Southwestern Law School

Southwestern Law School, a cornerstone of legal education in Los Angeles, holds the distinction of being the city's second oldest law school. Founded in 1911 by John J. Schumacher as the Southwestern College of Law, it was ahead of its time with a mission to actively welcome women and minorities into the legal profession. This pioneering spirit continues to shape its identity, establishing a legacy of inclusivity from its very inception.

Though it briefly expanded into a university with other disciplines like a business school in 1913, the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II saw it return to its roots as solely a law school. After experiencing a surge in enrollment post-war, Southwestern made a significant move in 1974 to its current iconic campus on Westmoreland Avenue. A major highlight is its acquisition and renovation of the adjacent historic Bullocks Wilshire building in 1994, which now majestically houses its law library, classrooms, and an advanced advocacy center, offering students a truly unique and inspiring learning environment.

Southwestern is a fully accredited institution, joining the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) in 1974 and a member of the North American Consortium on Legal Education. Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, Southwestern Law School made history in 2024 by launching the first fully-online Juris Doctor program to receive accreditation from the American Bar Association. This groundbreaking achievement provides accessible, high-quality legal education, ensuring that Southwestern continues to lead the way in preparing diverse legal minds for the challenges of tomorrow, all within the vibrant cultural hub of Los Angeles.