Since 1865, the University of Iowa College of Law has been a pioneer in legal education, proudly holding the distinction of being the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. Throughout its storied history, Iowa Law has remained committed to excellence in the education and training of the highest caliber of legal professionals and scholars.
The College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program grounded in legal doctrine and practice that is well known for its emphasis on legal writing and analysis. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, ethical practice, and a deep understanding of the law’s role in society. Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of career paths through elective courses and gain leadership experience through our active student organizations and moot court competitions. In addition to the traditional three-year JD program, Iowa Law offers a Master of Laws (LLM) program and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program.
With a vibrant community of approximately 500 students, the College of Law maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Our distinguished faculty are deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service, contributing to a dynamic intellectual environment.
The College of Law is part of the University of Iowa, one of America’s premier public research universities. Founded in 1847, it is the state’s oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City.
Iowa is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of fields.
College of LAW
Academic Excellence
The College of Law is home to several academic journals, including the prestigious Iowa Law Review, and features innovative programs like the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative. We focus on developing leadership skills and providing direct client representation experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their legal careers.
Hands-On Experience
Iowa Law emphasizes practical training through its clinics and externships. Students gain experience in federal and state courts, immigration tribunals, and other legal forums. The college’s federal criminal defense clinic offers unique experiential learning opportunities.
Scholarship and Innovation
Our faculty are committed to impactful and innovative legal scholarship within disciplines such as civil litigation, environmental law, and legal writing. Faculty members collaborate with national and international partners to advance legal research and practice.
Exceptional Facilities
The Boyd Law Building provides a modern setting for legal education, featuring advanced technology, collaborative learning spaces, and a comprehensive law library with over a million volumes and equivalents, one of the largest collections in the nation.
Key facts about the college
Best Value
Law School by the National Jurist
2014-present
500
total students in Fall 2023
87% receiving grants or scholarships
98%
Job Placement Rate Within 10 Months of Graduation
Class of 2022
47
full-time faculty members
One of the best student-faculty ratios in the nation