ABA Accredited Law Schools in Minnesota

University of Minnesota Law School

The University of Minnesota Law School, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is known for its outstanding faculty, rigorous academic programs, and strong commitment to public service. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Law School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and innovation in legal education. The school has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and public service. Its location in Minneapolis provides students with access to a vibrant legal community and numerous opportunities for internships and employment.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

The University of Minnesota Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs, including JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/MPH (Master of Public Health), and JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy). The school also offers advanced degrees such as LL.M. (Master of Laws) for international students and those seeking specialized legal knowledge. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students is approximately $44,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $53,000 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

The University of Minnesota Law School offers a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specialized scholarships for students pursuing public interest law careers. Additionally, the school provides fellowships and loan repayment assistance programs for graduates entering public service.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at the University of Minnesota Law School is approximately 35%, 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 is around 164. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Walter Mondale – Former Vice President of the United States.
2. Norm Coleman – Former U.S. Senator from Minnesota.
3. Lorie Skjerven Gildea – Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
4. Alan Page – Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and NFL Hall of Famer.
5. Arne Carlson – Former Governor of Minnesota.

Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Dorsey & Whitney LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many Minnesota Law graduates.
2. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Minnesota.
3. Robins Kaplan LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Minnesota Supreme Court – A major employer for graduates pursuing judicial clerkships.
5. Target Corporation – Corporate legal positions within this major retail company.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from the University of Minnesota Law School can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $120,000 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.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Mitchell Hamline School of Law, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and flexible learning options. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Mitchell Hamline School of Law was formed in 2015 through the combination of William Mitchell College of Law and Hamline University School of Law. Both predecessor schools had a long history of legal education in Minnesota, with William Mitchell founded in 1900 and Hamline in 1972. The merger created a law school with a strong tradition of practical training, innovation, and commitment to public service.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

Mitchell Hamline offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, including part-time and hybrid online programs. Joint degrees include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) and JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) for international lawyers and a Master of Law for non-lawyers seeking legal expertise. These programs are designed to provide a broad and flexible legal education.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition is approximately $46,200 per year for JD students. 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

Mitchell Hamline provides a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships for students pursuing public interest law careers. Additionally, the school offers loan repayment assistance programs for graduates entering public service.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Mitchell Hamline is approximately 60%, reflecting its moderately selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate 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 is around 152. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Warren E. Burger – Former Chief Justice of the United States.
2. Chris Coleman – Former Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota.
3. Betty McCollum – U.S. Representative from Minnesota.
4. Tom Emmer – U.S. Representative from Minnesota.
5. Tim Walz – Governor of Minnesota.

Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Thomson Reuters – Major legal publishing company known for hiring many Mitchell Hamline graduates.
2. Robins Kaplan LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Mitchell Hamline.
3. Dorsey & Whitney LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Minnesota Court of Appeals – A major employer for graduates pursuing judicial clerkships.
5. 3M Corporation – Corporate legal positions within this major manufacturing company.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from Mitchell Hamline School 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 $50,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $70,000 annually.

University of St. Thomas School of Law

The University of St. Thomas School of Law, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is known for its strong emphasis on ethical practice, social justice, and a supportive learning environment. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 1999, the University of St. Thomas School of Law is relatively new but has quickly established a reputation for its commitment to ethics and social justice. The school is part of the University of St. Thomas, a Catholic university with a long tradition of academic excellence and community engagement. Over the years, St. Thomas Law has developed a strong emphasis on practical skills training and public service.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) with the St. Thomas Opus College of Business, JD/MPH (Master of Public Health), and JD/MSW (Master of Social Work). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Organizational Ethics and Compliance. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at St. Thomas Law is approximately $44,870 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

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a variety of scholarships to assist students financially. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships for students pursuing public interest law careers. Additionally, the school provides loan repayment assistance programs for graduates entering public service.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is approximately 52%, 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 is around 155. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Thomas D. Sheedy – Chief Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals.
2. Melissa Hortman – Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
3. Jim Rowader – Former General Counsel for the Minnesota Vikings.
4. B. Todd Jones – Former Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
5. Ryan Winkler – Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Top Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Fredrikson & Byron P.A. – A major law firm known for hiring many St. Thomas Law graduates.
2. Medtronic – A leading medical device company with significant hiring from St. Thomas.
3. Minnesota Court of Appeals – A major employer for graduates pursuing judicial clerkships.
4. Dorsey & Whitney LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
5. Target Corporation – Corporate legal positions within this major retail company.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from the University of St. Thomas School of Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $85,000 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.