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St. Mary's University School of Law
St. Mary's School of Law, the only Catholic law school in Texas, was established in 1927 as the San Antonio School of Law in Texas by the local bar association and transferred to St. Mary's University in 1934.
More than 500 living St. Mary’s University graduates have gone on to hold elected or judicial positions. The St. Mary's School of Law's distinguished alumni includes U.S. Senator and former Texas Supreme Court Justice John Cornyn, U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul Green, former Texas Supreme Court Justice Rose Spector, who was the first woman elected to that court, former Texas Supreme Court Justice Ted Robertson, and former Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Corbett.
Contents
History
St. Mary’s University School of Law is an excellent institution with a long and proud history. In 1852, four Brothers of the Society of Mary founded St. Mary’s Institute in San Antonio, Texas, as the first Catholic college in the state and only the fourth college to open overall in Texas. In 1934, the San Antonio School of Law, which leaders in the local bar had founded, became a university law school with a more vigorous curriculum and full-time faculty when St. Mary’s offered their support.
Since then, St. Mary’s University has grown to become one of the top-tier law schools in the nation. It has earned a reputation for providing its students with the highest-quality education in the field, guided by its commitment to excellence and national standards of skill, knowledge, and professionalism. St. Mary’s also provides a learning environment steeped in faith and openness that promotes hard work and success on both personal and professional levels.
St. Mary’s University School of Law is dedicated to educating students for successful and meaningful careers in the legal profession while also maintaining its commitment to justice, fairness, and service on local, national, and global levels. As a result of this mission, St. Mary’s has earned the respect of the legal community, making it one of the most prestigious law schools in the nation.
Admissions
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 149 - 151 - 154 | 150 - 153 - 155 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.88 - 3.2 - 3.52 | 2.97 - 3.36 - 3.59 |
| Acceptance rate | 58.3% | 48.5% |
| Applications received | 1398 | 1591 |
| Acceptances | 815 | 771 |
| Matriculants | 64 | 64 |
St. Mary's University School of Law is one of the top law schools in the nation and is a highly sought-after program. In the 2022 application cycle, they received 1,591 applications and offered admission to 771 applicants. With an impressive yield rate of 33.07%, 255 accepted their offer to attend St. Mary's University School of Law.
The 1L class of St. Mary's University comprises students with impressive academic credentials, with a median LSAT score of 153 and the 25th percentile of 150, while the 75th percentile reached 155. Likewise, the median GPA of their incoming class was 3.36, with scores in the 25th percentile at 2.97 and the 75th percentile at 3.59.
These impressive academic credentials, combined with the fact that St. Mary's University School of Law is one of the top law schools in the nation, make it a highly desirable program for potential students to apply to. With a comprehensive curriculum and an extensive alum network, St. Mary's University School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking to pursue their J.D. degree.
For potential students, St. Mary's University School of Law provides an ideal atmosphere to become successful in your legal career. It offers many opportunities to help develop your skills and knowledge while networking with industry professionals. The school is dedicated to helping its students reach their goals and provides excellent resources for both academic and professional development.
Therefore, if you are looking for a top-notch law school with an excellent reputation, St. Mary's University School of Law should be your first choice! With impressive credentials and the dedication of the faculty and staff to helping you achieve success, St. Mary's University School of Law is the perfect place for your J.D. degree.
How to Apply
Suppose you are interested in applying to St. Mary's University School of Law. In that case, you must ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork and documents before submitting your application. This includes a completed application for admission with electronic certification, a three-page personal statement, a two-page resume, and any applicable attachments related to academic probation/discipline and character/fitness questions asked on the application.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). You will be asked to provide an academic transcript, letters of recommendation, any LSAT/GRE scores required for admission, and a nonrefundable application fee.
When your application has been reviewed and accepted, the Law School will grant you conditional admission based on grades, test scores, and other criteria to be determined by the Admissions Committee. Upon conditional acceptance, you will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit to secure your spot in the upcoming class.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to St. Mary’s University School of Law, applicants must provide their complete Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, which includes a range of items that can help the admissions office better understand each student’s academic performance and qualifications. This report should include scores from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), transcripts reflecting all postsecondary academic coursework undertaken or attempted, and all degrees conferred. We also highly recommend that applicants submit at least one letter of recommendation with their application; In contrast, letters from those who have taught them in an academic setting are not required; they can benefit the admissions committee in making their decisions.
