Inter American University School of Law

Inter-American University School of Law is one of the world's most highly accredited law schools, with full accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the American Bar Association. Law school offers a unique learning experience with an innovative pedagogical approach and a solid commitment to public interest law. It also provides students with a caring learning environment in small classes, which allows them to receive constant feedback from their professors.

History

The Inter-American University School of Law was established in 1961 to respond to the increasing need for qualified lawyers in Puerto Rico. The School first opened its doors to students taking evening classes, allowing people who were already working or running businesses to engage in a legal education without sacrificing their day jobs. Five years later, the School of Law opened a full-time day program to provide access to legal education.

Since its inception, the School of Law has worked hard to uphold its status as one of Puerto Rico's leading institutions for legal education. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and approved by the Puerto Rico Council on Education. The School strives to provide a sound legal education program with high standards and quality.

The School of Law also offers an impressive array of courses for students interested in pursuing a legal career and professional development programs for those already engaged in legal practice. Students can get involved in moot court competitions and gain real-world experience through externships, internships, and clinical programs. With a faculty of experienced legal scholars, the School of Law provides an ideal environment for students to prepare for success in their chosen field.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	138- 142- 146
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.14 - 3.37 - 3.63
Acceptance rate	47.16%
Applications received	564
Acceptances	266
Matriculants	193

INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - 2021 Standard 509 Information Report

The Inter-American University School of Law is a highly competitive institution that offers students the opportunity to pursue a legal education. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 564 completed applications and 266 offers. This resulted in an acceptance rate of 47.16%, with 193 enrollees from the applicant pool and an enrollment rate of 34.22% from completed applications, and 72.56% from offers of admission.

The average LSAT score for enrolled students is 142, with the 25th percentile at 138 and the 75th percentile at 146. Similarly, the average GPA for enrollees is 3.37, with the 25th percentile of 3.14 and the 75th percentile of 3.63.

Overall, the Inter-American University School of Law is a competitive institution that requires strong test scores and grades for admission. Students who wish to apply must have a strong academic record and excellent LSAT and GPA scores. Successful students will be rewarded with the opportunity to pursue an exceptional legal education.

Application Process

Applicants interested in joining the Juris Doctor program at the Inter-American University School of Law must meet specific requirements to be considered for admittance. Firstly, they must have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and provide an official transcript that details their academic achievements. Those still completing their bachelor's degree must submit a partial transcript until their degree is conferred. Additionally, applicants must take the LSAT and subscribe to CAS (Credential Assembly Service).

Furthermore, applicants must not have any disciplinary or academic suspensions on their records from any universities they attended. The admissions committee will also examine the applicant's character and motivation to study law. Lastly, suppose there is any information about their academic history, disability, or personal or economic condition that should be considered for admission. In that case, applicants can submit an additional statement not exceeding two double-spaced letter-size pages.

These requirements must be met to be eligible for admittance into the Juris Doctor program at the Inter-American University School of Law. This will ensure that the admission committee can make an informed decision about each applicant's suitability for the program.

Application Requirements

To apply to Inter American University School of Law, applicants must complete the admission application on either the LSAC website or the school's website. In addition, a non-refundable fee of $63.00 must be paid by money order or credit card authorization and sent to the Bursar's Office.

Official transcripts from all universities where the applicant has studied (including courses in bachelor's, master's, and or doctorate, even if the degree has not been completed) must be sent to both the School of Law Admissions Office and LSAC for completing the Credential Assembly Services, CAS report. Applicants under 21 years of age must present an Immunization Certificate. Furthermore, a Certificate of negative criminal record issued by the Police Department of the place of residence and any other documents regarding the applicant's good conduct and good standing for legal education must also be submitted.

It is important to note that all documents necessary for admission application should follow the instructions of the school and LSAC. Any discrepancies in the documents submitted may lead to the denial of the admission application. Therefore, applicants must ensure that all necessary documents are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

Once all necessary documents have been received and accepted by Inter American University School of Law, a decision regarding acceptance or rejection will be made. It is important to note that the admissions process may take up to several weeks, so applicants should plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for processing.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The Inter-American University School of Law is an excellent option for those aspiring to take the first steps in their legal education. The school offers two levels of tuition, full-time and part-time. Full-time students can expect to pay an annual fee of $14,555, while part-time students pay $11,155. In addition to tuition, living expenses will be an essential factor in planning for law school. Living off campus can cost up to $22,335 annually, whereas living at home with family or friends may bring the total cost down to around $20,512. The university does offer financial aid options such as scholarships and loan options for those who qualify. Student organizations and clubs can help provide learning, networking, and career opportunities. The university also provides mentorship and support for its students to ensure success during their studies and post-graduation. Ultimately, the Inter-American University School of Law is an excellent choice for those looking for an accessible law school with great potential.

