Juris Doctor (JD) Program
Experience a Transformative Legal Education
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law awards the Juris Doctor (JD) degree after the successful completion of 88 units of course work which includes the completion of the upper-division writing requirement, the upper-division skills requirement, the experiential learning requirement, along with other requirements.
Pepperdine Caruso Law strives to prepare students to graduate practice-ready. We offer co-curricular experiential learning that includes clinical work, externship experience, and various international study programs. In addition, students participating in our advocacy programs compete at the highest levels of moot court competition against law schools from across the nation and world.
Program Benefits
Experiential Learning
In 2020, National Jurist ranked Pepperdine Caruso Law 10th in the nation for Practical Training. It is our goal that students graduate practice-ready.
Professional Development
We work closely with our current students and alumni as they pursue meaningful career outcomes, and value our strong relationships with legal employers.
Customized Curriculum
Tailor your studies to prepare for careers in areas such as criminal law, entertainment, media, and sports, public interest, and real estate.
Nationally Recognized
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. Caruso Law is a top 50 "Best Law School" per U.S. News and World Report.
Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to being a place where all belong. Our community is rich in political, racial, and spiritual diversity which has formed a strong culture of connection among our students, faculty, and staff.
Values Centered Community
Our spiritual foundation, highly accessible faculty, and over 40 student-led organizations give students the opportunity to explore varied interests and supplement their classroom experience while in law school and contribute to the unique experience that is Pepperdine Caruso Law.
Global Programs
Students can explore opportunities to study abroad in London, England or Augsburg, Germany, as well as participate in externships and service projects around the world.
Why Pepperdine
Pepperdine has risen further and faster than any law school in America. No other place can match our distinctive Pepperdine community marked by excellence, Christian values, and rigorous legal training. Diverse in our background and faiths, we are united in our commitment to embolden you to reach higher than you ever thought possible.
Beautiful Malibu, CA Campus
Flexible Course Schedules
Small Class Sizes
7:1 Student:Faculty
Accepts GRE for Admissions
Global Alumni Network
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's Juris Doctor program.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with a recruiter.
Attend an Info Session
Join us to get an in-depth look into Caruso Law, our distinct program offerings and our admissions process, while engaging in Q&A.
Start Your Application
Accepted on a rolling basis, applications need to be submitted prior to the intended start date and up to one year in advance.
Admission and Tuition
Admission Deadlines
Final Deadline for Accelerated Two-Year Program
Priority Deadline for Traditional Three-Year Program
Final Deadline for Traditional Three-Year Program
Application Requirements
All applicants for admission must have received a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to law school registration. To be considered for admission, each candidate must submit the following:
- $60 non-refundable application fee - Waived for the 2021 application
- Completed, signed, and dated application
- Resumé
- Personal Statement
- Optional Statement
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Score or Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) score
- Registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
- International Student Data Form (for visa holders)
Tuition
Financial Aid
We are committed to providing students with financial aid resources to meet the educational costs of attending law school. Our staff assists students with all financial aid processes including application procedures, resource comparison, and the utilization of funds.
The Pepperdine Advantage
At the Caruso School of Law, you will find that our legal training, fused with our faculty's faith-fueled devotion to your success, is second to none. Our accomplished teachers and scholars get to know you personally, opening their offices, homes, and hearts to you on day one. Our personalized approach will equip you to thrive in law school today and in the legal marketplace tomorrow.
Personal Attention
The practice of law today requires communication skills, ethical standards and stamina that first-year students have often not yet developed.
Our new, million-dollar Parris Institute for Professional Excellence begins assessing and equipping students to be professionals on their very first day on campus. The Parris Institute provides the inspiration and substance for students to learn how legal training can be the foundation for professional careers that combine service, purpose, and leadership.
Let Us Show You Around
Newly renovated in 2018, the law school is perched atop the iconic Pepperdine University Malibu, California campus. Let us take you on a tour through the entire law school, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and show you all of the people and resources available to equip you with all you need to succeed in your legal education.
Class Profiles
See Who You'll Be Studying With
64% White/Caucasian
6% Black/African American
10% Hispanic
4% Two or more races
8% Asian
6% Choose not to disclose
2% Nonresident Alien
| Applications | 4,505 |
| Enrollment | 219 |
| Out of State | 39% |
| States Represented | 32 |
| Undergraduate Schools Represented: | 102 |
| Countries Represented | 5 |
LSAT Median
GPA Median
Testimonial
I can look back at my law school experience fondly because of the people I've met here. Caruso Law professors want to see their students succeed beyond just the classroom or in their careers, but also in their personal lives. And some of my classmates have come to be some of my very best friends.
JD '21
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
Pepperdine Caruso Law
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263