leigh Taylor Law Library (named for a former Dean of the law school), the [[Julian Dixon]] Courtroom and Advocacy Center, a fitness center, a dining area, and student lounges.
The campus is in the [[Koreatown, Los Angeles|Koreatown]] area of the [[Mid-Wilshire]] district near [[downtown Los Angeles]]. The campus comprises the Westmoreland Building and the Bullocks Wilshire Building. Both house classrooms, administrative offices, and faculty offices. The Bullocks Wilshire Building also houses the Leigh Taylor Law Library (named for a former Dean of the law school), the [[Julian Dixon]] Courtroom and Advocacy Center, a fitness center, a dining area, and student lounges.


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At over {{convert|83000|sqft|m2}} and featuring over 470,000 volumes, the Leigh H. Taylor Law Library is the second largest academic law library facility in California.
At over {{convert|83000|sqft|m2}} and featuring over 470,000 volumes, the Leigh H. Taylor Law Library is the second largest academic law library facility in California.


As of fall semester 2013, Southwestern opened student housing "The Residences at 7th". The Residences at 7th include 133 units ranging from studio to two bedrooms housing 153 or more students.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.swlaw.edu/studenthousing/overview/#tab=village |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055944/https://www.swlaw.edu/studenthousing/overview/#tab=village |archive-date=2013-09-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
As of fall semester 2013, Southwestern opened student housing "The Residences at 7th". The Residences at 7th include 133 units ranging from studio to two bedrooms housing 153 or more students.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.swlaw.edu/studenthousing/overview/#tab=village |title=Overview - Southwestern Law School On-Campus Student Housing |access-date=2013-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055944/https://www.swlaw.edu/studenthousing/overview/#tab=village |archive-date=2013-09-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Bar passage rate and rankings ==
== Bar passage rate and rankings ==
Based in October 2020 results, 84.6% of Southwestern Law graduates taking the test for the first time passed the [[California State Bar]], vs. a statewide average of 60.7% for all first-time takers and a statewide average of 84% for first-time takers who graduated from ABA-approved law schools.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=State Bar of California Releases Results of October 2020 Bar Exam|url=http://www.calbar.ca.gov/About-Us/News/News-Releases/state-bar-of-california-releases-results-of-october-2020-bar-exam|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 January 2021|website=}}</ref> Southwestern was ranked 147–193 in the 2022 ''[[U.S. News and World Report]]'' "Best Law Schools" rankings.<ref name="usnews.com" /> The part-time program was ranked 43rd of 70.<ref name="usnews.com" /> Southwestern has been ranked among the top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Southwestern ranked among top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.swlaw.edu/swlawblog/201804/southwestern-ranked-among-top-entertainment-law-schools-hollywood-reporter |website=swlaw.edu |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
In July, 2023 results, 66% of Southwestern Law graduates taking the test for the first time passed the [[California State Bar]], vs. 65% for all first-time takers and 76% for first-time takers who graduated from ABA-approved law schools in California.<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Statistics Report - July 2023 California Bar Examination |url=https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2023-CBX-Statistics.pdf |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=State Bar of California}}<</ref> Southwestern was ranked 141st in the 2024 ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' "Best Law Schools" rankings.<ref name="usnews.com" /> The part-time program was ranked 54th of 70.<ref name="usnews.com" /> Southwestern has been ranked among the top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Southwestern ranked among top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.swlaw.edu/swlawblog/201804/southwestern-ranked-among-top-entertainment-law-schools-hollywood-reporter |website=swlaw.edu |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>


