Thinking of attending law school in Houston, Texas?
South Texas College of Law Houston, which attracts students from across the country, offers a highly competitive and ABA-accredited, full-time campus J.D. degree that empowers future leaders in law. Our mission is to provide a diverse body of students with the opportunity to obtain an exceptional legal education and serve their community and profession with distinction.
From its advantageous location in vibrant downtown Houston, to its rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on legal training, STCL Houston prepares graduates to confidently practice law in the real world.
Read more to learn about the benefits of pursuing South Texas Law’s J.D. Full-Time / Campus program in Texas’s largest and most international city.
Why Apply to South Texas College of Law Houston?
South Texas College of Law Houston is a private, independent law school in downtown Houston that offers an ABA-accredited J.D. degree. Founded in 1923 to provide a legal education for working professionals, South Texas Law takes pride in being Houston’s oldest law school and has built a legacy of excellence over the past century.
As the law school moves into its second century, it continues to attract more than 1,000 students each year from across Texas and around the country because of the distinctive South Texas Law Experience that prepares students to practice law from day one.
STCL Houston is committed to providing an exceptional education and immersive campus experience, delivered to students by highly credentialed faculty and staff, and 80 percent of our students are enrolled in the traditional, full-time J.D. program.
Advantages of a J.D. Degree at South Texas College of Law Houston
- Experiential learning opportunities including externships, judicial clerkships, legal clinics serving real clients, and nationally ranked advocacy programs that prepare students to practice law immediately after graduating and passing the bar exam;
- Exceptional faculty who teach and challenge students while serving as mentors and encouragers;
- Supportive professional staff who are dedicated to student success from day one through bar passage and career placement;
- A welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community where students create peer study groups that become friends for life;
- Access to a network of 16,000+ alumni who mentor, coach, provide career insights, and help with professional advancement throughout your legal career.
Is a Full-Time J.D. Right for You?
There are many distinct advantages to enrolling in a full-time campus J.D. program rather than choosing to attend law school part-time. Although a part-time schedule may offer more flexibility for working professionals, a full-time program allows for a faster-paced journey that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your studies and actively engage in campus life. Completing a full-time J.D. degree program typically only takes three years, compared to part-time students typically completing the degree in four years.
The full-time program at South Texas Law allows you to dedicate more attention and focus to complex reading material and the intense academic curriculum. A full-time schedule also provides increased opportunities to attend campus events, participate in student organizations, and build stronger relationships that can evolve into a reliable network to support you throughout your journey in the legal field.
About South Texas Law’s J.D. Full-Time / Campus Program
South Texas College of Law Houston offers one J.D. degree, available through three schedules:
- J.D. Full-Time Campus
- J.D. Part-Time Campus
- J.D. Part-Time Online
About 80 percent of students at STCL Houston attend through our J.D. Full-Time / Campus schedule, with classes primarily during the day. South Texas Law offers the opportunity to enroll in the full-time program in either the fall or spring, depending on what works best for you. Both options provide the same exceptional course work and offer the opportunity to graduate in three years.
South Texas Law aims to prepare graduates with a distinguished education that sets you up for success in the legal profession and enables you to provide highly competent, effective, and ethical legal representation for clients.
The J.D. Full-Time / Campus program combines classroom instruction combined with the development of the practical legal skills and professionalism needed for a career in law. Our rigorous academic curriculum is complemented by opportunities to participate in skill institutes, mock trial and moot court preparation and competitions, mediation training, transactional practice experiences, professionalism and ethics symposia, leadership workshops, 40-plus student organizations, externships, judicial clerkships, and legal clinic programs that allow students to gain knowledge and skills — and to practice skills — needed as attorneys.
Visit About Our Degree to learn more about STCL Houston’s J.D. Program.
A Law School Located in Dynamic Downtown Houston
The South Texas College of Law Houston campus occupies a full city block in downtown Houston, Texas and is within walking distance of federal courthouses, Fortune 500 corporate offices, and top law firms, as well as popular local attractions.
