As a driven law student, you would want to learn more about the best law schools in Utah. A successful legal career depends on picking the right legal school.
Utah stands out as a particular state even though the United States is incredibly diverse. Utah is a special place to pursue a legal education because it has breathtaking natural beauty and a distinct cultural environment.
The law schools in Utah state that are recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) are highly regarded and have alumni who hold important positions in politics, business, and the legal professions.
The article that follows gives a succinct overview of law schools in Utah and highlights a few factors that can aid in deciding which one is best for you.
Are there Law Schools in Utah?
All law schools in Utah 2024 have earned accreditation from the American Bar Association. Any state in the Union will allow you to take the bar exam if you have a degree from one of these institutions.
Given that research requires you to build cases and develop defenses utilizing previous events, your experience in law school will help you succeed. This skill might be of great value to research departments in a variety of industrial sectors.
The only universities in the state with law schools are Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah (UU). According to U.S. News and World Report, both are nationally ranked and have strong claims to the title of “Best in the West.”
Law schools in Utah offer a variety of specialization options to accommodate their students’ varied interests. These initiatives have given law schools a reputation for securing prestigious internships and clerkships.
How Long is Law School in Utah?
The Juris Doctor degree is earned in three years at law schools in Utah.
Only a full-time legal education program is available through the College of Law. In no less than 5 semesters (fall and spring) of the regular academic year, students must finish the requirements for a JD degree within three years.
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How Much Does Law School Cost in Utah?
In-state tuition for law schools in Utah ranges from $14,208 to $30,459, and out-of-state tuition ranges from $28,416 to $39,800. (out-of-state).
You must comprehend the application process for financial aid and your responsibilities in this regard because the availability of financial aid can be a key consideration when making plans for your future educational endeavors.
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What are Law Schools in Utah Ranked For?
Utah’s law schools are among the best public law schools in the country. With an average student debt load below the national average, they are also among the best value law schools. This is due to their lower tuition costs, high rates of job placement, and successful bar passage.
Knowledge of what law schools in Utah are ranked for should increase your desire to enroll in one of them already.
What Are the Requirements For the Best Law Schools in Utah 2024?
Although the LSAT score(s) and undergraduate GPA are frequently the two most important factors taken into account by the admissions committee when determining an applicant’s admission into Utah law schools, other factors may also be taken into account.
To assess an applicant’s suitability for law school and the likelihood of making a valuable contribution to the academic and social life of the Law Center, the admissions committee strongly encourages applicants to submit additional information. The data includes, among other things:
- A baccalaureate degree from an institution or university that is recognized.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain a score of a very high score on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and on the computer-based TOEFL to be admitted to law schools in Utah. This is an English proficiency test that is administered in testing facilities across the globe and in the US.
- Academic performance and success
- Utah law schools require demonstrable evidence of significant leadership and/or public service.
What are the Best Law Schools in Utah in 2024?
- Brigham Young University – J. Reuben Clark Law School
- University of Utah – Quinney Law School
#1. Brigham Young University – J. Reuben Clark Law School
A small university connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School. Because a large portion of the school’s operating expenses is covered by church members’ donations, BYU Law maintains affordable tuition. It is the cheapest of law schools in Utah.
Additionally, the church’s members pay half the tuition that non-members do. The law school incorporates moral, ethical, and religious principles into its curriculum. Through the Marriott School of Management, students can pursue joint degree programs such as a J.D./MBA, J.D./Master of Public Administration, or J.D./Master of Accounting, and through the David O. McKay School of Education, a J.D./Master of Education.
The International Center for Law and Religion Studies, the Law and Corpus Linguistics Project, the BYU LawStories storytelling initiative, and the Refugee and Immigration Initiative are just a few of the distinctive programs offered by BYU Law.
At Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School (Clark), there is no application fee for the full-time program. Full-time tuition is $14,208 for LDS members and $28,416 for non-members (Non-LDS member). The ratio of faculty to students is 6.2:1.