== Post-graduation employment ==
== Post-graduation employment ==
According to Southwestern's official 2022 ABA-required disclosures, 62.2% of the Class of 2022 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation, excluding solo-practitioners.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABA Disclosures |url=https://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/EmploymentOutcomes.aspx |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2024-01-19}}</ref>
{{Update section|date=July 2019|reason=}}
According to Southwestern's official 2013 ABA-required disclosures, 38.3% of the Class of 2013 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation, excluding solo-practitioners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swlaw.edu/pdfs/careerservices/2013employmentsurvey.pdf |title=ABA Disclosures |access-date=2014-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723104359/http://www.swlaw.edu/pdfs/careerservices/2013employmentsurvey.pdf |archive-date=2014-07-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Southwestern's [[Law School Transparency]] under-employment score is 26.7%, indicating the percentage of the Class of 2013 unemployed, pursuing an additional degree, or working in a non-professional, short-term, or part-time job nine months after graduation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/southwestern/2013/ |title=Southwestern Profile}}</ref>

According to the law professor blog, ''The Faculty Lounge'', based on 2012 ABA data, 44.1% of graduates obtained full-time, long-term, positions requiring bar admission (i.e., jobs as lawyers), nine months after graduation, ranking 154th out of 197 law schools.<ref>Rosin, Gary. "Full Rankings: Bar Admission Required, Full-Time, Long Term", The Faculty Lounge, March 30, 2013. Retrieved on February 24, 2014, http://www.thefacultylounge.org/2013/03/-full-rankings-bar-admission-required-full-time-long-term.html. -- For the latest Employment Summary Reports from the American Bar Association, Section of Legal Education, see http://employmentsummary.abaquestionnaire.org/</ref>


== Costs ==
== Costs ==
Tuition and fees at Southwestern for the 2023-2024 academic year are $58,537 for full-time students and $39,042 for part-time students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Standard 509 Disclosure |url=https://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/Disclosure509.aspx |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=www.abarequireddisclosures.org}}</ref>
{{Update section|date=July 2019|reason=}}
The total cost of attendance (indicating the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses) at Southwestern for the 2013–2014 academic year is $75,559.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/southwestern/costs/2013/ |title=Tuition and Expenses |access-date=2014-07-09 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195430/http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/southwestern/costs/2013/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Law School Transparency estimated debt-financed cost of attendance for three years is $293,914.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/southwestern/costs/2013/ |title=Southwestern University Profile |access-date=2014-07-09 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195430/http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/southwestern/costs/2013/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Curriculum ==
== Curriculum ==
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Southwestern has joined forces with the [[Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management|Drucker Graduate School of Management]] to create dual-degree programs. Students at Southwestern and the Drucker School, part of [[Claremont Graduate University]] (CGU), will be able to earn a J.D. and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a J.D. and Master of Arts in management (M.A.M.), or a J.D. and Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.). TB.A./J.D. Joint Degree Program
Southwestern has joined forces with the [[Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management|Drucker Graduate School of Management]] to create dual-degree programs. Students at Southwestern and the Drucker School, part of [[Claremont Graduate University]] (CGU), will be able to earn a J.D. and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a J.D. and Master of Arts in management (M.A.M.), or a J.D. and Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.). TB.A./J.D. Joint Degree Program


Under a partnership agreement with [[California State University, Northridge]] in which students will be able to simultaneously earn their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor in six years instead of seven years. Starting in fall 2014, the program enrolls up to 35 incoming CSUN freshmen. Students spend three years completing their undergraduate course requirements and their first year of law school will also count as their fourth year of undergraduate education. Students in the program also receive a $10,000 Wildman/Schumacher entering student scholarship.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/jointdegree/csun/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325055213/http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/jointdegree/csun |archive-date=2015-03-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The scholarship can be renewed provided that a minimum 2.7 GPA is maintained. In order to qualify for the program incoming freshmen must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have received either a minimum score of 25 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT. In addition, students in the program must maintain a 3.40 GPA and receive a 156 or higher on the LSAT. According to Dean Austen Parrish, the program will help young, promising undergraduate students pursue a legal education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://csunshinetoday.csun.edu/university-news/csun-southwestern-team-up-for-b-a-j-d-program/|title=CSUN, Southwestern Team Up for B.A./J.D. Program – CSUN Today|website=csunshinetoday.csun.edu|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
Under a partnership agreement with [[California State University, Northridge]] in which students will be able to simultaneously earn their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor in six years instead of seven years. Starting in fall 2014, the program enrolls up to 35 incoming CSUN freshmen. Students spend three years completing their undergraduate course requirements and their first year of law school will also count as their fourth year of undergraduate education. Students in the program also receive a $10,000 Wildman/Schumacher entering student scholarship.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/jointdegree/csun/ |title=Southwestern Law School — 3+3 B.A./J.D. Program with California State University, Northridge |access-date=2015-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325055213/http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/jointdegree/csun |archive-date=2015-03-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The scholarship can be renewed provided that a minimum 2.7 GPA is maintained. In order to qualify for the program incoming freshmen must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have received either a minimum score of 25 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT. In addition, students in the program must maintain a 3.40 GPA and receive a 156 or higher on the LSAT. According to Dean Austen Parrish, the program will help young, promising undergraduate students pursue a legal education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://csunshinetoday.csun.edu/university-news/csun-southwestern-team-up-for-b-a-j-d-program/|title=CSUN, Southwestern Team Up for B.A./J.D. Program – CSUN Today|website=csunshinetoday.csun.edu|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>


