Keystone logo

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law


About

For over a century, the College of Law has followed the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor, the pursuit of justice, and service to others.

The Law School is well known for its commitment to building practice-ready lawyers. We have one of the oldest clinical programs in the country, now ranked 32nd among over 200 ABA-ranked law schools by U.S. News and World Report. Through the clinic, our students have the opportunity to spend a significant part of their third year representing real clients under the supervision of experienced faculty. In the last several years, we have expanded our experiential offerings to include the Environmental Law & Policy Lab, the Entrepreneurship Project, and the Human Rights Advocacy Project, through which students develop their drafting and advocacy skills while serving the community. Our curriculum is supplemented by an extensive Externship program, which allows students to spend a semester working with local employers in their areas of professional interest. All of our students also participate in our Skills curriculum to help them practice the competencies they’ll need to start their law careers.

Our law school also has both civil and common law curricula, allowing our students to prepare for practice locally, nationally, and globally. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a unique comparative perspective from the first semester. We also recognize that every student has a unique learning style, so we provide individualized attention and support, starting with the small sections in the first year Lawyering course, and continuing with our extensive academic support and bar preparation programs.

Loyola’s faculty are nationally and internationally known for their scholarship but are equally (if not more) committed to their teaching. In keeping with the Jesuit tradition, our faculty are dedicated to educating the whole person, which means knowing each and every one of our students beyond the classroom. Walking the halls daily, I see our professors meeting with students to discuss papers or exams, lunching in our student center, and practicing with members of our nationally-ranked moot court and trial advocacy teams.

At Loyola, we pride ourselves on the diversity and collegiality of our student body. With our full-time, part-time, and evening programs, we make law school accessible to working professionals, parents, and others whose schedules require flexibility. Our student organizations create opportunities for students to pursue their professional interests, network in and serve the New Orleans community, and build relationships with each other. Our alumni network is strong and committed to each other, the law school, and to each generation of Loyola grads.

And of course, we’re located in one of the most amazing cities not only in the United States but in the world.

Our Mission

In 1914, the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law opened its doors and had been opening the minds of future law professionals ever since. In the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor, the pursuit of justice, and service to others, the College of Law has as its mission to educate future members of the Bar to be skilled advocates and sensitive counselors-at-law committed to ethical norms in pursuit of dignity for all. The College of Law offers both civil law and common law curriculums, full-time day and part-time evening programs, as well as three joint degree programs. Critical and analytical thinking, ethics and professionalism, and a commitment to serve the community of the 21st century are fostered and encouraged. The College of Law faculty is a community of scholars committed to academic excellence in teaching and scholarship, and service to others.

Life in New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city on its own, and its legal community is just as active. A number of regional and national firms have offices in New Orleans, as do many large, medium, and boutique law firms based in Louisiana.

The College of Law offers many different areas of focus to serve a diverse population of corporations, entrepreneurs, environmental interests, entertainers, local and federal government agencies, military needs, international interests, families, and the community at large.

A major center for the federal and state judicial systems, New Orleans, is the perfect place to make connections and launch your legal career. There are plenty of opportunities to learn from practicing attorneys while serving the local community. Get involved with local courts and gain real-world experience. A Loyola Law degree is a path to unparalleled achievements. New Orleans, with its traditions and exciting landscape, serves as the perfect backdrop for learning and working toward justice.

Popular Destinations

  • WWII Museum
  • New Orleans Museum of Art
  • Audubon Nature Institute
  • New Orleans City Park
  • French Quarter
  • Magazine Street
  • Preservation Hall
  • St. Charles Ave. & Streetcar
  • Steamboat Natchez
  • Mardi Gras World

Festivals

In New Orleans, you can find and attend a festival almost every weekend of the year. There’s no shortage of topics to celebrate either, with the themes of festivals ranging from comfort food (NOLA Mac N’ Cheese Fest) to large-scale musical events like the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience. The lineup of festivals hosted in New Orleans is among the nation’s best and attracts iconic national acts and quirky local performers alike. At the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and other festivals, you’ll find something for everyone’s taste.

Of course, we can’t forget Mardi Gras. For several weeks, krewes turn the entire city into a giant party. It’s a season full of joyful decadence and colorful costumes.

