Moritz College of Law

Moritz College of Law
Name	Moritz College of Law
Established	1891
Type	Public
Parent	The Ohio State University
Dean	Hannah L. Buxbaum (Interim)
City	Columbus, Ohio
Country	United States
Website	law.osu.edu

Moritz College of Law. It is the law school of The Ohio State University, a major public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1891, the college is a prominent institution within American legal education, known for its rigorous academic programs and influential scholarship. Its faculty, alumni, and centers play significant roles in shaping law and policy at state, national, and international levels.

History

The institution traces its origins to 1891 when it was established as the Department of Law within the Ohio State University College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. In 1923, it achieved separate college status. A pivotal moment in its development occurred in 1993 when the college was renamed in honor of Michael E. Moritz, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1961 and a prominent philanthropist whose generous donation facilitated major expansion. Throughout the 20th century, the college grew alongside its parent university, contributing to the legal landscape of Ohio and the broader Midwestern United States. Key historical milestones include the establishment of its first law review, the Ohio State Law Journal, in 1935, and its integration into the university's main campus in Columbus, Ohio.

Academics

The college offers a comprehensive Juris Doctor program alongside several Master of Laws degrees and a Doctor of Juridical Science. The first-year curriculum provides foundational courses in subjects like civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property law, and torts. Upper-level students pursue concentrations in areas such as dispute resolution, intellectual property law, and business law. Distinctive academic offerings include the Program on Law and Leadership, the Justice for Children Project, and extensive clinical education through the Clinical Program. Students also engage in practical training via moot court competitions, externship placements with organizations like the Supreme Court of Ohio, and editorial work on publications like the Ohio State Law Journal.

Campus and facilities

The college is housed primarily in Drinko Hall and Saxbe Hall, which are located on the South Oval of The Ohio State University's main campus. Drinko Hall, a modern facility completed in 1999, contains the Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Moot Courtroom, the John Deaver Drinko Library, and numerous technologically advanced classrooms. Saxbe Hall, the original law building named for former Ohio Attorney General and U.S. Senator William B. Saxbe, is connected to Drinko Hall and houses additional faculty offices and student spaces. The college's proximity to key state institutions, including the Ohio Statehouse and the Supreme Court of Ohio, provides unique opportunities for student engagement and professional development.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes renowned scholars such as Deborah Jones Merritt, an expert on constitutional law and the legal profession, and Edward B. Foley, a leading authority on election law. Distinguished alumni hold prominent positions across various sectors of society. In the judiciary, notable figures include Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown. In government and politics, alumni encompass U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. The college also counts influential corporate lawyers and leaders in public interest law among its graduates.

Rankings and reputation

Consistently ranked among the top public law schools in the nation by sources like U.S. News & World Report, the college is highly regarded for its programs in dispute resolution, legal writing, and clinical training. Its faculty are frequently cited in major legal publications and testify before bodies like the United States Congress. The college maintains strong employment outcomes, with graduates securing positions at leading law firms such as Jones Day, in judicial clerkships with federal courts, and within agencies like the United States Department of Justice. Its reputation is bolstered by the scholarly impact of its research centers and the professional achievements of its extensive alumni network.

Centers and programs

The college hosts several interdisciplinary research centers that address complex legal and policy issues. The Program on Law and Leadership prepares students for roles beyond traditional legal practice. The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center examines the impacts of drug prohibition and reform. The Center for Interdisciplinary Law and Policy Studies fosters collaboration with other university units, including the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Fisher College of Business. Other significant initiatives include the Moritz Legislation Clinic, which allows students to draft bills for the Ohio General Assembly, and the Center for Law, Policy, and Social Science, which integrates empirical research into legal analysis.

Category:Law schools in Ohio Category:The Ohio State University