Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles »
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Temple Law School is a professional graduate school of Temple University located in downtown Philadelphia. The law school was founded in 1895 and has an enrollment of about 530 students. In 2022, Temple Beasley School of Law was ranked the 63rd-best law school overall and 2nd best for Trial Advocacy training by US News & World Report. Temple Law School consistently ranks as one of the top law schools in the country for Trial Advocacy Training and is a perennial powerhouse in national Mock Trial competitions. The evening program at Temple Law School was also ranked 6th overall by US News & World Report.
Contents
History
The Temple University Law School was founded in 1895 as the Department of Law. The school's first Dean, Henry S. Borneman, proposed to Russell Conwell that he organize evening courses in the study of law for students wishing to prepare for the bar examination. However, Dr. Conwell carefully replied: "You go ahead. If it is a success, it is your success; if it is a failure, it is your failure." Borneman appointed himself as Dean and proceeded to recruit a faculty. Although he planned to establish both a day and evening division, the day division attracted no students and was canceled, while 46 students initially enrolled in the evening division. The Law School graduated its first class (of 16) in 1901. It received accreditation from the Pennsylvania State Board of Bar Examiners in 1907.
Temple University Beasley School of Law is committed to providing a high-quality legal education to all students, regardless of race, creed, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or socioeconomic background. They are dedicated to creating a law school community that is inclusive and committed to equal justice under the law.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Temple Law
Temple Law School is committed to providing an excellent legal education to diverse students. This commitment extends beyond simply acknowledging our past accomplishments and requires that they center their work on equity, diversity, and inclusion today and in the future. They believe this focus is essential to creating a more just and equitable world.
Admissions
The admissions process at Temple Law School is highly competitive, and the faculty admissions committee takes great care in evaluating each application. They are looking for students with the skills, abilities, and achievements that will enable them to succeed in the program. Those admitted to Temple Law School know they were chosen because they are among the best and brightest students.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 157 - 161 - 163 | 160 - 163 - 166 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.31 - 3.57 - 3.78 | 3.4 - 3.6 - 3.74 |
| Acceptance rate | 36.0% | 32.8% |
| Applications received | 2208 | 2635 |
| Acceptances | 796 | 863 |
| Matriculants | 409 | 328 |
Temple University has a relatively low yield rate of 24.68%. This means that only 1 in 4 people offered admission to the school chooses to attend. The 1L class size is 219, and the median LSAT score is 163. The 25th percentile LSAT score is 160 and the 75th percentile LSAT score is 166. The median GPA is 3.6, with the 25th percentile GPA at 3.4 and the 75th percentile GPA at 3.74.
Application
The application process for the fall 2023 class will open on September 15, 2022. Applications must be electronically transmitted to LSA or mailed to Temple Law School by March 1, 2023. They encourage you to apply electronically through LSAC's online application. You may also download a copy of the Temple Law School Admissions Application, complete and return it to the office. Applicants may also request that a copy of the application form be mailed to them by contacting the Law School Admissions Office at 800-560-1428.
Application Fee and Application Fee Waivers
The application fee for Temple Law School is $65.00. This fee can be paid by credit card if the application is submitted electronically or by check or money order payable to Temple University if the application is submitted through the mail. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be credited toward any charges if an applicant subsequently registers as a student. Temple Law School automatically waives the application fee for any applicant approved for a fee waiver from LSAC. Any applicant who would like to apply to Temple Law School but cannot afford the application fee is encouraged to contact us by email with their name and LSAC account number to request a waiver of the application fee. The application fee will be waived for any Temple undergraduate applying to Temple Law School.
Admission Test (LSAT or GRE)
A standardized test score is required from all applicants in order to be considered for admission. Applicants must indicate if they are taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If an applicant has a reportable LSAT score on file, a GRE score will not be considered in lieu of an existing LSAT score, and applicants are not required to report GRE scores in this instance.
Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
You must register with the Credential Assembly Service if you want your application to be considered. The Credential Assembly Service will collect your transcripts from every college or university you have attended and send them to the law school. It is important to send updated transcripts to LSAC so that the Admissions Committee has the most up-to-date academic record when reviewing your credentials.