#2. University of Utah – Quinney Law School
The S.J. Quinney College of Law offers students employment opportunities at international and local law firms, the Utah State Legislature, as well as federal and state courts, and is only a short distance from downtown Salt Lake City. If you are looking for law schools in Utah, your choice may end at the University of Utah.
Students can customize their J.D. program at the S.J. Quinney College of Law based on the course material. Seven specialized study certificates are optional, including those in business law, criminal law, environmental and natural resources law, intellectual property law, international law, litigation and dispute resolution, and public interest law and policy. Additionally, the college offers specialized programs in criminal law, intellectual property law, and technology law.
The S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah (Quinney) charges a $60 application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $30,459; full-time out-of-state tuition is $39,800. (out-of-state). The ratio of students to faculty is 4.3:1.
Best Law Schools Close to Utah
The best law schools in Utah are wonderful and can give you efficient training and preparation for your legal profession at a very considerable tuition cost. However, if you are not satisfied with Utah law schools, you can expand your horizon to the best law schools close to Utah which have been listed below:
#3. Arizona State University (O’Connor) Law School
Phoenix, Arizona is home to the public Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. The first year of the law school’s curriculum is required, then there are two years of mostly electives.
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law offers programs and centers where students can participate to tailor their legal education. These programs and centers include the Indian Legal Program, which supports tribal governments, and the Center for Law, Science, and Innovation, which was the first to examine the legal implications of scientific and technological advancements.
The W. P. Carey School of Business offers a J.D./M.B.A. program, and the Rochester, Minnesota-based Mayo Medical School offers a J.D./M.D. program for students who want to pursue a second degree. Students who want to learn about the law without becoming attorneys can also enroll in the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree program at the Arizona State College of Law.
At Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (O’Connor), there is no application fee for the full-time program. Full-time in-state tuition is $28,058; full-time out-of-state tuition is $47,302. (out-of-state). The ratio of students to faculty is 5.4:1.
#4. University of Arizona James E. Rogers Law School
The University of Arizona provides the best competition in the state for the best law school. The university is somewhat smaller than Arizona State University, which may appeal to students seeking a more individualized educational experience, despite being lower ranked and significantly more expensive. The university, which is based in Tucson, has frequently welcomed Supreme Court Justices who have lectured and taught classes there.
The James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona (Rogers) does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $25,854; full-time out-of-state tuition is $30,354. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 4.4:1.
#5. University of Nevada – Las Vegas Law School
Each student at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas completes the Lawyering Process Program, a three-semester sequence of courses that provides instruction in legal analysis, writing, research, and other areas.
Law students can focus their education in areas like gaming law or real estate law through electives. Dual degree options at UNLV include a J.D./M.B.A. through the UNLV College of Business, a J.D./master of social work through the UNLV School of Social Work, and a J.D./Ph.D. in education through the UNLV College of Education for those interested in obtaining a second degree.
Through the school’s clinic, which offers courses in immigration law and education advocacy, students can put their legal knowledge to the test. Externships are organized by the clinical studies program for interested students. This same approach is taken by law schools in Utah.
The William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas charges a $50 application fee for its full-time programs. The William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas charges $50 for part-time program applications. Full-time in-state tuition is $28,258; full-time out-of-state tuition is $40,658; part-time in-state tuition is $21,381; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $30,558. (out-of-state). 7.6:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#6. University of Colorado – Boulder Law School
Students at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder can earn their J.D. in as little as 2.5 years. Through elective courses, students can concentrate their legal education on topics like environmental and natural resource law, as well as intellectual property, technology, and telecommunication.
The Leeds School of Business offers a J.D./M.B.A. program, the College of Architecture and Planning offers a J.D./Master of Urban and Regional Planning program, and the CU Denver School of Medicine offers a J.D./M.D. program.
The school offers a traditional legal curriculum in addition to an experiential learning program that places students in externships, clinics, and a program that requires them to complete at least 50 hours of pro bono work before they can graduate. Students can also participate in school centers like the Natural Resources Law Center and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.
