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JD Program
2021-2022
Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum title
At Penn Carey Law, we believe that the next generation of lawyers will be those who are not just superbly trained in law, but also have training in related fields — such as business, communications, health, technology, international studies, social work, and education — that complement and enhance their legal expertise. As a national leader in cross-disciplinary legal education, our academic programs are fully integrated with Penn’s world-class professional and graduate schools, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to prepare for careers that engage virtually every major issue facing our society.
71% of the Class of 2020
completed a joint-degree or certificate program
Graduate icon
Over 35
Joint Degrees and Certificate Programs offered in conjunction with other Penn schools and departments
1 Campus
in Philadelphia linking all of Penn’s schools
Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum title
Partner Schools
Careers title
Penn Carey Law provides comprehensive career support to our students. From private practice, government and public interest, to clerkships, cross-disciplinary and global careers, our experienced counselors in the Office of Career Strategy help you decide on your next steps. Meanwhile, the Center on Professionalism offers programming to equip you with the practical skills to succeed throughout your career.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s Future of the Profession Initiative recognizes a leading law school’s role in designing forward-looking lawyer formation and leading essential interdisciplinary conversations that respond to the fundamental changes that are transforming the legal profession. FPI will teach the skills and knowledge most relevant for modern legal professionals, lead broad conversations about innovative opportunities that abound in the dynamic legal profession, and transform the way legal services connect clients with more responsive systems.

Employment Statistics
99.6%  of the Class of 2020 graduates employed as of March 15, 2021
386 Students and Alumni received judicial clerkships in the last five years
Our 2020 graduates are working in these geographic regions:
43.8%
14.7%
10.1%
8.1%
4.3%
2.3%
1.9%
1.6%
1.6%
1.9%
9.3%
New York
Pennsylvania
Washington, D.C.
California
Delaware
Illinois
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Texas
International
Other*

Our 2020 graduates are working in these fields:
73.3%
Law Firm
10.1%
Judicial Clerkships
7.8%
Public Interest
5.8%
Business or Industry
2.3%
Government
0.4%
Education
* Other includes AZ, CO, FL, GA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, OH, OK, VA, WA, and WV.
The Power of Public Service title
The Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC) integrates pro bono work into every student’s experience to catalyze practice-ready, civically engaged leaders who embrace service as a core responsibility as they launch impactful careers in every sector of the legal profession.

Our Pro Bono Program offers exceptional service-learning opportunities for all students, featuring more than 20 projects across six practice areas and a Mobile TEAMS Initiative that connects students to clients near and far. Through our Public Interest Programs, we engage, educate, and support students who desire to utilize their law degrees to pursue a more just and equitable world. Via flagship initiatives like the Toll Public Interest Scholars, the Toll Public Interest Fellows, and the TolLRAP, we provide leading financial support to ensure our graduates can actualize their public sector goals. The Leo Model Foundation Government Service & Public Affairs Initiative prepares students for leadership in government and policymaking.

350+ community partners collaborate with TPIC on service endeavors worldwide
8 full-time staff members focus on pro bono and public interest programs at  Penn Carey Law
% of graduates launching public interest careers upon graduation has nearly doubled in 5 years
90% of each graduating class exceeds the pro bono requirement
The Power of Public Service title
Transformative Thinkers title
Transformative Thinkers title
Our faculty’s work goes far beyond academic journals. With expertise in subject areas ranging from law and technology to administrative law and national security, our faculty are among the most influential voices in law. Through the 10 centers and institutes at Penn Carey Law, the faculty brings its research to bear on important issues of the day, engaging with policymakers on issues ranging from regulation to international law and working alongside students to share their knowledge and experience through innovative courses and research.
Dorothy Roberts, George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology, Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights, and Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor
Globally Engaged title
P

enn Carey Law is at the forefront of global legal education. Whether you’re interested in corporate law or human rights, intellectual property or arbitration, Penn Carey Law offers critical opportunities to study, work, and research around the world. Here on campus, we regularly host discussions and institutes on cutting-edge legal issues with distinguished foreign scholars, policymakers, and influential figures from global multilaterals. Through our study abroad partnerships with institutions like the London School of Economics, Sciences Po, Hong Kong University, and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, students engage transnationally in foreign, comparative, and international law and learn from different legal systems. The Law School also offers new and innovative research trips and seminars each year covering a broadrange of topics and geographies — from legal challenges for robotics and AI in Japan, to international humanitarian law in Colombia. Wherever you choose to launch your career, a Penn Carey Law education will prepare you for leadership in the law and in the world.

