The first step in pursuing a career as a lawyer is to choose the finest college for your academic needs.
In contrast to the Common Law legal system used by the other states in the US, Louisiana has a Civil Law legal system.
Historically, Louisiana was once a French territory, and it was not until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that it was annexed by the United States. The law schools in Louisiana are in the unique position of being able to provide legal instruction under both systems because Louisiana has a Civil Law system.
Numerous outstanding educational institutions, the bulk of which are nationally renowned, provide legal programs in Louisiana.
If you’re looking for the best law schools in Louisiana, you’ve come to the right spot. In this article, Louisiana law schools will be highlighted based on factors such as curriculum, infrastructure, and even approval rates.
As a result, this page will show you the details of the best law schools in Louisiana.
Are There Law Schools in Louisiana?
You can easily find 4 fully accredited law schools in Louisiana and 15, in and around Louisiana and they will be fully brought to light as you progress in this article.
It can be difficult to choose the best university for you when there are four law schools accessible. Law schools in Louisiana are challenging and competitive, with a demanding curriculum.
Fortunately, professors at law schools in Louisiana are educated in their disciplines and offer many of chances for students to apply what they have learned in class. Externships, clinics, and pro bono community service are common ways that law schools in Louisiana provide experiential learning. Students can also take part in activities like editing reputable legal publications and moot court competitions.
To obtain a JD degree, pass the bar exam, and amass sufficient work experience to secure your ideal position in the legal industry, you must attend a reputable law school. Listed below best law schools in Louisiana based on where they were ranked by US News.
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How Long is Law School in Louisiana?
The JD, or Juris Doctor, is the title awarded most frequently by law schools. A JD typically takes three years of full-time study at any law school that has been accredited by the American Bar Association. The typical length of part-time studies at some law schools is 4 to 5 years.
The Louisiana State University Law Center and other colleges on campus have collaborated to create a 3+3 curriculum that permits students to get a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six years. The program allows qualified students to achieve both degrees in a cost-effective and timely manner.
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How Much Does Law School Cost in Louisiana?
The cost of law schools in Louisiana varies, but the Preliminary Annual Average Cost of Attendance for Law Schools in Louisiana is as follows:
- Tuition and fees: $23,664.90
- Books: $1,916.00
- Room and Board: $15,414.00
- Personal Expenses: $4,044.00
- for on-campus transportation: $3,840.00
- Total: $48,878.90
You can also find the tuition of each school in the listings below.
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What Are Law Schools in Louisiana Ranked For?
As the only state with civil law jurisdiction rather than common law, Law schools in Louisiana are ranked for devoted practical discipline in civil law. practicing law in Louisiana is both demanding and rewarding.
Around 60% of the globe is governed by civil law, which means that practicing or studying law in your state will prepare you for a global profession. These distinctions are mirrored in the difficult essay-format bar test.
It is critical to attend a top law school to master the complexities of being a lawyer in Louisiana, or even globally.
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What Are The Requirements For Getting Into a Law School in Louisiana 2024?
Although the undergraduate GPA and LSAT score(s) are often the most essential elements considered by the admissions committee in deciding an applicant’s admission into Law Schools in Louisiana, additional considerations may also be considered.
As a result, the admissions committee urges applicants to submit additional information that will aid in evaluating the applicant’s aptitude for law study and likely contribution to the Law Center’s academic and community life. Some of the information includes:
- A baccalaureate degree from an approved institution or university.
- To be admitted to law schools in Louisiana, required is a score of at least 600 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, or 100 on the internet-based TOEFL is necessary for applicants whose first language is not English. This is an English proficiency test that is given at testing centers all over the world and in the United States.
- Academic achievement and performance
- Evidence of substantial leadership and/or public service is needed for Louisiana law schools
What Are the Best Law Schools in Louisiana 2024?
We painstakingly selected the colleges on our list as the best law schools in Louisiana after performing considerable research on each one.
The best law schools in Louisiana 2024 were picked based on a variety of factors, including location, price, programs offered, opportunities for professional growth, and so on. The best law schools in Louisiana are listed below:
- Tulane University Law School
- Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge (Hebert) Law School
- Loyola University School of Law
- Southern University Law Center
#1. Tulane University Law School
Tulane University Law School in New Orleans is one of the country’s oldest.
After completing mandatory courses in their first year, students pursue electives in their second and third years, except for one required legal ethics course.
Tulane Law School provides specialty courses and diplomas in maritime law, European legal studies, sports law, and other areas in addition to standard legal study. Students can also earn an MBA or an accounting master’s degree through the Freeman School of Business in addition to their legal degree.
Tulane Law School emphasizes public interest and clinics, and J.D. students must conduct at least 30 hours of pro bono work before graduation. It is the best among law schools in Louisiana according to the US ranking
Tulane University’s School of Law charges a $60 application fee for full-time programs. Its full-time tuition is $62,738. There is an 8:1 student-faculty ratio.
#2. Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge (Hebert) Law School
Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge’s law school, the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, is located on the main campus and enrolls approximately 65 percent of Louisiana residents.
