SMU Dedman Law School: 100 Years of Legacy, 17,000 Stories Strong

A century ago, in the heart of Dallas, a vision was born. Today, that vision stands tall, not just in the form of an institution but in the lives of 17,000 alumni who have carried its torch into courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities worldwide.

SMU Dedman School of Law is not just a law school — it’s a force, a family, and a foundation of legal excellence that has shaped the past and will define the future.
Hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered on the evening of Feb. 27 to officially launch the SMU Dedman School of Law Centennial Celebration at the Mack Grand Ballroom on the SMU campus, replete with champagne toasts, delicious finger foods and desserts, and a rock and roll band, Emerald City.

“We are 17,000 stories strong,” said Dean Jason Nance in remarks to the 500-plus in attendance. These graduates have left an indelible mark across industries and institutions. They are judges, CEOs, U.S. attorneys, government officials, educators, and leading attorneys in some of the nation’s most prestigious firms. Their achievements underscore why Dedman Law has ascended to become one of the most respected law schools in the nation. They also serve as the very reason that the best and brightest students seek to walk the same halls, driven by the aspiration to follow in their esteemed predecessors’ footsteps.

A law school’s legacy is shaped not only by its students and alumni but also by its faculty. Today, Dedman Law’s faculty consists of some of the nation’s top legal minds — scholars whose insights influence legal debates, whose voices echo in prominent media sources, and whose wisdom molds the next generation of legal professionals.

The dedication of the faculty extends beyond teaching and research, Dean Nance said; they serve as mentors, shaping the professional and ethical compasses of their students. Alumni frequently recall the profound impact their professors had on their lives, a testament to the enduring role of a faculty committed to excellence. “Our faculty has always comprised some of the top legal minds in the country,” he said.

The success of the institution is also deeply intertwined with its dedicated staff, he noted. From Admissions to Career Services, their contributions ensure that Dedman Law remains an institution of distinction. Many of these individuals are alumni themselves, further cementing their commitment to the school’s ongoing legacy.

With roots deeply embedded in Dallas, Dedman Law has flourished alongside the city. The school’s mission extends beyond its classrooms and courtrooms. “We benefit from Dallas, and Dallas benefits from us,” Nance said. The city provides unparalleled externship and employment opportunities for students, while the law school, in turn, serves as a pipeline of legal talent that strengthens the local economy and community. “Our Corporate Counsel Externship program is truly one of a kind,” placing approximately 150 students each year in general counsel offices of some of the world’s most sophisticated corporations, Dean Nance said.

Equally noteworthy is the law school’s commitment to public service. “Our legal clinics have literally served thousands of low-income individuals with a variety of legal problems,” he said. For 75 years, these clinics have provided critical legal assistance, ensuring access to justice for those who might otherwise be without representation. Such initiatives exemplify the law school’s dedication to serving both its students and the greater good.

As Dedman Law commemorates its centennial, it does so with an eye toward the future. “We will continue to raise money for scholarships to attract the best and the brightest students,” Nance said. The pursuit of excellence remains relentless. With incoming student credentials reaching new heights—median LSAT scores of 165 and GPAs of 3.86 in recent years — Dedman Law continues to attract the best legal minds. “Our employment placement rate is among the best in the nation,” with nearly 99 percent of graduates securing full-time, long-term jobs requiring bar exam passage or J.D.-advantage positions, he said.

Looking ahead, the law school is poised for transformation. “We are already one of the best law schools in the nation, and we aim to become one of the very best in the world,” he said. Plans are underway to modernize its facilities, which, though rich with history, must evolve to meet the needs of contemporary legal education. Updated classrooms, expanded student collaboration spaces, and enhanced clinical facilities will foster an environment that supports innovation, community, and excellence.

This trajectory of growth and excellence is further bolstered by the school’s ongoing fundraising efforts. As part of its centennial campaign, Dedman Law has already raised $3.7 million in scholarships, with matching contributions elevating the total to $7.4 million, Dean Nance said. This commitment to financial support ensures that the most promising students can pursue their legal education without financial barriers.

In a special tribute video commemorating the Centennial, Dedman alums spoke passionately about their alma mater and underscored the benefits of belonging to the Dedman community: leaders who don’t just practice law but shape industries; a strong alumni web of mentorship and opportunity that stretches far beyond the Dallas skyline; a number of Dedman Law graduates on the bench highlighting the school’s impact on the judiciary; and the plethora of academics who are not only extraordinarily knowledgeable about their particular area of law but also invested in their students’ success.

Above all, Dean Nance said Dedman Law remains steadfast in its mission. “We will continue to train and place excellent lawyers and judges who will uphold the rule of law.” This commitment is not merely about legal education — it is about sustaining democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and ensuring a just and equitable society. “Lawyers matter, and we are proud that some of the very best lawyers have graduated and will graduate from the SMU Dedman School of Law.”