1. Introduction
William & Mary Law School, formally the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, is the oldest extant law school in the United States, founded in 1779 in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is an integral part of the College of William & Mary, one of the nation’s oldest higher education institutions. The law school is known for its tradition of producing “Citizen Lawyers” dedicated to public service, rigorous legal training, and a global alumni network.
2. Important Details and Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Institution Name | William & Mary Law School |
| Founded | 1779 |
| Location | Williamsburg, Virginia, USA |
| Type | Public Law School |
| Parent Institution | College of William & Mary |
| Programs Offered | J.D., LL.M. (on-campus & online), Online MLS |
| 2025 U.S. News Ranking | 31 (tie) Best Law Schools |
| Bar Pass Rate | 83.6% (2024 first-time) |
| Admissions Office Phone | 1 (757) 221-3785 |
| Admissions Email | lawadm@wm.edu |
| Official Website | law.wm.edu |
3. Law Courses / Study Programs & English Requirements
Note: William & Mary Law does not offer integrated undergraduate law degrees (5-year programs).
| Program | Duration | Type | English Language Requirements |
|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 3 Years | Full-Time | TOEFL/IELTS accepted on a case-by-case for intl applicants (not always required) |
| LL.M. in American Legal Studies (On Campus) | 1 Year | Graduate | TOEFL 90, IELTS 6, Duolingo 105 |
| LL.M. in American Legal Studies (Online) | 1–2 Years | Graduate Online | Same English tests as above |
| Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) | 16 Months | Online Professional | Not strictly law degree; English proficiency expected (in English program) |
4. Entrance Exam Requirements
| Program | Entrance Test Required |
|---|
| J.D. | LSAT recommended (school holistic review; GRE optional) |
| LL.M. | No LSAT/GRE requirement (LL.M. only requires law degree) |
| MLS | No LSAT/GRE required (professional degree) |
5. Top 5 Reasons to Choose William & Mary Law School
1. Historic Prestige: America’s oldest law school with deep legal tradition.
2. Strong National Ranking: Ranked among Top 35 law schools in the U.S. (U.S. News).
3. Diverse Programs: Offers JD, LL.M., and flexible online MLS for professionals.
4. Citizen Lawyer Mission: Focus on public service and real-world legal impact.
5. Excellent Outcomes: High bar passage and strong employment outcomes.
6. Grade and Ranking of the University
| Ranking Body | Ranking / Grade |
|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (2025) | 31 Best Law Schools (tie) |
| First-Time Bar Pass Rate | 12th nationally (bar outcomes) |
| Employment Outcomes (Big Law & Clerkships) | Top placements among peers |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Required For |
|---|
| Completed Online Application | J.D., LL.M., MLS |
| Official Transcripts | All Programs |
| LSAT / GRE Scores | J.D. (if submitting) |
| English Test Scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) | Intl Applicants |
| Letters of Recommendation | J.D. & Graduate |
| Personal Statement | All Programs |
| Resume / CV | All Programs |
| Application Fee | All Programs |
8. How to Apply for Admission – Step-by-Step
| Step | Procedure |
|---|
| 1. Choose Program | J.D., LL.M., MLS (online) |
| 2. Create Application Account | Use William & Mary Law or LSAC (for J.D.) |
| 3. Submit Application | Online with fee attached |
| 4. Upload Transcripts & Scores | Include TOEFL/IELTS as necessary |
| 5. Provide Personal Statement | Attach with application |
| 6. Submit Letters of Recommendation | As required |
| 7. Await Decision | Admissions committee review |
| 8. Accept Offer & Enroll | Confirm and pay fees |
9. Contact Details – Law Department
