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Chapman University Fowler School of Law
Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law is a renowned private law school located in Orange County, California, just 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles and within a short distance to the beach and Disneyland. This ABA-accredited institution has an impressive faculty that includes three former U.S. Supreme Court clerks, a Nobel Prize winner, and a former five-term U.S. member of Congress - providing students with the opportunity to learn from some of the best legal minds in the country.
Contents
History
At Chapman Law, students benefit from a dynamic and personalized legal education designed to help them succeed in their chosen field of law. The diverse academic programs offer students the knowledge dcvbn The Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University has a long and storied history. It opened in 1995 as the first law school on a university campus in Orange County, California. In 2013, it was renamed the Dale E. Fowler School of Law after Dale and Ann Fowler's generous $55 million gift to the school. The law school is located on the former site of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, a considerable tract of land granted by the Spanish crown in 1810. The land was purchased by prominent Los Angeles lawyer Alfred Beck Chapman and his law partner Andrew Glassell in 1868. In 1872, Mr. Chapman donated the land to the town of Orange, now the Dale E. Fowler School of Law site.
In 1999, the law school building was officially renamed Donald P. Kennedy Hall in honor of Mr. Donald Kennedy, a longtime chairman of the board of First American Financial Corporation and Chapman trustee and benefactor who passed away in 2012. The four-story building provides 133,000 square feet of floor space and a vibrant and efficient learning environment for its students.
The Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal education, preparing students for successful careers in the law, and encouraging student-faculty interaction that furthers scholarship, research, and service to their community. They strive to uphold their tradition of excellence in legal education and continue to lead the way in preparing generations of successful attorneys.
Admissions
Prospective students applying to the Fowler School of Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program are evaluated through a rolling admissions process centered on several key factors: academic preparedness (such as LSAT scores submitted via the Credential Assembly Service), personal integrity, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the law school community. International applicants must also demonstrate English-language proficiency with minimum TOEFL scores of 100 iBT, 600 PBT, or 250 CBT. The school emphasizes its commitment to fairness and inclusion, strictly prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153 - 161 - 162 | 156 - 162 - 164 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.30 - 3.67 - 3.77 | 3.27 - 3.67 - 3.83 |
| Acceptance rate | 28.7% | 27.1% |
| Applications received | 1848 | 2082 |
| Acceptances | 567 | 565 |
| Matriculants | 138 | 141 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Chapman University Fowler School of Law received 2,082 applications, of which 565 applicants were offered admission. The entering class included 141 matriculants. The LSAT scores for the 25th to 75th percentile ranged from 156 to 164, while the corresponding GPA range was 3.27 to 3.83. The overall acceptance rate for this cycle was 27.1 percent.
Application Instructions
To apply for the JD program at Chapman University Fowler School of Law, candidates must create an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Once logged in, applicants should select “JD/First Year” on the application. Furthermore, a personal statement must be submitted, limited to three pages, type-written, 12 point font, and double-spaced. Additionally, applicants must upload a resume including work experience, volunteer experience and extracurricular activities.
Chapman University Fowler School of Law also requires two letters of recommendation to be sent as part of the application process. Lastly, an up-to-date Credential Assembly Service Report must be ordered and sent to Chapman University Fowler School of Law.
If applicants have additional materials they would like to provide after submitting their application, they may email the addendum(s) to lawadmission@chapman.edu. The application materials must meet these requirements for the file to be properly processed and placed into review. Failure to meet the requirements may result in a delay in processing and placement.
Transfer
Transfer Applicants to Chapman University Fowler School of Law must submit their application online through the Law School Admissions Council. To be eligible, applicants must currently be enrolled in or taking an approved leave of absence from a full-time or part-time JD program at an ABA-accredited law school and have completed at least one year of coursework.
