You will have the opportunity to advance in all facets of your life when you enroll in law school, including academically, professionally, socially, emotionally, and personally.
You may improve your leadership abilities, identify your objectives, and map out a clear career path with the aid of law schools in West Virginia and her closest states.
The state of West Virginia pre-Civil War was only the western portion of Virginia, but due to the region’s difficult terrain, it developed significantly differently from the eastern part of the state. West Virginia pounced on the chance to split from Virginia when the Civil War started.
The state’s sole law school is now located near the Monongahela River in West Virginia’s mountains: the College of Law at West Virginia University. This article will satisfy your eagerness to discover vital information about law schools in West Virginia.
Are There Law Schools In West Virginia?
There is a law school you can attend in West Virginia if you wish to pursue a legal career, even though there are not many law schools in West Virginia. Just enter Morgantown, West Virginia University, as your destination.
In Mountain State, the university has the sole law school. It is also the main cause of the high proportion of West Virginian lawyers who attended WVU.
West Virginia University’s College of Law is regarded as one of the best in the country. The state’s lone law school was founded in 1878 as the first professional institution and is still in operation today.
Consider law school if you want to change occupations after completing your undergraduate degree or if you want to start a new career altogether. For those who graduate, it offers numerous advantages. Additionally, the legal field does not suffer many of the drawbacks that you do in other businesses.
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How Long is Law School in West Virginia?
The law school at West Virginia University offers a standard three-year J.D. program. However, they offer a fast track to a legal degree for qualifying undergraduate students through the 3 PLUS 3 program.
Through WVU’s 3+3 Program, eligible undergraduate students can complete both their bachelor’s and law degrees in six rather than seven years. When accepted into the 3+3 program, students start attending WVU Law classes in their senior year of college.
Read Also: 10 Best Law Schools in California | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply.
How Much Does Law Schools in West Virginia Cost?
Full-time in-state tuition is $24,714; full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,058. (out-of-state).
Please be aware that there are other costs not mentioned in the aforementioned estimated attendance costs. These costs include things like the processing fee for loans, personal expenses, health insurance, and transportation. Make careful to account for these costs while creating your budget.
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What Are Law Schools in West Virginia 2024 Ranked For?
In a demanding and encouraging academic environment, WVU Law excels at instructing and preparing future attorneys. In their first year, students lay a crucial foundation of fundamental legal knowledge before concentrating on their area of specialization in their second and third years. They can prepare lawyers since they are the only law school in the state and can offer extraordinary learning opportunities that are ready for practice as well as unmatched access to the legal community at large.
West Virginia University Law also sets an example by addressing important topics like diversity in the legal profession, consumer issues, and energy and sustainability.
The best part is that WVU Law is frequently recognized as one of the most reasonably priced and valuable law schools. To help our students afford the legal education of their dreams, they work to keep fees low.
Thus, compared to the national average, student debt is significantly smaller. These and other elements contribute to West Virginia’s law school’s ranking.
What Are the Requirements for Law Schools in West Virginia 2024?
Personal Statement
The applicant’s interest in pursuing both legal education and a career should be expressed in the personal statement, which should give the enrollment management committee some background on the applicant. The personal statement must be the applicant’s original work.
The most effective personal essays also frequently offer additional insight into the applicant’s personality, background, professional interests, or other topics that aren’t completely covered in other areas of the application. It shouldn’t be longer than two double-spaced pages. The heading of the personal statement should include the applicant’s name, LSAC account number, and the words “Personal Statement.”
Resume
Candidate should emphasize their educational, professional, leadership, and volunteer accomplishments in their resume. The applicant might also want to draw attention to honors, accolades, or unique abilities. The resume is an essential requirement for law schools in West Virginia and Virginia state.
Letters of Recommendation
The Enrollment Management Committee seeks two letters of recommendation from candidates. The letters of recommendation have to come from people who can assess the applicant’s candidacy in terms of academic abilities as well as personal traits. Nevertheless, applicants are permitted to submit up to four letters of recommendation if they so choose.
The LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service, which is a component of the Credential Assembly Service, must be used by applicants. These letters will be sent by LSAC with the CAS report.
Candidates must take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
All LSAT score results will be given by LSAC via the CAS report. GRE test takers must provide their results to WVU Law via ETS.
