Washington University School of Law

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Washington University School of Law, commonly known as WashU Law, is the law school of Washington University in St. Louis, located in St. Louis. Established in 1867, it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating law school west of the Mississippi River. Over time, the institution has built a strong academic reputation, offering a wide range of programs including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD), along with several dual-degree options in collaboration with other schools within the university. Each year, the law school graduates approximately 230 to 250 JD students, maintaining a competitive and selective admissions process. In 2025, WashU Law reported an impressive median LSAT score of 175 for its incoming class, the highest among all law schools in the United States, highlighting its academic excellence and selectivity.The history of WashU Law reflects its early commitment to innovation and inclusion. Originally known as The St. Louis Law School, it was the first undergraduate division of the university to admit women, making it one of the pioneering law schools in the United States to do so. In 1869, Lemma Barkeloo and Phoebe Couzins enrolled, marking a significant step toward gender inclusion in legal education. Couzins went on to earn her law degree in 1871, becoming one of the first women in the country to achieve this milestone. Although consistent admission of women developed later, these early efforts demonstrated the school’s progressive outlook. Initially located in downtown St. Louis, the law school moved in 1904 to the Danforth Campus, and later, in 1997, it relocated to Anheuser-Busch Hall, a facility designed to reflect the traditional architectural style of the campus. Today, WashU Law continues to uphold its legacy of academic rigor, innovation, and inclusivity.