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: Oct 14, 2026, 08:55 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. 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 Lesar Lecture to examine the fight for justice in the courts

    Journalist and attorney Reynolds Holding examines how Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court have imposed limits on the authority of federal judges over the past 70 years during the 2026 Hiram H. Lesar Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Simmons Law School.

  • SIU Simmons Law School, Illinois Supreme Court partner in creating Housing Justice Clinic

    A new collaboration between Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School and the Illinois Supreme Court will expand access to legal representation for people facing housing-related issues while giving law students valuable hands-on experience.

    Through the recently approved Housing Justice Clinic initiative, students will learn to handle cases involving matters such as evictions and foreclosures. Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, they will provide critical legal services to low-income residents in Southern Illinois who might otherwise be unable to obtain legal representation.

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