Law School

About the school

Boasting a rich legacy of 135 years, University of Minnesota – Law School or Minnesota Law does not just provide transformative legal education, but also inculcates important life skills and perspectives in students. Focused closely on hands-on learning, the school helps you hone both written and oratory skills, backed by over 25 legal clinics and more than 24 experiential learning courses. As first-time test takers in Minnesota, the Class of 2022 achieved an impressive 97% bar passage rate. The school also employs highly knowledgeable faculty members, 63% of whom have received teaching awards.

Where is the school located?

The Law School is situated in Minneapolis, a major city in the state of Minnesota, and is close to cultural centres, lakes, and parks.

Life at Law School

Minnesota Law brings you around 40 student groups, where you can discuss the latest happenings, debate on burning topics, collaborate with like-minded peers, or engage in a game of hockey or basketball. You can be a part of musicals, theatres, and talent shows and let your creative juices flow. By joining groups for minorities or under-represented ethnicities, you can advocate and promote diversity and inclusivity as well.

If you are interested in living on campus, you can choose from two student-owned cooperatives and five townhouses. These are affordable, close to transport hubs, and come with green spaces. Off-campus accommodations are also available in neighbourhoods such as Prospect Park, Cedar Riverside, Dinkytown, Calhoun, and Elliot Park, to name a few. You can rent and share large apartment buildings that are close to eateries, galleries, and parks. Duplex, triplex, and small apartment options are also available. Six dining halls and more than 20 retail restaurants take care of your meal-related needs on the campus. Simply use your U Card to purchase your meal of choice.

Additional benefits of studying at Law School

During your time at the Law School, you can apply for summer study abroad, semester exchange, or self-initiated study abroad programmes to get global exposure, learn about an unfamiliar legal system, and broaden your perspective. At the law clinics here, you can work with real clients on real cases in areas such as economic justice, business and nonprofits, family and community, rights and liberties, and human rights and immigration. Field and residency programmes are also available where you get the chance to work as part-time clerks and assist judges.

Moot court courses and competitions help you to hone your skills with mock problems, practice writing briefs and oral arguments, and improve transactional and litigation skills. You learn how to counsel, interview, employ different tactics, and draft motions, through simulated setups. Law in Practice is another exclusive programme that enhances your knowledge of legal reasoning and doctrine.

Admissions criteria

Here is a broad view of the admission criteria required for students pursuing graduate studies at University of Minnesota - Law School: - Completed online application form - Official transcripts from institutions previously attended (in native language and English translation) - LSAT/GRE/GMAT score: Requirement might vary across programmes - 2 letters of recommendation - Personal statement (1 to 3 pages, double spaced, and covering key achievements, goals, and reasons to pursue the degree) - Resume (covering academic and work history, community service, special interests etc.) - Addenda (1 page, double spaced, covering commitment to racial equity or justice, adversity you overcame etc.) - Video interview (optional but recommended) - Detailed dissertation proposal (if required) - High-quality writing sample (if required) - Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL (100 or higher)/IELTS (7.5 or higher)

Other costs which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online include: - Books and supplies - Housing - Transportation - Personal expenses - Insurance

Please consult the school’s website for detailed information and any updates to this information.

Job placements

The Career Center at Minnesota Law offers multiple programmes to help you land that dream job. These include private practice, corporate fellowship, public interest careers, judicial clerkships, and more. The presence of over 10 professional affinity organisations in the city also helps. Based on the statistics for the Class of 2022, 97% of the graduates secured gold standard jobs, including full-time, long-term, JD required, and JD advantage positions. Forty-seven percent found employment in law firms, 23% in judicial clerkships, 12% in public interest, and the rest in government, business, and education.

• The starting salary for those who were hired by law firms ranged from $60,000 to $225,000 and the median salary was $165,000.

• The salary range for those who landed government jobs was $47,000 to $85,000. Median salary was $58,000.