Drake University Law School

Drake University Law School is an excellent option for aspiring lawyers seeking top-notch legal training from a renowned institution. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members and make meaningful connections in the legal industry.

History

Drake University Law School is one of the oldest law schools in the United States, having been founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 1865 by two justices of the Iowa Supreme Court, George Wright, and Chester Cole. From its inception, the Law School has been dedicated to providing students with an education grounded in firsthand legal system experience. Over the years, Drake Law School has developed a reputation for providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to pursue successful legal careers.

At Drake Law School, students can tailor their studies to their interests and goals through various specialized programs including Environmental & Energy Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International, and Comparative Legal Studies.

Admissions

Attending Drake University Law School is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a prestigious legal education that values excellence and provides students with the skills and resources necessary for success. As a student, you'll have access to top-notch faculty members dedicated to providing unparalleled instruction and guidance. You'll also receive hands-on practical experiences that will help you gain the skills needed to practice law in your community. If you need more clarification about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152 - 155 - 158	152 - 155 - 158
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.17 - 3.46 - 3.73	3.21 - 3.5 - 3.75
Acceptance rate	69.1%	66.5%
Applications received	447	537
Acceptances	309	357
Matriculants	41	31

Drake University Law School is a highly competitive educational institution that has gained a reputable standing in the legal industry. In 2022, the university received 537 applications from aspiring law students and extended offers to 357 of them; out of those, 119 accepted their offer to become part of the 1L class size of 120. This resulted in a 33.33% yield for the university.

The 1L class at Drake University has a median LSAT of 155, with 25th and 75th percentile scores of 152 and 158, respectively. The median GPA is 3.5, the 25th percentile GPAs are 3.21, and the 75th percentile GPA score is 3.75. These statistics reflect the academic excellence Drake University Law School requires from its applicants.

Drake University Law School is an excellent choice for those pursuing higher legal education. With a stringent admissions process and highly qualified faculty, it provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring law students to excel in their studies and get one step closer to a successful legal career.

Application Deadline

Drake University Law School accepts applications for the Fall 2023 semester, with a priority deadline of April 1, 2023. This specific semester is set to begin in August, providing students with an opportunity to enroll and begin their legal education.

The Drake Law School provides an excellent academic environment for prospective law students by offering them access to a wide range of courses and top-notch faculty. They are also proud to offer their students the opportunity to participate in externships, practical skills courses, and other experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, they provide an extensive list of clinics and student organizations designed to help law students gain insight into the legal field.

Application Process

The Drake University Law School admissions process is a comprehensive and thorough review of applicants' qualifications. In addition to the LSAT score and undergraduate academic transcripts, the Admissions Committee evaluates a candidate's writing skills, references, leadership experience, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities, as well as any work or life experience which may be pertinent.

Applicants are encouraged to include a resume and addendum to provide additional information. The Admissions Committee considers all submitted materials when making its decision, and it may take several weeks before an admission decision is rendered.

Final decisions by the Drake Law School Admissions Committee are based upon the quality of the applicant's academic record, the strength of the LSAT score and demonstrated ability to succeed in law school, as well as other factors such as an applicant's writing skills, letters of recommendation, leadership experience, community, and extracurricular involvement.

Application

Attending Drake University Law School requires applicants to take action. They must complete an online application form, which is available on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. Prospective students don't have to worry about paying a fee since it is a free service. However, a detailed explanation must be included with the application if affirmative answers are given to any of the Character and Fitness questions. This will give the admissions staff more insight into the applicant's past and help them make an informed decision. Drake University Law School is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals and welcomes applicants who have taken these action steps to apply for admission.