Academics

The Inter-American University School of Law has developed and implemented a comprehensive Academic Support Program (ASP) to help students develop the necessary skills to excel in their legal studies. This program offers a wide range of strategies that aim to increase student performance and provide them with guidance and support throughout their academic career from the start of the law program to graduation and beyond.

The ASP’s main objectives are to monitor each student’s progress and achievements, provide necessary academic support to complete their degree requirements, and increase their chances of passing the Bar examination. In addition, the program emphasizes creating an environment for our students where they feel safe and supported to reach their academic and professional goals.

The ASP is currently being led by Patricia Otón, Inter American University School of Law professor committed to helping students succeed academically and professionally. Through her leadership and guidance, the program has seen positive results in student performance across all areas of law. By providing students with the necessary tools, advice, and support they need to excel in their studies and professional lives, the ASP provides a unique opportunity to become successful and contributing members of society.

Clinics

The School of Law at Inter-American University was established in 1965 and firmly focused on clinical education. This offering allowed students to develop practical skills necessary for the legal profession before they complete their three years of study. To achieve this, students can take courses and workshops covering different law areas, such as general civil litigation, family and child custody law, environmental projects, alternative dispute resolution, and civil rights.

The Clinic also promotes community engagement through its outreach activities. These include modules focusing on domestic violence and women’s rights, criminal litigation and felony, international human rights, and juvenile law. All of these programs are supervised by highly qualified and experienced faculty members.

The Clinical Program at the Inter-American University School of Law provides its graduates with an excellent opportunity to improve their legal skills in a practical setting. It gives them the confidence to practice law in a professional environment. The Clinic also plays an essential role in the community, providing individuals and families with access to vital legal services. The successful completion of this program ensures that students graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful attorneys and serve their communities in meaningful ways.

Quality of Life

Puerto Rico boasts one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean (and Latin America). The government provides free education, including college tuition and books, for all citizens up to the university level. In addition to that, the costs of medical care and utilities are lower than those found in other Caribbean countries.

The island also ranks higher in quality of life than many other Caribbean countries, with a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.837, one of the highest in the region. The HDI considers factors such as average income, life expectancy, and access to education.

Furthermore, Puerto Rico enjoys an excellent infrastructure compared to other Caribbean islands: The San Juan metropolitan area is the largest and most developed in the Caribbean and, with its vast network of highways, roads, ports, and airports, allows for easy travel and commerce.

Overall, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer: From world-class beaches and medical care to infrastructure that rivals that of many US states—not to mention the economic and investment opportunities provided by its close ties to the US—it's no wonder why their island is a great place to live, work and study. Inter-American Law School provides an ideal setting for ambitious students looking to begin their legal careers in the Caribbean.

Synopsis

The Inter-American University School of Law is dedicated to providing its students with a comprehensive education that meets the highest quality standards. The school's mission is to encourage critical analysis and the development of necessary professional skills for law practice and foster an ethical commitment to social justice and service to their country.

To fulfill this mission, the school has set several goals to strive for. They seek to develop students who are competent and ethical in their practice of law, stimulate academic study and research into legal changes in society, provide excellent continuous legal education for lawyers and professionals from other fields, foster a culture of innovation and creativity amongst its student body, and promote a global vision of the law and exchange experiences with professionals around the world.

Contact Information

Inter American University Puerto Rico
School of Law
Admissions Office
PO BOX 70351
SAN JUAN PR 00936-8351

Ángela R. Torres
Admission Director
Email: atorres@juris.inter.edu
Phone: 787-751-1912
Ext. 2056 y 2013

Summary

Established	1961
Location	SAN JUAN PR 00936
Dean	Dr. Julio Fontanet, Dean
2022 US News Ranking	Unranked
LSAT Median Score	140
GPA Median Score	3.35
Bar Passage Rate	35% (2022)
Employment Rate	N/a (2022)
Cost	Full-Time $ 14,555 Part-Time $ 11,155
Average Debt	N/a
Application Deadline	30-June-2023

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Reference

BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
LSD Law
Unranked
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
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Guide to Fee Waivers