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Temple University Beasley School of Law
As of 2025, Temple University Beasley School of Law, located in downtown Philadelphia and founded in 1895, has continued to strengthen its national standing. According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, Temple Law is now tied for 50th overall among 197 law schools, marking a notable rise from 54th in 2024 and 63rd in 2022. Its renowned Trial Advocacy program remains a national powerhouse, holding steady at #2 in the country, while its evening/part-time JD program is ranked #9. Temple has also achieved record-high positions in other specialty areas, with both Health Care Law and International Law now ranked #13 nationally. These achievements build on Temple Law’s long-standing reputation for excellence in advocacy training, strong specialty programs, and its commitment to providing flexible pathways for aspiring legal professionals.
Contents
History
The Temple University Law School was founded in 1895 as the Department of Law. The school's first Dean, Henry S. Borneman, proposed to Russell Conwell that he organize evening courses in the study of law for students wishing to prepare for the bar examination. However, Dr. Conwell carefully replied: "You go ahead. If it is a success, it is your success; if it is a failure, it is your failure." Borneman appointed himself as Dean and proceeded to recruit a faculty. Although he planned to establish both a day and evening division, the day division attracted no students and was canceled, while 46 students initially enrolled in the evening division. The Law School graduated its first class (of 16) in 1901. It received accreditation from the Pennsylvania State Board of Bar Examiners in 1907.
Temple University Beasley School of Law is committed to providing a high-quality legal education to all students, regardless of race, creed, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or socioeconomic background. They are dedicated to creating a law school community that is inclusive and committed to equal justice under the law.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Temple Law
Temple Law School is committed to providing an excellent legal education to diverse students. This commitment extends beyond simply acknowledging our past accomplishments and requires that they center their work on equity, diversity, and inclusion today and in the future. They believe this focus is essential to creating a more just and equitable world.
Admissions
The admissions process at Temple University Beasley School of Law invites applicants into a holistic and thoughtfully structured evaluation system. Candidates seeking admission to the J.D. program are encouraged to apply through LSAC by the early March deadline and may submit via mail if preferred. Temple considers both LSAT and GRE scores, though the LSAT remains the default, and relies on LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service to collect and forward relevant academic credentials. A personal statement is required, and the optional “Sp.A.C.E.” statement offers applicants the opportunity to share personal experiences or challenges that have shaped their journey. Letters of recommendation—up to four—from professors or employers familiar with the applicant’s abilities are welcome, and applicants may choose whether to waive their right to review them. Both full-time and part-time applicants are held to identical admissions standards. The school practices rolling admissions, conducting evaluations as materials are received, with decisions typically communicated between December and May. Applicants are kept informed via email and can track their status through an online portal. For transfer and visiting students, the application window opens mid-March with mid-June deadlines; these applicants must provide additional documentation such as f
Statistics
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at Temple University Beasley School of Law, the middle 50% range for LSAT scores remained consistent with the previous year, while the GPA range saw a slight shift on the lower end. The school experienced an increase in applications, resulting in a modest drop in its acceptance rate compared to the prior year. Offers of admission also increased, leading to a slightly larger incoming class. These figures reflect a continued strong applicant pool and the school’s competitive admissions process, maintaining its standing as a sought-after destination for aspiring legal professionals.
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 159 - 163 - 165 | 159 - 163 - 165 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.45 - 3.65 - 3.81 | 3.42 - 3.67 - 3.81 |
| Acceptance rate | 36.5% | 35.8% |
| Applications received | 1949 | 2248 |
| Acceptances | 768 | 804 |
| Matriculants | 207 | 217 |
Application
For Fall 2025 admission, applicants to Temple Law are required to submit a completed application—either electronically via LSAC or by mail—to reach the Admissions Office by March 1, 2025, which is also the deadline for requesting need-based financial aid. Along with the application form, a $65 application fee is required; however, fee waivers are available—either automatically through LSAC-approved waivers or upon request via email to the admissions office. Applicants must register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to submit academic transcripts and LSAT or GRE scores, though LSAT scores generally take precedence, and GRE scores should be submitted by April 1, 2025. A personal statement is mandatory, while a Sp.A.C.E. statement is optional and offers an opportunity to share life experiences or circumstances that have shaped an applicant’s path. Though not required, applicants are encouraged to submit up to four letters of recommendation and may include a resume to enhance their application. Temple Law employs a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received, with decisions typically communicated between December and May.