Personal Statement

Drake Law School values the individual background and goals of its applicants, understanding that each person brings something unique to the table. Drake requests additional information beyond what is typically included in an application to ensure they have the most comprehensive understanding of each applicant. This statement should demonstrate a student's leadership qualities and maturity and showcase their motivation, independent thinking, and ability to relate to others. For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Additional Requirements

The Drake University Law School requires all applicants for their Juris Doctorate program to submit a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report. Establishing an account on the LSAC website is necessary to receive this report and its components. The CAS report includes scores from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the applicant's LSAT writing score. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended by the applicant must also be sent, along with letters of recommendation. All required documents should be submitted via the LSAC website to ensure prompt processing and delivery of your CAS report. Please submit all necessary components to ensure admission processing is completed on time. Don't hesitate to contact the Drake University Law School Admissions Office for questions or assistance with this application requirement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Attending Drake University Law School is an investment in your future. With annual tuition and fees topping $45,912, students are committing to a comprehensive legal education that can help them reach their professional goals. Tuition alone accounts for $45,800, while the additional fees make up the remaining balance.

Drake University Law School offers affordable education to all students, with tuition costing $1,579 per credit hour for those taking less than a full-time course load (fewer than ten credits). This is a cost of $22,900 for a single semester. Drake Law School offers part-time studies at a discounted rate of $1,288 per credit hour for those looking for a more economical option. Financial aid is also available to those who qualify, and Drake Law School offers a variety of scholarships to help defray the cost of tuition. In addition, the school provides other resources, such as loan forgiveness programs and community service initiatives, to assist students in offsetting their educational expenses. With these resources available, Drake Law School is an ideal choice for those seeking a quality legal education at an affordable cost.

Cost of Attendance

Attending Drake University Law School can be expensive, but numerous ways exist to help minimize the costs. Tuition fees alone can run as much as $45,800 each year, which doesn't include other fees such as additional course-specific fees, technology fees, and more. When adding in living expenses, books, and loan fees, the total cost of attending Drake can range from $66,476.

Fortunately, several scholarships and financial aid programs are available to help offset some of these costs. As a student at Drake Law School, you may be eligible for merit-based scholarships based on your academic performance. There are also need-based scholarships that take into account your financial standing. Additionally, you can explore student loans and other financing options to help cover the remaining costs.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is essential to attend Drake University Law School, as it can help students fully finance their legal education. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to Drake using their School Code 001860. It is recommended that interested students file their FAFSA as early as October 1; however, financial aid packages will be available in February of the following year. After receiving the FAFSA results, Drake will determine student loan eligibility.

The financial assistance program at Drake Law School offers several types of grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. Grants are awarded to students based on their financial needs; they do not need to be paid back. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, or other qualifications specified by the donor. There are also several loan programs available to students that can help cover educational expenses. All loans must be repaid with interest, and repayment plans vary.

Loans

Drake University Law School offers several loan programs to assist current and prospective students in financing their legal education. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan program is one of the most common loan offerings, providing students with funds for tuition expenses, room and board, books, supplies, and other related expenses. This loan does not require the student to have financial needs and only has to be repaid after graduation.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan is another loan program available at Drake University Law School. Students can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid received. This loan has a higher interest rate than the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, but it does not require the student to have financial needs.

Income-Based Repayment is also available for qualified students at Drake University Law School. This program allows students to pay a lower monthly payment based on their income, which can help make loan repayment more manageable after graduation. Furthermore, Public Service Loan Forgiveness may be an option for students who have worked in a public service job for ten years and made 120 qualifying payments.

In addition to the federal loan programs, Drake University Law School offers other loan programs that may be available to qualified students. Select banks and lenders offer private education loans and may offer competitive interest rates or repayment terms depending on the lender.

Academics and Curriculum

At Drake Law School, you will gain a good curriculum with the hands-on experience crucial for becoming a successful attorney. You can expect to build an impressive set of skills to use in practice and to lead your community. The college provides advanced courses that are constantly being updated to reflect the emerging needs of today's legal market. Whether you are interested in civil litigation, corporate law, or any other legal field, Drake Law School's curriculum has the breadth and depth to prepare you for success.

What makes Drake Law School stand out is its emphasis on practical experience. You will have opportunities to practice in real-world settings through clinical courses and internships during your studies. You will also have access to the college's numerous resources and legal technologies essential for success in today's competitive legal market. In addition, you will be connected to a network of alums who are leading the way in their respective fields and can provide invaluable advice.

With Drake Law School, you can rest assured that you are getting an education with the resources and experience necessary to become successful in your legal career. Whether you want to specialize in a particular area of law or become a leader in the community, Drake Law School is the perfect choice for students who seek distinction.

