School of Law

About the school

The University of Washington School of Law is a nationally prestigious institution of legal education founded in 1899. It is located in the northwest corner of the main campus at William H. Gates Hall. Since 1909, the School has held full accreditation from the American Bar Association and participated in the prestigious Association of American Law Schools. According to U.S. News & World Report's prestigious ranking of the best Law Schools, it ranks 49th out of 192 peer schools.

The University of Washington, founded in 1861, is one of Washington's oldest universities. The University is proud to be the third-best public university in the US and one of the top 20 universities in the world according to the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Hyun Kim (founder and senior partner at the prestigious maritime law firm Sechang & Co. in Seoul), Mario Gandara (vice president of NAI Capital), and Frances Bain (senior community lawyer at Fitzroy Legal Service in Melbourne) are among the distinguished alumni of the University of Washington - School of Law.

The School's location in Seattle provides a unique setting for legal education. Seattle is a major tech, commercial, and cultural hub, and the School's students have the opportunity to learn from and network with leaders in these fields.

Where is the school located?

Life at the School of Law

International students at the University of Washington - School of Law can actively participate in campus life through numerous student organisations such as the National Lawyers Guild and the International Law Society. These organisations provide a forum for students to connect with classmates, participate in conversations, and get involved in the legal community.

The University offers options for housing in the U-District, including shared flats, studios, and one-bedroom apartments. These housing alternatives provide year-round lodging, allowing foreign students to maintain their freedom while remaining close to the School.

The University has 2 primary dining options: Local Point and Centre Table, which cater to the needs of all students. Starbucks, Pagliacci Pizza within Local Point, and Denny Cafe are among the dining options.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important, and the IMA Building, which is located near Lake Washington, is the University's top exercise complex. It has gyms, courts, an indoor track, a climbing wall, and cardio and weight rooms. Students can also participate in fitness programmes and activities at a variety of studio locations.

The U-PASS programme provides economical transportation choices like regional buses, commuter trains, light rail, and water taxis. Bicycles are also a popular form of transportation, making it easy for students to travel both on campus and in the city.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Law

The Gregoire Fellows Program at the University of Washington School of Law recognises excellent students by offering a ten-week summer programme split between a corporate legal firm and a Seattle-based organisation or government body. This programme, named after former Governor Christine Gregoire, provides a UW School of Law scholarship, a USD 20,000 first-year summer stipend, mentorship from Governor Gregoire and local legal experts, and a USD 5,000 bar exam study stipend.

Students at the University also benefit from William H. Gates Hall. This 196,000-square-foot building has well-lit classrooms, cutting-edge technology, simulated courtrooms, study facilities, and the biggest legal library in the Northwest.

Admissions criteria

Here is a broad view of the admission criteria required for international students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Washington - School of Law: - Online application form or LSAC application - Statement of purpose - 2 letters of recommendation from an employer, academic, etc. (depending on the programme) - Transcripts and degrees from all institutions and universities attended - English language proficiency scores: - IELTS: a minimum score of 6.5 - TOEFL: a minimum score of 80 - Duolingo: a minimum score of 105 - Resume/CV

• Other costs (estimated): The following expenses are a rough estimate of the cost of living for a student at the University of Washington - School of Law:

• Books and supplies: USD 2,400 (approx)

• House and board: USD 20,000 (approx)

• Personal expenses: USD 2,400 (approx)

• Transportation: USD 1,400 (approx)

For specific details, please visit the official School website.

Job placements

The University of Washington - School of Law is home to the Center for Career Development. It is a valuable resource for students embarking on their career journeys. This centre actively promotes the exploration of students' passions. It gives them the tools, connections, and practical legal experience required for their desired careers.

Whether considering career planning, connecting with potential employers, or acquiring skills and strategies, the Center for Career Development offers comprehensive support. Additionally, graduate students have access to:

Academic advising Career coaching Networking opportunities and events Professional development programming Online and subscription-based job-search tools Assistance obtaining externships and internships

Other resources available: - Career counselling: Personalised career counselling for graduate students, helping them refine application materials, identify suitable opportunities, and connect with professionals in their chosen field. - The William H. Gates Public Service Law Program: It offers events, career coaching, academic advising, pro bono service, and leadership development opportunities for students.