SLU LAW SCHOOL

Introduction

SLU Law School offers full-time and part-time programs conveniently located in downtown St. Louis, providing easy access to major law firms, businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations. With four concentrations, ten dual degree programs, and three centers of excellence, the school offers a variety of learning opportunities to enrich your legal education. 

Alongside these, you’ll benefit from extensive professional skills training and numerous opportunities for public service, ensuring a well-rounded and practical legal education. This article will cover SLU Law School ranking, programs offered, acceptance rate, law school tuition at SLU Law School, and tips on how to get accepted.

Overview of SLU Law School

Saint Louis University School of Law was founded in 1843 and is the oldest West law school on the Mississippi River. It is famous for its comprehensive law school curriculum, offering many courses and practical clinical experiences. The faculty’s expertise and dedication are core to the school’s success, fostering an environment where legal concepts are taught and deeply explored and understood.

The ethos of SLU LAW is rooted in its mission to foster a deep understanding of law while also preparing students for professional excellence and personal fulfillment. This mission is driven by the Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes academic rigor, freedom of inquiry, and a profound respect for individuality. 

Situated in St. Louis, the school is near various law firms, corporations, government agencies, and courthouses. This urban setting offers students unparalleled opportunities for professional growth through internships, clerkships, and participation in the SLU LAW Legal Clinics. 

2023-2024 Saint Louis University Law School Ranking

Saint Louis University has achieved notable standings in the latest law school rankings. It proudly holds the position of No. 89 among the Best Law Schools, demonstrating its commitment to providing a top-tier legal education. It is ranked No. 29 in Part-Time Law, signifying the strength and flexibility of its law school part-time program. This achievement is particularly significant for students looking to pursue their legal education while managing other professional or personal commitments. 

Furthermore, the school has distinguished itself by securing the #1 position in Health Care Law, showcasing its specialized expertise and leadership in this critical area of legal study. St. Louis Law School ranking highlights the school’s comprehensive approach to legal education, catering to various interests and career paths within the legal field.

How Hard Is It to Get Into SLU Law School?

Gaining admission to SLU Law School is competitive yet accessible, with an acceptance rate of 61.2%. SLU Law School acceptance rate indicates a welcoming approach towards a diverse range of applicants, providing a fair chance for those aspiring to pursue a legal education. 

Regardless of your undergraduate major, SLU Law School offers an opportunity to enter the legal field. The school’s inclusive acceptance policy means that your choice of major for law school is not a limiting factor. This approach aligns with their commitment to fostering a varied and dynamic legal community, where different backgrounds and perspectives are valued. 

Academic Programs Available at Saint Louis University School of Law

Saint Louis University School of Law has programs to prepare students for different areas of law practice. When students start, they are involved in the legal community and face real challenges and high expectations.

Juris Doctor Program

The J.D. program at SLU LAW is notable for its extensive course offerings and opportunities for close interaction with nationally recognized professors. This program emphasizes practical experience, allowing students to engage with practicing attorneys and clients through skills courses, legal clinics, and externship programs. Additionally, students gain insights from guest speakers, including judges, partners, associates, and corporate executives, providing a comprehensive view of the legal world.

Two-Year J.D. for Foreign Lawyers

This program is for international lawyers with a law degree from another country. It’s a full-time course with 61 credit hours that can be finished in four semesters. Graduates can sit for the bar in any U.S. state, enhancing their ability to practice law globally.

Dual-Degree Programs

In collaboration with other schools within the university, SLU LAW offers dual-degree programs, allowing students to earn two degrees in a reduced timeframe of 4-5 years. Applicants must meet the admission criteria of the School of Law and the partner school. These programs require completing at least 82 hours in the School of Law. Here are your dual-degree options:

• Juris Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy in Health Care Ethics
• Juris Doctor and Master of Accounting
• Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Political Science
• Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Sociology
• Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration
• Juris Doctor and Master of Health Administration
• Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health – Health Policy
• Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work

LL.M. Programs

For those already holding a law degree, SLU LAW provides two Master of Laws programs. The Center for Health Law Studies provides an LL.M. in Health Law. The school also offers an LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers. It is tailored for legal professionals working across borders and specifically emphasizes the U.S. legal framework.

Graduate Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies

J.D. students can earn a Graduate Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies by taking certain course courses, such as Feminist Theory and Feminist Epistemologies, and a law school course approved by the program. This minor integrates seamlessly into the J.D. curriculum, enriching the legal education with diverse perspectives.

SLU Law School Admission Requirements 

Applying to law school is an important step toward your career in the legal field. Knowing the law school requirements is essential to put together a strong application.

1. SLU LAW Application: Submitting a completed application online through LSAC is the first step. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately to present a clear and comprehensive picture of your academic and personal background.