Graduate School Transcripts
Applicants must provide transcripts from each graduate or professional school attended to be considered for admission to the Temple University Beasley School of Law. Transcripts can be sent directly to the Office of Admissions, or they can be sent to the Credential Assembly Service.
Letters of Recommendation
Temple recommends that you only have four letters of recommendation, but they are not required. Letters should come from professors, employers, or others who know you academically or professionally. Letters of recommendation should be submitted to LSAC or Temple. If sent to Temple, the letters should be accompanied by a Letter of Recommendation Waiver Form. These forms should be completed by the applicant and given to the author of each letter of recommendation.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to introduce yourself and your qualifications to the Admissions Committee. You may want to write about your intellectual interests, your career goals, your experiences, or your community involvement. It is up to you to decide what you want to write about and how you want to express yourself. Keep in mind that the readers of your statement will be trying to get a sense of you as a person and as a prospective Temple Law School student. They encourage you to be as candid and thoughtful as possible. There is no specific length required for the personal statement, although on average, personal statements are two to three pages long.
Resume
Resumes are not mandatory, but they can be helpful as a part of your application. Your resume must include your work history, regardless of whether you think it is relevant to the legal field. Remember to be concise and to the point when writing your resume.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Temple University's Beasley School of Law offers relatively affordable tuition and is often recognized as one of the best values in legal education. The rates listed below are for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition to the annual tuition, J.D. students are charged a University Services and Student Bar Association Fee. The amount of the fee depends on the number of credits the student is taking each semester.
Cost of Attendance
| Full-time Day Division | ||
| 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR | PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT | NON-RESIDENT |
| Tuition & Fees | $29,414 | 44,554 |
| Room & Board | $16,150 | 16,150 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000 | 2,000 |
| Transportation | $1,458 | 1,458 |
| Other Costs | $4,796 | 4,830 |
| Loan Fees | $216 | 216 |
| Total | $$54,034 | $54,034 |
The cost of attendance is a set budget that is designed to cover tuition and fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with attending school for an academic year. A student's actual costs may be lower than the estimated cost of attendance based on their individual personal expenses and spending habits. The amount of financial aid a student receives is based on their financial need, which is determined by subtracting calculated resources from the amount of the cost of attendance. Calculated resources are based on the information provided by the student on their FAFSA application. The cost of attendance for students living with a parent or relative is slightly lower, and students can contact the Law School Financial Aid Office for more information about the commuter budget.
Thrifty Budget
| Pennsylvania Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | 29,414 | 44,554 |
| Room & Board | 10,800 | 10,800 |
| Books & Supplies | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Transportation | 1,402 | 1,402 |
| Other Costs | 2,700 | 2,700 |
| Loan Fees | 216 | 216 |
| Total | $46,332 | $61,472 |
| Pennsylvania Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | 23,734 | 35,854 |
| Room & Board | 10,800 | 10,800 |
| Books & Supplies | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Transportation | 1,402 | 1,402 |
| Other Costs | 2,700 | 2,700 |
| Loan Fees | 216 | 216 |
| Total | $40,352 | $52,472 |
The cost of attendance for a student at the University of Missouri can vary depending on the student's class level and enrollment status. The approximate cost of tuition and fees is $10,000, room and board are around $8,500, and books and supplies will cost about $1,200. Transportation costs can be up to $1,500, and other costs may amount to around $2,000. Loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan amount to $220.
Financial Aid
The Temple Law financial aid office is the best place for any questions or concerns about financial aid or billing. Temple Law students are not required to go through the main university Student Financial Services Office - the school's in-house Financial Aid Office, with specific law school financial aid staff, is available to help law students navigate the financial aid process.
Admissions Merit Scholarships
The admissions committee offers merit-based scholarships to all admitted students. The scholarships are included in the admission notification letter, and no application is required. The scholarship can pay for tuition, room, and board, or other educational costs. The scholarship can be used in conjunction with other financial aid sources.
- Beasley Scholarships
Established in 1999 by James E. Beasley, ’56, The Beasley Scholarship Program provides full and partial scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarships are awarded by the Admissions Committee.
- Conwell Scholarships
The Conwell Partial Tuition Scholarship is awarded to first-year law school students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. The scholarship is based on the discretion of the Admissions Committee and is not guaranteed to all applicants.