Food

New Orleans is the nation's ultimate culinary melting pot! Well over 1,000 restaurants span the Greater New Orleans area. Numerous New Orleans-based famous chefs, such as Susan Spicer, Donald Link, and Aaron Sachez, are carving up the culinary industry. Whether you're looking for Creole and Cajun specialties, traditional Southern home-cooking, cutting-edge gastronomical delights, European-style fare, or the freshest seafood in the South, you'll surely find it in the Big Easy.

Music

New Orleans has a long and notable musical history. Though New Orleans has long been considered the American epicenter of Jazz and Blues music, the city features more than 80 live music venues that play host to folk, Cajun, funk, rock, and R&B music. Contemporary musicians and bands like Big Freedia, Lil Wayne, and the Revivalists are carrying the city's musical legacy into the future.

Take a moonlit walk down Bourbon Street or Frenchman Street, and you will hear live music pouring out of nearly every club on any night. You may just discover your favorite new artist.

Sports

In no other city are sports fans more passionate. The Crescent City is home to the Saints NFL football team, the Pelicans NBA basketball team, the Gold rugby team, the Jesters National Premier League Soccer team, and the Big Easy Rollergirls.

In addition, New Orleans is full of opportunities for individuals to participate. Lake Pontchartrain is a popular fishing and sailing spot. The layout of the city is ideal for joggers and bikers. For a more adventurous sportsman, DEFY New Orleans, the New Orleans Boulder Lounge, and Fly Circus Space all offer exciting challenges.

Museums

History is woven into the fabric of New Orleans. Whether you’re strolling down St. Charles Avenue or exploring the French Quarter, countless moments, sites, and figures are just waiting to be rediscovered. Here, the past inspires and guides our city’s future. Develop a greater understanding of local and national history, and let it spark new ideas in your legal journey.

New Orleans is home to a number of top-notch museums, including The National World War II Museum, The New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, and The Cabildo.

Our diverse students are more than just academic overachievers – they're creative. Thoughtful. And they strive always for fairness and justice.

92%
of the Class of 2021 passed the Louisiana Bar exam.

28
This year's entering class hails from 28 states.

18%
of current law students are first-generation.

25%
of first-year law students identify as minorities.

    Ashley Brown - Expected graduation: Class of 2022

    At Loyola Law, we know that great lawyers come from all backgrounds, industries, and experiences. Ashley Brown sets a great example. After spending the last seven years traveling the world as a flight attendant, she’s ready to write her next chapter of life as a lawyer. “I chose law school because I truly believe that the information learned in law school will be valuable in every aspect of my life,” said Brown. “The quote, ‘all roads lead to a lawyer,’ has been my inspiration.” When it came time to choose a law school, Brown felt right at home on her first visit to Loyola. With small class sizes and a supportive community of faculty, staff, and students, Loyola Law takes an individualized approach to each student’s legal education. “The faculty and staff were so welcoming and encouraging. This is what drew me to Loyola specifically,” said Brown. Brown is the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. Now, by this spring, she will be the first in her family to earn her law degree. Once she earns her J.D., Brown plans to pursue a career as a judge advocate in the U.S. military. “Assistance from the Academic Success Program has been extremely impactful during my time at Loyola Law. This program has helped me with essay writing, test taking, and stress management,” said Brown. Brown has become very involved at Loyola during her time in law school. One of her highlights has been getting accepted into the Litigation and Technology section of the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice. Ranked no. 32 in the nation for clinical education by U.S. News and World Report, the Law Clinic allows students the opportunity to be sworn into practice law in their third year of law school, representing real clients in need under the supervision of faculty. “This entire experience at Loyola Law has been challenging but worth it,” said Brown. “During this unique experience of law school I have endured a pandemic and natural disasters. Throughout everything, the faculty and staff have supported me and treated me as family. I am forever thankful and I hope to lead as an inspiration for those who want to attend law school in the future.”

