ABA Accredited Law Schools in Tennessee

University of Tennessee College of Law

The University of Tennessee College of Law, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the state. Known for its strong academic programs, commitment to public service, and emphasis on practical training, UT Law offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 1890, the University of Tennessee College of Law has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and public service. As part of the University of Tennessee, a major public research university, the law school has developed a reputation for producing highly skilled and ethical lawyers. The school’s history is marked by its dedication to serving the legal needs of Tennessee and the surrounding region, fostering a community of leaders in law, business, and public service.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

UT 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), and JD/MPA (Master of Public Administration). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education that equips students with the skills needed to tackle complex legal issues.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for in-state JD students at UT Law is approximately $20,168 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $38,536 per year. Additional fees, including health insurance, student activity fees, and technology fees, total about $2,000 annually. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are available to help students manage these expenses.

Scholarships

UT Law 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. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UT Law 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 at UT Law is around 159. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for UT 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Howard Baker – Former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader.
2. Lamar Alexander – Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Education.
3. James K. Polk – 11th President of the United States.
4. Bill Haslam – Former Governor of Tennessee.
5. Cheri Beasley – Former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

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

1. Baker Donelson – A major law firm known for hiring many UT Law graduates.
2. Bass, Berry & Sims PLC – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from UT Law.
3. Butler Snow LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Tennessee Attorney General’s Office – A major public sector employer for graduates.
5. Knoxville Public Defender’s Office – A significant public service employer for graduates.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from UT 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 $55,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $65,000 annually.

Vanderbilt University Law School

Vanderbilt University Law School, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the top law schools in the United States. Known for its rigorous academic programs, strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, and commitment to public service, Vanderbilt Law offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for leadership roles in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 1874, Vanderbilt University Law School has a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The law school is part of Vanderbilt University, a prestigious private research university. Over the years, Vanderbilt Law has developed a reputation for producing influential legal scholars, judges, and public figures. The school’s history is marked by its commitment to interdisciplinary education, integrating law with business, health, technology, and other fields.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

Vanderbilt Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) with the Owen Graduate School of Management, JD/MD (Doctor of Medicine), JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy), and JD/PhD in Law and Economics. The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) for international students, and a PhD in Law and Economics. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Vanderbilt Law is approximately $64,284 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

Vanderbilt Law 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. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Vanderbilt Law is approximately 19%, reflecting its highly selective admissions process. The school seeks to admit students who demonstrate exceptional 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 Vanderbilt Law is around 169. This high score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for Vanderbilt 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Martha Craig Daughtrey – Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
2. Fred Thompson – Former U.S. Senator and actor.
3. Bill Purcell – Former Mayor of Nashville.
4. Elizabeth McCracken – U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
5. Alberto Gonzales – Former U.S. Attorney General.

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

1. Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many Vanderbilt Law graduates.
2. Baker Donelson – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Vanderbilt.
3. Bass, Berry & Sims PLC – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Vanderbilt University Medical Center – Corporate legal positions within this major healthcare institution.
5. Tennessee Attorney General’s Office – A major public sector employer for graduates.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from Vanderbilt Law can expect high starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $190,000 per year. Public service and government roles typically offer starting salaries of approximately $70,000 per year, while corporate positions can provide starting salaries averaging around $120,000 annually.

Belmont University College of Law

Belmont University College of Law, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its emphasis on practical training, public service, and a commitment to providing a comprehensive legal education. The school prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 2011, Belmont University College of Law is a relatively young institution that has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to public service. The law school is part of Belmont University, a private Christian university. The school’s history is marked by its dedication to practical skills training and public interest law, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

Belmont Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, with opportunities for students to pursue specialized certificates in areas such as Health Law, Entertainment Law, and Criminal Law. Although the school does not currently offer joint degree programs, it provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education designed to equip students with the skills needed to tackle complex legal issues.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at Belmont Law is approximately $47,570 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

Belmont Law 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. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Belmont Law is approximately 40%, 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 Belmont Law is around 157. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for Belmont 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 and leadership.

Famous Alumni

1. Aubrey B. Harwell Jr. – Prominent Nashville attorney and founding partner of Neal & Harwell, PLC.
2. Ralph N. Meador Jr. – Notable Tennessee litigator and partner at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.
3. Susan Kay – Renowned legal educator and professor at Belmont Law.
4. Tim Warnock – Experienced litigator and partner at Riley Warnock & Jacobson, PLC.
5. Emily Green – Public defender and advocate for criminal justice reform in Nashville.

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

1. Bass, Berry & Sims PLC – A major law firm known for hiring many Belmont Law graduates.
2. Baker Donelson – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Belmont.
3. Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Tennessee Attorney General’s Office – A major public sector employer for graduates.
5. Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender’s Office – A significant public service employer for graduates.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from Belmont Law can expect competitive starting salaries. Those entering private practice often start with salaries around $65,000 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 $60,000 annually.