Admission Test (LSAT or GRE)
A standardized test score is required from all applicants in order to be considered for admission. Applicants must indicate if they are taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If an applicant has a reportable LSAT score on file, a GRE score will not be considered in lieu of an existing LSAT score, and applicants are not required to report GRE scores in this instance.
Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
You must register with the Credential Assembly Service if you want your application to be considered. The Credential Assembly Service will collect your transcripts from every college or university you have attended and send them to the law school. It is important to send updated transcripts to LSAC so that the Admissions Committee has the most up-to-date academic record when reviewing your credentials.
Graduate School Transcripts
Applicants must provide transcripts from each graduate or professional school attended to be considered for admission to the Temple University Beasley School of Law. Transcripts can be sent directly to the Office of Admissions, or they can be sent to the Credential Assembly Service.
Letters of Recommendation
Temple recommends that you only have four letters of recommendation, but they are not required. Letters should come from professors, employers, or others who know you academically or professionally. Letters of recommendation should be submitted to LSAC or Temple. If sent to Temple, the letters should be accompanied by a Letter of Recommendation Waiver Form. These forms should be completed by the applicant and given to the author of each letter of recommendation.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to introduce yourself and your qualifications to the Admissions Committee. You may want to write about your intellectual interests, your career goals, your experiences, or your community involvement. It is up to you to decide what you want to write about and how you want to express yourself. Keep in mind that the readers of your statement will be trying to get a sense of you as a person and as a prospective Temple Law School student. They encourage you to be as candid and thoughtful as possible. There is no specific length required for the personal statement, although on average, personal statements are two to three pages long.
Resume
Resumes are not mandatory, but they can be helpful as a part of your application. Your resume must include your work history, regardless of whether you think it is relevant to the legal field. Remember to be concise and to the point when writing your resume.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law reflects its commitment to both accessibility and value. Full-time J.D. students residing in Pennsylvania pay significantly lower tuition than out-of-state students, with evening and part-time rates also structured to enhance affordability. Meanwhile, a substantial majority of students receive financial aid—including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities—designed to bridge the gap between program costs and their personal resources.
Cost of Attendance
As of the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for full-time J.D. students at Temple University Beasley School of Law reflects both academic expenses and living costs. For Pennsylvania residents enrolled in the day division, this includes tuition and fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other necessities, resulting in a comprehensive budget of approximately $61,500. Out-of-state students see their estimated cost rise to about $77,900. Evening or part-time students have slightly reduced tuition but similar living and personal expense projections, bringing their total cost to roughly $54,700 for in-state students and $67,800 for non-residents. These totals serve as the financial framework for calculating the maximum allowable aid in a student’s financial aid package.
| Student Type | Pennsylvania Resident | Non-Resident (Out-of-State) |
|---|---|---|
| Day (Full-Time) | $61,526 | $77,934 |
| Evening / Part-Time | $54,714 | $67,848 |
Thrifty Budget
For budget-conscious students, Temple Law offers the “Thrifty Budget” as a realistic estimate of essential but reduced expenses. This budget assumes cost-saving measures such as shared housing, careful meal planning, purchasing used or digital books, and minimizing discretionary spending. For full-time day division students, Pennsylvania residents can expect an estimated total cost of $51,922, while non-residents will face around $68,156. This leaner budget provides a practical guide for students aiming to keep their overall expenses as low as possible while meeting academic and living needs.
| Student Type | Pennsylvania Resident | Non-Resident (Out-of-State) |
|---|---|---|
| Day (Full-Time) | $51,922 | $68,156 |
Financial Aid
The Temple Law financial aid office is the best place for any questions or concerns about financial aid or billing. Temple Law students are not required to go through the main university Student Financial Services Office - the school's in-house Financial Aid Office, with specific law school financial aid staff, is available to help law students navigate the financial aid process.
Admissions Merit Scholarships
The admissions committee offers merit-based scholarships to all admitted students. The scholarships are included in the admission notification letter, and no application is required. The scholarship can pay for tuition, room, and board, or other educational costs. The scholarship can be used in conjunction with other financial aid sources.
