Columbus School of Law

JD Admissions

The decision to attend law school remains a sound, smart, and fulfilling investment in yourself and your future. In a complex world facing many serious challenges, the need for competent, ethical, and compassionate legal practitioners is stronger than ever.

Located near the heart of Washington, D.C., a city like no other and the center of our nation’s legal system, The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (CUA Law) is among the best choices you can make if your goal is to graduate with the skills — such as critical legal analysis, legal writing, and effective oral advocacy—that are essential to successful legal practice in the 21st century.

At every turn, our approach to legal education can be summarized with three words: practical, focused, and connected. Practical means you will learn by doing; focused offers the chance to choose among many different areas of legal study for academic emphasis; connected describes professors who take a personal interest in you, students who treat each other like family, and a supportive alumni network.

Student Perspectives

Nothing can take the place of visiting in person, but here’s the next best thing. Let some of our current students tell you in their own words what makes CUA Law so great!

	Daniel T. Kane, Class of 2015, on what makes CUA Law different, its plentiful opportunities, and its supportive alumni base.
	Nicole A. Chauriye, Class of 2016, on why rankings mean little, the approachable faculty, and the pleasure of providing pro bono service to others.
	Timothy J. D'Elia, Class of 2016, on why he chose CUA Law, the lure of Washington, D.C. for law students, and the importance of learning the law as it is applied in the real world.
	Jaclyn Kavendek, Class of 2015, on being published in a law journal while still a student, professors' willingness to go the extra mile for students, and the unique appeal of the law school's library.

Benefits of CUA Law's location in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., is the ideal setting for the study of law. As a student at the Columbus School of Law, you are within easy reach of the enormously beneficial study, externship, and networking opportunities that come with earning a J.D. in the nation’s capital.

Studying law in the nation’s capital affords students the chance to experience numerous aspects of the legal profession. Students can observe Capitol Hill in action, or earn class credit via externships with vital regulatory agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission and the National Labor Relations Board, to name just a few. Click here to learn more.

Explore CUA Law ...

Schedule a tour of the law school and sit in on a class.

Discover a supportive Part-time Evening Program

Learn more about CUA Law in our 2015-16 Law School Viewbook

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page

View a photo gallery of the law school and campus.

View a selection of various Accolades about CUA Law.

You can also sign up to receive further information about CUA Law in the mail.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are determined primarily on the basis of the applicant’s undergraduate GPA and performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). In addition, applicants may be judged on the basis of special leadership qualities, performance in particular courses, evidence of improving performance, relevant work experience, evidence of strong motivation, potential for contributing to the diversity of the law school, performance in graduate school, strong letters of recommendation from those who have a basis for judging the applicant’s ability to succeed in law school, and the academic standards of the student’s undergraduate school.