=== Master of Laws (LL.M.) ===
=== Master of Laws (LL.M.) ===
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=== ''Southwestern Journal of International Law'' ===
=== ''Southwestern Journal of International Law'' ===
Formerly the ''Southwestern Journal of Law and Trade in the Americas'', the journal focuses on issues of international law and trade, publishing scholarly articles and notes exploring areas such as international insolvency, environmental law, international trade issues, [[NAFTA]], international arbitration, privatization in Central and South American countries, immigration, human rights, and international crime. On October 3, 2008, the ''Southwestern Journal of International Law'' hosted one of the first U.S. conferences on [[Arctic sovereignty]], featuring legal scholars from both the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1202423971409|title=As the Arctic thaws, legal interest heats up – National Law Journal|website=law.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>
Formerly the ''Southwestern Journal of Law and Trade in the Americas'', the journal focuses on issues of international law and trade, publishing scholarly articles and notes exploring areas such as international insolvency, [[environmental law]], international trade issues, [[NAFTA]], international arbitration, privatization in Central and South American countries, immigration, human rights, and international crime. On October 3, 2008, the ''Southwestern Journal of International Law'' hosted one of the first U.S. conferences on [[Arctic sovereignty]], featuring legal scholars from both the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1202423971409|title=As the Arctic thaws, legal interest heats up – National Law Journal|website=law.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>