If a candidate has registered for a future LSAT, LSAC will alert the enrollment management office. Unless the applicant specifies otherwise, the Enrollment Management Committee will hold off considering the applicant’s file until it receives the results of that subsequent LSAT.
Transcripts
The applicant’s courses, major(s), minor(s), and concentration are taken into account by the enrollment management committee in addition to the applicant’s overall grade point average (s).
Law School Report from the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Candidates must sign up with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service to apply to WVU Law. The LSAT score(s), LSAT writing section(s), all post-secondary transcripts, and letters of recommendation are all included in an applicant’s CAS report.
Information about character and fitness
An applicant must fully explain the circumstances surrounding their “Yes” response to any of the Character and Fitness questions on this application, as well as how the situation(s) in question was resolved.
The explanation should be double-spaced, and the attachment should be labeled with the heading “Character and Fitness” and the student’s name and LSAC account number.
TOEFL
If an applicant from a non-English-speaking nation has not earned a post-secondary degree from a college or institution where English is the primary language of instruction, they must take the TOEFL test administered by ETS.
An exemption from this criteria may be requested by candidates who have exceptional language skills (e.g., have worked as translators, have taught English, have earned post-secondary degrees from colleges or universities in English-speaking nations, etc.).
What Are the Best Law Schools in West Virginia 2024?
Fewer law schools in the US are ranked higher than the sole law school in West Virginia. In many evaluation and deliberation circumstances, it is strong.
It has produced several competent and practicing attorneys in the State. This is the law school in West Virginia:
- West Virginia University Law School
#1. West Virginia University Law School
There are no surprises in the mandatory J.D. at the WVU College of Law. programs’ prerequisite classes. Each student must finish Appellate Advocacy, Professional Responsibility, a Seminar Class, and a “perspective course” after their first year. Graduation requires the completion of one course or program that will develop practical skills in a law clinic or an externship.
The university offers combined degree programs in JD/MBA and JD/MPA. There are specialized study concentrations in labor & employment, international law, public interest, and energy & sustainable development law.
Leading attorneys and devoted professionals are prepared for positions in public service, private practice, government, and business by WVU Law. Their curriculum is challenging and competitive, fusing the finest of traditional legal education with cutting-edge legal programs that tackle new issues in contemporary society.
The West Virginia University College of Law charges $50 for applications to its full-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $24,714; full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,058. (out-of-state). 8:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
Best Law Schools Close to West Virginia
The scarcity of law schools in West Virginia has necessitated the enlisting of law schools that are in proximity to West Virginia. You will certainly find the information about schools helpful and they would be amazing compensation to the small number of law schools in West Virginia.
#2. University of Virginia Law School
One of the most esteemed institutions in the nation is the University of Virginia School of Law. Justices Stanley Forman Reed and James Clark McReynolds of the US Supreme Court were born there. In terms of employment outcomes and the number of partners, it also stands in the top 10 nationwide.
In their second and third years, students have the option of studying law abroad through a semester exchange program in nations like New Zealand, Germany, Israel, and England.
The Virginia Law Review, one of the most widely cited law journals in the nation, is one of the 10 academic journals that it also hosts. The University of Virginia is a perfect addition to your choice of law schools in West Virginia.
At the University of Virginia School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $85. Full-time in-state tuition is $66,500; full-time out-of-state tuition is $69,500. (out-of-state). The ratio of students to faculty is 6.6:1.
#3. George Mason University Law School
Due to the George Mason University School of Law’s proximity to Washington, D.C., career possibilities in various branches of government, federal agencies, and private law firms are available year-round.
Candidates for the J.D. degree have access to day and evening programs at the George Mason School of Law, as well as one dual J.D./Master of Public Policy program. To specialize in subjects like patent law, intellectual property law, or homeland and national security law, law students might pursue curricular concentrations and tracks.
Law and mental illness clinics and the Clinic for Legal Assistance to Servicemembers are two examples of legal clinics that give students more practice in particular practice areas.
At George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, there is no application fee for the full-time program. The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University does not charge an application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $25,875, full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,261, part-time in-state tuition is $19,404, and part-time out-of-state tuition is $30,944. (out-of-state). 4:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#4. William & Mary Law School
The William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law develops projects for simulated legal education, such as the two-year Legal Skills Program, which places students in fictitious law firms and gives them real-world issues to work on.