For applicants unable to take the LSAT, St. Mary’s Law will consider other measures of academic aptitudes, such as GRE scores. In these cases, applicants should submit a complete Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report and follow the above-mentioned requirements.
Application Fee
St. Mary's University School of Law does not require applicants to pay any fee when applying for admission or scholarship consideration. This policy benefits those interested in attending St. Mary's Law and allows them to pursue their dreams without being hindered by financial burdens.
The university is dedicated to providing a high-quality legal education to students of all backgrounds and provides a range of scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. St. Mary's Law believes that every student should have the opportunity to pursue legal training, regardless of their circumstances.
Resume
The resume required by St. Mary's University School of Law should contain comprehensive information regarding the applicant's educational background, awards earned, professional experience, involvement in leadership and public service initiatives, extra-curricular activities, military service, and honors. Furthermore, it is essential to include specific details about titles held, positions taken on, and responsibilities assumed concerning the abovementioned areas. To emphasize the importance of service, which is central to St. Mary's Law's mission, applicants should include volunteer, public interest, or social service work in which they have been involved, along with details about the capacity in which they served and the amount of time invested. This information provides a more comprehensive review of the applicant's accomplishments and experiences, allowing for a more well-rounded evaluation.
To facilitate an efficient review process, St. Mary's Law requests that resumes not exceed two pages in length and may be uploaded in PDF format for ease of access by admissions counselors.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should provide detail about your life, your experiences, and your character. St. Mary's Law School seeks to create a stimulating academic environment in which students can reach their highest academic and professional potential. They understand that a student's full potential cannot be captured simply by looking at transcripts or scores, so they carefully review each application with a holistic approach.
In your personal statement, you should use this opportunity to highlight qualities that set you apart from your peers, such as leadership experience, ethical integrity, perseverance, organizational skills, and knowledge of other languages or cultures. Additionally, if you have any experiences of overcoming adversity or a commitment to public service, these should be included in your statement. They believe a successful candidate demonstrates a history of consistently striving for excellence and displays an unwavering work ethic.
Your personal statement is essential to the application, and they encourage you to craft it thoughtfully and thoroughly. As a future St. Mary's Law School student, you play an essential role in our collaborative academic environment. With your statement, you can demonstrate why you should be part of the St. Mary's Law School community and how you will contribute to the learning experience of your peers.
Diversity Statement (optional)
St. Mary's School of Law recognizes and embraces the importance of fostering a diverse educational environment that adequately prepares law students to become well-rounded attorneys and professionals. They highly encourage applicants to reflect upon how their cultural background, ethnicity, experiences, and life stories will enrich the learning experience for everyone on campus. Everyone is diverse and unique in their own right, and by providing information about these traits, applicants can contribute to the robust learning environment at St. Mary's Law. Moreover, reflecting upon how your attributes will enable you to better serve a diverse population through professional services may be an apt focus for the personal statement. They welcome any information that speaks to your contributions to their community.
At St. Mary's University School of Law, they strive for an inclusive learning experience that reflects their diverse society. They encourage all applicants to provide a diversity statement and share any relevant information on how they can contribute in a meaningful way to their campus and beyond.
Tuition and Financial Aid
St. Mary's University School of Law offers a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) program for those who aspire to become lawyers. This full-time day law school is open to students in the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters with an estimated tuition cost of $41,138 for twelve to seventeen hours of credits. Fees of $1,104 are also applicable to the student's cost of attendance. The curriculum includes courses in topics such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, and professional responsibility. St Mary's Law School provides a comprehensive academic experience that helps students prepare for a successful legal career. Students have access to hands-on experiences through internships and clinical programs. They can also benefit from the school's global initiatives, study abroad programs, and moot court competitions. St Mary's Law School graduates will have a well-rounded legal education and the skills to practice law at a high level of competence in any jurisdiction.
At St. Mary's University School of Law, students are provided with the necessary tools to help them succeed. The School of Law offers many academic, professional, and social opportunities that allow students to explore their interests and develop their legal skills. In addition, St Mary's law school has a supportive faculty and staff dedicated to providing exceptional education in an environment that encourages growth and development.
Cost of Attendance
Full-time Day Law School Budget – Fall 2022 and Spring 2023
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12-17 hours) | $41,138 |
| Fees | $1,104 |
| Room | $9,500 |
| Board | $4,830 |
| Books | $1,600 |
| Personal | $3,540 |
| Transportation | $2,568 |
| Total | $64,280 |
Financial Aid
When considering the cost of attending law school, applicants need to take the time to review their short and long-term financial goals. St. Mary's University School of Law places a high degree of importance on helping applicants become educated consumers, both in terms of understanding what type of loans and scholarships are available, as well as what their rights and responsibilities are as borrowers.