=== ''Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law'' ===
=== ''Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law'' ===
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==== Politics and government ====
==== Politics and government ====
* [[Tom Bradley (American politician)|Tom Bradley]] – 38th [[Mayor of Los Angeles]] (1973–93)
* [[Tom Bradley (American politician)|Tom Bradley]] – 38th [[Mayor of Los Angeles]] (1973–93)
* [[Murray Chotiner]], political strategist, campaign manager for Richard M. Nixon
* [[Marcia Clark]] – Lead prosecutor in the [[O. J. Simpson murder case]] (1995)
* [[Marcia Clark]] – Lead prosecutor in the [[O. J. Simpson murder case]] (1995)
* [[Julian Dixon]] – [[California State Assembly]] (1973–78), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1979–2000)
* [[Julian Dixon]] – [[California State Assembly]] (1973–78), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1979–2000)
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* [[Jim Gibbons (U.S. politician)|Jim Gibbons]] – 28th [[Governor]] of [[Nevada]] (2007–11), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1997–2006)
* [[Jim Gibbons (U.S. politician)|Jim Gibbons]] – 28th [[Governor]] of [[Nevada]] (2007–11), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1997–2006)
* [[Cynthia B. Hall]] – [[New Mexico Public Regulation Commission]] (2017–present)
* [[Cynthia B. Hall]] – [[New Mexico Public Regulation Commission]] (2017–present)
⚫
* [[James O. Page]] – Father of Emergency Medical Services, Battalion Chief, [[Los Angeles County Fire Department]] (1959–1975)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Karns|first=Jameson|date=November 2018|title=Between a Stethoscope and a Gavel -The legacy of James O. Page's early career|url=https://www.jems.com/articles/2018/11/between-a-stethoscope-and-a-gavel.html|journal=Journal of Emergency Medical Services|access-date=2019-01-08|archive-date=2019-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414063223/https://www.jems.com/articles/2018/11/between-a-stethoscope-and-a-gavel.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Bill Paparian]] – [[Pasadena City Council]] (1987–99) including serving as 52nd Mayor of [[Pasadena, California]] (1995–97), [[Green Party of the United States|Green Party]] nominee for the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (2006)
* [[Bill Paparian]] – [[Pasadena City Council]] (1987–99) including serving as 52nd Mayor of [[Pasadena, California]] (1995–97), [[Green Party of the United States|Green Party]] nominee for the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (2006)
* [[Robert Philibosian]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/Member/Detail/41515|title=Attorney Search : The State Bar of California|first=The State Bar of|last=California|website=members.calbar.ca.gov|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> – 38th [[Los Angeles County District Attorney]] (1981–84)
* [[Robert Philibosian]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/Member/Detail/41515|title=Attorney Search : The State Bar of California|first=The State Bar of|last=California|website=members.calbar.ca.gov|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref> – 38th [[Los Angeles County District Attorney]] (1981–84)
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* [[Edward R. Roybal]] – Los Angeles City Council (1949–62), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1963–93),
* [[Edward R. Roybal]] – Los Angeles City Council (1949–62), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1963–93),
* [[Gordon H. Smith]] – [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] (1997–2009)
* [[Gordon H. Smith]] – [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] (1997–2009)
* [[Tom Umberg]] – [[California State Assembly]] (1991–95, 2005–07); deputy director, [[Office of National Drug Control Policy]] (1997–2000).
* [[Sam Yorty]] – [[California State Assembly]] (1937–41, 1949–50), [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] (1951–55), 37th [[Mayor of Los Angeles]] (1961–73)
⚫
*[[James O. Page]] – Father of Emergency Medical Services, Battalion Chief, [[Los Angeles County Fire Department]] (1959–1975)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Karns|first=Jameson|date=November 2018|title=Between a Stethoscope and a Gavel -The legacy of James O. Page's early career|url=https://www.jems.com/articles/2018/11/between-a-stethoscope-and-a-gavel.html|journal=Journal of Emergency Medical Services}}</ref>


==== Judiciary ====
==== Judiciary ====
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==== Entertainment industry ====
==== Entertainment industry ====
* [[Jean Casarez]] – ''[[Court TV]]'' correspondent
* [[Jean Casarez]] – ''[[Court TV]]'' correspondent
* [[Erin M. Jacobson]] – attorney
* [[Staci Keanan]] – actress
* [[Kevin A. Ross]] – host and producer on ''[[America's Court with Judge Ross]]''
* [[Kevin A. Ross]] – host and producer on ''[[America's Court with Judge Ross]]''
* [[Camille Vasquez]] - attorney in ''[[Depp v. Heard]]'' defamation lawsuit
* [[Camille Vasquez]] - attorney in ''[[Depp v. Heard]]'' defamation lawsuit
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==== Legal practice ====
==== Legal practice ====
* [[Roslyn Chasan]] – [[Women's rights|women’s rights]] attorney, [[Judge|judge pro-tempore]], won largest settlement in history of [[Palos Verdes Estates, California|Palos Verdes]]
* [[William John Cox]] – public interest attorney ([[Holocaust Denial|Holocaust denial]] case and publication of [[Dead Sea Scrolls]]), author and political activist
* [[William John Cox]] – public interest attorney ([[Holocaust Denial|Holocaust denial]] case and publication of [[Dead Sea Scrolls]]), author and political activist
* [[Daniel Horowitz]] – high-profile [[defense attorney]] and legal analyst
* [[Daniel Horowitz]] – high-profile [[defense attorney]] and legal analyst
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==== Religion ====
==== Religion ====
* [[Howard W. Hunter]] – 14th President of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[Howard W. Hunter]] – 14th President of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]


