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, six clinics and 275+ externship placements, Villanova students learn by doing—and graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s competitive job market.
PROGRAMS
JURIS DOCTOR (JD)
JOINT DEGREES
GRADUATE TAX
CLINICS & EXTERNSHIPS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC INTEREST
NEWS

Dean Alexander’s Statement on Events at the U.S. Capitol
Following the events on January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol, Dean Mark Alexander sent a message to current students, faculty and staff. Additionally, Dean Alexander made a joint statement with law school deans from around the country.

Villanova Law Mourns the Loss of Former Dean J. Willard O’Brien
J. Willard O’Brien, former Dean of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, passed away peacefully at his home in Wayne, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 22. He was 90 years old. O’Brien joined the Villanova Law faculty in 1965, and in 1972 he was unanimously chosen by faculty to succeed Villanova’s founding Dean, Harold Gill Reuschlein. Dean O’Brien held the position for 11 years.

Villanova University President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, announced a $15 million gift from the John F. Scarpa Foundation to further elevate the Charles Widger School of Law as a leader in entrepreneurship and law, in addition to strengthening entrepreneurial expertise, innovative thinking and collaboration across the University. In recognition of Scarpa’s lifetime giving of more than $20 million to Villanova, the Law School building will be named John F. Scarpa Hall.

Pivoting During a Pandemic to Find New Opportunities
This past year has been unconventional in many ways as law students navigate their education and professional opportunities during a global pandemic. John Reid ’22 experienced this first-hand when his original summer externship plans were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AT A GLANCE
12
MILES OUTSIDE
PHILADELPHIA
275+
EXTERNSHIPS IN NONPROFIT,
CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT
6
in-house
legal clinics
178
STUDENTS ENTERING
THE CLASS OF 2023
40+
SBA-SUPPORTED
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
11,000
ALUMNI
WORLDWIDE