- Beasley Scholarships
Established in 1999 by James E. Beasley, ’56, The Beasley Scholarship Program provides full and partial scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarships are awarded by the Admissions Committee.
- Conwell Scholarships
The Conwell Partial Tuition Scholarship is awarded to first-year law school students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. The scholarship is based on the discretion of the Admissions Committee and is not guaranteed to all applicants.
- Law Faculty Scholarships
The Law Faculty Scholarships are partial tuition scholarships awarded to a select number of applicants with outstanding undergraduate records and LSAT scores. These scholarships are not offered through an application process but rather are recommended to the Admissions Committee by the Scholarship Committee.
Tranferring
Temple Law School accepts a limited number of transfer students from law schools that are ABA approved and are members of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). If you would like to apply to transfer to Temple Law School, the deadline is June 15th of the calendar year in which you want to start school. To be considered, you must have completed your first year of law school and your class rank and transcript at the end of the first year must be available. For this reason, decisions about transferring are typically not made until mid-July. If admitted as a transfer student, they will review your current law school transcript and let you know which courses will transfer to Temple Law School. Only first-year course work (a maximum of 32 credits) can be applied for advanced standing in transferring. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
Academics and Curriculum
Temple Law School has both a day and evening division in order to accommodate students with different schedules. Both divisions offer a variety of course options. In addition to the general graduation requirements, all Temple Law students must earn 88 credits.
Faculty
The faculty of Temple University Beasley School of Law is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the legal profession. In addition, the faculty is dedicated to instilling in its students a sense of professional responsibility and a commitment to equal justice under the law. Finally, the faculty seeks to foster in its students a desire to serve their local communities. To achieve these objectives, the faculty has adopted Student Learning Outcomes and Performance Criteria that outline what the faculty expects its students to achieve.
Full-Time Program
Full-time students attend the Day Division and are required to complete three full academic years of classes to graduate. Classes and activities extend throughout the entire day, Monday through Friday. Full-time students are classified as first-year, second-year, or third-year students and must attend during the day and complete the Full-Time sequence of the mandated First-Year Curriculum to progress to second-year full-time status. After the first year, full-time students must register for and complete four additional full-time semesters. A full-time semester consists of a course load of 12 to 15 credits. Due to the rigorous nature of law school, first-year full-time day students are not allowed to work while enrolled in classes. Students who anticipate needing to work during the first year of law school may want to consider one of the part-time options. After the first year, full-time students may work up to 20 hours per week.
Part-Time Program
Temple Law's part-time programs are designed for students with time restrictions due to employment or other responsibilities. Most part-time students attend the Evening Division and attend classes held Monday through Thursday evenings. The Law School, which began as an evening program, is committed to making the experience for evening students comparable to that of the day students. Full-time faculty regularly teach in the evening and enjoy teaching the Law School's exceptional Evening Division students. Admissions, the curriculum, examinations, and all other standards are the same for both divisions.
Students with evening family responsibilities, evening jobs, or students with disabilities that limit their studying may enroll part-time in the Day Division. Students wishing to be part-time Day Division students must demonstrate that neither the full-time nor the part-time Evening Division program is a reasonable educational alternative for them. Part-time study, whether in the Day Division or Evening Division, requires four academic years to complete the J.D. Curriculum. Part-time students are classified as first, second, third, or fourth-year part-time students.
First-Year Curriculum
The first-year curriculum at Temple Law School is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the law and its application to society. In addition to learning about the various legal systems in the United States, first-year students are also introduced to transactional skills, legal research and writing, and professional responsibility. This combination of theoretical and practical coursework helps prepare students for a successful career in law.
- Civil Procedure I
In a federal court setting, various legal procedures are followed to commence an action, such as pleadings, discovery techniques, and the trial itself. The judgments and jurisdiction of the court are also considered, as well as other collateral attacks that may occur.
- Constitutional Law
Judicial review is the process by which the courts can determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. This is an important process to ensure that the government remains within its bounds as set out in the Constitution. Federalism is the relationship between the states and the federal government, with the states having certain powers and the federal government has certain powers. The Bill of Rights sets out certain rights that belong to the people and which the government cannot infringe upon. Congress has certain powers that are granted to it by the Constitution.
