CHARLES WIDGER
SCHOOL OF LAW
WHY VILLANOVA LAW?
At Villanova Law, our broad-based legal education is grounded in academic rigor; practical, hands-on training; and a foundation in business that primes graduates for diverse and rewarding legal careers. Wherever your interests may lie—international law, corporate law, intellectual property law or public interest law—you will find programs that will prepare you for the future.
Guided by our Where Law Meets Business philosophy, our programming infuses vital business principles, professional skills, ethical training and practical experiences into each student’s education. Through innovative coursework, numerous clinics and hundreds of externship placements, Villanova students learn by doing—and graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s competitive job market.
PROGRAMS
THE VILLANOVA LAW DIFFERENCE
NEWS & EVENTS
Class of 2026 Commencement, 05/20
The Charles Widger School of Law Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 20, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Finneran Pavilion. A reception will follow at John F. Scarpa Hall.
Centers of Excellence "Integral” to A Villanova Law Education
Starting in their second year, Villanova Law students can seek interdisciplinary opportunities in innovative legal fields through study, practical experience and mentorship with one or more of the Law School’s Centers of Excellence.
Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the Supreme Court of New Jersey to Deliver Villanova Law’s 2026 Commencement Address
Dean Mark C. Alexander announced that Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the Supreme Court of New Jersey will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2026. Chief Justice Rabner is the eighth chief justice to lead the New Jersey Supreme Court since the 1948 state constitution. He will also receive the Villanova Law Medallion Award in recognition of his achievements at this year’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 20.
Lasting Connections in the Villanova Law Community
Connections that extend beyond the classroom and last long after graduation are a defining factor of the Villanova Law experience. Steven Chanenson, professor of law and faculty director of the David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance, finds meaning in helping students achieve their goals during their time in law school and, often, staying in touch throughout their professional careers.
AT A GLANCE
12
MILES OUTSIDE
PHILADELPHIA
290+
EXTERNSHIPS IN NONPROFIT,
CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT
8
in-house
legal clinics
5
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
40+
SBA-SUPPORTED
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
12,000+
ALUMNI
WORLDWIDE
Advocates. Scholars. Leaders.
Judicial clerkships give recent law graduates a front-row seat to how judges handle cases in trial and appellate courts, whether at the state or federal level. But clerks aren’t just watching—they are participating actively by assisting the judge with research, writing opinions and handling tasks that keep the court running smoothly. MORE...
Strong communication skills are vital for a successful legal career, with employers rating proficiency in writing as the most important skill in new hires. At Villanova Law, we’re committed to preparing our students with the legal writing skills they need to be practice-ready, day one and beyond. MORE...
Villanova lawyers can be found everywhere–from international law firms to government agencies, from nonprofit organizations to major corporations. A Villanova Law education prepares you to be not only a great lawyer, but also a great leader. And we have the alumni to prove it with Villanovans in leadership positions in many sectors of the legal field. MORE...
Successful trial attorneys must be highly skilled in the complex art of the trial, and they must also possess a complete understanding of the law. At Villanova Law, we prepare students to become courtroom-ready advocates through our extensive Trial Advocacy programming and activities. MORE...
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law may seem an unlikely host for the Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC), but one in ten jobs in Pennsylvania is in the agriculture industry. Villanova is located just an hour away from Kennett Square, the “mushroom capital of the world,” and a few hours’ drive from central Pennsylvania’s apple and peach orchards. In terms of mission, the fit is perfect. MORE...
CENTERS & INSTITUTES