At LSU Legal, students graduate with a J.D./C.L.—a law degree as well as a graduate diploma in comparative law. Law students can also acquire another concurrent degree through a variety of dual degree programs provided by LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business, such as a J.D./C.L./M.B.A. or a J.D./C.L./Master of Finance.
The school’s four clinics provide students with specialized legal training: the Juvenile Representation Clinic, the Domestic Violence Protection Clinic, the Immigration Legal Services Clinic, and the Family Mediation Clinic. The Mineral Law Institute, the Louisiana Law Institute, and the Pugh Institute for Justice are among the research centers and institutions housed at the Hebert Law Center.
The student body in law school balances schoolwork with extracurricular activity. It is a great choice among law schools in Louisiana.
The application fee for the full-time program at Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center (Hebert) is $50. Its full-time tuition is $23,669 (in-state) and $39,109 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). There is a student-faculty ratio of 12:1.
#3. Loyola University School of Law
Loyola University School of Law is situated in the legendary city of New Orleans. No other city in North America can compete with New Orleans. It is unique in terms of food, culture, history, and architecture. If you can take a break from your legal studies, there are lot to do in New Orleans.
Loyola College of Law is a private school with a law school ranking of the third tier according to US News & World Report’s law school ranking system. The school’s tuition is higher than the national average.
The full-time program application cost at Loyola University New Orleans’ College of Law is $0. The part-time program application cost at Loyola University New Orleans’ College of Law is $0. Its tuition is $46,808 for full-time students and $35,108 for part-time students. The student-faculty ratio is 8.9:1.
#4. Southern University Law Center
The vibrant city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is home to Southern University Law Center, one of the reputable law schools in Louisiana.
The law school was established in 1947 as a consequence of a lawsuit filed by African American residents who wanted to attend a public law school. The institution was founded to give legal education to African Americans, but it today accepts students of all ethnicities and is one of the most racially diverse law schools in the country.
SULC is a public university that is accredited by the American Bar Association. According to the ABA-mandated disclosures for the institution, the student body is roughly 400 kids. The school’s tuition is significantly lower than the national average. Historically, the LSAT admission score range has been 141 to 146. U.S. News & World Report has not ranked the school in its law school ranking system.
The application fee for the full-time program at Southern University Law Center is $50. The application fee for the full-time program at Southern University Law Center is $25. The application fee for the law school’s part-time program is $25. The faculty-to-student ratio is 11.5:1.
Best Law Schools Close to Louisiana
If you wish to get information on the best law schools close to Louisiana, add to your choice of law schools in Louisiana.
#5. University of Arkansas—Fayetteville Law School
Students at the University of Arkansas—Fayetteville School of Law can gain legal experience through a rigorous clinical program that includes everything from the Criminal Defense Clinic to the Federal Clinic, as well as Habitat for Humanity projects and pro bono programs just like some law schools in Louisiana.
Dual degrees are available through the university’s Sam M. Walton College of Business and the University of Arkansas—Fayetteville Department of Political Science for students interested in international law and politics.
The Law School Community Life Committee is made up of students, faculty, and staff members who plan social events, service projects, and other activities for the legal community. Students interested in getting more involved might explore joining a variety of law school organizations, such as the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association and the Environmental Law Society. Qualified legal students may also be able to work on school periodicals such as the Arkansas Law Review, the Journal of Food Law and Policy, and the Journal of Islamic Law and Culture.
The application fee for the full-time program at the University of Arkansas—School Fayetteville of Law is $0. Its full-time tuition is $17,133 (in-state) and $38,160 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). 7.8:1 is the student-faculty ratio.
#6. The University of Arkansas, Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law
Although Bowen School of Law is ranked lower than Fayetteville, it does have some advantages. The school’s location in Little Rock, the state capital and home to major corporate and cultural institutions, might give unique internship and career opportunities.
Bowen School of Law is well-known for its legal writing department, and regardless of its rating by US News and World Report, Bowen is one of the top twenty ‘Best Value law schools in the US, whereas Fayetteville School of Law is not.
The application fee for the full-time program at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas—Little Rock (Bowen) is $0. The application cost for the part-time program at the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas—Little Rock (Bowen) is $0. Full-time tuition is $16,728 (in-state); full-time tuition is $32,672 (out-of-state); part-time tuition is $11,674 (in-state); and part-time tuition is $22,303 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 9.5:1.
#7. University of Mississippi Law School
Although neither of Mississippi’s law schools is particularly well ranked in the annual law school rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, Ole Miss School of Law ranks significantly higher.
The University of Mississippi School of Law, as a public institution, is also significantly less expensive than the private Mississippi College School of Law, at least for in-state students. Out-of-state students will pay virtually the same tuition at both schools. The school’s reputation makes it easier to recommend it alongside law schools in Louisiana.
The University of Mississippi, located in Oxford, is home to one of the country’s oldest public law schools. It also has the only specialist aerospace law curriculum in an ABA-accredited school in the country. Mississippi politicians have included graduates such as governors, senators, federal and state judges, and author John Grisham.
