The John Marshall Law School

John Marshall Law School is located seconds from Dirksen Federal Courthouse in the famous Chicago Loop. John Marshall has many regionally-known alumni, including Hon. Timothy C. Evans, chief judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Its graduates have earned the law school a respectable reputation in Chicago's law, government, business, and judiciary offices.

History

Atlanta's John Marshall Law School was established in 1933 to provide educational opportunities to those who were not typically provided access. The founders, led by S.B. Fenster, were determined to open up these doors and create a diverse student body without discrimination. This accomplishment was realized early on for women and students of color. Atlanta's John Marshall has been an innovator in legal education since its founding and continues to provide quality educational opportunities through its strong commitment to theory and practice, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences. Atlanta's John Marshall Law School provides each student with the tools for success through a pressing faculty that engages students in research, writing projects, simulations, and experiential learning. Additionally, the school's robust curriculum and unique specializations in areas such as Entertainment & Sports Law, International Legal Studies, Elder Law & Estate Planning, and Family Law equip future lawyers to tackle various legal issues. With centuries of tradition backing its mission and a deep commitment to justice and fairness, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School is an excellent choice for those seeking an education in law.

Atlanta's John Marshall Law School alums have gone on to make significant contributions to the legal profession – from award-winning educators to high-profile lawyers and public servants. With over 5,000 alums worldwide, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School has established an impressive network of professionals making their mark in the legal field. The school's legacy lives on through its graduates and will continue to push forward for many years.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	149 - 150 - 152	149 - 151 - 155
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.48 - 2.93 - 3.29	3.29 - 3.48 - 3.6
Acceptance rate	37.0%	13.7%
Applications received	980	na
Acceptances	363	na
Matriculants	30	na

Atlanta's John Marshall Law School has seen many applications during the 2022 cycle, with an impressive 1L class size and a yield of %. Out of the applicants offered admission, % were accepted, indicating that many applicants were eager to attend this school.

The median LSAT score for this law school's 1L class is 151, with the 25th percentile at 149 and the 75th percentile at 153. The median GPA of this 1L class is 3.13, with a 25th percentile GPA of 2.81 and a 75th percentile GPA of 3.38. These admissions numbers indicate that John Marshall Law School has competitive standards for acceptance into its program.

John Marshall Law School is a highly sought-after law school, and those admitted can expect to receive an education of the highest quality. With its competitive admissions standards, engaging faculty, and excellent alum network, it is no wonder that this law school has seen record numbers of applications. The future looks bright for Atlanta's John Marshall Law School.

Application Deadline

John Marshall Law School in Atlanta is now accepting applications for the Fall 2023. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible, especially if they plan on taking the LSAT exam later. Submitting a completed application before the test score is available allows admission staff to review an applicant's qualifications and begin the decision process promptly.

The Fall 2023 application window is open from September 1, 2022 to July 21, 2023, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to maximize their chances for acceptance. The admissions team at John Marshall Law School will be considering the June LSAT score when evaluating applications for Fall 2023. If a student plans on taking the LSAT later, they should submit their application early and indicate that they are waiting for their test score. This way, the admissions team can begin assessing the applicant's qualifications as soon as scores become available.

JD Requirement

The John Marshall Law School requires a student to meet certain standards in order to receive the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The student must complete all required courses with passing grades and a total of 88 credit hours, at least 60 which must be completed in residence at John Marshall. To remain eligible for admission, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in their coursework, and attend six full-time academic semesters or eight part-time academic semesters, completing a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. Additionally, students must also ensure that their tuition accounts are current. The School reserves the right to require a leave of absence for any student, terminate their enrollment, or decline to award them the degree if the Administration determines it is in the best interests of the School or that a student does not meet the standards for admission into legal profession. It should be noted that academic standing is only one of many factors taken into consideration when determining eligibility for receipt of the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Other factors may include the student's abilities to meet deadlines, demonstrate professional conduct and ethical behavior, complete work assignments according to stated instructions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty and classmates regarding legal topics. As such, students must take into account that meeting the academic standards is only one of many requirements for receipt of the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. They must also demonstrate professional conduct, ethical behavior and an enthusiastic commitment to learning in order to meet the high expectations set out by The John Marshall Law School. By successfully meeting these requirements, a student can be confident that they have earned their J.D. degree from The John Marshall Law School and are ready to embark on their professional legal career.