The McGlothlin Courtroom and a hub of research and demonstrations with the internet, audio, and video technologies in courtrooms are both parts of the law school’s Center for Legal and Court Technology.
Students in their second and third years can choose the majority of their courses thanks to the school’s elective curriculum.
Application costs for William & Mary Law School’s full-time program are $85 each. Full-time in-state tuition is $36,608; full-time out-of-state tuition is $51,620. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 7.3:1.
#5. Washington and Lee University Law School
A little private law school in Virginia is called the Washington and Lee University School of Law. The curriculum for the first year is made up of obligatory courses, whereas the second year is mostly made up of electives for the students. This also goes to almost all the law schools in West Virginia and the US generally.
Students at W&L Law receive training through experiences including practice-based simulations, externships, and clinics in the third year, which focus on lawyer involvement. Although choosing a track or concentration is not required, students can tailor their education through electives.
The Washington and Lee University School of Law does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time tuition is $53,400. 5.8:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#6 . University of Richmond Law School
A little over 60% of the students at the private University of Richmond School of Law are from Virginia. The capital of Virginia’s Richmond, which is home to legal firms, corporations, courts, and more, is located around six miles from the law school campus. Washington, D.C. is around two hours away.
Students at the University of Richmond School of Law can enroll in electives to concentrate their legal study in fields like litigation, corporate law, and real estate law.
The University of Richmond School of Law does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time students pay $50,500 in tuition. The faculty-to-student ratio is 5.6 to 1.
#7. Regent University Law School
A small, private Christian school in Virginia Beach is called Regent University Law School. Under the direction of Dean Herb Titus, the school was founded in 1977. Having placed sixth in the nation in 2015, it has attracted attention from throughout the nation for proficiency in moot court competitions.
The following degrees are available to Regent University students: Juris Doctor, Masters of Law, and Masters of Arts in Law. Within ten months, 92% of graduates find employment. You may not see this high level of employment with law schools in Virginia and many US states, but they also record high employment percentages.
At Regent University’s School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $65 per applicant. The application fee for the part-time program at Regent University’s School of Law is $65 per applicant. Full-time tuition is $38,646; part-time tuition is $30,246. 9.6:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#8. Appalachian University Law School
Private law school Appalachian School of Law is situated in Grundy. With 128 students enrolled, it grants three-year Juris Doctor degrees. The Appalachian School of Law is renowned for placing a strong emphasis on civic engagement, leadership, ethical behavior, and alternative dispute settlement.
The ABA-approved program was established in 1994, and its first intake was in 1997.
There is no application cost for the law school’s full-time program at Appalachian School of Law. Estimated Fall/Spring Total Cost of Attendance: $64,800.
#9. Liberty University Law School
In Lynchburg, there is a private, Evangelical Christian law school called Liberty University School of Law. The authorized program grants degrees in law (Juris Doctor), studies in law (Master of Studies in Law), and master of law.
The school’s bar passage rate is outstanding, reaching 95.65 percent in July 2018. The rating shared top honors in the state with the University of Virginia.
There is no application cost for the full-time program at Liberty University’s School of Law. Full-time tuition is $40,135. 10.2:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#10. University of Kentucky Law School
In 1908, the University of Kentucky College of Law, or UKC Law, was founded. On the campus of Lexington University, the University is a small legal school that is financed by the government. Since 1912, it has belonged to the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
In addition to the prestige that the school’s ranking brings, UKC is also the site of one of the two student-run law review publications that are the oldest in the country.
The J. David Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky charges a $50 application fee for its full-time courses. In-state tuition is $25,218 and out-of-state tuition is $51,374 for full-time study (out-of-state). 8.3:1 is the instructor-to-student ratio.
#11. Northern Kentucky University (Chase) College of Law
Before graduating from NKU Chase, students must complete 50 hours of volunteer work. The school provides a range of programs to help students meet this requirement, including client interviews, research for public interest lawyers, teaching the law to at-risk children, helping the poor with their income taxes, and taking part in legal aid clinics.