St. Mary's offers various scholarships, grants, student loan programs, and other financial assistance to help make law school an affordable option for those who qualify. In addition to the traditional federal loans, the university also offers many specialized loan programs that can help to meet the needs of those seeking to finance their legal education.
St. Mary's students have access to an experienced financial aid office that provides assistance and advice on various topics, including how to apply for aid, budgeting tips, and more. The staff at St. Mary's can help applicants navigate the process of applying for financial aid and provide advice on making the most of available resources.
St. Mary's encourages applicants to gather financial information early to ensure they can choose an affordable and realistic financing plan that meets their needs and goals. Ultimately, taking time to evaluate one's financial options is an essential part of the admissions process and can help to make law school a reality.
The financial aid office at St. Mary's University School of Law is here to provide assistance and help applicants become educated consumers. It offers a variety of scholarships, grants, student loan programs, and other forms of financial aid to help make law school an affordable option for those who qualify. The financial aid team is willing to provide guidance and advice regarding the application process and other essential considerations, making it easier for applicants to secure the funds they need to attend St. Mary's University School of Law.
Dean’s Scholarships
St. Mary's University School of Law is proud to recognize and award Dean's Scholarships to students who demonstrate excellence in their academic performance and are committed to their school's mission. Every year, applicants to the law school are considered for eligibility for these prestigious scholarships during the admissions process or at the end of the school year.
Dean's Scholarships are highly competitive and reserved for only the most outstanding applicants. To be eligible, students must demonstrate a record of excellent academic achievement and prove their dedication to the mission of their law school. Furthermore, recipients of Dean's Scholarships are expected to maintain active involvement in student activities and organizations to positively impact and positively contribute to their school community.
Endowed Scholarships for Incoming First-Year Students
St. Mary's University School of Law is proud to offer several endowed scholarships for incoming first-year students. These scholarships, funded by generous donations from alums and friends, are designed to recognize the efforts and achievements of their students, as well as enable them to pursue their studies in legal practice and gain the appropriate qualifications necessary to be ethical leaders in the law.
These scholarships are awarded based on criteria established by the Office of Law Student Recruitment and Admissions soon after a student is admitted to the law school. The diversity of these awards allows students from various backgrounds, life experiences, and academic paths to have access to financial support and resources.
Without the generosity of their alums and friends, many of these scholarships would not exist. As such, they are immensely grateful for their ongoing contributions and commitment to ensuring that all deserving students have the opportunity to pursue a legal education.
Students do not need to submit any separate scholarship application to be considered for these endowed scholarships. Each student will be automatically considered for eligibility upon admission to the law school.
Scholarships and Dean’s Scholarships for Second- and Third-Year Students
St. Mary's University School of Law offers a variety of scholarships to second and third-year students who demonstrate excellent merit and academic performance throughout the school year. These awards, determined by faculty and administration review, come in the form of standard scholarships and Dean's Scholarships, both of which can yield substantial financial aid to students in need.
Standard scholarships are available to any student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who has achieved an exemplary academic record for their studies. Dean's Scholarships, on the other hand, are reserved for students with exceptionally high GPAs and outstanding performance within their coursework. These scholarships may be awarded to students with a GPA of at least 3.5 or higher and are generally more substantial than the standard scholarships.
To be eligible for either type of scholarship, second and third-year law students must maintain their excellent academic standards throughout the year. Those who do so may be rewarded with generous financial assistance that can help to offset tuition and other educational costs. Applications are optional for either of these scholarships; students will be notified if they have been awarded a scholarship.
St. Mary's University School of Law is proud to offer its second-and third-year law students the opportunity to receive financial aid through merit- and performance-based scholarships. All students who strive for excellence in their studies can be considered for these awards, and those who excel may receive generous financial aid. St. Mary's University School of Law seeks to recognize and reward its hardworking and academically successful students through these scholarships.
