NKU Chase College of Law

At Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law, students are offered the opportunity to learn the skills they need to become successful in a rapidly changing legal landscape. Through comprehensive courses, faculty guidance, and hands-on experience, their curriculum equips students with the necessary practical knowledge and innovative technical understanding that will enable them to tackle legal problems of all kinds.

NKU Chase's innovative educational experience allows students to explore real-world legal problems and develop the expertise needed to succeed in various legal fields. From flexible online courses to experiential learning opportunities, NKU Chase provides learners with unique and varied resources that will prepare them for the challenges they might face as practicing lawyers.

History

NKU Chase College of Law has an impressive history of providing quality education to individuals seeking to serve their community through the legal profession. Established in 1893, the college has been a leader in offering both full-time and part-time courses that provide students with a rigorous academic experience in legal theory and practical skills, as well as ethical principles, leadership, and public engagement. For over a century, the college has produced some of the finest legal minds in the world who have become successful lawyers, judges, academics, and business leaders.

Today’s NKU Chase College of Law provides its students with an intimate learning environment where they can develop their skills as legal professionals. Through its various curricular offerings, co-curricular programs, and specialized centers, students can benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities that will help them become successful practitioners in their field. In addition to the traditional courses such as criminal law, property law, civil procedure, torts, and contracts, Chase also offers specialized health law, family law, and international law classes.

Admissions

The Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program that can be applied for online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This online application process is designed to make the submission process smoother and quicker. The admissions committee, which consists of deans and professors, will carefully review each application and consider a range of criteria, including past academic performance and personal statements. If you're unsure 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	150 - 152 - 155	151 - 153 - 156
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.82 - 3.19 - 3.53	2.85 - 3.37 - 3.63
Acceptance rate	65.3%	65.2%
Applications received	527	537
Acceptances	344	350
Matriculants	18	24

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Chase College of Law had 537 applicants during the 2022 application cycle, and 350 offers were extended. Of those 350 people offered admission, 142 chose to accept the offer and attend NKU Chase College of Law, yielding a grant rate of 40.57%. The 1L class size for that school year was 143.

The median LSAT score for the 1L class at NKU Chase College of Law is 153, with a 25th percentile LSAT of 151 and a 75th percentile LSAT of 156. The median GPA for the 1L class was 3.37, with a 25th percentile GPA of 2.85 and a 75th percentile GPA of 3.63.

Applicants must excel in the LSAT and GPA departments to gain admission at NKU Chase College of Law. The admissions committee looks for applicants who can succeed academically, as evidenced by their LSAT scores and college grades. Therefore, an applicant must have a solid academic background and skill set to be considered for admission.

Dates and Deadlines

NKU Chase College of Law offers prospective students the opportunity to apply to start on September 1. Those looking to receive a priority scholarship should submit their application by February 1 to be considered. Those interested in enrolling in the Part-time Evening Summer Start program must submit their application by March 15 to be considered for the priority deadline. Finally, those looking to apply to the Full-time, Part-time Day, and Part-time Evening Fall Start programs must submit their application by April 1 to be considered for the priority deadline.

NKU Chase College of Law is committed to providing a quality legal education at an affordable cost. As such, they strive to make the admissions process as accessible and streamlined as possible for prospective students. The priority application deadlines are in place to ensure that all interested applicants have a fair chance at admission and any associated scholarships. Prospective students must adhere to these deadlines to maximize their opportunities for admission and scholarships.

Application Fee

Applying for a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law requires an individual to electronically submit their application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. Along with the application, a $40 fee is required to be submitted in order to complete the process. This fee covers the costs of processing the application.

Application Requirements

Applicants to Northern Kentucky University's (NKU) Chase College of Law must complete an online application that requires a personal statement, résumé, and other optional information to be considered for admission. Those who wish to pursue the evening division or part-time day program also need to explain why they require part-time studies, such as due to employment duties and work hours.

All applicants must register with the Law School Admission Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service, sending all transcripts and letters of recommendation to this service address. The Chase College of Law can only process your application with the Credential Assembly Service report. Therefore, completing the LSAC Credential Assembly Service is essential as soon as possible.

