Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Law College is a popularly known as SDM Law College, Mangaluru is a Law College and Post Graduate Studies and Research in Law was established in 1974 in Kodialbail, Mangaluru and managed by Shri Dharmasthala Educational Society.

It originally functioned from Besant women's college, in under Mysore University until a new building was constructed two years later.

It is affiliated with the Karnataka State Law University, Hubli and it is recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI), New Delhi.

It is accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with "B++" Grade.

The aim of the college is providing a quality Legal Education and has created and maintained the academic atmosphere that enables a student’s growth to the fullest extent.

It is a co-educational private college, providing a regular course in which is located in the urban part of Mangaluru played a pioneering role in the field of higher education.

For the degree courses, The Mangalore University has allowed the college to start Post Graduate Studies in Law and college has started a Master Degree in law with the specialization in Business and Trade Laws.

Over the years the college has witnessed an excellent academic performance by cornering the majority of ranks announced by the Mangalore University in LL.B. examinations.

The college has been received the numbers of achievements awards in the field of education, sports, and curricular activities.

The college has consistently been ranked 20th amongst the top law college in the country by leading media houses. Also, the college has been enlisted as one of the top 10 law schools as well as one of the best private law colleges in the country.

The college presently offers a five years B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and a one year LL.M. courses. It also offers Ph.D. & Post Graduate Diploma courses as well.

Admission is open to any candidate who has cleared his/her 12th standard examination from any recognized Board across India.

Admissions in all colleges under the jurisdiction of Karnataka State Law University is strictly based on merit, based on the marks secured by the candidate in the qualifying examination.

Such candidates should examine whether their percentage marks (Best of Four/PCB/PCM, whichever is applicable) falls within the cut- off percentage declared by the College for admission in different courses.

Vision:

• To create an integrated system that meets the legal education needs of the region and community at large
• To work relentlessly towards community development through knowledge and skills
• To be efficient, effective, community acceptable and excel in professional education and service
• To impart knowledge and interact with organizations of similar interest
• To induce a paradigm shift in a community that education is prerequisite for human development
• To be an active component of a National educational system

Mission:

• Learner-centered education of excellence
• Strong community interaction
• Professionalism in education and service
• Efficiency, quality, continuous improvement and innovation in all the processes of our system
• Develop adaptability skills to meet the challenges of changing times