- Law Faculty Scholarships
The Law Faculty Scholarships are partial tuition scholarships awarded to a select number of applicants with outstanding undergraduate records and LSAT scores. These scholarships are not offered through an application process but rather are recommended to the Admissions Committee by the Scholarship Committee.
Tranferring
Temple Law School accepts a limited number of transfer students from law schools that are ABA approved and are members of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). If you would like to apply to transfer to Temple Law School, the deadline is June 15th of the calendar year in which you want to start school. To be considered, you must have completed your first year of law school and your class rank and transcript at the end of the first year must be available. For this reason, decisions about transferring are typically not made until mid-July. If admitted as a transfer student, they will review your current law school transcript and let you know which courses will transfer to Temple Law School. Only first-year course work (a maximum of 32 credits) can be applied for advanced standing in transferring. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
Academics and Curriculum
Temple Law School has both a day and evening division in order to accommodate students with different schedules. Both divisions offer a variety of course options. In addition to the general graduation requirements, all Temple Law students must earn 88 credits.
Faculty
The faculty of Temple University Beasley School of Law is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the legal profession. In addition, the faculty is dedicated to instilling in its students a sense of professional responsibility and a commitment to equal justice under the law. Finally, the faculty seeks to foster in its students a desire to serve their local communities. To achieve these objectives, the faculty has adopted Student Learning Outcomes and Performance Criteria that outline what the faculty expects its students to achieve.
Full-Time Program
Full-time students attend the Day Division and are required to complete three full academic years of classes to graduate. Classes and activities extend throughout the entire day, Monday through Friday. Full-time students are classified as first-year, second-year, or third-year students and must attend during the day and complete the Full-Time sequence of the mandated First-Year Curriculum to progress to second-year full-time status. After the first year, full-time students must register for and complete four additional full-time semesters. A full-time semester consists of a course load of 12 to 15 credits. Due to the rigorous nature of law school, first-year full-time day students are not allowed to work while enrolled in classes. Students who anticipate needing to work during the first year of law school may want to consider one of the part-time options. After the first year, full-time students may work up to 20 hours per week.
Part-Time Program
Temple Law's part-time programs are designed for students with time restrictions due to employment or other responsibilities. Most part-time students attend the Evening Division and attend classes held Monday through Thursday evenings. The Law School, which began as an evening program, is committed to making the experience for evening students comparable to that of the day students. Full-time faculty regularly teach in the evening and enjoy teaching the Law School's exceptional Evening Division students. Admissions, the curriculum, examinations, and all other standards are the same for both divisions.
Students with evening family responsibilities, evening jobs, or students with disabilities that limit their studying may enroll part-time in the Day Division. Students wishing to be part-time Day Division students must demonstrate that neither the full-time nor the part-time Evening Division program is a reasonable educational alternative for them. Part-time study, whether in the Day Division or Evening Division, requires four academic years to complete the J.D. Curriculum. Part-time students are classified as first, second, third, or fourth-year part-time students.
First-Year Curriculum
The first-year curriculum at Temple Law School is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the law and its application to society. In addition to learning about the various legal systems in the United States, first-year students are also introduced to transactional skills, legal research and writing, and professional responsibility. This combination of theoretical and practical coursework helps prepare students for a successful career in law.
- Civil Procedure I
In a federal court setting, various legal procedures are followed to commence an action, such as pleadings, discovery techniques, and the trial itself. The judgments and jurisdiction of the court are also considered, as well as other collateral attacks that may occur.
- Constitutional Law
Judicial review is the process by which the courts can determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. This is an important process to ensure that the government remains within its bounds as set out in the Constitution. Federalism is the relationship between the states and the federal government, with the states having certain powers and the federal government has certain powers. The Bill of Rights sets out certain rights that belong to the people and which the government cannot infringe upon. Congress has certain powers that are granted to it by the Constitution.
- Contracts
The article examines the common law and the Uniform Commercial Code regarding a bargain. It looks at what is considered a fair bargain and how formalities such as parole evidence and the Statute of Fraud can affect a contract.
