Practice Management

University Of Montana School Of Law

By chucknewton

Apart from its location, it is hard to understand why U.S. News ranks the University of Montana School of law as a third tier school.  The Law School 100 ranks it as a second tier school.  Sure it might be a little remote and the winters might be a little harsh, but these rankings are madness.  From the stats that matter, Montana Law is clicking on all cylinders.

It is listed by PreLaw Magazine as 18 among the best values for law schools in the country.  It has yearly instate tuition for in-state students of only $9,978.  Not only does the school beat the average state bar passage rate, which is itself 91%, but 92.10% of their graduates find work quickly.  Their students average bar passage rate on the first try is 92%.

As for as Montana is concerned, it is picturesque.  It is called "Land of Shining Mountains", "Big Sky Country", and "The Last Best Place".  It has the third lowest population density in the country.  Three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park are in the state.  Glacier National Park is there.  The Battle of Little Bighorn site is there.

Joint degrees are becoming the norm, and here you can get a JD with an MBA, an Masters of Public Administration, or a Masters of Environmental Studies.

As for practical studies, before graduating from Montana Law you must participate in a clinic.  All 3Ls practice in a public interest setting either at the in-house clinic at the law school or under the supervision of a practicing attorney in the area.  The school strives to integrate theory and practice.

And, although tuition is $21,388 for non-residents, residency requires you to be domiciled in Montana for 12 months prior to the law school's receipt of your application, or for 12 months immediately preceding registration.

Full post as published by Chuck Newton on January 06, 2008 (boomark / email).