The Chase College of Law also provides many resources to admitted and prospective students, such as academic advisement, career counseling, and pro bono services. Additionally, applicants have access to the NKU Legal Writing Center and Library for research assistance throughout their law school career.

LSAT

If you are considering applying to the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Chase College of Law, it is essential that you also take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test is an essential component of your application and should be taken by the springtime you plan to enter law school. The LSAT provides the admissions committee with a good indication of your aptitude for the rigors of law school, and it can give you an edge in being accepted.

It is important to note that NKU Chase College of Law requires applicants to take the LSAT by two years before enrollment. If you plan to apply to NKU Chase College of Law for the fall semester, you must take the LSAT by the spring of the year prior.

Transcripts

Suppose you consider applying to the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). In that case, you must ensure that all the transcripts from your undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools have been sent to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service. To be accepted into the college, it is required that you have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. After the LSAC receives your transcript, it will be evaluated and sent to the law school for review. You can complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program at Chase College of Law or earn an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS).

Character and Fitness

Character and fitness are essential qualifications for admission to law school and the state bar where you plan to practice. Therefore, potential students must provide comprehensive information about their past to gain acceptance by both. Not disclosing information or misrepresenting facts concerning character and fitness could have severe consequences, such as being revoked from enrollment or expulsion from the College of Law, revocation of scholarship offers, or being denied admission to practice law.

The responsibility for providing accurate information continues after the application process is complete. If you are admitted and enrolled at NKU Chase College of Law, you must inform the school immediately if any answer on the application form needs to be revised or completed. Failing to do so could result in further disciplinary action.

After You are Admitted

NKU Chase College of Law invites its admitted students to embark on an adventure that will lead them to a successful career in the legal profession. Once you've been accepted, two deposits must be paid to secure your place as an incoming student. The Acceptance Deposit is $150 and should be paid during either April or May concerning your admission date. A Registration Deposit of $300 must also be paid by the date indicated in your admission packet.

Tuition and Financial Aid

NKU's Chase College of Law is one of the premier law schools in the world, with a strong reputation for producing some of the most competent and experienced lawyers in the country. In 2022-2023, the college will offer its undergraduate students two different tuition options based on their residency status.

Resident students can expect to pay $888 per credit hour or a semester rate of $11,544 for 13-16 hours. Non-residents can expect to pay $1,381 per credit hour or a semester rate of $17,953 for the same number of hours.

Chase College of Law offers its students an incredible opportunity to receive an exceptional legal education taught and instructed by the most knowledgeable professors and professionals in the field. With cutting-edge research facilities, libraries, and a robust clinical practice program, students are well-prepared to become successful lawyers after graduation.

The college also strives to provide its students with numerous networking opportunities to help them build strong connections within the legal industry and establish meaningful relationships with attorneys, judges, and other professionals. Through mentoring programs, career advising services, and student organizations, students can also gain invaluable insights into their field of study that will help them develop strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

Chase College of Law's high-quality curriculum and diverse student body make it an attractive option for anyone looking to pursue a career in law. Chase College of Law is the perfect place to launch your legal career with its competitive tuition rates, dedicated faculty and staff, and numerous resources available to students. So if you're considering a law degree, check out NKU's Chase College of Law for an unparalleled education.

Financial Aid

At Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law, your application for admission works as your scholarship application. All applications are evaluated to determine the student's eligibility for available scholarships. There are three types of scholarships offered: Salmon P. Chase Merit Scholarships, Henry Clay Merit Scholarships, and John Marshall Harlan Diversity Scholarships.

Salmon P. Chase Merit Scholarships

Salmon P. Chase Merit Scholarships are awarded to applicants with a high LSAT score and excellent prior academic performance and provide full-tuition scholarships plus priority consideration for research assistantships during their second and third years at Chase College of Law. Henry Clay Merit Scholarships are also available for those who show strong academic achievement and obtain a high LSAT score; these awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 annually. Lastly, those who explain their diversity with their application and demonstrate a strong record of achievement may qualify for the John Marshall Harlan Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship provides annual awards ranging from $3,000 to full tuition.