- Criminal Law I
The different types of major crimes, their policy and historical backgrounds, and the alternatives for dealing with major antisocial behavior are considered. Some introduction to the criminal procedure is provided.
- Legal Research and Writing I and II
The Legal Research and Writing Program teaches students the basics of writing and speaking like a lawyer. Temple's first-year research and writing program is a two-semester course of study. In first-year Legal Research and Writing courses, students are assigned small groups for individualized instruction. After an introduction to basic research techniques, problems are assigned and various methods are utilized to help students develop their writing and analytical skills. The program aims to develop basic legal skills in an informal seminar atmosphere that allows maximum contact with the assigned instructor.
- Property
The different types of relationships between people and property are explored in this essay. The private and public planning of land and the regulation of land use are considered. Additionally, the estate system and new property theories are examined.
- Torts
Legal protection against interference by others is considered in civil proceedings. The historical and theoretical bases of tort liability are examined to develop an understanding of current law and changing patterns of tort responsibility.
- Introduction to Transactional Skills
The course will give students an introduction to transactional law through a variety of lectures and workshops. The focus of the course will be on starting a small business, and students will learn about topics such as choosing a business form, client interviewing and contract to draft.
- First Year Electives
In the spring semester, full-time first-year students will be able to select one elective course from a list of 3-4 course offerings. These courses are only open to first-year students and will be filled through a lottery system. The courses offered as first-year electives will vary from year to year, and in the past, have included: Introduction to Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, International Law, Criminal Procedure, Introduction to Business Organizations, Family Law, and Taxation. Each student will list his or her preferences, and a lottery system will be used to fill the courses.
Upper-Level Electives
All upper-level courses at Temple Law are electives, with a few important exceptions. First, all students must complete a course in Professional Responsibility before graduation. This requirement ensures that all Temple Law graduates have the ethical standards required of lawyers. Additionally, all students must complete two upper-level writing requirements and six credits of skills courses. Finally, as of August 2021, all Temple Law students must complete a course that satisfies the Bias in the Law requirement. By reviewing our Course Selection, you can learn more about Temple Law's extensive and diverse upper-level course offerings.
Experiential Learning
The Temple University Beasley School of Law offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students. You can get started in your first semester of law school and continue enrolling in different experiential courses until you graduate. The school recommends carefully sequencing the experiential options you select, from intensive in-house clinics to individually designed practicums. Because the choices available can be complex, the school encourages students to seek guidance when choosing their experiential courses. Temple Law faculty and administrators are committed to helping students design an experiential palette tailored to their needs.
In-House Clinics
As a law student, you will have the opportunity to represent real clients under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. This will give you experience working with clients and preparing for court appearances. You will also learn about the different aspects of the law that pertain to each case.
- Access to Justice Clinic
- Community Lawyering Clinic
- Family Law Litigation Clinic
- Federal Appellate Litigation Clinic
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
- Social Justice Lawyering Clinic
- Systemic Justice Clinic
External Clinics and Externships
Learn lawyering skills from practicing lawyers on the ground in a variety of legal settings throughout Philadelphia.
Practicum
The best legal education offers a thoughtful exploration of the big ideas that drive us as a society and hands-on exposure to the skills that make good lawyers effective problem solvers. Temple Law's practicum is a unique experiential learning opportunity where a student and full-time faculty member engage collaboratively to solve a problem for a real client, often with the help of a practicing attorney.
Students can start by exploring the school-designed practicums, which offer a variety of pre-selected placements and a pre-assigned faculty supervisor. Suppose you can't find the experience that meets your learning goals through one school-designed practicum or one of our in-house clinics, external clinics, or externship courses. In that case, you can design your practicum, subject to approval by Associate Dean Ramji-Nogales. Independent practicums also require you to locate a faculty supervisor.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
According to the Temple University School of Law website, the median salary for JD graduates who work in the private sector is $125,000. If they go into the private sector, a graduate can expect to make $53,000. 45.0% of law graduates from Temple University go directly to work for law firms, while 18.9% clerk for a judge. 10.6% of graduates go into public interest. 87.6% of Temple University graduates pass the bar on their first try.
