Thinking of going to law school in Houston, Texas?
South Texas College of Law Houston is a top-tier law school that offers a highly competitive and ABA-accredited, full-time campus J.D. program that empowers future leaders in law. Our mission is to provide a diverse body of students with the opportunity to obtain an exceptional legal education and serve their community and profession with distinction.
From its advantageous location in vibrant downtown Houston, to its rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on legal training, STCL Houston prepares graduates to confidently practice law in the real world.
Read more to learn about the benefits of pursuing South Texas Law’s J.D. Full-Time / Campus program in downtown Houston.
Why Apply to South Texas College of Law Houston?
South Texas College of Law Houston is a private, independent institution in downtown Houston that offers an ABA-accredited J.D. degree. Founded in 1923 to provide a legal education for working professionals, STCL HoustonSouth Texas Law takes pride in being Houston’s first law school and carries a legacy of excellence over the past century.
STCL Houston is committed to providing an exceptional education and immersive campus experience from a team of highly credentialed faculty and staff.
Other benefits to pursuing a J.D. degree at South Texas Law include:
- nationally ranked experiential learning opportunities such as clinics and externships, which prepare students to practice law immediately after graduating and passing the bar exam;
- a supportive community of students, faculty, and staff whothat are dedicated to diversity and inclusion;
- and access to a network of 16,000+ alumni that who can help with professional advancement, mentorship, and resources throughout your legal career.
Is a Full-Time J.D. Right for You?
There are many distinct advantages to enrolling in a full-time campus J.D. program rather than choosing to attend law school part-time. Although a part-time schedule may offer more flexibility for working professionals, a full-time program allows for a faster- paced experience that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your studies. Completing a full-time J.D. degree program typically only takes three3 years, compared to part-time students often needing four4 to five5 years to fully obtain their degree.
With more time to dedicate to your studies, a full-time program allows you to allot an adequate amount of attention and focus to complex reading material and an intense academic curriculum. A full-time schedule also provides increased opportunities to attend campus events, participate in student organizations, and build stronger relationships that can evolve into a reliable network that can support you throughout your journey in the legal field.
About our J.D. Full-Time / Campus Program
South Texas College of Law Houston offers one J.D. degree, available through three schedules:
- J.D. Full-Time Campus
- J.D. Part-Time Campus
- J.D. Part-Time Online
About 80 percent of students at STCL Houston attend through our J.D. Full-Time / Campus schedule. South Texas Law offers the opportunity to enroll in the full-time program in either the fall or spring, depending on what works best for you. Both options provide the same exceptional course work and offer the opportunity to graduate in three years.
South Texas Law aims to prepare graduates with a distinguished education that sets you up for success in the legal profession and enables you to provide highly competent, effective, and ethical legal representation for clients.
The J.D. Full-Time / Campus program combines classroom instruction with the development of practical skills to teach law students the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed for a career in law. Our rigorous academic curriculum is complemented by opportunities to engage in skill institutes, mock trial, moot court, and legal clinic programs, which allow students to confidently apply skills learned in the classroom to actual cases.
Visit About Our Degree to learn more about STCL Houston’s J.D. Program.
Exploring Downtown Houston
South Texas College of Law Houston is known for its stunning location, occupying a full city block in downtown Houston, Texas. The law school is within walking distance of federal courthouses, Fortune 500 corporate offices, and top law firms, as well as local attractions around the city.
This includes:
- an array of local restaurants, hotels, and lounges;
- vibrant outdoor spaces like Buffalo Bayou Park and Discovery Green;
- live performance venues such as the House of Blues, the ballet, orchestra, and multiple theatres;
- and championship professional sporting events at venues like the Toyota Center and Daikin Park.
Houston is the fourth largest and one of the most diverse cities in the nation, which makes South Texas Law one of the most diverse law schools in the country. This fosters a culturally inclusive campus experience that is enriched by a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
With quick access to top-rated downtown experiences and the advantage of being a global center for business, law, energy, healthcare, arts, and sports, South Texas Law’s downtown Houston location offers a unique and exciting option for your law school journey.
The South Texas Law Experience
The exceptional South Texas Law experience offers a special chance to build strong relationships, cultivate valuable hands-on legal skills, and engage with the diverse community, culture, and amenities of downtown Houston.
At STCL Houston, students have the opportunity to make connections and develop niche interests and skills by participating in 4029+ clubs and student organizations, as well as multiple student-led publications such as the South Texas Law Review.
The South Texas Law culture embraces a closely connected community that provides strong student support from your first year in law school, through bar prep after graduation, and potentially continued throughout the length of your career.
Where a South Texas Law Degree Can Take You
Pursuing a full-time campus Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program in Houston can pave the way for a potential career in both traditional legal practice and corporate roles. Prominent career paths include : law firm associate, in-house counsel, energy trading/contracts, and compliance and& management. In Houston, highly sought-after specialties include energy law (oil and& gas), intellectual property, business law, and more.
At STCL Houston, we offer nearly 50 skills-based courses and other real-world experiential learning opportunities that will prepare you for a successful career in law. With the variety of available courses and emphasis on skills-based training, students are prepared to practice in various legal fields.
Finding your most suitable career path starts with designing a curriculum that works for you. With the help of the Course Listings page, Pathways to Practice, and the Career Resource Center, you can learn how all the available courses and opportunities at South Texas Law fits with your unique interests, strengths, and objectives.
The Career Resource Center (CRC) at South Texas Law supports students throughout the trajectory of their legal career journey. The CRC provides resources that enables students and alumni to explore career goals, build essential professional skills, navigate the employment process, and connect with legal employers.
Begin Your Journey at STCL Houston
Pursuing a law degree at any institution can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the admissions team at South Texas Law is eager to help you every step of the way.
We hope that you consider South Texas College of Law Houston as your first-choice law school in Houston, Texas. Discover the opportunity for an exceptional education experience and build lifelong connections that can give you a true sense of community throughout your legal career.
To read the full blog article, click here: Why Choose a Full-Time J.D. in Downtown Houston