Academics and Curriculum
St. Mary's University School of Law offers a variety of unique degree programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of a diverse range of students, from the traditional J.D. program to multiple LL.M. options. Those interested in International and Comparative Law can take advantage of St. Mary's LLM offering in this area. In contrast, those interested in American Legal Studies can take advantage of the LLM program in this field. Students who are interested in International Criminal Law have the opportunity to pursue an LLM degree here as well. Additionally, law students at St. Mary's University School of Law may choose from several joint-degree programs available through cooperation with other departments of the university and an early admission program for exceptional St. Mary's undergraduate students. With its diverse degree programs and flexible options, the School of Law at St. Mary's is sure to have something that meets your educational needs.
Special Programs
St. Mary's School of Law provides students various programs and opportunities to develop their legal skills and knowledge for real-world applications. Through the Advocacy Programs, students can gain practical experience in legal proceedings, judicial internships allow them to explore different parts of the law, the Center for Terrorism Law allows students to gain specialized knowledge and skills in an ever-changing field, and their study abroad programs provide unparalleled access to international legal systems.
In addition, the School of Law's Center for Legal and Social Justice includes several clinical programs that provide students with direct experience in criminal, civil, immigration, and human rights law. St. Mary's Law equips students with the tools to become successful, ethical, and confident legal professionals through these opportunities. With these skills, St. Mary's School of Law graduates is prepared to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Externship Program
St. Mary's University School of Law offers an exciting opportunity for law students to get valuable real-world experience while they are in the process of their legal education. The Externship course allows 2Ls or 3Ls to gain essential practical experience in various areas such as non-profit organizations, government agencies, and in-house counsel offices. This course provides the opportunity to understand legal doctrine and its practical applications while allowing students to hone their professional development skills.
In this Externship program, students are expected to commit 100 hours per semester as part of their curriculum. Faculty advisors are assigned to each student who provides guidance, support, and feedback on their progress throughout the semester. At the end of the course, students will produce a project that reflects their experience, including any research and writing they have done while in the program.
St. Mary's Externship program is an excellent way for law students to gain practical experience without sacrificing valuable time studying for their degree. This program provides an opportunity to gain real-world experience and learn valuable skills while completing the necessary coursework for their law degree. With the help of dedicated faculty advisors, students can make the most of this unique learning opportunity. St. Mary's Externship Program is sure to provide a beneficial educational experience that will be invaluable to the future legal career of any law student.
Clinics
St. Mary's University School of Law provides its students with four exceptional clinical courses for second and third-year law students. They are designed to foster education and assist those in need who cannot access the necessary legal assistance. These clinical courses include the Civil Justice Clinic - Consumer Protection, Civil Justice Clinic - Family Law, Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, and the Criminal Justice Clinic.
These clinics enable students to gain invaluable, real-world experience that adequately prepares them for the future. The clinical courses provide a unique opportunity for law students to work closely with clients, counsel them, negotiate settlements, argue motions in court, represent clients at trial and appear before administrative agencies on their behalf.
The clinical courses allow law students to develop their legal skills and knowledge while helping individuals who otherwise cannot afford or access the necessary legal assistance, thus making a difference in both the lives of their clients and the community. Students enrolled in these courses can gain confidence through direct client contact and hands-on experience, which is essential for successful lawyering.
At St. Mary's University School of Law, all clinical courses aim to produce practical and ethical lawyers who can serve their clients and the community with knowledge, skill, and zeal. With such a focus on education and assistance, the law school provides an opportunity like none other in South Texas or San Antonio.
By participating in their clinical courses, students will gain essential legal knowledge and be allowed to serve their community and give back through legal service. They are proud of their exceptional clinical program and the lawyers it has helped produce at St. Mary's University School of Law!
Judicial Internships
After completing the first year of their legal studies, St. Mary's University law students are presented with an array of rewarding pre-graduation judicial internships. These internships offer a unique and invaluable opportunity for students to gain practical legal experience and build relationships with key contacts and mentors in the legal industry. The available roles include local and federal judicial internships, which take place in courtrooms, chambers, law firms, government offices, and various other settings.
Throughout the education process at St. Mary's University School of Law, students are advised to make the most of their internship experiences – including honing interviewing techniques, creating resumes, and writing cover letters. They also receive guidance and support on how to effectively network with other professionals in the legal field, as well as advice on acquiring letters of recommendation for future job applications.
Advocacy Programs
St. Mary's University School of Law is dedicated to providing its students with the best legal education possible. It is firmly committed to allowing students to learn and hone their skills in the courtroom and through various advocacy programs, allowing them to develop the expertise necessary to become successful attorneys.