Henry Clay Merit Scholars

Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law offers a prestigious merit scholarship program, the Henry Clay Merit Scholars. This program recognizes outstanding pre-law students for their performance on the LSAT and prior academic accomplishments. It is designed to reward those who have achieved excellence at the highest level and demonstrate their potential to excel in the legal field.

The Henry Clay Merit Scholars are selected based on their LSAT score, prior academic performance, and other criteria. These scholarships provide an annual award of up to $20,000 for each recipient. This money can be used to cover some or all of the cost of tuition at NKU Chase College of Law. In addition to the scholarship, recipients also gain access to a network of alums and faculty who can provide support throughout their legal education.

The Henry Clay Merit Scholars program is designed to help promising pre-law students pursue their dream of becoming a lawyer. It provides financial assistance for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it, as well as professional guidance from the NKU Chase College of Law faculty and alums. The program is an excellent opportunity for students to achieve their academic and career goals while also getting an excellent legal education.

John Marshall Harlan Diversity Scholarship

John Marshall Harlan Diversity Scholarship is an opportunity the Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law offers to honor and promote diversity among its student body. This esteemed scholarship is awarded annually to qualified applicants who have demonstrated an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion, as well as a strong record of achievement. Recipients are awarded a full tuition waiver or $3,000 to apply directly to their law school expenses.

The John Marshall Harlan Diversity Scholarship aims to recognize and celebrate the value of diversity in the legal profession. The college seeks to empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with the tools they need to pursue and succeed in their law fields. The scholarship provides a financial contribution to aspiring lawyers who have shown commitment and dedication to their respective studies while helping to promote tolerance and understanding.

Academics and Curriculum

NKU Chase College of Law offers students a comprehensive legal education emphasizing practical skills and real-world experience. First-year students take the required courses in Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, and Property, as well as two introductory classes in Basic Legal Skills, Legal Analysis & Problem Solving. Second-year students must complete one semester of Constitutional Law and two semesters of Criminal Law. After that, there is flexibility in what classes can be taken to fill out the rest of the curriculum. The school also offers a dual JD/MBA program, which can be completed with four years of full-time attendance or six years of part-time work.

In addition to coursework, NKU Chase offers students numerous opportunities to develop and hone their legal skills. The school boasts three learning centers: the Center for Excellence in Advocacy, the Transactional Law Practice Center, and the Local Government Law Center. Students can participate in workshops and clinics through these centers, apply for externships, and pursue certificates in advocacy or transactional law. By taking full advantage of the resources available at NKU Chase, students can be sure they are getting an education that will prepare them for fulfilling legal careers.

NKU Chase College of Law provides a rigorous and comprehensive legal education emphasizing practical experience. With the resources provided by its three learning centers, students can hone their skills in various areas and gain the real-world knowledge necessary for success in today’s legal field.

This makes NKU Chase an ideal choice for those seeking a top-notch legal education.

Externships

Externships are an excellent opportunity for law students to gain valuable experience and train in law-related areas. With the guidance of Professor Jennifer Kinsley, director of the field placement program, students can take part in externships in a range of legal settings, such as city solicitors, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, legal aid offices, law firms, prosecutors, corporate law departments, state attorneys general and state and federal judges.

Externs are exposed to various tasks they would not be able to experience in a traditional classroom setting. These can include legal research, document drafting, memorandum writing, and court appearances for students with a limited law license. Externships also provide an opportunity for students to network and make professional connections with attorneys, employers, judges, and other key players in the legal field.

Clinics

NKU Chase College of Law allows students to hone their skills in the classroom and inside the courtroom. In their clinic courses, students can work on cases involving children and teenagers, such as education rights, delinquency, custody disputes, and access to social services. Through this unique experience, they will build skills that apply to many adversarial situations, including interviewing, investigation, negotiation, and litigation.

Through the clinic program, students gain valuable hands-on experience while supervised by an attorney. They will also be able to apply their theoretical knowledge in a natural world setting and develop new skills to help them become better advocates for their clients. This learning experience is invaluable as they move forward in their legal careers. Moreover, they will also develop a deeper understanding of the importance of justice and compassion in law practice.