The application fee for the full-time program at the University of Mississippi School of Law is $40. Its full-time tuition is $17,340 (in-state) and $37,405 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). The student-faculty ratio is ten to one.
#8. University of Texas – Austin
The University of Texas-Austin boasts one of the greatest law schools in the country. They have an almost 95% bar passage rate. In case you would like to consider a law school outside law schools in Louisiana, this is an awesome choice for you.
The University of Texas-Austin School of Law is likewise a competitive curriculum. The university only accepts a small number of applications. You should concentrate on your GPA and SAT scores. You should also conduct some outside study to determine what is required for the application and submit it before the annual deadline.
The application fee for the full-time program at the University of Texas—School Austin of Law is $70. Its full-time tuition is $36,429 (in-state) and $54,096 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 5.8:1.
#9. Southern Methodist University Law School
Southern Methodist University, a private university has an outstanding faculty and environment.
This college’s education is incredibly refined and focused. The lecturers, like those of law schools in Louisiana, are friendly and encourage students to do their best.
Students at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas can get a full-time J.D. in three years. The law school also offers a four-year J.D./MBA and a three-year fast track J.D./MBA program through the Cox School of Business, a four-year J.D./MA in Economics through the Department of Economics in Dedman College, and a three-and-a-half year J.D./LL.M. in Taxation through the Department of Economics in Dedman College.
Students can gain hands-on experience and serve as community champions in several areas of the law through the 11 specialized clinics. The SMU Law Review and the Journal of Air Law and Commerce are two legal periodicals.
The application fee for the full-time program at SMU’s Dedman School of Law (Dedman) is $0. Its full-time tuition is $59,286. There is an 8.7:1 student-faculty ratio.
#10. University of Houston Law School
The University of Houston Law Center is a Texas university is known for its intellectual property and healthcare legal programs, as well as its part-time law program.
The Center for Consumer Law, the Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law, and the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Center are among the legal centers and institutes run by the school.
Students can gain practical legal experience through the school’s clinics, which offer instruction in immigration law, criminal defense, and other areas. Students can pursue a combined or concurrent degree program, such as a J.D./M.B.A. through the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business or a J.D./M.D. through the Baylor College of Medicine.
The application fee for the full-time program at the Law Center at the University of Houston Law Center is $0. The application fee for the part-time program at the Law Center at the University of Houston Law Center is $0. Full-time tuition is $34,930 (in-state); full-time tuition is $49,748 (out-of-state); part-time tuition is $23,990 (in-state); and part-time tuition is $34,028 (out-of-state) (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.2:1.
How To Apply For Law Schools in Louisiana in 2024
Make an LSAC online account.
Your LSAC online account will allow you to track the status of each step you take when you apply to Louisiana law schools. Each school has its own set of application criteria and deadlines.
Register For And Study For The LSAT
All law schools in Louisiana require the LSAT and may require you to take it by November/December to get admitted the following autumn. Taking the test sooner, in June or September/October, is recommended. Schedule your test date so that you can receive your result before the deadline for your first law school application. Preparing for the test is essential if you want to perform as well as possible.
Look Into Law Schools.
Finding the best law school for you is critical. We have articles that will assist you in locating schools that will fit your interests and needs.
Meet Potential Law School Recruiters In Person.
You can meet over 100 law school recruiters face to face at an LSAC Law School Forum. Exclusive workshops about the legal profession, the benefits of a law degree, LSAT prep, and other topics are also available at the forums.
Enroll in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
If necessary, register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) six to eight weeks before your first law school application date. CAS will help to streamline the application process by requiring you to submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation to LSAC only once. They will assemble all of your information into a law school report for the law schools you select.
Request all necessary transcripts.
Make sure it is complete and accurate.
Request recommendation letters.
The school’s letter of recommendation criteria can differ. You can submit forms to your recommenders by downloading them from your LSAC.org account.
Allow law schools to find you.
The Candidate Referral Service (CRS) allows you to be discovered by law schools you may not have considered otherwise. Some colleges might be looking for someone just like you.
Apply online
You can use your LSAC.org account to apply to as many US law schools as you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
The autumn 2022 entering class had a median LSAT of 157 and a GPA of 3.62. (As of 9.8.2022, data)
The LSAT and GPA are weighted equally by the Admissions Committee; however, other variables are examined. Your grades and grade patterns matter.
They look closely at your leadership talents, time management skills, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, as well as the courses you chose during your undergraduate degree. We also take into account your professional and life experiences, as well as any hurdles you have conquered.
Your LSAT score is valid for a period of five years.
They do not have any part-time or evening programs.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of the list of the greatest Louisiana law schools to which one can get admitted.
There is no denying that Louisiana has a plethora of law schools. However, the Louisiana law schools Louisiana listed above are among the best and most well-known.
As the list above shows, Louisiana is home to several notable law schools.
Successful applications are predicated on a variety of factors, including LSAT and GPA scores, as well as personal statements, among others.
Please read the article again to obtain a better understanding of the law schools in Louisiana.