Once the application has been completed, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will evaluate whether any courses need to be repeated due to an extended time since attending law school.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025 academic year, full-time JD students at Chapman University Fowler School of Law are charged tuition totaling $63,201 per year. Financial aid is widely available—about 58% of students receive grants or scholarships, with the average award amounting to approximately $57,000, covering nearly the full cost of tuition. The law school offers a variety of merit-based scholarships—such as general tuition scholarships, First-Generation awards up to $20,000, Dean’s Kennedy Scholarships, and Distinguished Student Fellowships—many of which are renewable provided students maintain the required GPA thresholds. Additionally, eligible students may participate in federal work-study programs or access private education or bar-based loans to help meet their remaining educational expenses.
Cost of Attendance
Chapman University Fowler School of Law has an established Cost of Attendance that must be followed to determine the federal aid a student is eligible for. This figure is decided upon by the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee. It considers both institutional costs and surveys conducted with students regarding their living expenses. Federal regulations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Department of Education guidelines also establish students' cost of living allowance.
Only aid that falls within a student's Cost of Attendance can be accepted and applied toward tuition costs. This includes loans, grants, work assistance, fellowships, or scholarships. Students need to understand their Cost of Attendance and how much aid they can secure to ensure that the amount of money accepted is, at most, what is needed. By keeping track of the figure and understanding their financial situation, students can more accurately plan for their tuition expenses.
| Category | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (full-time JD) | $63,201 |
| % Receiving Aid | ~58% |
| Average Grant/Scholarship Award | ~$57,000 |
| Merit-Based Scholarships Offered | Yes (various types; renewable with GPA requirements) |
| Work-Study Availability | Federal work-study programs available |
| Private Loans | Available (including Bar loans for exam preparation) |
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office at Chapman University Fowler School of Law is dedicated to assisting students committed to achieving their legal studies goals. Their goal is to package financial aid to individuals based on their individual needs and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and university regulations. They strive to maintain all students' dignity while preserving the integrity of the Federal Aid Programs.
Chapman Law Scholarships
The Fowler School of Law at Chapman University offers a variety of merit-based scholarship opportunities to its first-year students. These scholarships are based on the student's undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) and LSAT score and are awarded upon admission to the JD program. To retain their scholarship awards, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.9 in their second and third years of legal study.
Federal Loans
Federal student and graduate loans are an excellent way to finance their education. These low-interest loans, provided by the Federal government, can be applied for through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. This document outlines all of the financial aid options available to students.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study is an excellent way for students to fund their education after their first year at Chapman University Fowler School of Law. It allows students to work part-time and earn money for their educational expenses. These positions are primarily research assistant roles, helping professors with various evidence collection, or working in the Hugh & Hazel Darling Law Library.
Private Loans
Private Education Loans are a financing option designed to assist international students and those ineligible to receive Federal Loans Programs. While the fees and interest rates vary among lenders, there are certain benefits associated with Private loans that make them an attractive alternative for those who don’t qualify for the other loan options.
Academics
Chapman University Fowler School of Law is renowned for its top-notch tax law program, rated highly by USNews and World Report as 17th in the nation. Students can pursue a double degree, including a JD/MBA and an exclusive JD/MFA in Film and Television Producing. Given its acceptance of students with Tier-3 numbers, Chapman has the potential to be an attractive choice for those interested in law specialties such as entertainment and tax. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12.6, faculty are accessible and friendly yet challenging when necessary; this helps to keep the "burnout factor" low—1L academic attrition is less than 10%. Furthermore, the atmosphere at Chapman is described as relaxed and collegial compared to other law schools, making it an even more attractive option. Students can gain skills and experience in a supportive environment that will be beneficial upon graduation. Chapman University Fowler School of Law is ideal for those pursuing a legal career in tax or entertainment law.
Chapman University Fowler School of Law is a top-notch school with many advantages to offer its students. The top-ranked Tax Law Program, variety of joint degrees, and relaxed atmosphere make Chapman an attractive option for anyone specializing in law, especially those with Tier-3 numbers. The friendly faculty and low "burnout factor" help students to flourish without becoming overwhelmed. Chapman provides a supportive learning environment that gives students the skills and experience they need to succeed in their legal careers. Chapman University Fowler School of Law is ideal for those specializing in Tax Law or Entertainment Law.
