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About Thomas Jefferson School Of Law

Thomas Jefferson Law School is known for our world-class faculty and an unwavering commitment to student success. Each year, we welcome a diverse group of students to learn in our JD and LLM programs in San Diego. First-year students will have classes generally smaller than 50 students and a small section with less than 25 students.

We are committed to giving our students the knowledge, skills, tools, and support they need to be successful from the moment they set foot on our campus, or begin their online law degree, until the moment they walk across the stage to get the diploma they’ve earned—and beyond.

Our curriculum features hands-on opportunities for our students to gain real-world legal experience. Our highly-accessible, expert faculty paired with our location in downtown San Diego provide an unparalleled opportunity for connections and learning opportunities.

Consider TJSL your gateway to a fulfilling legal career.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of Thomas Jefferson School of Law is to provide an outstanding legal education for a nationally-based, diverse student body in a collegial and supportive environment with attention to newly emerging areas of law, particularly those related to technological development, globalization, and the quest for social justice.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is the lifeblood of our law school. It isn’t an option; it’s an on-going commitment that comes from our core values. Thomas Jefferson School of Law is committed to helping diversify the profession through its admission practices and in the creation of an environment for faculty, staff, and students that is inclusive and supportive of a diverse community.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued, supported, and has the opportunity to thrive. TJSL embraces all types of diversity and recognizes the history of traditionally marginalized groups.

Students of color consistently comprise more than 50% of our student body, and more than 50% of our students are women.

We come from many different cultures and regions. We identify with many different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religions. We have had a wide range of life experiences. The discussions and relationships that spring from bringing such diverse perspectives together in one place—where important issues in law and society are discussed every day—enrich us all in lasting ways. We owe our dynamism and vibrancy to the diversity of our community. We believe learning from and working with others from a rich array of different backgrounds is critical to becoming an effective lawyer in an increasingly globalized society.

As we pursue our mission, we expect all of our community members to embrace inclusion and help to promote an environment of mutual respect. The study of law, particularly in a time of growing divisions across the country, benefits from a truly collegial and supportive environment, where all types of diversity are embraced and welcomed.

Diversity, of course, includes many dimensions: race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, and more. TJSL strives to be a place where all types of diversity are respected, and discrimination on these bases is not tolerated. Diversity is only the first step: to truly create a community, we must be inclusive as well.

TJSL’s policies against discrimination and harassment play important roles, but nothing is as important as our community’s collective effort to cultivate an inclusive mindset accepting of all backgrounds and life experiences. We invite all community members with concerns or ideas for fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment to contact Dean Linda Keller, President Karin Sherr, Associate Deans Anders Kaye or Steven Semeraro, or Director of Student Affairs Ben Chamberlain.

Our doors are open to every TJSL student and graduate on your first day of law school and long after you graduate for as long as you need us.

Our History

Our Board Of Trustees