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Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles » The University of Tennessee College of LawPublished March 2008, last updated June 2010 Introduction The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) School of Law – “UTK Law,” for short – is one of the premier institutes of legal teaching in the state of Tennessee. Second only to Vanderbilt in state prestige, the school generally offers employment opportunities for graduates in Tennessee and neighboring states. The incredibly low tuition (only $13,118 for in-state students) makes the school a tempting choice for those interested in working in the Southeast, especially due to its good academic reputation. Dean Doug Blaze is proud of the school’s focus on teaching students both legal theory and the practical side of the law:
All of these factors, combined with the exciting small-city night life of Knoxville, make UTK a wonderful place to spend three years. Plus, aren’t you curious to see whether or not the Sunsphere, as famously depicted in “The Simpsons,” is really full of wigs?
Admissions Tuition and Fees As mentioned above, the tuition cost at UTK Law is quite low, especially for in-state students, who end up paying only $13,118 a year; non-residents must pay $31,862. Achieving residency can be quite difficult for non-Tennesseans; one must demonstrate “clear and convincing evidence of Tennessee domicile,” a qualification which can’t be fulfilled by merely moving to the state and attending the law school. Generally, third year students can achieve residency by accepting employment from a Tennessee employer. There are exceptions, however; for instance, you can obtain residency if your spouse accepts employment in Tennessee, and 2Ls can sometimes get reclassified through clerkship positions in Tennessee. One current student explains his own experience with obtaining residency:
Click here to find out more about the residency-granting process. In terms of living expenses, the ABA estimates that students will spend $12,510 yearly to live in a home or up to $16,822 yearly to live on campus or in an apartment. When combined with tuition, this means that some students may spend up to $48,684 a year in total to attend law school at the University of Tennessee. However, there is merit aid and need-based aid available. In the last data reported to the ABA, 246 out of 469 (or 52.5%) students received some form of financial aid. The median grant amount was $5,000, with 8 students receiving full tuition in aid and 17 students receiving full tuition plus an additional stipend. It is an unfortunate reality that most students will have to borrow money to obtain a legal education; however, UT’s modest tuition and its job opportunities throughout Tennessee and bordering states make it a great choice for those seeking an affordable regional law school.
As with most schools, the GPA and LSAT requirements for admission to UTK Law continue to climb. For the entering class in 2010, only 27% of applicants were admitted – the law school received 1,460 applications, and made only 394 offers. Of those, 163 students decided to matriculate. UTK Law’s application fee is a modest $15 – much more affordable than most of its peer schools. It is not entirely clear how much priority the school gives to in-state applicants, although the school admits that, “As a state-assisted law school, priority is given to Tennessee residents, and those who intend to remain in Tennessee to practice, in the admission process.” Last year, the school had 627 in-state applications and 833 out-of-state applications; considering the school’s resident priority, gaining acceptance from out of state is clearly more difficult. The following chart details the different LSAT and undergraduate GPA (or UGPA) percentiles for the entering class in 2010:
Beyond the Numbers Of course, the numbers aren’t the only part of your application for UTK. Dr. Karen Reagan Britton, Director of Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Bettye B. Lewis Career Center at UTK, says:
So, even if you feel your numbers aren’t stellar enough for UTK, don’t hesitate to give it a shot! Small factors can make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection; Dr. Britton stresses that each file is reviewed with the goal of “composing a diverse, interesting class of well-qualified individuals.” When completing your UTK law application, emphasize the traits and experiences that make you diverse and interesting applicant and you just might get an acceptance letter! Personal Statements One important way to exhibit your diversity as an applicant is through your personal statement. For the University of Tennessee, the maximum length of a personal statement is a mere 500 words – shorter than most other law schools, which generally allow two double-spaced pages. Applicants should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time brainstorming, writing, and revising their personal statement if they want the full consideration of the admissions committee. In her exclusive interview with Top-Law-Schools.com, Dr. Britton offers some advice on common pitfalls and things to avoid:
Dr. Britton also suggests that students who are truly interested in the University of Tennessee cater their personal statement specifically to the school. She remarks:
In addition to the personal statement, the University of Tennessee also requires an additional essay of 500 words, in which applicants write about an “important learning experience in the past 10 years.” This essay gives the admissions committee additional insight into the applicant and is a valued part of the admissions process. For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements. When to Apply Unfortunately, the University of Tennessee doesn’t offer an Early Decision or Early Action program, but applying early can be beneficial. Applications open up on September 1st and close on March 1st, but don’t wait until February to start preparing your application! On the data-collecting site lawschoolnumbers.com, many applicants have already reported their decision status by December (accepted/waitlisted/rejected). There are more spots open earlier on in the admissions cycle, so if you want to give yourself the best possible chance, apply early! Letters of Recommendation UTK requires at least two (but no more than four) letters of recommendation with your application. As always, letters of recommendation from professors or T.A.’s are safe, but if you’ve been out of school for a while, letters from employers are OK, too. Dr. Britton says:
Dr. Britton also suggests that you give your letter-writers a brief overview of the factors that matter in law school admissions:
Multiple LSATs? And Other Addenda As with most schools, UTK mainly considers an applicant’s highest LSAT score, although it will look at all of them. In terms of LSAT and GPA addendums, Dr. Britton suggests that you give a “brief summary of extenuating circumstances” if you feel like you have a legitimate reason for a low LSAT/GPA. For instance, one could mention one’s “previous testing history… to demonstrate that [one’s LSAT score] is aberrational.” Waitlisted? Dr. Britton had the following to say about the UTK waitlist:
In other words, if you end up on the waitlist, don’t lose hope! Let the school know that you’re still interested by periodic LOCI (letters of continued interest). Fill them in on any progress that could change their opinion of your application (higher UGPA, newly published articles, etc.). Dr. Britton says:
Transfer Students Transferring into UTK can be very difficult, as very few students leave / transfer out of the school after the first year. Dr. Britton explains the process:
However, for those who end up applying to transfer to UTK, the following criteria are used:
Thus, if you’re not a good standardized test-taker and bombed the LSAT, you could conceivably transfer to UTK if your first year grades are strong enough. Final Words about Admissions Even if you think you don’t have much of a chance of getting in, don’t hesitate to apply to UTK Law if you are genuinely interested! The University of Tennessee prides itself in its holistic review, and the application is only $15 anyway, so what do you have to lose? Dr. Britton has the following advice: (back to top)
Whether it’s the bars and venues down at the Old City, the restaurants at Market Square, or the college scene on the Strip, Knoxville has plenty to offer its patrons. Dr. Britton sums up Knoxville as “a beautiful area with reasonable cost of living and sky-high quality of life,” and, having lived in Knoxville for most of my life, I think most of UTK’s students would agree. Dean Doug Blaze describes why he thinks students love UTK:
And one student gives the following summary of living in Knoxville:
Furthermore, given Knoxville’s location at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, law students will also have plenty of opportunities to partake in outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, and mountain climbing. Law students can socialize amongst each other through weekly bar reviews (dubbed “Rump Court”) and can also join in on the Greek parties that have earned the University of Tennessee a place among the nation’s most vibrant party schools. Safety and traffic are generally not issues for law students either, and those who have complained about the parking situation at the law school readily admit that it is not an intolerable situation. All this considered, it seems safe to say that most law students enjoy their three-year stay at the University of Tennessee. Making Friends For most students, making friends should be easy. Tennessee (and the South in general) has a reputation for hospitality, and this openness is surely a part of the University of Tennessee as well. For instance, one student writes that, “I have made some wonderful friends here. Law school is a bonding experience, if anything, and I value the fact that I have 150 very intelligent, capable people who are going through this with me.” Others might be concerned that the atmosphere changes once finals and grades roll around. Not so, according to the same student:
In fact, according to this student, classmates even share outlines with each other:
Another student agrees that UTK is a friendly campus, writing, “UTK students are extraordinarily friendly! There is little sense of competition between students, and the attitude tends more toward every student doing his or her best and the grade reflecting who fared better in the end.” The same student even writes that the “very congenial attitude amongst students and between students and professors” is the “most positive aspect of life at UTK.” He explains:
Dean Blaze sums up the friendliness of UTK by saying, “We are a close community – students, faculty, and staff. Our students are competitive like all law students, but are still supportive of each other and want everyone to succeed.” So, at least at the University of Tennessee, you don’t have to worry too much about your 1L classmates being cutthroat and overly competitive! The Student Body UTK Law is dedicated to putting together a diverse group of individuals in each entering class. For the entering class of 2009, the student body is equally divided between males and females (50% and 50%, respectively). Students of color make up 19% of the class, and 77 different colleges/universities (and 23 different states!) are represented. The school’s biggest undergraduate feeder is the University of Tennessee (with 36 students), but other well-represented schools include the University of Georgia (with 8 students), Vanderbilt University (with 7 students), and the University of North Carolina school system (with 5 students). One student writes that diversity is not one of UTK’s strongest selling points, but opportunities exist for those who seek them out:
Extracurriculars For those students who want to get involved on campus, there are quite a few different extracurricular organizations at UTK. For instance, one can join the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, UT Pro Bono, or the Environmental Law Association/Organization. The Moot Court program at UTK is quite extensive, with many different teams, eight to ten interscholastic moot court and mock trial competitions, and two different intramural competitions each spring. In addition, those “second- and third-year students who have demonstrated excellence in the College's Moot Court programs” can join the Moot Court Board, which sponsors the previously mentioned intramural competitions. One student writes about extracurriculars at UTK:
Housing In terms of housing, law students generally experience few problems, as affordable and suitable apartments are available near the law school campus and throughout Knoxville. West Knoxville tends to be a very safe area with plenty to offer in terms of recreational activity; for instance, the biggest mall in Knoxville (named West Town Mall) is located in West Knoxville, and other shopping areas of Knoxville like Turkey Creek are easily accessible. However, keep in mind that the University of Tennessee is located further east, so for students who choose to live in West Knoxville, the drive to campus will be somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes. One student gives his take on the housing situation at UTK:
Facilities When asked about the facilities, most students couldn’t be happier. One student writes:
Another student confirms this perspective, writing:
Besides the law school, other facilities on campus are also top notch. For instance, one student raves about the on-campus gym, TRECS (or Tennessee Recreational Center for Students):
Having been to the TRECS many times myself, I have to agree – there’s a nice indoor track upstairs, a great outdoor swimming pool, plenty of indoor basketball courts, and a huge weight room with tons of machines and free weights. If you’re looking for a great gym, then UTK won’t disappoint!
Students at UTK can choose to apply for three different journals: the Tennessee Law Review, Transactions: Tennessee Journal of Business Law, and the Tennessee Journal of Law & Policy. Dean Blaze explains that students are selected for all of the journals “based on a bluebook exam and a writing assignment involving the need to synopsize a recent case.” Selections are made by the “incoming editorial boards of the respective journals.” One student describes all of the journals as “very popular,” and they play a major role in the academic development of most students at UTK. The Tennessee Law Review is the flagship journal of UTK. Currently on its 77th volume, the Review is “published quarterly and edited by the students of The University of Tennessee College of Law.” Recent issues of the journal have examined free exercise doctrine, federal judicial discipline, and virtual income. The Review also hosts symposia regularly, the most recent of which examined various facets of the death penalty. This journal is the most competitive at UTK, as one student explains: “TLR is the most popular, and therefore the most competitive, but nearly anyone who is willing to put in the amount of time and work required can gain membership (its editorial board gives special consideration to those who might not have the academic credentials but nevertheless