The University of Colorado School of Law’s application fee for its full-time program is $65 per applicant. Full-time in-state tuition is $31,807; full-time out-of-state tuition is $38,593. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.1 to 1.
#7. University of Denver – Sturm Law School
Even though Sturm College is ranked lower than the University of Colorado, it still holds a very honorable position. It is listed among the top 100 law schools in the country and is well known for its public interest law program.
Additionally, it provides a more active urban study environment. Additionally, nearly half of the enrolling students are given scholarships. Add this to your choice of law schools in Utah, if you want to stand a chance of winning a scholarship to fund your education.
The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver (Sturm) charges a $65 application fee for its full-time programs. The Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver (Sturm) charges a $65 application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time tuition is $55,292; part-time tuition is $40,576, respectively. 7:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#8. Wyoming University College of Law
The southeast corner of Wyoming, close to the Colorado border, is where Laramie, Wyoming, and the University of Wyoming College of Law are situated. It was founded in 1920 and is a third-tier law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association.
The school takes pride in its small class sizes and personalized instruction. One of the school’s selling points is that it has one of the most affordable law school tuition rates in the nation. Additionally, it has consistently been ranked as one of the top institutions for gaining real-world legal experience.
The College of Law at the University of Wyoming charges $50 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $16,838; full-time out-of-state tuition is $34,238. (out-of-state). 8:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#9. University of Idaho Law School
One of the smallest law schools in the nation is UI Law. The faculty-to-student ratio is something the school takes pride in. With tuition that is below the national average, the institution is one of the more reasonably priced law schools in the nation. U.S. News rankings of colleges show that UI Law is in between the second and third tiers. The university is one of the accredited schools recognized by the American Bar Association.
Three years are required to earn the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Civil Procedure, Property, Torts, Contracts, Legal Writing, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law are among the standard courses available in the first year of the program.
There will be required courses, electives, and required experiential learning courses for the second and third years.
The College of Law at the University of Idaho charges $50 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $23,296; full-time out-of-state tuition is $42,532. (out-of-state). 8:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#10. University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center is a prestigious Texas university known for its part-time law program, healthcare law, and intellectual property law programs. In addition to the Center for Consumer Law, the Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law, and the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Center, the school also runs several other legal centers and institutes.
Through the school’s clinics, which offer instruction in immigration law, criminal defense, and other areas, students can gain practical legal experience. A J.D./M.B.A. program is offered in collaboration with the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business, and a J.D./M.D. program is provided by the Baylor College of Medicine, giving students the option to complete a combined or concurrent degree program.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at the University of Houston Law Center. There is no application fee for the part-time program at the University of Houston Law Center. Full-time in-state tuition is $34,930; full-time out-of-state tuition is $49,748; part-time in-state tuition is $23,990; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $34,028. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 6.2:1.
#11. Southern Methodist University – Dedman Law School
Southern Methodist University is a private institution with an outstanding faculty and campus, as well as a respected law school.
Students can complete a full-time J.D. at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas in three years. Several joint degree programs are also offered by the law school, including a four-year J.D./MBA program through the Cox School of Business, a three-year fast-track J.D./MBA program through the Department of Business in Dedman College, a four-year J.D./MA in Economics program through the Department of Economics in Dedman College, and a three and a half-year J.D./LL.M. in Taxation.
Students can gain practical experience and act as community advocates in many legal fields through the 11 specialized clinics. There are numerous legal publications, including the Journal of Air Law and Commerce and the SMU Law Review. SMU is highly prestigious and exceptional, therefore deserves to be recommended alongside law schools in Utah.
The Dedman School of Law at SMU (Dedman) does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time tuition is $59,286. 8.7:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#12. Texas A&M University Law School
The practical approach is one of Texas A&M University’s and its School of Law’s main focuses. To prepare for a career in law, students are encouraged to gain practical experience.
