Dedman School of Law celebrates 100 years of legal education

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Dedman School of Law is kicking off a yearlong celebration honoring its 100th year of legal education. The first major law school in the city of Dallas began in 1925 with two professors and a small roster of students that could fill a single classroom in SMU’s iconic Dallas Hall. Now, Dedman Law is a leading center of legal thought, instruction, and hands-on educational experiences.

The first graduating class of 10 men and one woman in 1928 has grown into an alumni network nearly 17,000 strong, consisting of federal, state, and international jurists; legendary litigators; founders of celebrated law firms; corporate CEOs; and leaders across a range of legal and business disciplines. The Dedman Law faculty comprises some of the top legal scholars in the nation, and their work helps bridge the gap between legal practice and theory by examining and challenging real-world legal issues as our society evolves.

“The Dedman School of Law continues to drive progress in Dallas and beyond, shaping the next generation of legal leaders and advancing the future of law,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. “The generosity and vision of the Dedman family have made a tremendous impact on legal education in the Dallas community. They have blessed not only this university, but the lives of thousands of students.”

In 1997, a pledge of $30 million, at that time the largest gift in SMU history, was announced from the Dedman family and The Dedman Foundation. Later, $15 million of that $30 million pledge, plus another $5 million, was designated for endowment of SMU’s Law School. In recognition of the total $20 million endowment, Dedman School of Law was named in honor of the Dedmans in 2001.

"Thanks in large part to the support of so many alumni and supporters, we have evolved from our modest roots into a school with some of the brightest students in the nation and a faculty made up of the top legal minds in their fields. And we are poised for even greater things to come,” said Jason P. Nance, Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law, SMU Dedman School of Law.

Dedman Law consistently places graduates in top positions within the legal industry, ranking highly for job placements at prestigious law firms, judicial clerkships, and positions requiring bar exam passage. Last year, 99% of students from the Class of 2023 were employed by spring 2024.

“SMU Dedman School of Law plays a vital role in training future legal experts who work in influential positions around the world. Many choose to stay, contribute to the thriving economy in Dallas and become leaders in our community,” said Robert H. Dedman, Jr. ’80, ’84, SMU trustee and president of The Dedman Foundation. “We encourage others to join us in investing strategically in the future of a singular institution and the legal minds it shapes.” 

Additionally, Dedman Law ranks #6 among U.S. law schools with the highest percentage of 2022 and 2023 graduates placed in long-term, full-time, bar-passage required or J.D. advantage jobs, according to TaxProf Blog. It ranks #21 among law schools whose 2023 graduates landed associate jobs at the 100 largest U.S. law firms and #34 in for placing students in judicial clerkships upon graduation, according to Law.com.

“Dedman Law is experiencing unprecedented growth and acceleration right now,” said Jennifer Burr Altabef ’78, ’81, Dedman School of Law Centennial Chair. “Dean Jason Nance has constructed a strategic plan to advance the school academically and grow corporate and judicial opportunities for graduates. By investing in scholarships and facilities, we can ensure Dedman Law students will make the most of the opportunities provided by the school and the dynamic environment of a growing Dallas.”

The school has also made a positive impact on the community through Dedman Law’s Clinical Program, which provides pro bono legal services to thousands of people who do not have the means to hire a lawyer. For more than 75 years, the 10 legal clinics have reached beyond Dallas and into specialized areas unimaginable to their predecessors, such as trademark and patent law, immigration, civil rights and first amendment litigation.

Dedman Law was the first law school in the state of Texas to implement a mandatory public service graduation requirement. Since 1996, all J.D. students at SMU have been required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of law-related public service before graduation, with the goal of establishing a lifelong commitment to public service.

Dedman Law’s hands-on, experiential learning opportunities extend to the corporate world, with programs such as the Corporate Counsel Externship Program. For more than a decade, the school has turned Dallas into a living laboratory for approximately 150 students each year who complete a corporate counsel course and an externship in local corporate legal departments.

“Great cities like Dallas need great law schools,” said Michael M. Boone ’63, ’67, founding partner, Haynes Boone, and chair, Dedman School of Law Executive Board. “SMU Dedman Law turns out great leaders, and leaders make a difference. Together, we keep pushing forward to greatness.”

During its centennial celebration, SMU Dedman School of Law will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates and faculty, and look ahead to the school’s bright future, including:

• Evolving curriculum brought about by exciting developments in the field of legal education and practice like artificial intelligence.
• New scholarships made possible by donors committed to attracting the brightest students and raising the prominence of the school.
• The vision of enhanced facilities to reimagine the ways students collaborate and learn.

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About SMU Dedman School of Law

For 100 years, SMU Dedman School of Law has been a leader in legal education, preparing over 17,000 alumni to excel in law, business, government, and beyond. From its founding in 1925 as the first major law school in the city of Dallas, Dedman Law has built a reputation for academic rigor, innovative programs, and a commitment to public service. With nationally ranked specialties in areas like Tax Law and Dispute Resolution, the school offers distinctive programs that benefit more than 750 students each year. Learn more at smu.edu/law.

SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty, and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities, and the world.