Areas of Specialization

Agricultural Law
Bankruptcy/Commercial
Children and the Law
Civil Litigation
Clinical Programs/Internships
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
Corporate/Business
Criminal Law and Litigation
Environmental Law and Litigation
Estate Planning
Family Law
Health Care Law
Insurance Law and Litigation
Intellectual Property
International Law
Labor and Employment Law
Legislative Practice
Property/Real Estate
Taxation
Topical/Survey
Tort and Commercial Litigation

Career Opportunity Program

The Drake University Law School's Career Opportunity Program (COP) provides an exciting opportunity for non-traditional students to pursue their law degrees. This program allows students to take classes at a reduced course load, typically 2-3 classes (6-9 credits) per semester. However, the student may switch to full-time study at any time. Students must complete their 90-credit degree requirements within seven years of enrollment.

For those interested in applying for the Career Opportunity Program, simply follow the standard application instructions for JD applicants. All you need to do is select "Career Opportunity Day Program" instead of "full-time" in the application details section of the online application. Students are encouraged to discuss their particular needs and circumstances with the Admissions Office. The admissions counselors will guide whether this program is a good fit for you.

The Drake University Law School's Career Opportunity Program is an excellent option for non-traditional students who wish to pursue a law degree while maintaining other commitments - such as work, family, or other professional responsibilities.

Certificate Programs

Business Law Certificate
Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution Certificate
Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights Certificate
Food and Agricultural Law Certificate
Intellectual Property Law Certificate
International Law and Global Citizenship Certificate
Legislative Practice Certificate
Prosecution and Defense Certificate
Public Service Certificate
Social Justice and Public Interest Lawyering Certificate

Clinics

Drake Legal Clinic offers students an opportunity to gain practical experience in law. The clinic operates as a natural law firm, providing office space for students to meet with clients. Through this experiential learning environment, students have the chance to work in one of several different clinical programs, such as the Children’s Rights Clinic, the Criminal Defense Clinic, and Advanced Criminal Defense Clinic, the General Civil Practice Clinic and Advanced General Civil Practice Clinic, the Entrepreneurial/Transactional Clinic, the Refugee Clinic, and the Wrongful Convictions Clinic.

In each clinic program, students are provided real-world instruction while working on cases alongside faculty supervisors. They are also kept up to date on the latest changes in the law and expertly guided through complex legal issues. Students can further their knowledge by attending lectures, workshops, seminars, and other events that support their clinical studies.

Moot Court

Drake Law School is a top-tier institution known for its excellent moot court and mock trial teams. Their National Moot Court team has succeeded at the national competition 22 times in the past 28 years, placing 3rd overall in 2020 and having team members awarded as top oralists. In addition, their Environmental Moot Court Team has been awarded "Best Brief" honors twice in the last three years in the national competition and was the ABA Law Student Division Arbitration Competition champion in 2018.

Drake also hosts several intra-school competitions judged by the Iowa Court of Appeals and Supreme Court to develop students' trial advocacy skills further, providing an invaluable experience for future lawyers. With its outstanding success and valuable experiences, Drake Law School is ideal for students interested in honing their trial advocacy skills.

Internships

Internships at Drake University Law School are a great way to gain real-world experience while studying law. With Drake being the only law school in Des Moines, its students have a competitive advantage regarding these opportunities. This is especially evident when looking at the success of some of Drake's alums. For example, Thomas Tolbert, who graduated in 2017, had already tried six felony jury trials as a 3L student; this was possible due to his internship opportunities at Drake. Austin Mouw (Class of 2015) also had great success before he graduated - winning two jury trials and getting a case heard by the Iowa Supreme Court. With internships like these available to students, Drake University Law School is a great place to gain valuable work experience while studying.

These internships give students a chance to learn more about the field of law and develop their skills in a professional setting. Drake Law provides opportunities for students to network with prominent legal professionals and makes connections that can help further their careers. The knowledge gained from these internships can prove invaluable to those who wish to pursue a career in the legal field.

