Mission

Valparaiso University School of Law empowers talented individuals to realize their potential and achieve success in their chosen careers. Our graduates, as leaders in the profession and their communities, make a difference. The law school is known for its personal manner of teaching and learning; commitment to enduring core competencies; exceptional legal research and writing programs; and conviction that law is a calling.

History 

Valparaiso University is a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana. The University was founded in 1859 as the Valparaiso Male and Female College and rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. In 1925, the University was purchased by the Lutheran University Association, an Indiana corporation comprised of persons affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and interested in actively promoting higher education in the Christian context. Valparaiso University continues to be the largest Lutheran-affiliated educational institution in the U.S. The University holds membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Valparaiso University School of Law was founded in 1879 as the Northern Indiana Law School. In 1905 it became part of Valparaiso University. Valparaiso Law received its American Bar Association accreditation in 1929 and was admitted into membership in the Association of American Law Schools in 1930. The degree of Juris Doctor, which the school grants, is approved by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

The law school offers the traditional three-year, full-time program; an accelerated two-year program, and a five-year, part-time program leading to the Juris Doctor degree. It also offers a Master of Laws degree for international lawyers, together with the following dual degree programs: J.D./MBA, J.D./MALS, J.D./MA (psychology), J.D./MA (Clinical Mental Health Counseling), J.D./MA (Chinese Studies), J.D./MS (International Commerce & Policy), and J.D./MS (Sports Administration).