Introduction | Chapman University: Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Established in 1861, Chapman University is a private, coeducational university located in Orange, California, in the western region of the United States. 

Created in 1995, the Chapman University Fowler School of Law provides a personalized, practice-focused approach to legal education that prepares graduates to make a lasting difference in their communities.  Recognized for its distinguished faculty, smaller class sizes, and award-winning competition teams, Fowler Law exposes students to clinical programs, externships, labs, research opportunities and a valuable alumni network. 

In 2013, the Law School was renamed to the Dale E. Fowler School of Law after a generous donation by Chapman alumnus Dale E. Fowler.

Fowler Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and is in the Top Law Schools category of U.S. News & World Report annual rankings.

Key Facts and Overview | Chapman University Fowler School of Law

A Chapman legal education provides students an unparalleled experience inside and outside of the classroom. The Fowler School of Law faculty includes four former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, a former member of the U.S. Congress, a Nobel Laureate and a host of distinguished scholars, as well as noted visiting professors and practice-savvy adjunct professors.Faculty members frequently can be found publishing in the nation’s top law journals as well as in national publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post; appearing as experts on network, cable and public television and radio news programs; writing leading casebooks and treatises; and contributing to legal and academic blogs.

The Fowler School of Law is proud of its collaborative environment. Students work closely with faculty and peers to build unparalleled opportunities during and after law school. The law school offers more than three dozen law student organizations, which provide valuable networking opportunities in a variety of legal specializations. Students are actively involved in the planning and presentation of guest speakers and major annual events, including the Chapman Law Review Symposium, Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium, Diversity & Social Justice Forum Symposium, and Public Interest Law Foundation Benefit.

Legal clinics held at Fowler School of Law provide students the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working on actual cases under the close supervision of faculty. Students will also engage in training sessions, fieldwork with clients, research and court appearances to prepare for a law career after graduation. 

Students can gain legal experience at the Bette and Wylie Aitken Family Protection Clinic. This clinic helps approximately 150 survivors of family violence annually. Students have direct interaction with the community while supervised by a licensed attorney. This clinic is essential to providing legal assistance to low-income survivors of domestic violence. 

The Alona Cortese Elder Law Center was created in 2000 with the objective of providing free legal assistance to low income seniors in the local community. With more than200 cases examined by Fowler School of Law students, this organization has made a significant impact in the lives of senior citizens in need of legal advice. 

Other clinics open to Fowler School of Law students include the Mediation Clinic, Entertainment Law Clinic, Constitutional Jurisprudence Clinic, and Tax Law Clinic. 

Students will have the opportunity to engage in numerous law competitions such as Appellate Moot Court Board, Mock Trials Board, and Dispute Resolution Board. Students will engage in simulated court situations, allowing students to practice their “lawyering skills” which includes research, writing, communication and analytical skills. Competition allows students to build meaningful professional connections with faculty and staff while showcasing their skills in the courtroom. 

The Chapman University Fowler School of Law provides publications for scholarly writings submitted by the legal community and edited/reviewed by top Chapman law students. 

Fowler School of Law is one of the most scenic law schools in the country and is located on 42 acres of Chapman University property. Fowler School of Law is also one block away from Old Towne shopping district, home to many restaurants and shops.

Majors and Degrees | Chapman University Fowler School of Law

Chapman University Fowler School of Law proudly offers the following graduate law programs: 

Juris Doctor (JD)

Providing personalized education from some of the nation's top legal educators, Fowler Law offers both full-time and part-time JD programs. 

JD/MBA

Joint program requiring acceptance to both the Fowler School of Law and Argyros School of Business and Economics. 

JD/MFA

First fully integrated JD/MFA in Producing program in the country. Requires acceptance to both the Fowler School of Law and Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

LL.M. in Taxation

This program exposes post-JD students to a wide variety of specialized tax and estate planning courses.

Admissions | Chapman University Fowler School of Law

Chapman University Fowler School of Law has a rolling admission policy; applications open in September and are reviewed upon completion. However, the priority application deadline for scholarship consideration is April 15 each year. Applicants are required to submit a formal application, personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation, and the CAS report from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The CAS report generally includes LSAT score(s), official transcript(s), and letters of recommendation. The law school takes the highest LSAT score. There is no application fee.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Chapman University is #87 (tied) in Best Colleges for Veterans. Veterans are encouraged to meet with the Director of Veterans Affairs during the application process by phone or in-person. Veterans can learn more by visiting the Veterans Resource Center.

Costs and Financial Aid | Chapman University Fowler School of Law

The Fowler School of Law offers generous, merit-based scholarships based on LSAT and cumulative GPA data. Scholarships for First Generation college students and those with previous work experience are also available, in addition to federal loans. Chapman University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides funding for eligible military veterans. Although applications are accepted year-round, prospective students are encouraged to apply by April 15 to maximize scholarship opportunities.

Graduate costs and fees are subject to change each academic year; prospective students can view the most current tuition and fees on the university website.  

Federal Stafford and Federal Graduate PLUS loans are also available. These are Federal low-interest rate loans available to students completing the FAFSA.

Students interested in need-based financial aid should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application if they are not eligible for federal financial aid.