Global Research Seminar trip to Japan
Experiential Learning title
Experiential Learning title
E

xperiential education lets students learn through the practical application of law. Through a diverse array of offerings ranging from live-client clinics to field placements and simulated lawyering skills courses, Penn Carey Law students learn what lawyers do, how they do it, and ultimately what it means to be a lawyer. These natural complements to the doctrinal curriculum root students in thinking like a lawyer, and real-life settings allow students to put those analytical and reasoning skills into action. In our eight in-house clinics, students are the “lead attorneys” representing clients under the close supervision of full-time faculty who are seasoned attorneys. In addition, through over a dozen field placements, students work as externs at various governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations, observing and performing a variety of legal functions outside the Law School. In simulation courses, students learn fundamental lawyering skills through case studies, hypothetical exercises, and real-world lawyering assignments. Students begin taking advantage of these experiential opportunities in their second year, and often take multiple courses that expose them to different practice areas and skill sets before graduation.

Near the U.S.-Mexico border, student volunteers from the Transnational Legal Clinic counsel migrant asylum-seekers through a fence.
Experiential Learning title
E

xperiential education lets students learn through the practical application of law. Through a diverse array of offerings ranging from live-client clinics to field placements and simulated lawyering skills courses, Penn Carey Law students learn what lawyers do, how they do it, and ultimately what it means to be a lawyer. These natural complements to the doctrinal curriculum root students in thinking like a lawyer, and real-life settings allow students to put those analytical and reasoning skills into action. In our eight in-house clinics, students are the “lead attorneys” representing clients under the close supervision of full-time faculty who are seasoned attorneys. In addition, through over a dozen field placements, students work as externs at various governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations, observing and performing a variety of legal functions outside the Law School. In simulation courses, students learn fundamental lawyering skills through case studies, hypothetical exercises, and real-world lawyering assignments. Students begin taking advantage of these experiential opportunities in their second year, and often take multiple courses that expose them to different practice areas and skill sets before graduation.

Near the U.S.-Mexico border, student volunteers from the Transnational Legal Clinic counsel migrant asylum-seekers through a fence.
Collegiality title
At Penn Carey Law, we’re known for our collegial, collaborative community, and we value a culture that lets students truly own their law school experience. Life at Penn Carey Law is supportive, encouraging, and dynamic — a place where you can fully develop your potential. While law school is rigorous, it is rewarding. At Penn Carey Law, our small classes provide individual attention and support from faculty and staff, and students encourage each other’s success.
Our Inclusive Community title
Our Inclusive Community title
I

nclusion is core to our educational mission at Penn Carey Law. We strive to ensure a robust exchange of ideas and to foster an inclusive community where everyone can thrive, while offering focused support to members of our community from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession. Students, faculty, and staff bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to Penn Carey Law. We learn from one another not only in classrooms, but also when we collaborate in student groups, journals, programs, and pro bono projects. Penn Carey Law provides a world-class legal education that values engagement across differences as integral to preparing graduates for legal practice in a diverse and complex world. Our Office of Equity and Inclusion furthers our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement throughout Penn Carey Law and in the legal profession.

Our Inclusive Community title
I

nclusion is core to our educational mission at Penn Carey Law. We strive to ensure a robust exchange of ideas and to foster an inclusive community where everyone can thrive, while offering focused support to members of our community from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession. Students, faculty, and staff bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to Penn Carey Law. We learn from one another not only in classrooms, but also when we collaborate in student groups, journals, programs, and pro bono projects. Penn Carey Law provides a world-class legal education that values engagement across differences as integral to preparing graduates for legal practice in a diverse and complex world. Our Office of Equity and Inclusion furthers our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement throughout Penn Carey Law and in the legal profession.