Students can get a sense of what they will be dealing with in real-world situations by participating in activities like Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
The institution provides in-state tuition aid.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at Texas A&M University’s School of Law. There is no application fee for the part-time program at Texas A&M University’s School of Law. Full-time in-state tuition is $32,634; full-time out-of-state tuition is $48,618; part-time in-state tuition is $25,361; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $37,350. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.1 to 1.
#13. Texas Tech University Law School
You are not choosing incorrectly if you select Texas Tech University. Compared to some of the other programs on the list, the cost of attending law school is lower. The university has a fantastic atmosphere.
Furthermore, grants and tuition aid are available to Texas residents in a variety of forms. Texas Tech has a good student-to-faculty ratio, therefore, we advise the institution if you want more attentive, personal assistance with your studies.
You have a very high chance of passing the bar exam if you complete the program.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at Texas Tech University’s School of Law. Full-time in-state tuition is $27,232; full-time out-of-state tuition is $38,572. (out-of-state). 9.2:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
#14. Lewis & Clark College – Northwestern Law School
Portland, Oregon’s School of Law is a university that places a strong emphasis on adaptability. Law students at Lewis & Clark College have the option of completing their degrees on a full- or part-time basis, taking classes in the morning or the evening, and concentrating in areas of the law such as international law, Indian law, and more. The institution has a high law school ranking in environmental law among specialty programs.
Students can participate in externships, clerkships, the Animal Law Clinic, the International Environmental Law Project, and other clinical opportunities to gain practical experience.
The Center for Animal Law Studies, the National Crime Victim Law Institute, and the Natural Resources Law Institute are just a few of the centers run by Northwestern Law School that provide research and training opportunities for law students.
The application deadline for Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College is March 15. The Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern) charges a $50 application fee for its full-time programs. The Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College (Northwestern) charges a $50 application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time tuition is $51,902 and part-time tuition is $38,936. The faculty-to-student ratio is 7.1:1.
#15. Oregon University School of Law
The only law school with state funding is the University of Oregon School of Law. It is situated in Eugene, the second-largest city in the state. Despite having the state’s top-ranked law program, the school oddly also has the lowest post-graduation employment rates.
Students interested in pursuing the public interest component of environmental law will find the University of Oregon to be the most alluring. The school sponsors an annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, offers a concentration and an LLM, and has student groups, alumni groups, and other organizations that concentrate on environmental issues and activism.
There is no application fee for the full-time program at the University of Oregon School of Law. Full-time in-state tuition is $42,024; full-time out-of-state tuition is $52,284. (out-of-state). 8:1 is the student-to-faculty ratio.
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How to Apply For Law Schools in Utah
Step 1:
Establishing an LSAC account
Step 2:
Sign up for the LSAT and begin preparing. The LSAT is required by law schools in Kentucky.
Step 3:
Investigate law schools.
Step 4:
Meet the recruiters for law schools.
Step 5:
Obtain all required transcripts for all diplomas, degrees, and certificates, including those from your undergraduate and graduate studies.
Step 6:
Write a comprehensive personal statement.
Step 7:
Obtain a letter of recommendation from a previous employer who can attest to your capacity for balancing work and school, or from a professor at the undergraduate level where you completed an internship.
Step 8:
Ensure that law schools can find you.
Step 9:
Apply on-line.
Frequently Asked Questions
An answer of 160 or higher is regarded as being good. You can find many reputable law schools in the US through it.
Three months of preparation are typically advised for a high grade.
You can ask to delay enrollment and provide a justification in an email to the admissions committee.
The median annual salary for the top 10% of attorneys in 2019 was over $208,000. To attain a better work-life balance, several new graduates of law schools decide without practicing the law.
Conclusion
The list of the top law schools in Utah, that will admit students has come to an end.
There is no denying the amazing array of law schools in Utah. The aforementioned law schools in Utah, are among the best and most renowned.
As the list above demonstrates, Utah is home to several renowned law schools.
Applications that are accepted are determined by several criteria, such as LSAT and GPA results as well as personal statements, among others.
References
- US News Ranking – Best Law Schools in Utah
- LSAC.org – Law School Admission Council