Employment Prospects and Bar Passage

Drake University Law School is renowned for providing graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful lawyers. On average, those who choose to go into private practice after graduating make around $65,000 in their first year of work. For those who pursue a career in the public sector, this figure drops slightly to $61,838.

Regarding career paths, 47.7% of Drake University Law School graduates go straight into law firms, 8.1% become clerks for judges, and 7.0% pursue a career in the public interest. The university also boasts a remarkable 84.8% pass rate for its students taking the bar exam on their first attempt – one of the highest success rates in the country.

Drake University Law School provides its graduates with the necessary skills to excel in various legal fields and an enviable track record for passing the bar on their first attempt. No wonder this law school is highly regarded and respected in the legal industry.

Quality of Life

Living in Des Moines is an excellent choice for ambitious law students looking for an affordable place to live. With its population of more than half a million and numerous attractions such as opera houses, museums, theme parks, and historical sites, the city offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. What's more, it's even cheaper than the national average, coming in at only 80% of the average cost of living.

At Drake University Law School, however, there is a certain homogeneity among its student body to consider. With 74% of the school's population being white and African-Americans comprising only 6.4%, this may be off-putting to some students looking for a diverse learning environment. On the other hand, its small size, with only 467 students, makes for a more intimate and personal atmosphere, allowing students to develop closer relationships with their professors. Ultimately, it's up to each student's preference as to whether or not Drake University Law School is the right fit for them. With its affordable cost of living and unique atmosphere, it could be the perfect place for ambitious law students to call home.

Whether you're looking to take advantage of Drake University Law School's small size or its affordability, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering studying at Drake. First, consider what kind of environment you'd like to be learning in and whether or not Drake will be able to meet those needs. Second, think about the cost of living in Des Moines and if it's something you can afford. Finally, make sure that you're comfortable with the homogeneity of the student body and that diversity is valued at Drake University Law School. After considering these factors, you'll be able to make the right choice for your educational needs.

Drake University Law School may differ from everyone's ideal place of study, but it offers many great opportunities and a unique learning atmosphere. With its low cost of living in Des Moines and its focus on diversity, Drake could be the perfect fit for ambitious law students looking for a great place to call home. With close personal relationships with professors and an intimate student population, Drake University Law School could be the perfect place for learning. Consider your options carefully before deciding where you'd like to study, but remember to consider Drake University Law School in your search.

Life After Graduation

Drake University Law School has a lot to offer its students, boasting an impressive 96.8% employment rate within nine months of graduation — a figure that rivals many top-tier law schools. With 70.3% of graduates staying in Iowa and the surrounding states to start their legal careers, Drake is ideally situated in Des Moines, which Forbes recently ranked as the seventh best place for businesses and careers.

Of those who graduated, 51% work in law firms, 20% in business or industry, 12% in government positions, 6% in public interest work, and 2% in academia. A lucky 1.7 percent of Drake Law grads have gone on to clerk for an Article III federal judge. With such impressive employment outcomes, Drake graduates are poised to have successful legal careers in various areas. Whether they take advantage of its geographical location or go out into the world, Drake Law provides a quality education to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for success.

Drake University Law School stands out as an impressive institution with a lot of potential for its students. Graduates can be sure that their education and experience at Drake will open many doors to them as they embark on their legal careers.

Synopsis

Successful return on investment is never guaranteed, particularly when one drops to the third tier. Drake has its share of issues - the school is not particularly diverse and leaves graduates deep in debt. However, for one interested in living and practicing in Des Moines (or anywhere in Iowa), the school provides excellent job prospects, both in the private and public sectors.

Contact Information

Drake University
Admissions Office
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: 515-271-2011
lawadmit@drake.edu

https://www.drake.edu/admission/

Summary

Established	1865
Location	Des Moines, IA
Dean	Jerry Anderson
2022 US News Ranking	111th
LSAT Median Score	155
GPA Median Score	3.5
Bar Passage Rate	85% (2022)
Employment Rate	43% (2022)
Cost	$45,800
Average Debt	$114,356
Application Deadline	April 1, 2023

Forum and Discussion

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Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
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Reference

https://www.drake.edu/law/
Rank #111
LSD Law
Guide to Fee Waivers
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

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