    Alex Bellow - Expected graduation: Class of 2024

    Alex Bellow joins the College of Law with a wealth of professional and life experiences fueling his passion for the law. As the owner of an insurance agency for more than a decade and a senior pastor at a local church for more than two decades, he’s experienced the justice system from many different perspectives. “In my work as a pastor, I have had to come alongside some of the parishioners as they interacted with the justice system. My observations have led me to conclude justice is not equal for all and I want to work to change that,” said Bellow. A man of faith, Bellow felt connected to Loyola as a Jesuit institution with a focus on social justice, ethical decision-making, and service to others. Bellow plans to combine his knowledge and connections as a pastor with his new knowledge of the legal system to help create systemic changes that benefit those who are most in need of support. “My goal is to practice civil rights law and do work to radically change the misdemeanor system in this country,” said Bellow. “In my opinion, the misdemeanor system specifically targets poor people, and the fines and fees incurred within it effectively amounts to a taxation on impoverished people.” Although Bellow made the decision to go to law school later in his life, he’s been moved by the commitment of his fellow students who share his motivations to make a positive impact in the world. “The most rewarding part of my time so far is seeing so many young people, my daughter's age, so committed to doing the hard work of learning the law so they can do substantive work to bring about equality in this country,” said Bellow. With resources like Academic Success and one-on-one mentorship with professors, Bellow has found a community at Loyola Law to support his goals and stay engaged. Even as he juggles the responsibilities of work, life, and family, the support team at Loyola reminds Bellow of the bigger-picture motivations that drew him to law school. “As a non-traditional student, law school is a lot to manage along with my family responsibilities. Professor Tufts has helped me manage the academic and emotional challenges that come with my dynamic,” said Bellow.

    Renea Pellegrino - Expected graduation: Class of 2024

    Renea Pellegrino is a certified yoga instructor, has traveled the world from India to Japan to Mexico, and was named the 2017 Best Bartender in New Orleans by Where Y’At Magazine. Now, she’s focused on achieving her next goal: earning her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Pellegrino graduated with her B.S. in Urban Studies in Planning from the University of New Orleans with a focus on Fair Housing and Community Development. Combined with her impressive life experience and academic background, Pellegrino plans to apply her law degree to public interest work after graduation. “I was drawn to Loyola because of the university’s dedication to communities through education, justice, and service,” said Pellegrino. “I am dedicating my degree to public interest work. My goal for my time at Loyola is to gain as much knowledge in the field as possible via experiential learning.” Prior to applying to Loyola Law, Pellegrino worked for the Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI), a legal organization focused on mass incarceration and justice reform. Her time with PJI gave Pellegrino a deeper understanding of the systemic problems related to mass incarceration and inspired her to take action. “Law shapes society and affects our lives daily, and I desire to make societal changes,” said Pellegrino. “I believe that our current system is designed to be opportunistic for a select few, and I want to aid in leveling the playing field to where all people have equal access to basic rights and opportunities.” Inspired to take action, Pellegrino knew that Loyola Law was the right fit for her when she met with the faculty and learned that she would be joining a community with a shared mission and dedication to helping others. By having one-on-one conversations with faculty members, she was able to get the answers she needed early in the application process. “Though the workload can seem daunting at times, I enjoy the subject matter, learning amongst a supportive community, and earning a degree that will help me further my goals,” said Pellegrino.

    Peter Finney - Expected graduation: Class of 2023

    For Peter Finney, the decision to go to Loyola Law was clear. As a New Orleans native and former Catholic priest, Loyola’s Jesuit mission and commitment to social justice align with Finney’s goals. “A law school at a Catholic university committed to service in our city made Loyola an easy choice,” said Finney. Finney served as a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 10 years, connecting him to people from all walks of life. During this time, Finney saw the challenges facing his community firsthand and felt called to make a difference. “When I left the priesthood, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that, in some way, could respond to local needs for justice,” said Finney. Although Finney is still keeping his options open after graduation, he has found criminal justice particularly appealing. But the most rewarding aspect of his time at Loyola Law so far has been the tremendous mentors and teachers he’s met along the way. “Loyola has introduced me to so many gifted and caring practitioners,” said Finney. “The encouragement to get involved in the legal community has been tremendously helpful.” Through the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center summer internship program, as well as the comprehensive network of externship programs, Finney has gained relevant experience and built a wealth of professional connections during his time at the College of Law. He hopes to build on this experience to make a meaningful impact in New Orleans upon graduation.

    • New Orleans

      526 Pine Street, , 70118, New Orleans

      Programs

      Questions

      Loyola University New Orleans College of Law