For full-time programs, the institution charges a $40 application fee. For part-time programs, the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University (Chase) levies a $40 application fee. In-state tuition is $23,033; out-of-state tuition is $36,735; in-state tuition is $12,625; and part-time tuition is $20,000 (out-of-state). There are nine students for every teaching member.
#12. University of Louisville – Brandeis Law School
In 1846, the University of Louisville created the Brandeis School of Law. The University of Louisville’s law program is a crucial part of the institution.
Students at the Brandeis School of Law must do 30 hours of legal-related community service before they can graduate. This fact might put off some people, but for many, it may open up more opportunities to practice law before receiving a license because of this requirement and the school’s emphasis on practical legal education.
The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville (Brandeis) does not charge an application fee for its full-time courses. In-state and out-of-state full-time tuition are $23,898 and $28,898, respectively (out-of-state). The student-to-instructor ratio is 8.1:1.
#13. University of Pennsylvania Law School
Professional students can customize their coursework to include a variety of subject areas. While Pennsylvania Law students can enroll in courses in other departments, other professional school students may take Pennsylvania Law courses.
Students can specialize in a particular field with a few more classes by earning a certificate in a subject like Gender and Sexuality Studies or East Asian Studies. In three years, law students can receive a J.D. as well as a second degree, such as an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, a master’s in bioethics from the School of Medicine, or a master’s in the city & regional planning from the School of Design.
There is an $80 application fee for the full-time program. The cost of tuition for full-time students is $70,0042. There are 4.8 students for every teacher.
#14. Villanova University Law School
The Charles Widger School of Law at Villanova University is a private institution of higher learning situated about 15 miles outside of Philadelphia. By engaging in externships that have been approved by the school and those that the students have suggested, students can benefit from the location.
Law students at Villanova University have the option of concentrating their studies in one area of law, such as business law, intellectual property law, or health care law.
The Charles Widger School of Law at Villanova University does not charge an application fee for the full-time program. The cost of tuition is $50,535. There are 7.5 students for every instructor.
#15. Pennsylvania State University (Dickinson) School of Law
The Dickinson School of Law is located in the Pennsylvanian city of Carlisle. The Dickinson School of Law confers two degrees: the J.D. and the LL.M. Additionally, the law school offers dual degree options. Also developed by the Dickinson School of Law are certificate programs in law.
The Juris Doctor degree requires 88 credits, which students must complete. 24 credits are required to complete an LL.M. program. Students have access to joint degrees in J.D./MBA, M.P.A., and master’s in public health.
For its full-time programs, the law school at Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law does not charge an application fee. The cost of full-time tuition in-state is $53,558 and out-of-state is $53,558. (out-of-state). The student-to-instructor ratio is 7:1.
How to Apply for Law Schools in West Virginia
On September 1, 2022, the application period for students enrolling in WVU Law for the fall of 2023 commenced. March 15, 2023, is the deadline for priority applications. The normal application cutoff date is July 31, 2023.
By March 22, 2023, for the priority application deadline, and by August 7, 2023, for the regular application deadline, all supporting documentation, such as letters of recommendation and test scores, must be on file.
Follow the steps below to apply for law schools in West Virginia and other states listed in this article:
1) A meeting with your undergraduate institution’s pre-law advisor.
2) Create an account with LSAC, register, and get ready for the LSAT, then look up law schools.
3) Recruiters for law schools in person.
4) Create an account with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
5) Obtain all necessary transcripts.
6) Request recommendation letters
7) Identify yourself in law schools.
8) Apply on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no common-law marriage provision under West Virginia state law.
Only a select few students complete the demanding exam for the first time. The likelihood is that you will need to retake the bar exam at least once more.
West Virginia University Law School is the state’s only law school.
One of the most respected law schools in the country, UWVA Law has long held this reputation.
Conclusion
Law schools in West Virginia and her nearby states prepare 21st-century lawyers and leaders to serve the public, government, and business. The graduates are practice-ready on the day they graduate.
The vibrant culture of excellence fosters diversity and respect, creating a balanced and supportive academic community within one of the nation’s leading public research universities.
The academic credentials, hobbies, and experiences of an applicant are taken into account by law schools in West Virginia and the US generally. You must begin the LSAC application procedure online.