These include:
- an array of local restaurants, hotels, and lounges;
- vibrant outdoor spaces like Buffalo Bayou Park and Discovery Green;
- live performance venues such as the House of Blues, the ballet, orchestra, and multiple theaters;
- and championship professional sporting events at venues including the Toyota Center and Daikin Park.
Houston is the fourth largest and one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and South Texas Law is one of the most diverse law schools in the country. The law school fosters a culturally inclusive campus experience enriched by a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
With quick access to top-rated cultural and entertainment experiences and the advantage of being a global center for business, law, energy, healthcare, arts, and sports, South Texas Law’s downtown Houston location offers a unique and exciting option for your law school journey.
The South Texas Law Experience
The exceptional South Texas Law experience offers a special chance to build strong relationships with individuals from across Texas and the nation, cultivate valuable hands-on legal skills, and engage with the diverse community, culture, and amenities of downtown Houston.
At STCL Houston, students have the opportunity to make connections and develop niche interests and skills by participating in 40+ clubs and student organizations, as well as multiple student-led publications including the South Texas Law Review, Currents: International Journal of International Economics Law, and the Construction Law Journal.
The foundation of the South Texas Law culture is its closely connected community that provides strong student support from your first year in law school through bar prep and career placement, and often continues throughout your professional career.
Where a South Texas Law Degree Can Take You
Pursuing a full-time campus Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program in Houston can pave the way for a potential career in both traditional legal practice and corporate roles. Prominent career paths include law firm associate, in-house counsel, energy trading/contracts, and compliance and management. In the Greater Houston region, highly sought-after specialties include energy law (oil and gas), intellectual property, business law, and more.
At STCL Houston, we offer nearly 50 skills-based courses and other real-world experiential learning opportunities that will prepare you for a successful career in law. With the variety of available courses and an emphasis on practice-ready legal skills, students are prepared to become attorneys at BigLaw firms, in public service law, for companies and organizations, and in entrepreneurial solo practices. Many South Texas Law alumni serve or have served as judges, as well.
Finding your most suitable career path starts with designing a curriculum that works for you. With the help of the Course Listings page, Pathways to Practice, and the Career Resource Center, you can learn how all the available courses and opportunities at South Texas Law fit with your unique interests, strengths, and objectives.
The Career Resource Center (CRC) team at South Texas Law supports students throughout the trajectory of their legal career journey, and they assist students from their very first semester of law school. The CRC provides resources that enable students and alumni to explore career goals, build essential professional skills, navigate the employment process, and connect with legal employers. They organize recruiting events throughout the year that result in high employment rates of STCL Houston students.
Begin Your Journey at STCL Houston
Pursuing a law degree at any institution can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the admissions team at South Texas Law is eager to help you every step of the way.
We hope you consider South Texas College of Law Houston as your first-choice law school in Houston, Texas. Discover the opportunity for an exceptional educational experience and build lifelong connections that can give you a true sense of community throughout your legal career.
We encourage you to schedule a visit, either in-person or virtually, to observe a class, tour the campus, or speak with the admissions team. For more information, email admissions@stcl.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Full-Time J.D.
We’ve listed some frequently asked questions about our Full-Time J.D. program below. For a comprehensive list of Admissions FAQ, click here: Frequently Asked Questions.
What do I need to apply?
Requirements to apply to our Full-Time J.D. program include, but are not limited to:
- a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- a current LSAT or GRE score
- an STCL Houston application
- a personal statement
- letters of recommendation
- a current resume
- a degree conferred transcript prior to the start of classes
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in pre-law or a law related field?
While we require an accredited bachelor’s degree, applicants may hold a degree in any field of study.
Other than grades and the test score, what do you look for?
In addition to traditional scoring qualifications, our admissions committee requires a two- to three-page personal statement. The personal statement should include information about your skills, strengths, education, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and any aspect of your life that you believe defines your character or makes you a distinctive candidate.
Your personal statement is a chance to share your story with the admissions team and let them know why you belong at South Texas Law.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Before you are admitted, you can start the process to apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA online. STCL Houston will make a decision about your financial aid once you have been admitted to the J.D. program and will contact you for any additional information needed to apply.
If you’re interested in learning more about STCL Houston’s Full-Time J.D. program, click here: J.D. Full-time / Campus.
