Honors and Awards

The School of Law grade point average and honors are based on grades received at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law only. Grades received from schools outside the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law are not included in a student’s Law School grade point average. This includes other University of Louisville colleges, other ABA approved law schools, study-abroad programs, and courses taken in other schools as part of a dual degree program.

1. CALI Awards. CALI awards are given each semester to the student or students who receive the highest grade in a letter-graded course. Once grades are received, students who will receive CALIs will be notified by the Department of Academic Affairs. Academic Affairs will enter names each semester into the CALI database. Certificates will be distributed when they are received.

2. Dean’s List. All full-time and part-time students who complete 8 or more letter-graded credits in a semester at Brandeis School of Law will be awarded Dean’s List recognition for each semester their semester grade point average is in the top 20% of their respective class. It is not based on cumulative grade point average, only semester grade point average.

3. Graduation Latin Honors. The degree of JD will be granted summa cum laude to those who have a point standing between 3.8 and 4.0, magna cum laude to those who have a point standing between 3.5 and 3.799, and cum laude to those who have a point standing between 3.2 and 3.499. Grade point average for May graduation honors are based on the student’s cumulative grade point average after the penultimate semester. Diploma honors are based on final cumulative grade point average.

4. Honor Societies. The University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law recognizes students who have excelled by offering honor society membership in one of three organizations, as well as with an Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

5. Brandeis Honor Society. In 1977, the faculty approved the establishment of a society to honor students with outstanding scholastic records at the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. The Brandeis Society is an honorary scholastic society made up of law students who assist the Office of the Dean in encouraging legal scholarship. The Brandeis Society was created to foster a spirit of careful study at the University of Louisville School of Law and to mark in a fitting manner those who have attained a high grade of scholarship. Members of the Society are known as Brandeis Scholars. Students are eligible for membership if they rank within the top 5 percent of the 2L class or 10 percent of the 3L class. After each Spring semester, the Director of Student Records will forward a list of eligible 2Ls to the Dean for review. After each Fall semester, the Director of Student Records will forward a list of eligible 3Ls to the Dean for review. The Dean will make the final decision and will invite eligible students to be part of the Society.

6. Brandeis Inn of Court. American Inns of Court are designed to promote professional skills and values, with a special emphasis upon ethical and responsible advocacy in state and federal courts. Each Inn consists of distinguished members of the bench and bar, as well as a limited number of carefully selected students. This selection is based upon demonstrated interest in advocacy and student leadership or academic record. Nominations are put forward by the dean from eligible students in their final year of law school.

7. Omicron Delta Kappa – Outstanding Graduate. Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) is a national leadership honor society which strives to recognize students for their achievements in scholarship, athletics, community service, civic engagement, publications, and creative and performing arts. Each spring, the Beta Epsilon Circle at the University of Louisville presents one graduating senior from each college with the ODK Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. This honor is presented to an individual or individuals who, by reason of high scholarship, prominent leadership, and service to the University. Students selected are considered outstanding students in their graduating class.