ABA Accredited Law Schools in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Law School

The University of Wisconsin Law School, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs, strong emphasis on public service, and commitment to practical training. The school offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields.

School History

Founded in 1868, the University of Wisconsin Law School has a long tradition of academic excellence and public service. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 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 the “law in action” philosophy, which emphasizes the real-world impact of legal education and the importance of experiential learning.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

The University of Wisconsin Law School 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 Affairs), and JD/MSW (Master of Social Work). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) for international students and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). 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 at UW Law is approximately $24,360 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $43,360 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

UW 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 UW Law is approximately 42%, 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 UW Law is around 162. This score reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process and the school’s rigorous academic standards.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for UW 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. Russ Feingold – Former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.
2. Tammy Baldwin – U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.
3. Patricia Spafford Smith – Former Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
4. Robert W. Kastenmeier – Former U.S. Representative.
5. Vel Phillips – Civil rights leader and first African American judge in Wisconsin.

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

1. Quarles & Brady LLP – A major law firm known for hiring many UW Law graduates.
2. Foley & Lardner LLP – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from UW Law.
3. Michael Best & Friedrich LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Wisconsin Department of Justice – A major public sector employer for graduates.
5. Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. – Corporate legal positions within this major law firm.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from UW 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.

Marquette University Law School

Marquette University Law School, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and commitment to providing a comprehensive legal education. The school prepares students for successful careers in various legal fields, with particular strengths in dispute resolution and sports law.

School History

Founded in 1908, Marquette University Law School is part of Marquette University, a private Catholic Jesuit university. The law school has developed a reputation for producing highly skilled and ethical lawyers who are well-prepared to address the legal needs of their communities. The school’s history is marked by its dedication to experiential learning, social justice, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Degrees Offered (including Joint Degrees)

Marquette Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, as well as several joint degree programs. These include JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration) and JD/Master of Arts in Political Science (MA). The school also offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Sports Law. 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 at Marquette Law is approximately $47,550 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

Marquette 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 Marquette Law is approximately 48%, 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 Marquette 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 Marquette 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. James E. Doyle – Former Governor of Wisconsin.
2. Melvin Laird – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
3. Chris Abele – Former Milwaukee County Executive.
4. Richard G. Kleindienst – Former U.S. Attorney General.
5. John Robert Coughlin – Former U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

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

1. Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. – A major law firm known for hiring many Marquette Law graduates.
2. Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. – Another leading law firm with significant hiring from Marquette Law.
3. Husch Blackwell LLP – Prestigious law firm known for hiring graduates.
4. Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office – A major public sector employer for graduates.
5. Northwestern Mutual – Corporate legal positions within this major financial services company.

Averaged Starting Salaries

Graduates from Marquette 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.