=== Faculty ===
=== Faculty ===
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==== Dean ====
==== Dean ====


* Darby Dickerson (2021-)
* Darby Dickerson (2021–)
* Susan Westerberg Prager (2013-2021)
* Susan Westerberg Prager (2013–2021)
* Austen L. Parrish (2012-2013)
* Austen L. Parrish (2012–2013)
* Bryant G. Garth (2005-2012)
* Bryant G. Garth (2005–2012)
* Leigh H. Taylor (1986-2012)
* Leigh H. Taylor (1986–2012)


==== Current faculty ====
==== Current faculty ====
* [[Kevin J. Greene]] - John J. Schumacher Chair, Professor of Law
* [[Faisal Kutty]] - lawyer, academic, writer, public speaker and human rights activist
* [[Faisal Kutty]] - lawyer, academic, writer, public speaker and human rights activist


==== Former faculty ====
==== Former faculty ====
* [[Christopher Darden]] – prosecutor in the [[O. J. Simpson murder case]]
* [[Christopher Darden]] – prosecutor in the [[O. J. Simpson murder case]]
* [[James Rogan]] – former judge and member of the House of Representatives who was a House Manager in the Senate impeachment trial of Bill Clinton
* [[James Rogan]] – Current California Orange County Superior Court judge. From 1997 to 2001, he was a former member of the House of Representatives who was a House Manager in the Senate impeachment trial of Bill Clinton


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:ABA-accredited law schools in California]]
[[Category:ABA-accredited law schools in California]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1911]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1911]]
[[Category:Koreatown, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Koreatown, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles]]
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[[Category:1911 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1911 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Southwestern Law School]]
[[Category:Southwestern Law School]]
[[Category:501(c)(3) organizations]]

Revision as of 17:09, 2 May 2024

Southwestern Law School
MottoA Landmark in Legal Education
Established1911
School typePrivate law school
DeanDarby Dickerson
LocationLos Angeles, California, United States
Enrollment950[1]
Faculty180 total, 69 full-time[1]
USNWR ranking145th (tie) (2024)[2]
Bar pass rate62.2% (July 2023 1st time takers)
Websitewww.swlaw.edu

Southwestern Law School is a private law school in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and enrolls nearly 1,000 students. Its campus includes the Bullocks Wilshire building, an art deco National Register of Historic Places landmark built in 1929. Southwestern is an independent law school with affiliation to the undergraduate program at California State University, Northridge.

History

Moot court

Southwestern Law School was founded on November 25, 1911, as the Southwestern College of Law. John J. Schumacher, its founder, intended the nonprofit institution to be a law school that reached out to women and minorities. The school is the second oldest law school in Los Angeles. Southwestern received a university charter in 1913 after it expanded to include a number of other disciplines including a business school. Southwestern's first home was in the Union Oil Building in downtown Los Angeles, followed by a small campus on South Hill Street, where it existed for the ensuing decades.

The Great Depression and Second World War took a severe toll on the enrollment, and by the end of the 1930s the law school was the only school that remained. However, as veterans returned home the school experienced a surge of interest, and in 1974, the campus was moved to the school's current location on Westmoreland Avenue in the Wilshire Center area of Los Angeles.

It joined the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) in 1974.[3] It is a member of the North American Consortium on Legal Education.

In 1994, Southwestern acquired the adjacent Bullocks Wilshire building, a historic landmark which was subsequently renovated to house the school's law library, classrooms, faculty offices, and court room and advocacy center.

Campus

The Bullocks Wilshire Building on the campus of the Southwestern Law School

The campus is in the Koreatown area of the Mid-Wilshire district near downtown Los Angeles. The campus comprises the Westmoreland Building and the Bullocks Wilshire Building. Both house classrooms, administrative offices, and faculty offices. The Bullocks Wilshire Building also houses the Leigh Taylor Law Library (named for a former Dean of the law school), the Julian Dixon Courtroom and Advocacy Center, a fitness center, a dining area, and student lounges.

