Our Law Degree Programs

J.D.

The Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) is typically the degree people think of when they are talking about a law degree. This degree is required for licensure in most jurisdictions in the United States, and it is the core work of every school accredited by the American Bar Association.

LL.M.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a degree available to lawyers. Those who already have a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school can specialize in a particular area of the law through the LL.M. Foreign-trained lawyers often seek an LL.M. as a credential that will allow them to practice law in the United States.

M.L.S.

Formerly known as the Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur.), the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) is a degree for non-lawyers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of legal concepts to enhance their professional lives where they intersect with the law. It is not a prerequisite to the J.D. or a means to gain admission to a J.D. program.

The St. Mary’s University School of Law celebrates inclusive excellence in our community. As both a Marianist and Hispanic-serving institution, we are proud of our vibrant and strong community, which values the dignity of all its members and fosters a meaningful, respectful, and robust learning experience. We recognize inclusive excellence as the cornerstone of social and economic justice. We strive to create a supportive environment, honoring diverse perspectives, where everyone feels welcome and has a place at the table.

Higher Education Holistic Impact Report

This national study, commissioned by the St. Mary’s University School of Law and conducted by YouGov, provides the first national data showing that Catholic legal education strengthens professional outcomes while also shaping personal values, ethical reasoning and civic leadership. The findings show that Catholic law schools attract and shape students who are not only professionally accomplished but also civically engaged and purpose-driven, underscoring their societal value and affirming that a holistic, mission-aligned education prepares graduates to succeed in their careers while leading lives of contribution and meaning.