- Contracts
The article examines the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code regarding a bargain. It looks at what is considered a fair bargain and how formalities such as parole evidence and the Statute of Fraud can affect a contract.
- Criminal Law I
The different types of major crimes, their policy and historical backgrounds, and the alternatives for dealing with major antisocial behavior are considered. Some introduction to the criminal procedure is provided.
- Legal Research and Writing I and II
The Legal Research and Writing Program teaches students the basics of writing and speaking like a lawyer. Temple's first-year research and writing program is a two-semester course of study. In first-year Legal Research and Writing courses, students are assigned small groups for individualized instruction. After an introduction to basic research techniques, problems are assigned and various methods are utilized to help students develop their writing and analytical skills. The program aims to develop basic legal skills in an informal seminar atmosphere that allows maximum contact with the assigned instructor.
- Property
The different types of relationships between people and property are explored in this essay. The private and public planning of land and the regulation of land use are considered. Additionally, the estate system and new property theories are examined.
- Torts
Legal protection against interference by others is considered in civil proceedings. The historical and theoretical bases of tort liability are examined to develop an understanding of current law and changing patterns of tort responsibility.
- Introduction to Transactional Skills
The course will give students an introduction to transactional law through a variety of lectures and workshops. The focus of the course will be on starting a small business, and students will learn about topics such as choosing a business form, client interviewing and contract to draft.
- First Year Electives
In the spring semester, full-time first-year students will be able to select one elective course from a list of 3-4 course offerings. These courses are only open to first-year students and will be filled through a lottery system. The courses offered as first-year electives will vary from year to year, and in the past, have included: Introduction to Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, International Law, Criminal Procedure, Introduction to Business Organizations, Family Law, and Taxation. Each student will list his or her preferences, and a lottery system will be used to fill the courses.
Upper-Level Electives
Upper-level JD electives at Temple Law offer students a rich and versatile array of legal study pathways designed to enhance both doctrinal knowledge and practical proficiency. These electives span a wide gamut—from experiential clinics such as Antitrust, Tech Justice, and Trial Advocacy, to writing-intensive seminars like Appellate Advocacy and Artificial Intelligence Law—each tailored to cultivate specialized skills and prepare students for real-world practice. Law students are also required to fulfill key graduation components through these electives, including courses in Professional Responsibility, upper-level writing (via guided research or law journals), experiential/practical skills, and, for those matriculating in or after 2021, Bias in the Law. Temple encourages students to plan their elective paths thoughtfully, leveraging academic advising and tools provided by the Office of Student Services to align elective selection with future goals and graduation requirements.
Experiential Learning
The Temple University Beasley School of Law offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students. You can get started in your first semester of law school and continue enrolling in different experiential courses until you graduate. The school recommends carefully sequencing the experiential options you select, from intensive in-house clinics to individually designed practicums. Because the choices available can be complex, the school encourages students to seek guidance when choosing their experiential courses. Temple Law faculty and administrators are committed to helping students design an experiential palette tailored to their needs.
In-House Clinics
As a law student, you will have the opportunity to represent real clients under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. This will give you experience working with clients and preparing for court appearances. You will also learn about the different aspects of the law that pertain to each case.
- Access to Justice Clinic
- Community Lawyering Clinic
- Family Law Litigation Clinic
- Federal Appellate Litigation Clinic
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
- Social Justice Lawyering Clinic
- Systemic Justice Clinic
External Clinics and Externships
Learn lawyering skills from practicing lawyers on the ground in a variety of legal settings throughout Philadelphia.
Practicum
The best legal education offers a thoughtful exploration of the big ideas that drive us as a society and hands-on exposure to the skills that make good lawyers effective problem solvers. Temple Law's practicum is a unique experiential learning opportunity where a student and full-time faculty member engage collaboratively to solve a problem for a real client, often with the help of a practicing attorney.