Externships
Chapman University Fowler School of Law offers a unique program for students to develop the practical skills necessary to work in a legal context. With support from Externship Director Carolyn Young Larmore, enrolled students can engage in part-time externships with judges, government agencies, corporations, public interest organizations, private law firms, and more for a total of eight (8) units. Alternatively, students can complete a full-time judicial externship for ten units.
The Externship Program Handbook and Application provide all the information on program policies and requirements so that current students understand their options and responsibilities when participating in this exciting opportunity. With the Externship Program, students can gain real-world experience and knowledge they can apply practically.
They are dedicated to providing their students with the best possible education at Chapman University Fowler School of Law. They understand the importance of providing experiential learning opportunities for young legal professionals and believe their Externship Program is an excellent way to do just that. They are proud to offer their students the chance to develop the skills and experience necessary for success in their chosen field.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
The Class of 2025 from Chapman University Fowler School of Law shows encouraging outcomes in both employment and bar passage. The first-time bar exam pass rate for graduates stands at 80%, aligning closely with statewide averages for California. Within 10 months of graduation, approximately 83.4% of graduates obtained full-time, long-term positions requiring bar passage, while another 12.4% secured JD-advantage roles, reflecting the degree’s flexibility beyond traditional practice. A smaller portion, about 2.1%, pursued further graduate education or professional training, while only 2.1% remained unemployed and seeking work. Employment sectors varied, with the majority entering private practice (54%), followed by business/industry (21%), government roles (13%), public interest positions (7%), and judicial clerkships (5%). The law school’s Career Services Office contributes to these outcomes by offering tailored career counseling, on-campus interview programs, alumni networking events, and connections with regional and national employers. Overall, these statistics highlight the law school’s consistent ability to help graduates transition into meaningful professional roles.
| Category | Percentage / Details |
|---|---|
| First-Time Bar Passage Rate | 80% |
| Employed in Bar Passage Required Jobs | 83.4% |
| Employed in JD-Advantage Jobs | 12.4% |
| Pursuing Further Education | 2.1% |
| Unemployed & Seeking | 2.1% |
| Employment by Sector (Breakdown) | Private Practice – 54% Business/Industry – 21% Government – 13% Public Interest – 7% Judicial Clerkships – 5% |
Quality of Life
Orange County, California, is a place of divided opinions. Some people embrace the area as a haven of fantastic weather, plush beaches, and welcoming communities. They will often point to the high quality of life and the wide range of amenities that Southern California offers as reasons why living anywhere else would be foolish. On the other hand, those with other views have different opinions. They might see Orange County as nothing more than a shallow playground for the wealthy or an area of right-wing politics that should be avoided altogether.
Before committing to Chapman University Fowler School of Law, it would be wise to visit the area and know whether they would fit in. The cost of living is relatively high, but the rewards can be great for those who find a place in the region. Despite its divided opinions, Orange County offers prospective students many exciting opportunities and experiences. OC has numerous attractions - from buzzing nightlife to world-class shopping centers - for everyone.
Synopsis
All new law schools must initially struggle to find their footing, and Chapman Law is doing just that. Having been ABA-accredited for less than a decade, they have made impressive strides, including a top-20 specialty ranking by USNews. On the other hand, they have yet to establish a positive reputation with major law firms, even in Southern California. Students should approach VERY cautiously the idea of paying nearly $40,000 a year to attend a school that offers them almost no possibility of a biglaw salary. Still, many far worse options exist for individuals looking to live and practice law in Orange County. Chapman Law School does appear to be on the rise, with improving bar passage rates and employment prospects quite good for graduates within nine months after graduation.
Contact Information
Chapman University
Admissions Office
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: (714) 997-6815
https://www.chapman.edu/law/academic-programs/jd/index.aspx
Summary
| Established | 1995 |
| Location | Orange, CA |
| Dean | Dr. Paul Paton |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 104th |
| LSAT Median Score | 162 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.67 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 80% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 67.1% (2025) |
| Cost | "$63,126 full-time,
$50,400 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $165,216 |
| Application Deadline | April 15, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
Chapman University School of Law
https://www.chapman.edu/law/index.aspx
Rank #104
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