Southwestern Law School

Southwestern Law School stands as a beacon of legal education with a rich history of innovation and inclusivity. Founded in 1911, the institution was established with the groundbreaking mission to make legal education accessible to women and minorities, a commitment it upholds to this day. This pioneering spirit continues to define the school, which recently achieved a significant milestone by launching the first fully-online Juris Doctor program to receive accreditation from the American Bar Association in 2024.

As the second oldest law school in Los Angeles, Southwestern has a storied past. It began as Southwestern College of Law and quickly expanded, receiving a university charter in 1913. Despite facing significant challenges during the Great Depression and World War II, the law school persevered, solidifying its position as the sole focus of the institution by the late 1930s. Its resilience paved the way for a resurgence, marked by a move to its current location in the vibrant Wilshire Center area in 1974, the same year it proudly joined the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

Today, Southwestern Law School offers an inspiring environment for aspiring legal professionals. The campus boasts unique architectural charm, notably the historic Bullocks Wilshire building, which was acquired and meticulously renovated in 1994. This landmark now houses the school's state-of-the-art law library, modern classrooms, faculty offices, and an advanced advocacy center, providing students with exceptional resources. With a legacy of breaking barriers and a forward-thinking approach to legal education, Southwestern continues to shape the future of law for a diverse and dynamic student body.