SDM Law College, Mangaluru established in 1974 has evolved itself into one of the premier legal education institution with the motto of ‘legal empowerment for ethical society’. Initially affiliated to Mysore University and later to Mangalore University, it pioneered the region’s first ever five years integrated (BA LLB., BBA LLB Courses) and launched LLM in Business and Trade Law in 2005. At present affiliated to the Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) Hubballi; it is the only the college which has recognized Research Center by KSLU. The College through its vision and mission imbibes the values of ‘Abhayadana’ and ‘Vidyadana’ the core principles of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala.
Functional Arbitration Center
Since Mangalore is a State’s second commercial hub, to meet the demands of in house settlement of disputes, a Functional Arbitration Center is established. The Center meets the requirements of Alternate Dispute Settlements needs of the region.
Pioneering Moot Court Innovations
Nationally acclaimed for revolutionizing Moot Court Systems, SDM identified gaps in traditional formats lacking extempore preparation. The college has introduced India’s first ever Dual Advocacy Moot (Client Counselling and Trial) Triple Advocacy Moot (Client Counseling, Trial and Appellate Advocacy) and All in All Advocacy Moot Court (Client Counselling, Trial, Appellate Advocacy and Judgement Writing) setting new trends in mooting events. The mooting inventions also include bail petition, Domestic Crisis Management, PIL and host of other events setting new national benchmarks.
Legal Awareness through ‘Mane Manege Kaanoonu’
The unique ‘Mane Manege Kaanoonu’ (Door to Door campaign of law) facilitated sensitization of people on day to day knowledge of law. This programme is coordinated through DLSA covering Schools/ Colleges, NGO camps covering basic knowledge of law such as RTI, RTE, POCSO & POSH. These initiatives underscore the institution’s dedication to access to justice at grass root level.
Cultural Crown: Yakshostava
In its 33rd year of celebration, ‘Yakshostava’, an intercollegiate ‘Tenkuthittu’ Yakshagana extravaganza, has been successful in upholding the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka, the pride initiative of the college.
Illustrious Alumni
The college alumni includes Supreme Court Justice (Rtd.) Honourable Mr. Abdul Nazeer (presently Governor of Andhra Pradesh), Justice (Rtd.) John Michael D’Cunha, Judge High Court of Karnataka Chief Justice of Kerala High Court (Rtd.), Justice Dominic Jose, Sri Muralee Krishna, Judge of High Court of Kerala, Sri Thyagaraja N. Inavally, Judge High Court of Karnataka, Sri U. T. Khader Honorable Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Sri K. M. Nataraj, Additional Solictor General of India, Dr. Shashikala Gurupur (Director of Symbiosis Law School) Pune and many more
AT A GLANCE NAAC
- accredited with B++ (2025).
- Only KSLU Research Center among 140 affiliated law colleges.
- Ranked among the Top 20 law schools in India by leading national education surveys.
- Law Lab for practical exposure of legal situations.
COURSE OFFERED
• First five-year integrated law courses (BA LLB, BBA LLB)
• Three years LLB
• LLM in Business and Trade Law
