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About
Rutgers Law School is the law school of Rutgers University, operating campuses in Newark and Camden, New Jersey. It is the oldest law school in the state and the largest public law school in the United States, ranking as the 10th largest law school overall. With roots tracing back to three predecessor institutions—the New Jersey Law School founded on October 5, 1908, in Newark; the South Jersey Law School established in 1926 in Camden; and the Mercer Beasley Law School—the school merged these entities over time to form the modern Rutgers Law School. Although Rutgers University itself was chartered in 1766, the law school began offering legal education in the early 20th century, focusing on accessible, high-quality training for aspiring lawyers. Each incoming class in the three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program enrolls approximately 350 students, contributing to a robust alumni network of over 23,000 graduates who serve as leaders in law firms, corporations, government, judiciary, and public interest organizations. The school emphasizes practical legal education through its extensive clinical programs, offering 21 clinics across the Newark and Camden campuses where students handle real cases under faculty supervision. Externships provide additional hands-on experience in settings such as government agencies, non-profits, and various courts, including federal district, appellate, and bankruptcy courts. Rutgers Law School also demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, exemplified by its Minority Student Program founded in 1968, aimed at advancing underrepresented voices in the legal profession. The institution supports over 50 student-run organizations that reflect diverse interests, political positions, and backgrounds. In addition to the standard J.D., it offers a J.D. for foreign-trained lawyers and joint-degree programs combining the J.D. with other Rutgers graduate degrees. Rutgers Law School's influence extends through its alumni, who include high-profile practitioners, in-house counsel at major corporations, influential government officials such as judges and legislators, and advocates in public interest sectors. The school's programs foster skills for a wide range of legal careers, from private practice to public service, underscoring its role in shaping legal professionals across industries.