Charles Widger School of Law in Pennsylvania Law Schools
Charles Widger School of Law
History
Founded: 1953 as Villanova University School of Law, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Renaming: Later named the Charles Widger School of Law in honor of a significant benefactor.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The school is known for integrating ethical training, practical skills, and public service into legal education.
Academic Programs
Juris Doctor (JD): Primary law degree emphasizing practical skills, ethics, and broad legal knowledge.
Master of Laws (LL.M.): For students seeking specialization in areas such as taxation, business law, or international law.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS): Designed for non-lawyers who need legal knowledge for professional purposes.
Dual Degrees: Programs allow JD students to combine law with business (JD/MBA) or other graduate studies.
Clinics and Experiential Learning:
Civil Advocacy Clinic
Criminal Defense Clinic
Health Law and Policy Clinic
Transactional Law Clinics
These provide hands-on experience representing clients under faculty supervision.
Admissions & Outcomes
Selectivity: Moderately selective, with strong academic credentials expected.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Bar Passage Rate: Above Pennsylvania state average, reflecting quality academic preparation.
Employment: Graduates often secure positions in private law firms, corporate counsel offices, government agencies, and public interest organizations.
Notable Case Law
Doe v. Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Facts: A student alleged the law school failed to accommodate a disability during a required experiential learning course.
Legal Issues: Whether the school violated federal disability laws, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, by failing to provide reasonable accommodations.
Court’s Ruling: The court ruled in favor of the student, establishing that the law school must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to experiential learning opportunities.
Significance: This case is important for Pennsylvania law schools in clarifying institutions’ legal responsibilities toward students with disabilities.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1953 |
| Renamed | Charles Widger School of Law |
| Accreditation | ABA |
| JD Program | Emphasizes ethics, practical skills, and broad legal knowledge |
| LL.M. Program | For specialization in taxation, business, or international law |
| MSL Program | For non-lawyers seeking professional legal knowledge |
| Dual Degrees | JD/MBA and other combinations |
| Clinics | Civil Advocacy, Criminal Defense, Health Law, Transactional Law |
| Selectivity | Moderate to high |
| Bar Passage Rate | Above Pennsylvania average |
| Employment Outcomes | Private firms, corporate counsel, government, and public interest |
| Notable Case | Doe v. Villanova – ADA accommodation ruling |
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