Southern Methodist University Reviews of Doctorates in Law

"Great school but make sure you can pay for it otherwise go cheaper."

"Pros: (1) The staff and career service office is very responsive to student comments and responses. You can tell this is a private school from the attention you get; (2) Professors are very knowledgable; (3) Dallas is a great legal market and has a booming economy so job prospects are good; (4) Feel prepared for the Bar Exam Cons: (1) Diversity is really lacking at SMU. People are a tad close-minded and usually have the same perspective; (2) it's SUPER expensive"

"Overall very happy with my decision to attend SMU."

"If you want a job, SMU is the best law school around. And there is no other law library in the country that beats ours!"

"If you get good grades and make good connections, then it's a terrific value and will sere you well jumping into the Dallas legal market. If you're going to graduate with a 3.0 GPA, then it may not be worth it because your job search will be long, difficult, and possibly unfulfilling."

"Pros: Great network in DFW; helpful career services; quality professors. Cons: Expensive; full-time (3 year) students' grades are on the same curve as part-time (4 year) students. Too many courses scheduled in late afternoon/evening."

"Excellent faculty and staff. Very supportive career office."

"Pros - great location, job placement, student camaraderie, and education value Cons - cost of living, scholarships"

"The faculty and staff care about the students"

"This program is great to jump start your legal career."

"Overall, I believe SMU to have the best law school in Texas, and in my opinion, ranks right up there with the best in the nation! There are definitely some areas to work on: diversity (mainly in terms of the socio-economic background of the students and in terms of the faculty members) and the fact that many of the faculty members don't go out of their way to interact with students. However, the professors are exceptional in their fields, the school goes out of their way to support you and find you funding for research/travel to conferences, and the career services office bends over backwards to help you find a job in an area you want. Not to mention, our alumni are also incredibly active and want to help you out! Lastly, Dallas is the best place to be in terms of a vibrant community."

"Dallas has a thriving legal market, and a JD from SMU holds great value and great connections. The school itself is small but offers great programs, speaker series, opportunities, networking events and guidance. While not every professor is the best out there this is likely at almost every school. Most professors however are tough in class, but very approachable outside the classroom."

"Excellent school, great value and quality of education and life."

"Great regional law school for those that want to work in Texas. Good alumni network and grad base (and solid reputation) in the DFW area. Currently the only law school in Dallas, which helps in finding jobs, although competition is increasing from outside schools. Expensive, but do give a good number of scholarships."

"Expansive, successful alumni network in the Dallas area. Great faculty and staff, wonderful library, and one of the top ranked college campuses in the nation. Only downside is price of attendance, which can be offset with financial aid and competitive scholarships."

"I feel that the biggest benefit to my graduate program is the level of support from the administration. There is truly an environment of encouragement and understanding for such a competitive and challenging program. While the work load can be overwhelming at times, SMU has created a wonderful evening programs for individuals, like myself, who have been or are currently in the professional world, and/or have family obligations, but still wish to pursue a law degree. I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to attend Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University!"

"Great alumni network in helping current students and recent graduates to get work in the Dallas area. School works hard to get students summer jobs to get experience and be more marketable after graduating."

"Competitive, well recognized Law School for anyone who wants to practice in Texas and especially in the DFW Metroplex."

"I wouldn't trade my experience at SMU for that of any other law school. While no school is perfect, SMU is perfect for me."

"Great school. A little expensive. It can really set you down the right path with all the connections you will make through SMU Alum who stay in the area. Just don't be in the bottom of the class, or you are screwed."