Fall 2026 Baylor University School of Law Commencement

The Highest Ranking Student for the commencement ceremony is based upon grades earned through the previous quarter. Final determination of academic honors, rankings, fellows, and special distinctions are made after all grades are recorded for the student’s final quarter of enrollment. A student who meets the requirements for the designation of honors, as a fellow, or for a special distinction shall receive that designation only if the Baylor Law faculty determines that the student has made meaningful contributions to the Law School program and that the student is worthy of such distinction in accordance with the traditions, expectations, and mission of Baylor Law School.  

The Special Distinction in Litigation is awarded to students who have completed a Litigation Professional Track, have been selected for and completed a Litigation capstone and have completed the other course requirements. The student must also meet a minimum grade point average requirement.  

The Criminal Practice Special Distinction is awarded to students who have completed the Criminal Practice Professional Track, have been selected for and completed the Criminal Practice capstone, and completed at least ten additional credit hours from a list of courses designated by the Baylor Law faculty. The student must also meet a minimum grade point average requirement.

Business Planning Special Distinction is awarded to students who have completed the course requirements, including the Business Planning capstone, participation on a Transactional Law team, or completion of an equivalent experience approved by the Baylor Law faculty. The student must also meet a minimum grade point average requirement.

Public Interest Fellows have earned the designation by completing the pro bono aspirational goals set by the Baylor Law School faculty, including 150 or more hours of pro bono service while enrolled and at least ten credit hours of coursework with a public interest focus.

Leadership Fellows must complete the Leadership Engagement and Development class, which focuses not only on the theory of leadership, but also upon intensive self-assessment and reflection to maximize strengths and overcome weaknesses, and the development of practical skills to enable graduates to make a positive impact in their communities. In addition to the class, Leadership Fellows must complete the Baylor Ropes Challenge and Team Building Course, complete additional leadership-related Professional Development programming or serve as a facilitator for a public deliberation training, complete 25 hours of community service, and serve as an officer of a Baylor Law School student organization or work for a minimum of 45 hours in a leadership-focused internship.