complete the initial Bluebook and written requirements).” While Transactions: Tennessee Journal of Business Law is only on its 11th volume (it was founded in 1998), it has become an important part in the mission of the Clayton Center for Entrepreneurial Law. By focusing on the “transactional and business issues affecting the legal community in the Southeast and nation-wide,” the journal hopes to “serve both the academic community and practitioners and address issues of national and regional interest.” The journal is published semiannually and has recently examined lost profits in business litigation, professional compensation in bankruptcy, and corporate regulation. One student writes about the journal and its selection process, “Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law is a specialized journal that is well-respected amongst Tennessee attorneys. The requirements for membership are less-strenuous than for TLR, but students also seem to be more self-selective about applying for membership.” Finally, the Tennessee Journal of Law & Policy is the newest journal at UTK. First started in 2004, it is published twice a year, with some special editions published “occasionally.” The journal analyzes the “latest developments in law and public decision-making,” and has annual symposia that explore a “current policy issue.” The most recent symposium focused on “forensic medicine and its application in the legal realm, particularly the lingering controversy over the admissibility of forensic evidence and the development of forensic evidence beyond DNA analysis.” Those students who participate in it “seem to enjoy it very much,” so prospective students should look forward to being a member of any of UTK’s three esteemed journals! (back to top)Academics Beginning law school at the University of Tennessee is slightly different than most other schools. Before embarking on the standard set of first-year law school requirements, students partake in a week-long series of mini-courses that serve as an introduction to the study of the law and help first-year students with the usually difficult transition to law school. After their first year at the law school is over, students can choose from among 70 elective courses in various areas of the law to complete the 89 credit-hours required for graduation. Given the school’s small student body size and decent student to faculty ratio of 13.8 to 1, it comes as no surprise that securing a seat in elective courses or establishing contact with professors is generally no problem for University of Tennessee students. Aside from required and elective courses, various opportunities are available at the school for law students who wish to further tailor their legal education to their particular interests. Students looking to take on interdisciplinary pursuits can take advantage of the JD/MBA or JD/MPA dual-degree programs, while students who hope to gain practical legal experience can partake in one of the school’s several clinics, such as the Mediation Clinic and the Business Clinic. Students can also participate in one of the two Centers on campus. For instance, the Center for Advocacy & Dispute Resolution hosts symposia, gives out an annual scholarship named the Summers-Wyatt Trial Advocacy Scholarship, and gives students the opportunity to take a “unique series of courses taught by an experienced faculty” about “trial and appellate advocacy and alternative dispute resolution.” The University of Tennessee is proud of its clinical programs. Dean Blaze explains:
So, if you’re looking for a law school that will shape you into a lawyer through practical legal training, you might consider placing the University of Tennessee high on your list! One student confirms that UTK is great at training students to hit the ground running after they graduate:
There is no set “curve” at the University of Tennessee – each person is given a grade (in 0.1 increments) from 0.0 to 4.3 for each class, with 0.8 being the lowest passing grade. Degree honors will be given to those students who obtain a cumulative average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top third of their class, and degree high honors will be given to those students who obtain a cumulative average of 3.3 or better and rank in the top 15% of their class. Finally, degree highest honors will be given to students who obtain a cumulative average of 3.5 or better and rank in the top 5% of their class. Getting on the Dean’s List for a term is similar in that the same requirements are used, but only applied to a specific term (rather than a student’s cumulative average). Overall class rank is determined by a student’s cumulative average, and students can be tied in rank if they have the same overall average. Professors As expected, students mostly enjoy the professors at UTK. One student writes:
Another student reaffirms this perspective, writing:
Of course, with 40 different professors teaching, there is the potential for you to dislike one or two of your professors during your tenure at UTK. However, one’s overall experience with faculty will likely be a positive one.
