Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Case Western University School of Law

The Case Western University School of Law is a great place to pursue a legal education if you are interested in securing employment in the Midwest and, to a lesser extent, on the East Coast. The school offers various elective courses, study abroad programs, concentration tracks, and clinical opportunities. In addition, the school's setting in Cleveland's University Circle, an area full of academics, arts, and culture, makes for a great quality of life for Case Western Law students.

History

The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has been training lawyers for over 125 years. However, they don't focus on the past. They know what matters most is how they prepare you for your future. Their law programs are some of the best in the nation, and their leadership courses and practice experiences are infused throughout their innovative curriculum. All students begin working with real clients in their first year and participate in a semester-long, full-time, or year-long half-time practice experience during their third year.

The Case Western Reserve University School of Law is an excellent place to get a legal education. Their students come from worldwide, and their alumni are successful in various fields. The graduates are employed in law firms, businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations. They are leaders in their fields; many are CEOs or partners in law firms.

Admissions

The Case Western Reserve University School of Law admissions committee looks at various factors when considering applicants, including the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average and LSAT score, as well as their writing skills and work experience. The admissions committee is looking for students who can meet the intellectual challenges of the program and have leadership potential.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	156 - 160 - 162	156 - 160 - 162
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.45 - 3.70 - 3.84	3.45 - 3.7 - 3.85
Acceptance rate	39.2%	37.1%
Applications received	1352	1758
Acceptances	565	653
Matriculants	221	193

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Case Western Reserve University School of Law experienced a notable increase in applications compared to the prior year. The school received 1,758 applications, up from 1,352 in 2023–2024. Despite this growth, the acceptance rate dropped slightly from 39.2% to 37.1%, reflecting a more competitive process. The median LSAT range remained consistent, with the 25th–75th percentile scores at 156–162, while the GPA range showed a slight upward shift, spanning from 3.45–3.85 compared to the previous year’s 3.45–3.84. Out of the 653 students accepted in 2024–2025, only 193 matriculated, which is fewer than the 221 who enrolled in the prior cycle, even though more offers of admission were extended. This indicates that while the law school attracted more applicants and admitted more candidates, the actual yield of students choosing to enroll declined year over year.

Application Requirements

Their admissions process is not as strict as some may think. They believe that having a diverse student body makes their law school community stronger, so they welcome all students, regardless of their immigration status. To be accepted into their JD program, you must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. They recommend that you take critical thinking and logical analysis courses, as well as courses that will help strengthen your writing skills.

Applicants for our JD program must take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores from both exams are valid for five years. CWRU Law School accepts applications that have been prepared using the Law School Admission Council's electronic application service. They prefer that you use the electronic application and waive the application fee for applications electronically submitted. Applications submitted to us through LSAC will be considered postmarked on the day they are electronically submitted. Alternatively, you may submit a completed paper application, available for download. The application fee for paper applications is $40.

You can check the status of your application at any time through their website. Once they have received your electronic application, you will be emailed a username and password to access the Application/Online Status (ASO) Page. They will notify you by email and update the online status page if they are missing any information. Make sure to include your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number or LSAC account number on any supplemental enclosures and identify the question number to which they correspond.

Cost of Attendance

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the estimated Cost of Attendance at Case Western Reserve University School of Law is approximately $87,700. This figure includes tuition of about $62,000, along with mandatory fees of $1,200. Students should also budget around $1,800 for books and supplies, and about $17,500 for room and board. Additional anticipated expenses include $3,000 for personal costs and $2,200 for transportation. Together, these estimates provide a comprehensive picture of the financial investment required for one academic year of law study at Case Western, though actual costs may vary depending on individual lifestyle choices and living arrangements.

Academics & Curriculum

The Case Western Reserve University School of Law offers a variety of core classes and concentrations to its first-year students. These include classes in Torts, Property, and Contracts. Beyond the required courses, students have several concentration tracks, such as Law and Technology, Law and Art, or International Law. Additionally, students can participate in various labs and clinical opportunities that allow them to study law in practice. There are also several study abroad opportunities available, which give students a chance to work and study law overseas. Lastly, there are a variety of dual-degree programs available at the school.

Faculty

The faculty at their law school is highly respected in their fields and are dedicated to the success of their students. The professors encourage collaboration and provide a supportive environment for students to thrive. When you become a part of the law school community, you join a family of lawyers who will help you reach your goals.

Diversity

The school has a long and proud history of diversity. They were one of the first schools accredited by the American Bar Association and have always had a solid commitment to diversity. Their first African-American student was admitted in 1892, and their student body today comprises about 20% of underrepresented minorities.

Quality of Life

The Case Western University campus is near various museums, cultural and musical centers, and academic institutions in Cleveland's University Circle. This contributes to the high quality of life for Case Western Law School students and allows for a culturally diverse and hip area conducive to educational pursuits. There is also plenty of night-time entertainment available in and around University Circle, including a world-class orchestra and various restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In addition, Case Western Law School provides social opportunities for students, with events like a popular weekly Bar Review and various other social gatherings throughout both semesters. The relatively low cost of living in Cleveland is another plus for law students, who are usually able to find appropriate housing near the law school campus for between $600 and $800. Overall, the quality of life at Case Western Law School is excellent, especially for students who take an interest in the many centers of art and music in University Circle.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

For the Class of 2024 at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, employment outcomes were strong, with more than 93% of graduates finding work shortly after graduation. Out of 153 graduates, 143 secured employment, with the majority—133—working in full-time positions. Most of these roles were directly tied to legal practice, with about 75% of graduates employed in jobs requiring bar passage. Another portion entered J.D. advantage roles, where the degree provides a significant career benefit without requiring bar admission, while a small number pursued professional or other positions. Employment sectors were diverse, though nearly half of employed graduates worked at law firms, with the remainder entering government, business, public interest, judicial clerkships, or education. Regarding bar passage, Case Western graduates taking the exam for the first time in 2024 achieved a passage rate of about 73%, which, while respectable, was slightly below the overall average among ABA-accredited law schools in the same jurisdictions. In Ohio specifically, the school’s graduates achieved a first-time pass rate of around 73.5%, again just under the state average.

Synopsis

The Case Western Reserve University School of Law is a great place to pursue a legal education for applicants hoping to practice law in the Midwest. The school offers an impressive course selection, various study clinics and labs, and numerous international internship opportunities, ensuring that Case Western Law students can tailor their legal education according to their specific interests.

Contact Information

Case Western Reserve University
School of Law
Admissions Office
Campus Location:
George Gund Hall
11075 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44106

Mailing Address:
10900 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106-7148
Phone: 216.368.3600
Email: lawadmissions@case.edu

https://case.edu/law/admissions/jd-admissions

Summary

Established	1892
Location	Cleveland, OH
Dean	Paul Rose
2025 US News Ranking	107th
LSAT Median Score	160
GPA Median Score	3.7
Bar Passage Rate	72.9% (2025)
Employment Rate	63.6% (2025)
Cost	"$63,038 full-time, $2,613 part-time"
Average Debt	$106,820
Application Deadline	March 1, 2025

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

Case Western Reserve University School of Law
https://case.edu/law/
Rank #107
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers

Interview: with Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf, Former Co-Deans of Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Interview: with Alyson Suter Alber, Associate Dean for Enrollment Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

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