ABA Accredited Law Schools in Georgia
University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia (UGA) School of Law, located in Athens, Georgia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the state. Known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to public service, the school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for diverse careers in law and related fields.
School History
The University of Georgia School of Law was established in 1859. Over the years, it has become a prominent institution in legal education, known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and public service. The law school has consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States and has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and society.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
UGA School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, along with several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration), JD/MHP (Master of Historic Preservation), and JD/PhD programs in various disciplines. The school also offers advanced degrees such as LL.M. (Master of Laws) and MSL (Master in the Study of Law) for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at UGA School of Law is approximately $19,894 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $38,652 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $3,000 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
UGA School of Law offers a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at UGA School of Law is approximately 26%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at UGA School of Law is around 164. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for UGA School of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Carl Sanders – Former Governor of Georgia.
- Max Cleland – Former U.S. Senator and Administrator of Veterans Affairs.
- Beverly B. Martin – U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Jim Marshall – Former U.S. Representative and President of the United States Institute of Peace.
- Gwen Keyes Fleming – Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- King & Spalding LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many UGA graduates.
- Alston & Bird LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from UGA.
- State of Georgia – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- The Home Depot – Corporate legal positions within this major Atlanta-based company.
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from UGA School of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $90,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $60,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $85,000 annually.
Emory University School of Law
Emory University School of Law, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study, commitment to public service, and diverse academic programs. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
Emory University School of Law was founded in 1916. Since its establishment, the school has developed a reputation for academic excellence and innovative programs. Located in Atlanta, the school benefits from its proximity to numerous courts, law firms, and corporate headquarters, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and employment. Emory Law has a long-standing tradition of producing graduates who excel in both private practice and public service.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
Emory Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MPH (Master of Public Health), JD/MDiv (Master of Divinity), JD/MTS (Master of Theological Studies), and JD/PhD programs in various disciplines. The school also offers LL.M. (Master of Laws) and SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) degrees for advanced legal studies.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Emory Law is approximately $63,600 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $4,000 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
Emory Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Emory Law is approximately 30%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at Emory Law is around 165. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for Emory Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- John Lewis – Civil rights leader and former U.S. Representative.
- Randall K. Cooper – Former Vice President and General Counsel of Coca-Cola Enterprises.
- Leah Ward Sears – Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
- Amy Carter – Daughter of President Jimmy Carter and noted public figure.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- King & Spalding LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many Emory graduates.
- Alston & Bird LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Emory.
- The Coca-Cola Company – Corporate legal positions within this major Atlanta-based company.
- State of Georgia – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from Emory Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $95,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $60,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $90,000 annually.
Georgia State University College of Law
The Georgia State University College of Law, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, diverse academic programs, and commitment to public service. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
Georgia State University College of Law was established in 1982. Since its inception, the school has rapidly gained a reputation for academic excellence and innovation in legal education. The law school’s location in downtown Atlanta provides students with unique opportunities for internships and employment in both public and private sectors. The school is known for its focus on practical skills training, interdisciplinary study, and community engagement.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
Georgia State University College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration), JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy), and JD/MA in various disciplines. The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Health Law and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at Georgia State University College of Law is approximately $19,192 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $38,196 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $2,500 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
Georgia State University College of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Georgia State University College of Law is approximately 30%, reflecting its selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at Georgia State University College of Law is around 158. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for Georgia State University College of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Kasim Reed – Former Mayor of Atlanta.
- Stacey Abrams – Politician, lawyer, and author, known for her work in voting rights advocacy.
- Lisa Cupid – Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
- Michele Stumpe – Noted attorney and co-founder of a non-profit organization supporting wildlife conservation.
- Michael J. Bowers – Former Attorney General of Georgia.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- King & Spalding LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many Georgia State graduates.
- Alston & Bird LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Georgia State.
- The Coca-Cola Company – Corporate legal positions within this major Atlanta-based company.
- State of Georgia – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from Georgia State University College of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $80,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $55,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $75,000 annually.
Mercer University School of Law
Mercer University School of Law, located in Macon, Georgia, is known for its commitment to legal ethics, strong academic programs, and close-knit community. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.
School History
Mercer University School of Law was founded in 1873, making it one of the oldest law schools in the southern United States. Over the years, the school has built a reputation for academic excellence and a strong emphasis on legal ethics and professionalism. The law school is part of Mercer University, a respected institution of higher education. Mercer’s curriculum focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in legal principles while emphasizing the importance of ethical practice.
Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)
Mercer University School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) and JD/M.Div. (Master of Divinity) in collaboration with other Mercer University schools. The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Federal Criminal Practice and Procedure for advanced legal studies.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Mercer University School of Law is approximately $40,000 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $2,500 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.
Scholarships
Mercer University School of Law provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Additionally, the school participates in federal and state financial aid programs, offering comprehensive support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Mercer University School of Law is approximately 45%, reflecting its moderately selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal profession and society.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students at Mercer University School of Law is around 153. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for Mercer University School of Law include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a competitive LSAT score, a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. The school values diversity and seeks applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
Famous Alumni
- Griffin Bell – Former U.S. Attorney General.
- C. Ashley Royal – U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
- Jean Toal – Former Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.
- Michael J. Bowers – Former Attorney General of Georgia.
- Robert Benham – Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- King & Spalding LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many Mercer graduates.
- Alston & Bird LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Mercer.
- The Coca-Cola Company – Corporate legal positions within this major Atlanta-based company.
- State of Georgia – Various state government agencies are major employers for graduates pursuing public service careers.
- Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – A top law firm employing graduates in various legal positions.
Averaged Starting Salaries
Graduates from Mercer University School of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $75,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $50,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $70,000 annually.