Penn State Law: A Comprehensive Overview

Penn State Law, situated in University Park, Pennsylvania, stands as one of the two separately accredited law schools within the Pennsylvania State University system. It offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.). Furthermore, the school provides students with the opportunity to pursue a joint J.D./M.B.A. degree in collaboration with the Smeal College of Business, as well as a joint J.D./M.I.A. degree.

Historical Roots and Evolution

Penn State Law traces its origins to the establishment of The Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A significant milestone was reached in 2000 when Penn State and The Dickinson School of Law merged. Until the fall of 2014, the unified entity operated as a single law school with two distinct campuses: one in Carlisle and the other at Penn State's University Park campus. The inaugural class to grace the University Park campus commenced their studies during the 2006-2007 academic year.

In the summer of 2014, a pivotal decision by the American Bar Association led to the authorization for the two campuses to function as independent law schools. Despite this separation, both institutions share the rich legacy of The Dickinson School of Law. These two distinct entities are Dickinson Law, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Penn State Law, situated in University Park, Pennsylvania.

In November 2022, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi put forward a task force to implement the recommendation that the two schools be merged into a single entity, with the preferred location to be at the Dickinson campus.

The Lewis Katz Building: A Modern Legal Hub

Penn State Law finds its home in the Lewis Katz Building, a state-of-the-art facility located on Penn State's University Park campus. This building, which opened its doors on January 9, 2009, represents a significant investment of $60 million and encompasses 114,000 square feet. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first academic building constructed on the west side of Park Avenue on the University Park campus.

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The Lewis Katz Building has achieved LEED certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. It boasts advanced high-definition digital audiovisual telecommunications capabilities, facilitating real-time collaborative projects and programs with institutions worldwide. The second floor houses the glass-enclosed library, complete with a two-story information commons, group study rooms, and faculty offices.

The building's courtroom has hosted real-world legal proceedings, including an oral argument before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 2009, presided over by Judge D. Brooks Smith. The Lewis Katz Building serves as a shared academic space for both the law school and the Graduate School of International Affairs.

J.D. Program: A Rigorous Curriculum

The J.D. program at Penn State Law is a comprehensive three-year course of study, divided into six semesters. During the first year, students engage with foundational subjects such as Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Property, and Torts. In their second or third year, students are required to complete courses in Professional Responsibility and a seminar.

Centers and Institutes

Penn State Law houses several specialized centers and institutes that focus on specific areas of law:

Center for Agricultural and Shale Law

Under the guidance of Associate Dean Ross Pifer, the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law provides research and information pertaining to agricultural and shale law, with a focus on issues relevant to Pennsylvania.

Institute on Corporate, Securities, and Related Aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions

Headed by Professor Samuel C. Thompson, Jr., the center examines corporate, securities, tax, antitrust, and other legal and economic issues that arise in mergers and acquisitions. Penn State Law and the New York City Bar co-sponsor the Institute on Corporate, Securities, and Related Aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions. The institute, which has been co-chaired by Professor Thompson and H. Rodgin Cohen of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP for a number of years, is held at the Bar's facility in New York City.

Institute for Sports Law, Policy and Research

Directed by Professor Thomas E. The institute is aided by an advisory board of industry leaders, sports scholars, and Penn State faculty and alumni, all dedicated to advancing the study of sports.

Program on Law and Innovation (PoLI)

Founded and directed by Professor Andrea M. Washington, D.C.

Scholarly Journals and Moot Court Competitions

Penn State Law publishes three scholarly journals, including the Penn State Law Review. The school actively participates in moot court competitions, including the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Students at Penn State Law have the opportunity to participate in a variety of intramural sports programs, including basketball, bowling, flag football, floor hockey, indoor soccer, and volleyball. Some students also participate in rugby and softball teams. The Woolsack Honor Society, founded in 1920 and reestablished in 1981, recognizes academic excellence among students.

Employment Outcomes

According to Penn State's official 2019 ABA-required disclosures, 80.4% of the class of 2019 from Penn State Law obtained full-time, long-term, J.D. Employed - J.D.

Additional Information

The full-time program application fee at the law school at Pennsylvania State University--University Park is $60. Its tuition is full-time: $57,556 (in-state) and full-time: $57,556 (out-of-state). The student-faculty ratio is 7.7:1.

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