You probably know the state of Kentucky for its bourbon, horse racing, bluegrass music, or the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. You may not know that Kentucky also has a long legal tradition owing to the presence of some of the oldest law schools in the country.
For aspiring lawyers, there are three different Kentucky law schools to choose from. Each school has its advantages, whether it concerns tuition fees or the prestige of the school. The following is a brief overview of each option to help you choose the right American Bar Association accredited law school for you.
University of Kentucky College of Law
Also known as UKC Law, the University of Kentucky College of Law was founded in 1908. The University is a small, state-supported law school located on the campus of Lexington University. Since 1912, it has been an active member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
The ABA-accredited UKC Law School in 1925. The faculty of the law school has vast experience in teaching, research, and government service, as well as law practice. The college has a solid tradition of faculty concern for the success and progress of students.
The total tuition fees for resident students is $43,000, including travel, loan origination, and room and board. The cost of the tuition fee alone is $24,722 for residents. The school's weighted average pass rate was 83.96 percent in 2018.
The employment rate for graduates at KU Law was 93.3 percent in 2018, and this represents the fifth consecutive year of overall employment above 90 percent. The overall bar passage rate is 77.4 percent, ranking number 109 in the entire country.
The University of Louisville- Brandeis School of Law
University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law was founded in 1846. It is the oldest law school in Kentucky and the fifth oldest law school in the country in continuous operation. The law school is an integral facet of the University of Louisville, which was founded in 1798.
University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law actively promotes professionalism and collegiality. The culture of the school believes in respect and civility of all students and faculty. It also seeks to admit and support a diverse law school student population and provides equal opportunities to discuss and share different ideas.
Brandeis school requires all students to complete 30 hours of public service related to the law to qualify for graduation. Although this may dissuade some people, it is a focal point and requirement on the focus of the school. This prerequisite may also attract a broader range of employment opportunities as it is a practice of law before licensure. It gives the student hands-on experience in their careers.
The median LSAT score is 153 for first-time students. The starting salary for graduates at the federal and state level is $52,378. The bar passage rate for graduates taking the exam for the first time is 71.2 percent—which is below the state average.
Northern Kentucky University- Salmon P. Chase College of Law
Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law, was established in 1893. The law school is a learner-centered metropolitan University. Northern Kentucky University offers both full-time, day division, and part-time evening division classes. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the AALS. The tuition cost for Northern Kentucky University is less than what students pay at other state law schools.
Like Brandeis School of Law, Northern Kentucky University requires that students complete 50 hours of pro bono law service to graduate. The school has several programs to help facilitate students to complete the pro bono service requirement. These programs include conducting research for public interest lawyers, interviewing clients, teaching the youth about the law, and participating in legal aid clinics.
The school is a public university with an application fee of $40. NKU requires all its students to complete 90 credit hours to earn the JD. Further, the acceptance rate for students stands at 67.90 percent. In terms of the bar passage rate, this law school ranks number 166, with a rate of 61.4 percent.
Wrap up
Attending a law school and settling on a legal carrier involves answering several questions. After choosing a school, you will want to consider which particular area of law interests you as well as the best way to study for exams and extracurricular activities to take part in. Both are vital to a strong law school application.