Villanova University School of Law


The Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is the law school of Villanova University, a private Roman Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was opened in 1953 and is approved by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Approximately 720 students study full-time in the J.D. program which offers more than 100 offerings including foundation courses, specialty offerings, drafting courses, clinical experiences, seminars, simulation courses and externships.

Academics

The school has four degree programs:
  • J.D.
  • J.D./M.B.A. with School of Business
  • J.D./LL.M. in Law and Taxation
  • J.D./LL.M. in International Law

    Juris Doctor (JD)

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law offers a legal education designed to teach the rules of law and their application; to demonstrate how lawyers analyze legal issues and express arguments and conclusions; to inculcate the skills of the counselor, advocate, and decision maker; and to explore the ethical and moral dimensions of law practice and professional conduct.

Joint JD/MBA program

The Villanova University School of Law and the Villanova School of Business offer a joint-degree program permitting simultaneous study for the Juris Doctor and the Master of Business Administration degrees. The Villanova School of Business is one of the few business schools in the nation whose Master of Business Administration and Department of Accountancy program have been approved by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. In the program, credit is given for certain courses by both the School of Law and the School of Business. Through this program, degrees may be completed in less time than it would take to obtain them separately.

Graduate Tax Program

The Graduate Tax Program is an interdisciplinary program led by Leslie M. Book conducted under the auspices of the Villanova University School of Law and Villanova's School of Business. The program has over 30 courses, which are also available to JD candidates, who are able to enroll in LL.M. courses as well as participate in the joint JD/LL.M. program. Business students participating in the Graduate Tax Program may earn a Master of Science in Taxation degree.

Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law

The Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law was created in 2012, and was funded by a $5 million donation from San Diego Padres vice chairman and CEO Jeffrey S. Moorad. The Center prepares students for careers in sports-related fields. It is one of only a few in the United States dedicated to the study of sports law, and it is run by director Andrew Brandt, a lawyer, former NFL team executive, and ESPN commentator.

Rankings and reputation

The 2024-25 edition of U.S. News & World Reports "Best Graduate Schools" ranked Villanova Law at 48th in the country overall.
The 2022 edition of Above the Law's Top 50 Law Schools ranked Villanova as the 35th best law school in the country.

Class statistics

Fall 2021 entering class profile:
  • Total number of applicants: 2,972
  • Admit rate: 17.8%
  • Total enrolled: 219
  • In-state: 45%
  • Out-of-state: 55%
  • Students of color: 24%
  • Undergraduate schools represented: 125
GPA:
  • Median GPA: 3.70
  • 25th percentile GPA: 3.51
  • 75th percentile GPA: 3.83
LSAT:
According to Villanova's official 2014 ABA-required disclosures, 70% of the Class of 2014 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation, excluding solo practitioners.

Pro bono programs

Pro bono programs, such as the clinics and other projects, provide students with the opportunity to serve the disadvantaged while developing skills and positive relationships with practicing attorneys.

Lawyering Together

Villanova Law's student body has the opportunity to participate in the "Lawyering Together" program. Through the program, law students are matched with volunteer attorneys who assist clients referred through Philadelphia pro bono organizations. The referring organizations include Senior Law Center, Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program and the Support Center for Child Advocates.