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Pepperdine | Caruso School of Law

Pepperdine Caruso Law at a Glance

two people walking towards the doors of the Pepperdine School of Law

Thanks to nationally recognized faculty and programs and a truly inspiring location, the study of law at Pepperdine University is a one-of-a-kind experience. Learn why Pepperdine prepares you for a law career the way no other school can by exploring our unique attributes.


 

Class Profile: Entering JD Class Fall 2022

Countries Represented

12

Undergraduate Schools Represented

81

Applications

3,509

Incoming Class Size

184

Out of State

27%

States Represented

27

* All statistics reported are as of the first day of class

GPA Median

3.85

75th%

3.93

25th%

3.47

LSAT Median

164

75th%

166

25th%

159

 



Hands-On from the Start

Nationally Recognized in Experiential Learning

We train you not just to "think like a lawyer," but to practice as one. Ranked 8th in the country by preLaw Magazine for practical training, Pepperdine is not simply responding to popular opinion that law schools need to teach essential skills; we are actively helping lead the charge to deepen legal education.

Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities


 

Judge Andre Birotte greets two female students

Personal Attention

The practice of law today requires communication skills, ethical standards and stamina that first-year students have often not yet developed.

Our unique Parris Institute for Professional Excellence begins assessing and equipping students to be professionals on their very first day on campus.

Learn about the Parris Institute


 

7.1:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Mentoring and Quality Teaching

Our professors have a dual research/teaching focus. The Princeton Review recently ranked our faculty #2 in the country for accessibility to students.

Nationally Recognized Experts

Thanks to our low student-faculty ratio, our students get hands-on guidance from published scholars and experts in the field.

Meet Our Faculty


 

Programs Designed for Practice

Professor Singh speaks at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Programs

We offer a breadth of degree programs and specialized areas of interest to meet personal and professional goals. Our joint degree options are offered in conjunction with Pepperdine University's top-ranked schools for business, divinity, and public policy.

2 Master's Degrees

2 Juris Doctor options

7 LLM Degree options

5 Institutes

5 Certificate programs

5 Joint Degree offerings

9 In-House Clinics


See All Degrees and Programs


 

Best Grad Schools - U.S. News - Law Dispute Resolution 2023-24

 

#2
Ranked Law School
for Dispute Resolution

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

As mediation, arbitration, and negotiation continue to explode in popularity in litigation and international affairs, Pepperdine's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution has been ranked the #1 dispute resolution program in the country in the U.S. News and World Report rankings 16 times in the last 21 years.

More about the Straus Institute


 

An Inspired Place to Study

Enjoy the excitement of a fast-paced city along with the peaceful environment of Malibu. Located just 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles - a thriving hub for legal practice and international culture - our 830-acre campus offers breathtaking views and a 40,000 square-foot library facility.

Life at the Caruso School of Law

Most Beautiful Campus
The Princeton Review

A white wooden cross pictured on a hill above campus

A Place of Faith

Pepperdine celebrates its Christian heritage and the fact that such a foundation can open dialogue rather than end it. Our faculty includes practicing members from multiple faiths.

Spiritual Life

Four veterans hold flags while people place their hands over their hearts

Our Focus on Veterans

Pepperdine not only honors those who have served, but actively recruits these individuals for their sense of civic responsibility, commitment, and professionalism. Pepperdine's Yellow Ribbon Program provides veterans with free tuition.

There are 42 veterans enrolled at Caruso Law for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Information for Veterans


 

A Community that Elevates the Experience

Four Caruso School of Law students smiling on the terrace

At Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, we assemble a diverse entering class that reflects our vision for challenging and successful study. Pepperdine Caruso Law is a place where your peers both challenge and support you.

Total JD Enrollment: 551
Women: 59%
Diversity: 30%

1L JD Enrollment: 192
Women: 61%
Students of Color: 27%
First Generation College Students: 21%


International Map - MDR, LLM Students at Pepperdine Caruso Law

 

LLM, MDR, and Certificate Programs

Pepperdine's LLM and Master's in Dispute Resolution (MDR) programs attract students from across the globe. Students vary from recent graduates to seasoned attorneys and judges who have attended or commuted for the program from China, Korea, Russia, Greece, India, Israel, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany and more.

Pepperdine has attracted scholars from prestigious organizations like Fulbright, Muskie, Organization of American States and Rotary Foundation.


 

An Investment in Value

Pepperdine Caruso Law continues to rise in public perception. Four Pepperdine Caruso Law alumni currently serve as federal judges in districts in California, Arizona, and Texas, and two of those judges have been confirmed in the last two years. 

88%
of JD students at Pepperdine
Caruso School of Law receive
financial assistance

 

Deadlines and Tuition Information:

LLM, MDR, and Certificate Programs

Tuition

Priority Scholarship Deadline: April 15

Rolling Admissions

Start Terms:

  • Fall (mid-August)
  • Spring (early January)
  • Summer (late May)

$2,480 per unit

  • LLM - 26 units
  • MDR - 32 units
  • Certificate - 14 units

JD Program

Tuition

April LSAT Accepted

Priority Deadline: February 1

Final Deadline: April 1

Two-Year Accelerated Deadline: February 1

Transfer Deadline: June 1 (international students)
July 1 (domestic students)

$67,450 per year

More Information about Admissions and Aid

Application Deadlines for International Applicants

Admission Deadline
Summer 2023
March 1, 2023
Fall 2023
June 1, 2023
Spring 2024
October 1, 2023