The American Bar Association measures law school graduate placement statistics as of March 15th. This is typically about ten months after graduation. The ABA, and all law schools, focus on this number primarily because of the timing of bar examination results. Typically, law students graduate in May and sit for bar exams all over the country in July. In Pennsylvania, bar examination results are released in mid-October, but in other states, such as New York, the results can be as late as the end of November. Many small to mid-size law firms, government agencies, district attorney’s offices, and similar employers are not able to hire a new law school graduate until bar passage has been confirmed. Thus, it is more appropriate to evaluate placement statistics only after ten months.
Class of 2021 Placement Report
Graduate Employment Status
| Employed | 227 |
| Seeking Advanced Degrees | 0 |
| Unemployed | 4 |
| Unemployed Start Date Deferred | 0 |
| Not Seeking Employment | 1 |
| Unknown | 7 |
| Total Graduates | 239 |
Almost 90% of the graduates at the University Beasley School of Law found full-time, long-term jobs that required admission to the Bar or where having a J.D. was an advantage in obtaining and performing the job.
Employment by Sector
| Employment Sector | Number of Graduates |
|---|---|
| Law Firms | 81 |
| Business & Industry | 25 |
| Government | 21 |
| Public Interest | 19 |
| Judicial Clerkships | 34 |
| Academia | 0 |
Quality of Life
The city of Philadelphia is a great place to attend law school. The city has a lot to offer in terms of culture and intellectual life. There are also plenty of law firms and other legal employers in the area. This makes it a great place to live and attend law school.
Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and diverse culture. It is also the birthplace of American democracy. The Temple law school students are proud to attend a school in this city. Philadelphia is a very livable city, with many neighborhoods that have their own character, schools, parks, restaurants, and shops. The New York Times recently declared Philadelphia as one of the newest destination cities and ranked it #3 on its list of 52 places to go in 2015. The Huffington Post says Philadelphia is the most underrated city in America.
Located on North Broad Street, Temple Law School and Temple University exist in their own enclave in Philadelphia. While the surrounding neighborhoods are not necessarily bad, the university has made a concerted effort to buy nearby buildings and gradually increase its holdings in the area. Temple has a pleasant campus with an eclectic presentation of buildings and enough green areas to provide relief for a student seeking a moment away from the city. The university has its own subway stop and train station, so Temple students have easy access to all of the restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions Philadelphia has to offer. The law school sits on Broad Street directly across from the Liacouras Center, which hosts numerous sporting events and concerts, a state-of-the-art recreation facility, and a Starbucks.
With over 38,000 students, Temple University has a diverse student body from a wide array of backgrounds. Students can enjoy themselves at the student union, cheer for sports teams, or work out at the fitness center. Tickets to most sporting events are free for students, and the student government does a great job pushing for weekend tailgates.
There's a wide array of student clubs and organizations, most hosting numerous happy hours and gatherings in Center City and at the nearby Draught Horse bar. Temple University is a wet campus, and it's not uncommon for beer and wine to be provided at student events, club meetings, and panels.
Housing
The University offers apartment-style housing for law students on campus, but there is limited space available. If you are interested in living on campus, you should act immediately as space is limited. For more information on campus housing, visit the University Housing Office website.
Synopsis
At Temple Law, they believe this is the essence of lawyering. For more than two decades, Temple has transformed law students into some of the best trial advocates in the country. Their award-winning curriculum taught by brilliant, passionate faculty ensures that every Temple lawyer has the skills to advocate effectively.
Advocacy is the heart of lawyering. It tells each client's story with skill, passion, and authenticity. Advocacy is speaking with confidence and authority. It is persuasion and purpose, preparation and vision, responsibility and service. Advocacy is power. Advocacy is excellence.
Contact Information
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Admissions Office
1719 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 800-560-1428 / 215-204-5949
Email: lawadmis@temple.edu
https://law.temple.edu/admissions/jd/
Summary
| Established | 1985 |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Dean | Rachel Rebouché |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 9th |
| LSAT Median Score | 163 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.6 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 88% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 52% (2022) |
| Cost | 29,414 PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT 44,554 NON-RESIDENT |
| Average Debt | $87,831 |
| Application Deadline | March 1, , 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
Temple University Beasley School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.temple.edu/
Rank #63
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers
Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