The Westmoreland Building is a typical campus building, while the Bullocks Wilshire Building is a fully renovated art deco landmark restored to its 1929 state, from the clocks on the walls to the "showcases" in the library.

At over 83,000 square feet (7,700 m2) and featuring over 470,000 volumes, the Leigh H. Taylor Law Library is the second largest academic law library facility in California.

As of fall semester 2013, Southwestern opened student housing "The Residences at 7th". The Residences at 7th include 133 units ranging from studio to two bedrooms housing 153 or more students.[4]

Bar passage rate and rankings

In July, 2023 results, 66% of Southwestern Law graduates taking the test for the first time passed the California State Bar, vs. 65% for all first-time takers and 76% for first-time takers who graduated from ABA-approved law schools in California.[5] Southwestern was ranked 141st in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Law Schools" rankings.[2] The part-time program was ranked 54th of 70.[2] Southwestern has been ranked among the top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter.[6]

Post-graduation employment

According to Southwestern's official 2022 ABA-required disclosures, 62.2% of the Class of 2022 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation, excluding solo-practitioners.[7]

Costs

Tuition and fees at Southwestern for the 2023-2024 academic year are $58,537 for full-time students and $39,042 for part-time students.[8]

Curriculum

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Full-time program (3 years)

The traditional program is three academic years of full-time study that allows students to pursue a broad-based legal education with opportunities to focus on a particular area of the law, such as: entertainment, criminal, international, business, family, or tax law, among others.

Part-time programs

The evening program is four academic years of part-time study designed for working professionals and other students who are unable to devote full-time to the study of law.

Part-time day

The "PLEAS" (Part-time Legal Education Alternative at Southwestern) program is a 4-year part-time day curriculum designed for students with child or elder care responsibilities.

SCALE Program (2 years)

Established in 1974, Southwestern founded the first two-year J.D. course of study offered at an American Bar Association-approved law school. SCALE (Southwestern's Conceptual Approach to Legal Education) is a unique, accelerated J.D. program. Its intensive schedule is intended prepare students for the rigors of practicing law. Low student-faculty ratio in the classroom promotes cooperative teaching and intellectual discussion among classmates. The program has a limited enrollment.[9]

Joint degree programs

Southwestern has joined forces with the Drucker Graduate School of Management to create dual-degree programs. Students at Southwestern and the Drucker School, part of Claremont Graduate University (CGU), will be able to earn a J.D. and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a J.D. and Master of Arts in management (M.A.M.), or a J.D. and Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.). TB.A./J.D. Joint Degree Program

Under a partnership agreement with California State University, Northridge in which students will be able to simultaneously earn their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor in six years instead of seven years. Starting in fall 2014, the program enrolls up to 35 incoming CSUN freshmen. Students spend three years completing their undergraduate course requirements and their first year of law school will also count as their fourth year of undergraduate education. Students in the program also receive a $10,000 Wildman/Schumacher entering student scholarship.[10] The scholarship can be renewed provided that a minimum 2.7 GPA is maintained. In order to qualify for the program incoming freshmen must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have received either a minimum score of 25 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT. In addition, students in the program must maintain a 3.40 GPA and receive a 156 or higher on the LSAT. According to Dean Austen Parrish, the program will help young, promising undergraduate students pursue a legal education.[11]

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

General studies

Southwestern offers an individualized LL.M. program for students who have already earned a law degree and are interested in furthering their legal education. The program allows students to choose their own focus of study, from American Legal Systems to International Law to Technology Innovation and Commercialization.

Advocacy training

In 2006, Southwestern was awarded a federal grant to train Mexican lawyers and law faculty in advocacy skills as part of a USAID effort to assist Mexican legal reform.[12]

Publications

Southwestern Law Review

Law Review is a student-edited quarterly journal that publishes scholarly articles and commentary on a variety of legal issues in California and federal law contributed by prominent jurists, practitioners, law professors, and student members of the Law Review staff. Annual Symposia and the Distinguished Lecture Series are sponsored by Law Review. These programs feature prominent members of the legal community lecturing on areas of legal expertise and participating in panel discussions on relevant emerging and contemporary legal issues.

