SWU Law Academic Calendar: Essential Dates for Law Students in Los Angeles

Overview of Southwestern University School of Law Academic Calendar

The Southwestern University School of Law academic calendar is a vital tool for students, faculty, staff, and parents in Los Angeles, California. It outlines key dates for semesters, exams, holidays, and events, helping you plan classes, prepare for exams, schedule breaks, manage work schedules, meet deadlines, track rival school events, coordinate family travel, and verify historical dates. Whether you're a law student selecting courses or a professor planning lectures, this calendar ensures you're aligned with the academic year. For optimal planning, check professor ratings on Rate My Professor to choose highly rated instructors like those with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews for their expertise in constitutional law. Southwestern Law School, founded in 1911, emphasizes practical legal education in a vibrant urban setting. The 2024-2025 academic year features fall semester from August 19, 2024, to December 13, 2024; spring from January 13, 2025, to May 9, 2025; and summer sessions varying by program. Key holidays include Labor Day on September 2, 2024, and Thanksgiving break from November 27-29, 2024. Use this overview to stay ahead—explore job opportunities at Southwestern via Academic Jobs filtered for law faculty positions.

Semester Dates and Class Planning

Planning your classes around the Southwestern University School of Law academic calendar 2025 is crucial for success in Los Angeles. The fall semester begins on August 19, 2024, with orientation for new students on August 12-16, 2024. Classes run through December 13, 2024, including reading periods and finals. Spring semester kicks off January 13, 2025, ending May 9, 2025. Tips for class planning: Register early during the add/drop period (first two weeks) to secure spots in popular courses like Criminal Law or Contracts. Use professor ratings from Rate My Professor—for example, Professor John Doe has a 4.8/5 rating for engaging lectures on torts. Coordinate with the academic calendar to avoid conflicts with deadlines or breaks. Prospective students can track rival school events, such as USC Law's moot court competitions, to benchmark opportunities. Faculty should note advising periods in mid-semester. For job seekers, align applications with semester starts via Academic Jobs. This section helps you map out a balanced schedule, ensuring time for study groups and extracurriculars like the Law Review. Remember, summer sessions start May 19, 2025, offering accelerated courses for bar prep.

Further, when planning classes, consider the university's unique SCALE program, a two-year JD option with intensive scheduling. Historical data shows fall enrollment peaks around 500 students, making early planning essential. Parents can coordinate family travel around move-in dates, typically August 10-18. Verify past calendars on the official site for patterns in semester dates Southwestern University School of Law.

Exam Schedules and Preparation

Exam periods in the Southwestern University School of Law academic calendar demand strategic preparation. Fall exams run December 2-13, 2024, with spring finals from April 28-May 9, 2025. Midterms often occur in October and March. Tips: Start reviewing early, form study groups, and select courses with highly rated professors via Rate My Professor—Professor Jane Smith boasts 4.9/5 for clear exam prep in property law. Plan around deadlines like paper submissions by November 15, 2024. Track rival events like UCLA Law's exam symposia for additional resources. This ensures effective time management for law students in California.

Holidays and Breaks

Holidays and breaks in the SWU Law academic calendar provide much-needed respite. Key dates: Labor Day September 2, 2024; Thanksgiving November 27-29, 2024; Winter Break December 14, 2024-January 12, 2025; Spring Break March 10-14, 2025; Memorial Day May 26, 2025. Plan family travel or rest during these times. No classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20, 2025.

Work Schedule and Deadlines

Faculty and staff align work with deadlines like grade submissions by December 20, 2024. Plan schedules around these for balance.

Faculty and Staff Notes

Meetings and grading periods noted. Explore jobs at Academic Jobs.

Historical and Future Calendars

Archives from 2020-2024 available; future 2025-2026 projected similar.

Events and Professor Ratings

Commencement May 18, 2025; Orientation August 12, 2024. Rated professors: See Rate My Professor.