The school's advocacy programs offer students the chance to practice skills such as trial and appellate litigation, negotiation, client counseling, dispute resolution, and mediation in a realistic setting. These skills are essential components of excellent legal work. The school's advocacy program also offers students high-profile opportunities to participate in real-world cases and competitions.
The school's advocacy programs have earned accolades for their consistent excellence on regional and national levels. This success is a testimony to the commitment of St. Mary's University School of Law to providing quality legal education and training for its students. The school's advocacy programs are invaluable resources for preparing students to practice law in today's competitive legal market. With the advocacy programs, St. Mary's University School of Law is at the forefront of equipping its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful legal professionals.
The school's advocacy programs provide an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of courtrooms and conflicts that arise in real-world situations. With its dedication to developing great lawyers, St. Mary's University School of Law is committed to providing its students with the best legal education and training to empower them for success in their chosen fields.
Pro Bono Program
St. Mary's University School of Law is dedicated to providing a culture of service and justice for both its students and alums. Since 1998, the school has had a Pro Bono Program, an initiative rooted in the Law Ministry's work and the Center for Legal and Social Justice. This program encourages students to get involved in their community, promoting justice and peace.
In the 2020-2021 academic year alone, St. Mary's University School of Law students logged over 11,000 pro bono and community service hours, showcasing the dedication of their students to serve others in need. Through this program, St. Mary's University School of Law provides a meaningful way for students to give back to their community and gain valuable practical experience.
This Pro Bono Program is an integral part of St. Mary's University School of Law's commitment to justice, peace, and service; not only do their students develop a greater understanding of the law and its application in different contexts, but they also learn the value of providing service to those in need. Their students understand that true justice requires everyone to do their part and practice an ethic of care for one another.
Participating in this program, their students can learn a great deal while impacting their communities. Through the Pro Bono Program, St. Mary's University School of Law is proud to contribute to developing justice-ready advocates, ready to create a more just society starting from day one.
Quality of Life
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of places to explore in San Antonio. The San Antonio River Walk is a great place to spend an afternoon and offers canoe rides or shopping activities. Students can also take a day trip to the nearby Texas Hill Country or Guadalupe River State Park for camping or hiking. San Antonio also hosts annual events, such as Fiesta San Antonio, the famous River City Rockfest, and New Year's Eve in Alamo Plaza.
In addition to a great city experience, St. Mary's University School of Law provides an excellent education for aspiring lawyers. The faculty are highly respected and have received awards from legal organizations throughout Texas. The school also boasts small class sizes, allowing for more engagement with the professors. With excellent opportunities for academic and non-academic activities, St. Mary's University School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking legal education in San Antonio.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
St. Mary's University School of Law is a prestigious learning institution that produces highly qualified graduates. It is one of the top law schools in the nation, with a median salary of $80,000 for its private-sector JD graduates and $57,000 for those entering the public sector. This dedication to helping its students succeed is evident in that 58.3% of graduates choose to work for law firms, 3.9% clerk for a judge, and 7.8% go into public interest. The university also boasts an impressive 70.4% pass rate on the bar exam during their first attempt, giving its students the best chance of success in their respective fields. St. Mary's University School of Law is the perfect choice for students pursuing a career in law. With their emphasis on success and hard work, graduates can feel confident that they are receiving the best education possible. St. Mary's University graduates will be well-prepared for life after school, with an impressive median salary and high pass rates on the bar exam.
Synopsis
St. Mary's University School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-level legal education. Located in San Antonio, Texas, the school provides students with a degree that will be well-regarded in the local area and help them to secure employment opportunities across the state. With its excellent faculty and rigorous academic standards, the school is well-equipped to give you a comprehensive education in law.
The university's curriculum focuses on doctrinal and professional skills, ensuring students have the practical knowledge to practice law after graduation. Courses range from administrative and civil procedure law to business and tax planning. Additionally, St. Mary's offers numerous clinics and externship opportunities that allow students to gain experience in the legal field while earning credit toward their degree.
Contact Information
St. Mary's University School of Law
Law School Admissions
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
210-436-3523
lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu
http://law.stmarytx.edu
Summary
| Established | 1852 |
| Location | San Antonio, TX 78228 |
| Dean | Patricia E. Roberts |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 147 |
| LSAT Median Score | 153 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.36 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 70% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 22% (2022) |
| Cost | $41,138 |
| Average Debt | $153,082 |
| Application Deadline | March 1 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
LSD Law
Ranked 147
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