Cost of Attendance

Each year, Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) establishes a budget for each student's cost of attendance (COA). This budget includes tuition, technology fees, SBA fees, and health insurance premiums (costs paid directly to AJMLS). It also takes into account estimates for books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses, and transportation costs (expenses not paid directly to AJMLS). Some students will spend more than the standard budget, while others will spend less, depending on their lifestyles and choices. The COA budget reflects a modest but adequate estimate of spending patterns for our students. Financial aid eligibility will be based on the COA budget, not individual preferences and spending habits.

Full-Time Enrollment (12-16 credit hours) 1L, 2L, & 3L Students
Tuition & Fees	$49,578
Room & Board	$15,345
Books/Supplies	$2,783
Transportation/Commuter Cost	$4,982
Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses	$9,840
Total Cost of Attendance	$82,528

*Personal/ MISC Expenses include personal care fees, health care fees, & loan fees

Part-Time Enrollment (7-11 credit hours) 1L, 2L, 3L, 4L Students
Tuition & Fees	$30,398
Room & Board	$15,345
Books/Supplies	$1,854
Transportation/Commuter Cost	$2,420
Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses	$9,840
Total Cost of Attendance	$59,857

*Personal/ MISC Expenses include personal care fees, health care fees, & loan fees.

John Marshall Law School offers various tuition rates depending on the type of student and the number of credit hours taken. Full-time students taking between 12 to 16 credit hours will be charged at a flat rate of $24,289 per semester. Part-time students who take between 7 and 11 credit hours will only be charged $14,699 per semester. If full-time students are enrolled in more than 16 credit hours, they will be charged the flat rate plus an additional $1,619 per credit hour above 16 credits. Similarly, part-time students will be charged the full-time rate if they are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and will be charged $1,619 per credit hour if they are enrolled in less than seven credit hours. The 2022-2023 cost of attendance does not include costs for Summer 2023; however, those students who choose to enroll in summer classes will be charged the rate of $1,619 per credit hour. Overall, tuition costs at John Marshall Law School are competitive and flexible, allowing students to pursue their dreams of becoming a lawyer without breaking the bank. It is important to note that all fees stated in this article are accurate as of the 2022-2023 academic year and may be subject to change in upcoming years.

Admissions Scholarships

At the John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) in Atlanta, Georgia, they understand that obtaining a legal education may seem impossible for many students. They strive to make legal education attainable to traditional and non-traditional students by offering generous merit-based scholarships. No additional application is required to be considered for these scholarships.

In addition to merit-based scholarships, they also offer non-merit-based scholarships that incoming students may apply for after receiving a successful admission decision. They are committed to helping you finance your legal education and have compiled a list of tuition credits, funds, and outside scholarship opportunities to assist in this process.

Financial Aid

John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) in Atlanta is dedicated to helping students finance their legal education through a comprehensive financial aid program. Merit-based scholarships are offered to selected candidates. However, the most common form of assistance for law school students is educational loans. Investing in legal education is increasingly expensive, so it is essential to be frugal and mindful of your budget when taking out loans.

Their financial aid staff provides customized assistance packages to students with unique needs, allowing them to pursue an education at AJMLS in a stimulating environment. They strive to provide the best possible service and support for their students and families interested in learning more about financial aid opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about financial aid at AJMLS.

Academics

John Marshall Law School is a Tier 4 institution that strives to provide an excellent education for its students. Boasting an average first-year class size of 75, the student-to-faculty ratio at John Marshall is exceptionally low at 14.4 to 1, with 69 full-time faculty members providing individualized attention. All first-year students must take standard introductory courses such as civil procedure, contracts, torts, constitutional law, property, and lawyering. Though classes are reported to be complicated with a harsh grading curve, students are supported by their professors, who are both intelligent and approachable. The attrition rate at John Marshall is high, at 17.7 percent for second-year students and 7 percent for third-year students, with 2 percent of 3Ls leaving before graduation. Despite this, John Marshall Law School provides an excellent foundation for a successful career in the legal field, and its graduates are well-prepared to pursue their professional endeavors.