While there is no specific program for public interest at UTK Law, there are plenty of public interest opportunities for students. One obtains funding for summer jobs via internal fellowships and several different external funders. Many of the classes and clinics at UTK are focused on public interest (such as the Business Law Clinic, Advanced Environmental Law, and Public Interest Law & Lawyering). Also, there are student organizations such as UT Pro Bono that students can join to become more involved in public interest work at UTK. Finally, the school encourages students to pursue pro bono hours by giving students who reach at least 50 eligible hours of public service a public recognition near graduation. All of that being said, public interest law doesn’t seem to be overwhelmingly popular at UTK, as one student explains: “I don't know very many students that are interested in public interest law, but those who are so inclined really have a great opportunity to work with those clients in an educational environment.” You can read more about public interest at UTK here. Clinics Even though UTK’s clinical program is one of its greatest strengths, the school is still looking to expand upon it. Dean Blaze explains further:
This means that the program will continue to grow in the years ahead. Currently, the school has clinics in areas as varied as domestic violence to housing law. Dean Blaze says:
In other words, if you’re interested in getting hands-on experience, then UTK probably offers a clinic in your field of choice. One current student emphasizes how important the clinics are: (back to top) Employment As mentioned earlier, when students come to UTK, they generally stay for the whole three years. Students rarely transfer in or out – in fact, in the latest ABA data, only one student transferred out last year, and no students transferred in. The ABA reports in the same data that the JD attrition for the 1L class was only 0.6% (the one student that transferred out). That attrition rate only grows slightly for 2Ls (2%), and drops off completely for 3Ls (0%). Likewise, most students pass the bar the first time that they take it. In the most recent ABA data, with the majority of students reporting (74.83%), 89.09% passed the bar, versus the state average of only 84.53%. This is a significant difference of 4.56%. The school reports that the vast majority of the Class of 2008 (96%) found employment within nine months of graduating. However, who were their employers? The following chart details what kinds of jobs graduates managed to find from the Class of 2008:
This employment data looks similar to what most law schools publish; the majority of graduates go into private practice, with a smattering of graduates pursuing other career paths. However, perhaps more importantly, the average salaries of these jobs should be examined. The following data comes from the Class of 2007, which is slightly outdated, but nonetheless provides a reasonably accurate glance at the average starting salaries UTK grads manage to secure:
Although starting salaries are not incredibly high, the school’s low tuition and cost of living mean that students will not graduate with much debt, especially if they are in-state. To see a more complete listing of where UTK graduates found jobs, please click here to see the school’s Employer Guide & Employment Report. Dean Blaze affirms UTK’s place in the market, writing:
And Dr. Britton speaks about UTK’s strong alumni base, writing:
However, students seem to be telling a slightly different story in terms of just how promising job prospects are. One student writes:
Likewise, summer jobs aren’t looking great for some, according to a current student:
Another student confirms both of these perspectives, writing:
The job market has been miserable, and many graduating students have even had problems finding employment. I think that about 60% of the graduating class is currently employed, and that has terrified many students. In that vein, many students feel that the Career Services Office has failed them, but I don't know that they're doing a bad job any more than the economy is simply not providing jobs. Summer employment opportunities have seemed very slim, but I don't know how they were before 2009, which was my first summer in law school. There exists a great deal of dissatisfaction with the Career Services Office, and much of it comes from a feeling of having been misled regarding employment opportunities, but I wouldn't blame the school for it any more than I would blame the economy. (My classmates are not so generous, though!) However, signs point to a light at the end of the tunnel. The same student reaffirms yet again UTK’s strong alumni base:
Students continue to emphasize how loyal local firms are to UTK. If there are job openings in firms around the Knoxville area, then you can be sure that UTK students will be among the first in line. Since the school relies on its alumni base so heavily, though, students trying to find jobs in areas with a scarce alumni presence will have a tough time. However, if you’re looking for a great school that will put you in a good position to get jobs in Knoxville and the nearby area (if they’re available!), then UTK is a fine choice due to its low tuition and excellent practical education. (back to top) Conclusion Those seeking an affordable school that places well in Tennessee (and the Southeast in general) should consider the University of Tennessee as one of their top choices. The school has a fantastic clinical program, outstanding faculty, and a cohesive and friendly student body. While employment is rocky everywhere right now, the school’s strong alumni network makes getting a job quite feasible if one puts in the required hours of studying. Finally, the busy social life in Knoxville and the easily accessible Smoky Mountains give students plenty of recreational opportunities. I’ve lived in Knoxville for most of my life, so I say with a great deal of conviction that the school offers an ideal setting for doing well in law school. Students can both study in peace and enjoy the great quality of life that Knoxville has to offer. Contact Information: UT College of Law Quick Reference: U.S. News ranking: 60th Interview: Dean Doug Blaze of University of Tennessee - Knoxville College of Law
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