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