Pro Bono

NKU Chase College of Law requires that all students complete 30 hours of pro bono service before graduation. This service provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and better prepare them for their future career goals. It also allows them to give back to their community and positively impact society.

Law Review

The NKU Chase College of Law established the Northern Kentucky Law Review in 1973, and ever since then, it has been an independent publication produced exclusively by law school students. The Law Review publishes three times annually, each edition containing thoughtful contributions from legal experts, practitioners, judges, and students. These issues are composed of essays analyzing relevant areas of the law.

The annual Law Review issues include a general law issue and a symposium issue accompanying the Law Review's live or written symposia. The publications are circulated to most major law libraries throughout the country and can be found online on LexisNexis and Westlaw.

NKU Chase College of Law students can join the Law Review staff as writers, editors, proofreaders, technical editors, researchers, and subscribers. For those individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and legal writing ability, there is a great honor to be chosen for a position on the editorial board. Those accepted onto this board must possess extraordinary attention to detail and a solid commitment to the highest standards of excellence.

The Northern Kentucky Law Review is an invaluable resource for legal professionals and those studying law, offering insightful perspectives on current topics in the field. Providing a platform for student authors also allows aspiring young lawyers to gain recognition and build their skills.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law offers a top-tier Juris Doctor degree program. The law school is known for its excellent academic and professional standards, with many of its alums going on to have successful careers in the legal industry. Graduates from NKU Chase College of Law can expect to earn a median salary of $55,000 upon entering the private sector and $45,000 in the public sector.

Most NKU law school graduates (48.5%) go directly to work for law firms, while 4.1% clerk for a judge and 6.2% go into public interest roles. Furthermore, 65.5% of NKU graduates pass the bar on their first try, a testament to the school's quality of legal education.

Overall, NKU's Chase College of Law provides students with an excellent educational and professional foundation, setting them up for success in their legal careers. With strong academic and professional standards and solid job prospects, it is no wonder that NKU Chase College of Law is one of the top law schools in the country.

Quality of Life

NKU Chase College of Law is an excellent choice for law students. The location is in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area and offers an ideal balance between work and play. Many nearby law firms, courts, and governmental agencies provide learning opportunities and a vibrant cultural and social landscape. This mixture of academic and recreational activities allows you to enhance your legal education and enjoy your free time.

Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law is a great educational institution for those interested in pursuing a career in the legal field. Located in Greater Cincinnati, the school offers students a wide selection of courses to prepare them for their future law education and profession.

At NKU Chase College of Law, students can take advantage of a broad selection of educational and experiential opportunities. These include advanced clinical programs, interdisciplinary studies, externships, research projects, workshops, study abroad options, and more. With faculty members from across the country and worldwide, NKU Chase College of Law provides an excellent environment for students to learn about the law and its applications.

NKU Chase College of Law also offers students opportunities to gain a competitive edge in the job market. With career counseling, resume workshops, and mock interviews, NKU Chase College of Law graduates are well-prepared for their legal careers upon graduation. Additionally, the school participates in several moot court competitions each year, providing its students with invaluable experience and insight into the legal system.

Overall, NKU Chase College of Law is an excellent choice for those pursuing a career in law. With its comprehensive programs and numerous opportunities, the school provides students with a top-notch education that prepares them well for practice. In addition, its prime location in Greater Cincinnati places it near many of the region’s most prestigious law firms, making it an ideal choice for those looking to begin their legal career.

Synopsis

The Chase College of Law's geographically restricted job prospects and high 1L attrition rate should give pause to those who consider applying; a prospective student should know his financial situation, his career goals, and his "Plan B" before jumping into something that is potentially risky and yet limiting if successful. However, for students who plan to practice law in the Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio tri-state area - especially those who can take advantage of the school's rock-bottom in-state and Metro tuition rates - NKU-Chase's affordability and focus on practical lawyering skills may make it a smart choice.

Contact Information

Northern Kentucky University - Chase College of Law
Office of Law School Admissions
529 Nunn Hall, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: 859.572.5490
E-mail: chaseadmissions@nku.edu

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://chaselaw.nku.edu/ LSD Law
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