Students sitting on grass
DISCOVER PHILADELPHIA
P

hiladelphia is the birthplace of the United States and a lively city full of arts, culture, and history — the perfect place for you to spend your law school years. Whether your interests are sports, the arts, or dining out, everything you need is just a short walk or subway ride away. Within the city, there are also a multitude of places to relax in the outdoors, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy green spaces, from Penn’s Morris Arboretum, located in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood, to Fairmount Park (a short walk from the Law School). Coming to Penn Carey Law puts you in the midst of a multitude of vibrant communities and all the city has to offer. Philadelphia is a place you can make your own.

Financing Your Education title
Financing Your Education title
W

ith over 100 named scholarships and more than 100 percent growth in financial aid over the past decade, Penn Carey Law is fully invested in your future. We are committed to guiding our applicants through the financial aid process and to helping our students develop a sound financial plan for their legal education. We provide generous financial assistance to qualified students through a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Importantly, admission decisions at Penn Carey Law are made without regard to an applicant’s financial need. Therefore, financial aid applications are reviewed only after a student has been admitted.

Penn Carey Law awards merit scholarships to a select number of students using a holistic approach that includes, but not limited to, academic achievement, leadership, service, and professional and life experience.

In addition to the aforementioned grants and scholarships, there are a variety of federal and private loans for which students may be eligible.

As part of our dedication to promoting the pursuit of public interest careers, Penn Carey Law also offers several sources of funding for select students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a generous loan repayment assistance program after graduation. Visit our website for detailed information regarding financial aid and scholarships, as well as instructions for applying: https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/financing/

Financing Your Education title
W

ith over 100 named scholarships and more than 100 percent growth in financial aid over the past decade, Penn Carey Law is fully invested in your future. We are committed to guiding our applicants through the financial aid process and to helping our students develop a sound financial plan for their legal education. We provide generous financial assistance to qualified students through a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Importantly, admission decisions at Penn Carey Law are made without regard to an applicant’s financial need. Therefore, financial aid applications are reviewed only after a student has been admitted.

Penn Carey Law awards merit scholarships to a select number of students using a holistic approach that includes, but not limited to, academic achievement, leadership, service, and professional and life experience.

In addition to the aforementioned grants and scholarships, there are a variety of federal and private loans for which students may be eligible.

As part of our dedication to promoting the pursuit of public interest careers, Penn Carey Law also offers several sources of funding for select students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a generous loan repayment assistance program after graduation. Visit our website for detailed information regarding financial aid and scholarships, as well as instructions for applying: https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/financing/

Two people talking at a table with their computers
Learning Outcomes title

Penn Carey Law’s program of legal education, combining our rich, interdisciplinary curriculum, varied co-curricular activities, and pro bono responsibilities, prepares our students for admission to the bar and to serve as effective, ethical, and responsible members of the legal profession. Each student will be able to do the following:

Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law in a number of different subject areas;

Engage in legal analysis and reasoning, conduct efficient and effective legal research, apply problem-solving skills, and present findings, analyses, and recommendations efficiently and effectively in both written and oral communication;

Work collaboratively;

Demonstrate an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of law and the contributions and benefits to legal analysis and problem-solving that other disciplines can make;

Exercise proper professional judgment and fulfill ethical responsibilities to clients, the profession, and society in general; and

Utilize a range of professional skills that facilitate active, competent, and ethical participation in the legal profession.

Karen Tani L’07 GR’11, Seaman Family University Professor and Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor
Penn Carey Law Profile title
Penn Carey Law Profile title
STUDENT PROFILE CLASS OF 2024*
Applicants
Enrolled
Out of College One or More Years
Advanced Degrees
Women
Students of Color
LGBTQ+ Students
First Generation College
First Generation Professional School
Average Age
8,409
309
77%
11%
55%
48%
18%
14%
31%
24
 
75th Percentile
25th Percentile
LSAT
173
167
GPA
3.96
3.56
Distribution
This year’s class includes students from 36 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 8 countries (Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Macedonia, Singapore, and South Korea), and 153 colleges and universities.
*As of August 30, 2021
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
3501 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6204
Office of JD Admissions & Financial Aid
JD Admissions Office:
Financial Aid:
Fax:
JD Admissions Office Email:
Financial Aid Email:
215.898.7400
215.898.7743
215.898.9606
contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu
finaid@law.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or 215.898.6993 (Voice) or 215.898.7803 (TDD). The University’s annual security and fire safety report is available at http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/. The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees, curricula, or any other matters announced in this publication or on its website.

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