Simmons Law School

Founded in the public interest to serve the public good, SIU Simmons Law School prides itself on being a collaborative, tight-knit community that allows our students to thrive. Through relationships, experiences, and connections, Simmons Law School opens doors that lead to meaningful legal careers.

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Last Updated: Aug 11, 2026, 09:48 AM

  • Affordable Quality

    Simmons Law is one of the few ABA-Accredited law schools in the nation in which students should not need to take out private loans for their education, regardless of whether they are an in- or out-of-state resident.

  • Serving the Public Good

    Since the first class graduated in 1976, the number of graduates has grown to more than 5,133 including 200+ local, state, and federal alumni judges. Alumni practice law in all 50 states and internationally in 10 countries.

  • Small Town Charm, Big City Diversity

    Just hours from the major midwest cities of Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, and Memphis, and easily accessible by airports, railways, and interstate highways.

Meet Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson

Welcome to the Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School. I am honored to serve as Dean and look forward to introducing you to our vibrant community. Like many of you, I am new to SIU this year. It was an easy decision for me to return to my home state of Illinois and join this great institution. Here are just a few of the things I think you will love about our law school.

Hannah Brenner Johnson

Juris Doctor Program

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a post-baccalaureate program designed for those who wish to practice law. Traditionally, the 90-credit hour program takes three years to complete. This program is a full-time, day-time program with fall admission only. This program is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

Law students at commencement ceremony

SIU Simmons Law in the News

  • SIU Simmons Law School summer initiatives showcase legal careers for students

    Thirteen high achieving college students gained insight on legal careers and preparing for law school last week through Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School’s Pipeline to Practice program.

    In June, 36 high school students, primarily from the Metro East area, attended the “Crime Scene to Courtroom” program at Southwest Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development in Belleville.

    The two free summer programs, hosted by the law school, help high school and college students learn more about law school, the legal profession and criminal justice.

  • SIU Simmons Law School commencement ceremony is May 8

    J. Phil Gilbert, a senior judge with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, will deliver the keynote address during commencement ceremonies for the Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School on Friday, May 8.

    The ceremony at 1 p.m. in Shryock Auditorium will honor 87 graduates in the Class of 2026 — and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the law school’s first graduating class in 1976, a cohort that enrolled in fall 1973.

  • SIU Simmons Law School begins law scholars’ conversation series

    The Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School is launching a new initiative highlighting the scholarly work of law school faculty — with an inaugural guest whose career, Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson said, “is a model of what it looks like to combine teaching and scholarship with a deep commitment to public service.”

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