2. LSAC Law School Report: This report is essential, providing a consolidated view of your academic records and LSAT scores. Ensure that you have registered for the LSAT and have your scores ready for submission.

3. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can vouch for your academic or professional capabilities, ideally from an academic or legal background.

4. Personal Statement: Your law school personal statement is your chance to stand out. It should reflect your motivation to study law and how your experiences prepared you for this field.

5. Resume: Include a current resume highlighting your educational achievements, work experience, and other activities relevant to your law school application.

6. TOEFL Score: A TOEFL score is necessary if you were educated in a non-English speaking country. This demonstrates your proficiency in English, which is crucial for success in law school.

By carefully preparing each application component, you can effectively showcase your strengths and readiness for the challenges of law school.

St. Louis Law School LSAT Score

Applying to St. Louis Law School requires a keen focus on your LSAT score, a critical aspect of the admission process. The LSAT scores for admitted students typically range from 153 to 161, spanning the 25th to 75th percentile. The SLU median LSAT score for all program entrants stands at 156, reflecting the academic caliber that St. Louis Law School seeks in its students. Achieving a score of 156 or above can enhance your prospects in the competitive applicant pool at St. Louis Law School.

SLU Law School GPA Requirements

The GPA range for admitted students usually falls between 3.23 and 3.8, covering the 25th to 75th percentile. This reflects the school’s expectation of academic excellence. The median undergraduate GPA for all program entrants is 3.54, indicating that a solid academic record is essential for a successful application. Striving for a GPA at or above this median can significantly boost your chances of being admitted to SLU Law School.

SLU Law School Admission Deadlines

When applying to SLU Law School, knowing the admission timeline is crucial to avoid missing key deadlines. Have a personal law school application timeline to keep track of these dates. This proactive approach ensures you meet all requirements promptly, setting you up for a successful application process.

• Applications open on September 1. Any applications submitted after this date are for the next fall term.
• The review of applications starts in November. The first decisions are announced by December 1.
• Admissions are on a rolling basis. Applying early can be beneficial.
• For merit-based scholarships, including the 1843 Full Tuition Scholarship, complete your application before February 1.

Saint Louis University Law School Tuition

SLU Law School tuition fees are consistent for all students, whether residents or non-residents. This uniform approach simplifies budgeting for prospective students. In terms of financial assistance, SLU offers other forms of financial aid to help offset tuition costs like loans, law school scholarships, U.S. Armed Forces veteran benefits, and others.

Financial aid award letters for new students at SLU LAW are sent out starting March 1 each year. While a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) isn’t mandatory for merit-based aid from SLU, completing this application is necessary if you’re interested in federal aid programs. These include options like federal direct loans or federal work-study, providing additional financial support for eligible students.

How to Get Into Saint Louis University Law School

Gaining admission to Saint Louis University Law School hinges significantly on your performance in the LSAT. The LSAT plays a crucial role in the admission decision, as it is a prime indicator of your ability to handle the rigorous analytical and critical thinking demands of legal studies. 

Efficient preparation for this high-stakes exam, especially under time constraints, is essential. Odyssey offers specialized support to enhance your LSAT performance, a key factor in your law school application success. Their services provide an Admission Roadmap, guiding you through each step of the process with expert advice and tailored strategies.

LSAT Prep Course

Master the LSAT and unlock your potential at SLU Law School with our comprehensive LSAT Prep Course. Our course is designed to prepare students thoroughly for all aspects of the LSAT. Through detailed lessons and practice tests, students understand the exam’s structure and question types, enhancing their ability to tackle each section confidently.

LSAT Tutoring

 Maximize your LSAT performance with personalized guidance from our expert LSAT tutors. Our service connects you with tutors who have excelled in the LSAT themselves, offering personalized strategies and guidance. Tutors work one-on-one with students, addressing specific weaknesses and building upon their strengths, ensuring a tailored preparation strategy that maximizes LSAT performance.

Law School Admission Consulting

You will receive expert assistance in every aspect of your law school application. This service provides expert guidance on crafting compelling personal statements, choosing the right law schools to apply to, and preparing for interviews, all aimed at strengthening your application profile. Our consultants can help you craft the perfect application strategy to secure your spot at SLU Law School.

Conclusion

For those interested in a part-time law program, SLU Law School stands out as a highly accessible option, thanks to its higher acceptance rate compared to many other law schools. It’s important, however, not to let this higher acceptance rate lead to complacency. Proper preparation for the LSAT is crucial, as a strong score significantly enhances your application.

Additionally, putting effort into crafting a standout application, including a compelling personal statement and a well-rounded resume, is key to securing admission into this esteemed institution.