For practical training, National Jurist, 2024
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Founded in 1999, the University of St. Thomas School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering an innovative curriculum that emphasizes professional formation and the education of the whole person. We strive to help each student develop the professional and ethical values that are vital to long-term success in our profession, enabling them to become lawyers who lead their communities by serving them.
Best value private law school, National Jurist, 2023
Gold-standard employment, 2023
Degrees and Programs
J.D. Program
Our program combines practical skills, theoretical knowledge and mentoring with a mission that inspires our commitment to social justice and excellence.
Ethics & Compliance Programs
Online master’s degree programs offered in partnership with the St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
LL.M. in U.S. Law
A one-year degree program for international attorneys who want to expand their knowledge about the U.S. legal system.
![Portrait of Daniel Kelly](../_media-library/images/about/1200x800/dean-dan-kelly.jpg)
Law School Dean
Daniel B. Kelly
The University of St. Thomas School of Law Dean is Daniel B. Kelly.
Associate Deans
![Portrait of Lisa Montpetit Brabbit.](../_media-library/images/jd-program/770x575/lisa-brabbit-770x575.jpg)
Lisa Montpetit Brabbit
Associate Dean for External Relations and Programs
![Portrait of Elizabeth Schiltz.](../_media-library/images/about/770x575/law-professor-elizabeth-schiltz-sol.jpg)
![Portrait of Cari L. Haaland.](../_media-library/images/jd-program/770x575/cari-haaland-770x575.jpg)
![Portrait of Michael Robak.](../_media-library/images/about/770x575/law-professor-michael-robak-sol.jpg)
Michael Robak
Director of the Schoenecker Law Library, Associate Dean and Clinical Professor of Law
![Faculty give a standing ovation during graduation.](../_media-library/images/about/1200x800/faculty-at-graduation-sol.jpg)
Thought Leaders
World-class Faculty
Our professors are leading experts in their fields and our students’ biggest supporters. They not only teach, they create opportunities for law students to work side-by-side with them on research, writing and advocacy work. In 2021, St. Thomas Law’s faculty was ranked #23 in the nation for scholarly impact.
![Aerial view of the UST Minneapolis campus.](../_media-library/images/about/1200x800/minneapolis-campus-sol.jpg)
An Engaged Legal Community
Minnesota Bench and Bar
St. Thomas Law is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, right in the middle of a dynamic legal and business community.
School of Law News
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Metrics Are Great, but Can’t Capture It All
We have so much to celebrate as we end 2023-24! Highlighting what’s great about St. Thomas Law has been one of the best parts of serving as interim dean, so I’m delighted to do so one last time as I depart this role. By any metric, it was a banner year. It’s so gratifying that… The post Metrics Are Great, but Can’t Capture It All appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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Travis Clark Impacts Native American Policy From Washington, D.C.
As a paramedic, Travis Clark (Tzi-Zho-Ki-He-Kah – Eagle Chief) responded to hundreds of calls across Cherokee Nation. It didn’t take long before he started to notice patterns. “Every day was Groundhog Day – seeing the same health emergencies over and over again,” Clark said. “I felt like a gerbil on a wheel.” An enrolled citizen… The post Travis Clark Impacts Native American Policy From Washington, D.C. appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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The Sharpening of a Scholar
Professor Michael Stokes Paulsen is known for shining a light on obscure corners of constitutional history, often employing his irreverent wit in journal articles like “Is West Virginia Unconstitutional?” and “Let’s Mess with Texas.” Though Paulsen’s writing can be playful, he almost always has a serious purpose: to illuminate a neglected or misunderstood aspect of… The post The Sharpening of a Scholar appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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Dan Kelly: New Law School Dean Is Ready to Listen, Learn and Lead
Dan Kelly, the newly appointed dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, recalls an early memory watching the Minnesota Twins defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1987 World Series. “My father and brother are both named ‘Tom Kelly,’” he said. “So, I thought it was cool that legendary Twins’ manager, Tom… The post Dan Kelly: New Law School Dean Is Ready to Listen, Learn and Lead appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.