The University of Iowa College of Law is the oldest law school west of the Mississippi. Iowa Law's progressive history mirrors that of our state. In 1839, the Iowa Territorial Supreme Court ruled that a slave brought into Iowa must be freed. Thirty years later, the Iowa Bar admitted the first woman licensed to practice law in the United States. Alexander Clark, Jr., graduated from Iowa Law in 1879 as the school's first African-American student. His father, Alexander Clark, Sr., had helped pave the way by winning an Iowa Supreme Court case ensuring his children's right to attend public school in 1868. Clark, Sr. also attended Iowa Law, a few years after his son.

The most successful and effective lawyers are true counselors, offering clients incisive analysis, clear-eyed yet compassionate understanding, and creative problem solving. The world needs more lawyers who embrace the role of counselor, and at Iowa Law, we offer the best possible environment for producing them.

Attorney. Advocate. Counselor at Law.

We believe that the most effective lawyers are more than a skilled technician or advocate. They’re counselors at law in the fullest sense of the term.

Everything that distinguishes us at Iowa Law—the intellectual rigor of our program, our commitment to supporting every ambition, the civility and collaborative work ethic of our close-knit community—is designed to prepare you to serve as a counselor to your clients. The profession of law confers a privilege and profound responsibility on those who choose it, and we are committed to instruction that goes beyond legal doctrine and theory to the human qualities we ourselves embrace—the importance of character, integrity, and collegiality.

There’s something special about Iowa City: It has a rare combination of urban, metropolitan offerings and affordable, tree-lined neighborhoods. You’ll find people here who are genuinely interested in each other and their community. It’s invigorating—and a wonderful place to live during law school.