Website:  https://www.washburnlaw.edu

Washburn University School of Law is a public law school that offers a curriculum that combines classroom instruction with real-world skills and experience. Our student-centered faculty, a mix of esteemed scholars and seasoned practitioners, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal leaders. Our students gain essential practice-ready skills through externships, clinical work and internships preparing them not only for the bar exam, but also to launch successful legal careers. Our values are embedded in our history, notably in Washburn Law's role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, showcasing our dedication to justice in the community. If you are seeking an environment where a well-rounded legal education begins with a nationally recognized faculty and a student body that ranks among the highest in student satisfaction, Washburn Law is an excellent choice for you.

Mission

Washburn Law has a multi-faceted mission:

Teaching and Student Development – Washburn Law provides an outstanding legal education for future leaders in our society. We combine innovative teaching approaches with individualized and focused attention in a collegial and collaborative learning environment. We ensure that our graduates have acquired the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to serve their clients and provide leadership in their local, national, and global communities. Washburn Law proactively assists in placing students on the path to success in a wide range of possible careers.

Scholarship – Washburn Law is committed to the development of scholarship. We recognize that scholarship not only informs and enriches our teaching, but also influences academic, judicial, and professional discourse on a wide range of legal issues, thereby contributing to the world of ideas and the development of the law and a more just society.

Service – Washburn Law’s faculty, staff, and students build on a strong tradition of service, contributing in various ways to enhancing the strength, integrity, and dynamism of the legal system and the rule of law, at the local, national, and international levels.

Diversity – Washburn Law contributes to the development of a more diverse legal profession, and to the fostering of the principles of equality in our society more broadly, by striving to create a law school community that is itself diverse, inclusive, and sensitive to the diversity-related issues in law and society.

Program Requirements

At Washburn University School of Law, we take pride in our student-centered approach to teaching, and we want you to thrive in a supportive learning environment. Classes are designed to include wide-ranging perspectives yet remain small enough to foster interaction among you, your classmates, and professors. Our open-door policy encourages you to connect with professors outside of class, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere that values the free exchange of views.

As you embark on your legal journey at Washburn Law, you'll have the freedom to choose from nearly 150 courses, seminars, and clinical offerings. From your first year to graduation, our comprehensive curriculum and innovative programs are tailored to prepare you for success in the legal profession.Students may commence their law studies in August or January and must take a minimum of nine credit hours each fall and spring semester. No student may enroll in more than sixteen hours in one semester without approval. Each summer, there are two six-week sessions, including a summer study-abroad program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from Washburn Law,

1. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the law and the legal system.
2. Graduates will demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Graduates will communicate effectively.
4. Graduates will demonstrate competency in legal practice skills.
5. Graduates will possess the requisite skills to recognize and resolve dilemmas in an ethical and professional manner.
6. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the importance of service to the profession and to the community at large, both nationally and internationally.

Transfer Credit

Students in good standing who have completed one semester of study at an American Bar Association accredited law school may be admitted to Washburn University School of Law with advanced standing on such terms and conditions as the faculty may impose. A maximum of 30 hours may be transferred. A grade equivalent of C or better is required in order for course credits to be eligible for transfer.

Other than our established dual degrees (i.e., J.D./MAcc, J.D./MBA, J.D./MSW, JD/M.C.J.), and our Study Abroad Programs with the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, we have no agreements between schools governing the transfer of credit (articulation agreements).

Bar Examination Subjects

Each state determines the subjects to be tested on its bar examination. Students should not feel compelled to enroll in every course tested on a bar examination, but for the student who plans to practice law, bar examination subjects should be an important factor in course selection. Information about subjects tested by each state is available in Washburn Law’s Professional Development Office, in the bar exam section of the Law School’s website, washburnlaw.edu/career/barexam/index.html, and online at www.barbri.com.

In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction.

Centers for Excellence

Website: https://www.washburnlaw.edu/academics/centers/index.html

At Washburn Law, our seven Centers for Excellence serve as dynamic hubs for advancing legal scholarship, providing skills-based training and presenting enriching programs. These Centers are not just academic programs; they bring together students, alumni, faculty and the broader legal community to collaborate and innovate in specific areas of law. By fostering these connections, our Centers enhance the educational experience for students while contributing significantly to the development of the legal profession. Explore our Centers to discover how they can enhance your legal education and career.

Center for Excellence in Advocacy

Dedicated to fostering skilled advocates, the Center for Excellence in Advocacy offers unparalleled training and opportunities, empowering students and practitioners to excel in the legal arena.

Business and Transactional Law Center

The Business and Transactional Law Center equips aspiring transactional lawyers and practitioners with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s complex business environment, bridging theory and practice through collaborative learning experiences.

Children and Family Law Center

The Children and Family Law Center prepares future lawyers to make a significant impact on families and children through rigorous training, advocacy and scholarship, enhancing the quality of justice for these groups.

Robert J. Dole Center for Law and Government

This Robert J. Dole Center for Law and Government is a hub for advancing the study and practice of law in the public sector, offering practical training, dynamic programming and fostering new scholarly opportunities for those passionate about public service.

Intellectual Property and Technology

The IP and Technology Law Center prepares students for the evolving fields of intellectual property and technology law, providing a robust platform for skills-based training, cutting-edge programming and scholarly opportunities.

International and Comparative Law Center

The International and Comparative Law Center equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the international legal arena, fostering an environment where rigorous academic inquiry meets practical application.

Oil and Gas Law Center

Located in the heart of a region rich in natural resources, the Oil and Gas Law Center provides cutting-edge skills-based training and insightful programming to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of energy law.

Community-Focused Learning

At Washburn Law, we believe that one of the best ways to learn complex principles is through practice. Our community-focused programs offer students an unparalleled opportunity to step into the role of a client advocate, handling real cases for real clients under the close supervision of experienced faculty.

Gaining hands-on experience in the Washburn Law Clinic, the VITA program or our Criminal Appellate Advocacy Clinic is a game-changer. Rather than simply observing faculty interactions with clients or acting as an assistant, these programs allow student legal interns to work directly with clients. Through those interactions you'll build skills and confidence while leaving a tangible impact on the lives of community members. These highly valued experiences show prospective employers that—as a Washburn Law grad—you can "hit the ground running" when you start practice as a licensed attorney. On top of it all, you’ll make a real difference, providing assistance to those who might otherwise not have access to help.

For more information, please see https://www.washburnlaw.edu/academics/experience/client-experience.html

Honors at Graduation

The following honors are given at graduation:

Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.9 or above.
Magna Cum Laude: The top 5% of the class, with the exception of those students who receive Summa Cum Laude honors.
Cum Laude: The top 10% of the class, with the exception of those students who receive Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors.
Dean’s Honors: The top 35% of the class, with the exception of those students who receive Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude honors.

Learn More

For more information about Washburn University School of Law, see washburnlaw.edu/. To apply, see washburnlaw.edu/admissions/.

Course Descriptions

For descriptions of all courses currently offered, see washburnlaw.edu/academics/courses/index.html.

Programs

Joint Degree Programs

Washburn Law currently offers two joint degree programs with the Brenneman School of Business: the dual J.D./MBA program and the dual J.D./MAcc. The School of Law also offers a dual J.D./MSW with the Department of Social Work and a dual J.D./M.C.J. with the School of Applied Studies. These joint degree programs allow students to obtain the professional skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen professions in a shorter time and at a lower cost than if they pursued each degree separately. More information about these joint degree programs can be obtained at: http://washburnlaw.edu/academics/dualdegree/index.html.