Southwestern Journal of International Law

Formerly the Southwestern Journal of Law and Trade in the Americas, the journal focuses on issues of international law and trade, publishing scholarly articles and notes exploring areas such as international insolvency, environmental law, international trade issues, NAFTA, international arbitration, privatization in Central and South American countries, immigration, human rights, and international crime. On October 3, 2008, the Southwestern Journal of International Law hosted one of the first U.S. conferences on Arctic sovereignty, featuring legal scholars from both the United States and Canada.[13]

Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law

In association with the American Bar Association Forum on Communications Law and Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries, the Journal of International Media & Entertainment Law explores the complex and unsettled legal issues surrounding the creation and distribution of media and entertainment products on a worldwide basis, which necessarily implicate the laws, customs, and practices of multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, it examines the impact of the Internet and other technologies, the often conflicting laws affecting those issues, and the legal ramifications of widely divergent cultural views of privacy, defamation, intellectual property, and government regulation.

Clinical programs

The law school has nine clinical programs[14] and two practicum programs.[15]

Study abroad

Noted people

Alumni

Southwestern's 10,000 alumni include public officials as well as founders of law firms and general counsels of corporations.

Politics and government

Judiciary

Entertainment industry

Sports industry

Legal practice

Authors

Religion

Faculty

Dean

  • Darby Dickerson (2021–)
  • Susan Westerberg Prager (2013–2021)
  • Austen L. Parrish (2012–2013)
  • Bryant G. Garth (2005–2012)
  • Leigh H. Taylor (1986–2012)

Current faculty

  • Kevin J. Greene - John J. Schumacher Chair, Professor of Law
  • Faisal Kutty - lawyer, academic, writer, public speaker and human rights activist

Former faculty

  • Christopher Darden – prosecutor in the O. J. Simpson murder case
  • James Rogan – Current California Orange County Superior Court judge. From 1997 to 2001, he was a former member of the House of Representatives who was a House Manager in the Senate impeachment trial of Bill Clinton

References

  1. ^ a b https://www.abarequireddisclosures.org/Disclosure509.aspx
  2. ^ a b c "Southwestern Law School". Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Member Schools – Association of American Law Schools". aals.org. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  4. ^ "Overview - Southwestern Law School On-Campus Student Housing". Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-09-21.
  5. ^ "General Statistics Report - July 2023 California Bar Examination" (PDF). State Bar of California. Retrieved 2024-01-19.<
  6. ^ "Southwestern ranked among top entertainment law schools in The Hollywood Reporter". swlaw.edu. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  7. ^ "ABA Disclosures". Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  8. ^ "Standard 509 Disclosure". www.abarequireddisclosures.org. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  9. ^ "Two-Year J.D. - SCALE". Southwestern Law School. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  10. ^ "Southwestern Law School — 3+3 B.A./J.D. Program with California State University, Northridge". Archived from the original on 2015-03-25. Retrieved 2015-03-25.
  11. ^ "CSUN, Southwestern Team Up for B.A./J.D. Program – CSUN Today". csunshinetoday.csun.edu. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  12. ^ "Southwestern Law School Provides Advocacy Training for Mexican Lawyers". swlaw.edu. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  13. ^ "As the Arctic thaws, legal interest heats up – National Law Journal". law.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  14. ^ "Clinical Programs". Southwestern Law School.
  15. ^ "Practicum Programs". Southwestern Law School.
  16. ^ Karns, Jameson (November 2018). "Between a Stethoscope and a Gavel -The legacy of James O. Page's early career". Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Archived from the original on 2019-04-14. Retrieved 2019-01-08.
  17. ^ California, The State Bar of. "Attorney Search : The State Bar of California". members.calbar.ca.gov. Retrieved 11 April 2018.

External links

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