Students can start by exploring the school-designed practicums, which offer a variety of pre-selected placements and a pre-assigned faculty supervisor. Suppose you can't find the experience that meets your learning goals through one school-designed practicum or one of our in-house clinics, external clinics, or externship courses. In that case, you can design your practicum, subject to approval by Associate Dean Ramji-Nogales. Independent practicums also require you to locate a faculty supervisor.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
Graduates of Temple Law continue to enjoy strong employment outcomes. For the Class of 2024, an impressive 95.6% were employed ten months after graduation in full-time, long-term roles that either required bar admission or valued a J.D., with 93.3% in roles that explicitly required bar passage. Reflecting broader national trends, law graduates in 2024 achieved historic highs: over 82% secured jobs requiring bar admission, and more than 87% held positions where having a J.D. was advantageous.
Bar passage performance at Temple remains solid. The first-time pass rate for recent graduates stands at around 85%, surpassing both national and other Pennsylvania law school averages. Temple Law has consistently outperformed weighted ABA averages in this measure.
| Employment Type | Percentage of Graduates |
|---|---|
| Bar Passage Required (Full-Time, Long-Term) | 93.3% |
| J.D. Advantage (Full-Time, Long-Term) | 2.3% |
| Professional Position (Non-Legal) | 1.5% |
| Other Employment | 0.5% |
| Pursuing Graduate Degree | 0.2% |
| Unemployed (Seeking) | 1.2% |
| Unemployed (Not Seeking) | 0.5% |
| Employment Status Unknown | 0.5% |
| Total Employed (Full-Time, Long-Term) | 95.6% |
Quality of Life
In spring 2025, Temple Law continues to be celebrated for fostering a strong sense of community and practical learning. Students consistently highlight the hands-on nature of the curriculum—through clinics, externships, and immersive learning experiences—as a defining strength of the law school. The student body is driven by a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, with close faculty relationships and support structures that enhance both academic and personal development. Philadelphia adds significantly to this supportive environment: a major city with a lower cost of living than many East Coast counterparts, offering students accessible off-campus housing options and a rich urban experience. Temple’s intentional focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion further elevates quality of life—ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and supported within the community.
Located on North Broad Street, Temple Law School and Temple University exist in their own enclave in Philadelphia. While the surrounding neighborhoods are not necessarily bad, the university has made a concerted effort to buy nearby buildings and gradually increase its holdings in the area. Temple has a pleasant campus with an eclectic presentation of buildings and enough green areas to provide relief for a student seeking a moment away from the city. The university has its own subway stop and train station, so Temple students have easy access to all of the restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions Philadelphia has to offer. The law school sits on Broad Street directly across from the Liacouras Center, which hosts numerous sporting events and concerts, a state-of-the-art recreation facility, and a Starbucks.
With over 38,000 students, Temple University has a diverse student body from a wide array of backgrounds. Students can enjoy themselves at the student union, cheer for sports teams, or work out at the fitness center. Tickets to most sporting events are free for students, and the student government does a great job pushing for weekend tailgates.
There's a wide array of student clubs and organizations, most hosting numerous happy hours and gatherings in Center City and at the nearby Draught Horse bar. Temple University is a wet campus, and it's not uncommon for beer and wine to be provided at student events, club meetings, and panels.
Housing
The University offers apartment-style housing for law students on campus, but there is limited space available. If you are interested in living on campus, you should act immediately as space is limited. For more information on campus housing, visit the University Housing Office website.
Synopsis
At Temple Law, they believe this is the essence of lawyering. For more than two decades, Temple has transformed law students into some of the best trial advocates in the country. Their award-winning curriculum taught by brilliant, passionate faculty ensures that every Temple lawyer has the skills to advocate effectively.
Advocacy is the heart of lawyering. It tells each client's story with skill, passion, and authenticity. Advocacy is speaking with confidence and authority. It is persuasion and purpose, preparation and vision, responsibility and service. Advocacy is power. Advocacy is excellence.
Contact Information
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Admissions Office
1719 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 800-560-1428 / 215-204-5949
Email: lawadmis@temple.edu
https://law.temple.edu/admissions/jd/
Summary
| Established | 1985 |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Dean | Rachel Rebouché |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 50th |
| LSAT Median Score | 163 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.67 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 85.2% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 80.5% (2025) |
| Cost | "$32,843 (in-state, full-time),
$49,077 (out-of-state, full-time)" |
| Average Debt | $79,125 |
| Application Deadline | March 1, , 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
https://law.temple.edu/
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