Making the Case
Discover a rigorous academic program shaped by tradition and relationships.
- 1885 Second oldest law school in Ohio
- 15:1 Student - Faculty Ratio
- 100% Placement in externships and clinics
- 100+ Courses which include skills courses and intensive topic courses
Personalize Your Pursuit
You’re looking for more than just a JD. At ONU Law, you can personalize your education. Certificate tracks let you tailor your legal education to your interests. No matter what appeals to you (corporate law, criminal law, civil litigation, or another specialty), you’ve got the inside track to the career of your dreams at ONU Law.
“The connections ONU Law has with the legal community is incredible and has allowed me to not only work while going to school, but has helped me secure a job offer going into my third year of law school."Carter Daniels, JD '24
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
ONU Law is a trailblazer in experiential learning. Our small size, rural location and vast network gives us an edge. We not only guarantee 100% placement in clinics and externships, we work with you one-on-one to identify, shape and land meaningful experiences. Upon graduation, you’ll be armed with the practical skills and confidence you need to hit the ground running.
Expand your Horizons
Take part in ONU Law’s study-abroad program, and you’ll enhance your study of U.S. law while gaining first-hand knowledge of your host country’s legal system and culture. You’ll develop your own international legal perspective while exploring potential options for practicing law outside the U.S. once you graduate. Plus, you’ll start to build a network of personal and professional contacts across the globe.
Academic Support Every Step of Your Journey
Without question, law school can be challenging. At ONU Law, we’re committed to reducing your stress and providing maximum support. Our Academic and Bar Success Program is a series of required courses to help you to excel in your classes, externships and on the bar exam. In addition, our unique Summer Starter Program gives an academic head start to those first-year law students who may need it. Our bar exam results showcase the success of our model of academic support.
“In spite of having a lower LSAT score, ONU Law's Summer Starter Program prepared me for the academic environment that was ahead of me and gave me the tools I needed to be successful in law school.”Annemaria Ferrell, JD '26
Advising System
At the beginning of your first year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who meets with you at least once a semester for advice and counseling. They will help you chart your trajectory and shape your education so that you enter the workforce ready to make an impact.
The Taggart Law Library
Whether you need to conduct legal research or find a quiet place to study, the Taggart Law Library is available to you seven days a week. The law library boasts an outstanding collection of state, federal and international legal materials, and provides access to a wide variety of electronic research tools. Multiple group and individual study spaces are available, featuring embedded technology to facilitate learning. Our law librarians are always eager to help you locate and use our print and electronic resources.Contact the Law Library
For more information about library hours, resources, or research questions, please call
419-772-2239.
Called to Serve
Attorneys are called to serve their community. Our Pro Bono Voluntary Program encourages you to follow this high calling of our profession. Second and third year law students who complete 30 hours or more of pro bono legal services to their community can receive a special notation on their transcript. Pro bono opportunities include, but aren’t limited to, the ONU Legal Clinic and Legal Aid Programs.Additional Academic Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law offers a personalized legal education that combines rigorous academics with practical experience. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from meaningful relationships with professors and individualized academic guidance. Students can also customize their education through certificate tracks, skills courses, clinics, and externships to align their studies with their professional interests.
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Yes! ONU Law emphasizes experiential learning and guarantees 100% placement in legal clinics and externships. Students work with faculty and legal professionals to identify meaningful opportunities that help them apply classroom knowledge to real-world legal situations. These experiences help students develop practical skills, build professional connections, and prepare for legal careers.
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Yes. ONU Law offers certificate tracks that allow students to personalize their legal education based on their interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in corporate law, criminal law, civil litigation, or another area of practice, certificate options and specialized coursework help you build relevant knowledge and skills.
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ONU Law provides several academic support resources to help students succeed throughout law school. Its Academic and Bar Success Program includes required courses designed to strengthen academic performance, practical legal skills, and bar exam preparation. First-year students who may benefit from additional preparation can also participate in the Summer Starter Program, which provides an academic head start before beginning law school.
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Yes! ONU Law offers study-abroad opportunities that allow students to explore international legal systems and experience different legal cultures firsthand. Students can deepen their understanding of U.S. law in a global context, develop international perspectives, and build personal and professional connections that may support future career opportunities.
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ONU Law emphasizes personal attention and faculty mentorship. Beginning in their first year, students are assigned a faculty advisor who meets with them at least once per semester. Advisors help students navigate their academic journey, explore career interests, select educational opportunities, and prepare for professional success.
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Students have access to a variety of academic resources, including:
- Taggart Law Library: Offers legal research materials, electronic databases, individual study areas, and collaborative learning spaces. The library is available seven days a week.
- Academic and Bar Success Program: Provides structured academic support and bar exam preparation.
- Law Review, Mock Trial, and Moot Court: Help students strengthen legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- 100% placement in Clinics, Externships and Internships
- Skills Courses: Provide opportunities to develop practical legal abilities.
- Pro Bono Opportunities: Encourage students to serve their communities through voluntary legal services.