UNT Dallas College of Law is Dallas' public law school, offering legal education centered on access, preparation and service. Established to expand access to the legal profession, the college combines academic instruction with applied learning and community engagement.
Our Mission
The mission of UNT Dallas College of Law is to advance access to legal education, prepare students for the responsibilities of the legal profession and contribute to the legal needs of Dallas and Texas.
The College of Law seeks to:
Access
Expand pathways to legal education for individuals who may not otherwise consider law school due to cost, geography or traditional barriers.
Preparation
Provide a curriculum centered on practical skills, legal analysis, writing, advocacy and experiential learning that supports readiness for the profession.
Value
Deliver a high-quality legal education at an affordable cost, offering strong return on investment and preparation for multiple areas of legal practice.
Innovation
Engage in continuous improvement of teaching, learning and professional formation, with attention to the evolving practice and business of law.
Community
Build partnerships with the legal community, employers and organizations across Dallas–Fort Worth to enhance student learning and regional engagement.
Our History
UNT Dallas College of Law was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 2009, which allocated $5 million from the State’s 2011–2012 budget to establish the school. In 2012, the UNT System appointed the College of Law’s Founding Dean, the Honorable Royal Furgeson, who began his role in June 2013 after retiring from the federal bench. The College of Law also appointed Professor Ellen S. Pryor as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Initially operating as a unit within the UNT System, the College of Law became a professional school of the University of North Texas at Dallas on September 1, 2015.
The College of Law was created to broaden access to legal education in a major metropolitan area and to prepare students for the responsibilities of the legal profession through applied learning. With support from the Dallas legal community and the UNT System, the school welcomed its inaugural class with a focus on affordability, preparation and practical training.
UNT Dallas College of Law received provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) on June 3, 2017, and achieved full ABA approval in February 2022. Graduates are eligible to sit for bar examinations in most jurisdictions, including Texas.
Today, the College of Law continues to advance its mission as Dallas’ public law school by offering affordable, practice-ready legal education that supports access to the profession and meets the needs of the region.