The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School has been at the forefront of legal education for nearly two centuries, training lawyers for dynamic careers addressing today’s most urgent legal questions and anticipating emergent issues worldwide. Our alumni are changemakers, leveraging their Penn Carey Law experience to practice law, lead, and serve at the highest levels.
A national leader in interdisciplinary legal education, Penn Carey Law’s rigorous curriculum and experiential learning model prepares students to launch impactful careers in a wide variety of legal specialties and sectors. Our inclusive, vibrant community encourages students to take intellectual risks, explore innovative approaches, and collaborate to achieve unparalleled impact.
We believe the next generation of lawyers must be superbly trained in law and have a robust grounding in business, communications, education, healthcare, international studies, social work, technology, and other related fields that complement and enhance their legal expertise.
Penn Carey Law’s cross-disciplinary academic programs are fully integrated with the University of Pennsylvania’s world-class institutions, including the Wharton School, Perelman School of Medicine, Fels Institute of Government, and six other partner schools. This collaboration provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to prepare for successful careers and engage with every major issue facing our society.
Joint Degrees and Certificate Programs offered in conjunction with other Penn schools and departments
From clinical legal studies and field placements to the Legal Practice Skills program, Penn Carey Law’s experiential learning opportunities enhance the JD curriculum and empower students to experience what it means to be a lawyer. As early as their second year, students can choose from an array of courses to explore practice areas, apply their analytical skills, and work with clients in real-life legal settings.
The Gittis Legal Clinics, the Law School’s teaching law firm, puts students on the front lines of representing clients with complex legal concerns under the close supervision of dedicated seasoned attorneys. Students can also choose from numerous field placements and externships at governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations to train in a wide variety of legal work outside the Law School.
The Legal Practice Skills program involves year-long simulation courses that teach fundamental lawyering skills through case studies, hypothetical exercises, and real-world lawyering assignments.
Civil Practice Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Detkin Intellectual Property & Technology Legal Clinic
Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
Interdisciplinary Child Advocacy Clinic
Transnational Legal Clinic
Near the U.S.-Mexico border, student volunteers from the Transnational Legal Clinic counsel migrant asylum-seekers through a fence.
Penn Carey Law graduates lead in all corners of the global legal market, including private practice, government, public interest, business/industry, clerkships, and more. We provide comprehensive career support to our students and alumni, enabling graduates to forge unique and fulfilling careers. Whatever your path, our experienced counselors in the Office of Career Strategy can help you understand the possibilities, explore your interests, and achieve your career goals.
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Our vibrant community views service as a core value and responsibility. Home to one of the first pro bono requirements in the country, Penn Carey Law centers pro bono as an integral, galvanizing aspect of legal education. Moreover, we encourage students to incorporate service into their professional identities, regardless of career path, sector, or legal specialty.
The Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC) houses the Law School’s pro bono program and oversees robust programming to support students’ development as practice-ready, civically engaged leaders who embrace service. All JD students engage in a 70-hour pro bono program and can take advantage of exceptional learning opportunities through more than 20 pro bono projects across six practice areas.
TPIC also works closely with students and alumni interested in leveraging their law degrees to effect positive change. Flagship initiatives like the Toll Public Interest Scholars, the Toll Public Interest Fellows, and the TolLRAP loan repayment program ensure Penn Carey Law graduates can actualize their public interest goals.
The Leo Model Foundation Government Service & Public Affairs Initiative prepares students for leadership in government and policymaking, and the Cozen Family Voting Rights Fellowship supports graduates working to advance and protect voting rights.
