SCHOOL OF LAW
Jay Conison, J.D., Dean
Bruce Berner, LL.M., LL.B., Associate Dean for Academics
Curtis W. Cichowski, J.D., Associate Dean for Administration
Mary G. Persyn, J.D., M.L.S., Associate Dean of Law Library
Professors Adams, Berner, Blomquist, Bodensteiner, Brietzke, Conison, Dooley, Gaffney, Geisinger, Huss, Levinson, Lind, Moskowitz, D. Myers, Potts, Stith, Vance, Vandercoy, Whitton; Associate Professors Carter, Straubel, Stuart; Assistant Professors Bruch, Loebl, Telman; Clinical Faculty Gienapp, Schmidt, Tegarden, Welter.
In the late 1870s, Valparaiso attorney and Civil War Colonel Mark L. DeMotte decided that the importance of formalized legal education warranted a new department for the study of law at the local college. Convincing the college president that such training was crucial to the quality of legal representation throughout the country, Colonel DeMotte founded in 1879 a program for legal study that would become the Valparaiso University School of Law.
From the beginning, the School of Law graduated new lawyers able to effectively practice law as soon as they joined the bar. This remains true today. By immersing its students in a rigorous program, Valparaiso Law School produces graduates that are successful, respected, and prepared.
The School of Law provides a range of course offerings recognized for its breadth, depth and blend of legal theory and practice. The required curriculum provides a comprehensive and intensive study in the foundations of law, and a wealth of elective courses covering many substantive areas. Course concentrations, clinical programs, externships, and co-curricular organizations introduce students to advanced study in various areas of law and offer meaningful opportunities for innovation and specialization.
By limiting enrollment, the School provides a learning environment where the rigors of legal education can be experienced with the
help of careful guidance and support by the extraordinarily accessible faculty. From the classroom to the courtroom to the boardroom, our graduates thrive on the ongoing support of faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Continuously accredited by the American Bar Association since 1929, and the Association of American Law Schools since 1930, the School offers both the Juris Doctor (JD) and Masters in Law (LLM) degrees and dual degrees, JD/MA in Psychology, JD/MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, JDMBA, JD/MALS, JD/MS in International Commerce, and JD/MS in Sports Administration.
The JD degree options include the traditional three-year, full-time program; a part-time, five-year program; and an accelerated two and one-half-year program. Unique to the School of Law is the Honors Program, designed to offer a special academic challenge to highly talented students.
The LLM degree is offered through a one-year, full-time program. This particular program is designed primarily for international lawyers who have a law degree from their home country and wish to enhance their understanding of the American legal system.
The dual degrees are four-year programs. The JD application process is separate from the MA and MBA application processes. Application forms for the JD degree are available in the School of Law Admissions Office, Wesemann Hall, 888/825-7652. Applications for the MA and MBA programs are available in the office of Graduate Studies, Kretzmann Hall, 219/464-5313.
Detailed program information about the School of Law and its admissions policies are available from the Admissions Office (1-888-VALPOLAW, or <www.valpo.edu/law/>.