Experimental Learning

The John Marshall Law School offers a comprehensive Externship Program aimed at helping students gain practical work experience and further their legal education. This program provides students with the opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing them to gain valuable knowledge and ultimately become more confident in their future career paths. The externship program is flexible, giving students the freedom to explore various types of legal field placements. All placements are supervised by an experienced attorney or judge and provide a unique opportunity for growth, as well as networking connections that can prove invaluable in the future.

Pro Bono Programs

The John Marshall Law School's Office of Experiential Learning and Pro Bono Programs is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to volunteer in the community, an integral part of developing a successful legal career. Through the Pro Bono Program, they enable students to find and participate in meaningful and dynamic pro bono activities on their own terms.

Clinics

At the John Marshall Law School, students are provided with an experiential education that involves far more than simply learning from experience and straight theory. Through law clinics, students benefit from the all-encompassing legal experience and the opportunity to support various clients in the Metro Atlanta area and beyond. Clinics offer a unique hands-on learning opportunity as a professor and a supervising attorney guide students. This comprehensive teaching method allows students to build on their knowledge while forming the necessary skills to become successful attorneys. At AJMLS, clinics and intensive externships offer unparalleled experiences for students seeking further legal education. The tools needed to apply for such programs are posted to 12Twenty, the official student portal where prospective and current students can find information about various forms of experiential legal education. By taking advantage of the experiences offered by AJMLS’ clinics and externships, students can apply their newly acquired knowledge while strengthening their skill sets.

Law Journals

The John Marshall Law School's John Marshall Law Journal is an annual publication packed with legal content such as Articles, Student Notes and Comments, and Legislative Summaries. The featured Articles focus on the most recent developments in state, federal, and international law, while the Student Notes and Comments offer insights into more diverse topics within jurisprudence. The Legislative Summaries provide concise descriptions of pending or recently enacted legislation in Georgia and the effects the legislation will have on the community. The Journal also hosts a symposium every Spring, where authors of the published works in the Spring issue and panelists and attendees discuss recent and pending legislation, important court decisions, student commentary, and contributions from prominent Georgia scholars and practitioners. The symposium provides a platform for exchanging ideas amongst peers, enabling them to grow professionally and expand their knowledge on legal matters. It also allows students to gain exposure to the latest advancements in law and jurisprudence.

Quality of Life

John Marshall Law School students typically report a positive experience with the school by citing its ease of access and the convenient amenities included in the tuition. With excellent public transportation options provided to all students, there is no difficulty navigating Chicago. The transit pass alone is an incredible benefit that saves intensive time searching for ways to get around on top of saving money. And the variety of activities in Chicago offers an enriching experience for those who want to explore. The school also offers positive career opportunities after graduation, which many alums have verified. Ultimately, John Marshall Law School is an excellent choice for students looking for a solid law school education on a budget and with convenient access to downtown Chicago.

John Marshall Law School is an excellent choice for students pursuing a law degree on a budget and in the heart of Chicago. With tuition, including a pass for the Chicago Transit Authority, which offers immense convenience and cost savings, there is no need to worry about navigating the city. Not only that, but the variety of attractions available in Chicago provides students with an enriching experience and a great way to explore their new home. It is no wonder many of John Marshall Law School's alums report positive experiences after graduation and that the school continues to be popular among aspiring law students.

For those considering John Marshall Law School, it is essential to remember that the campus facilities need some improvement and the dining options are only sometimes ideal. But despite these drawbacks, the overall experience of attending John Marshall Law School is positive. The convenient location in the heart of Chicago and access to public transportation make it an easy choice for students pursuing their law degree on a budget. Those who go here can expect a tremendous educational experience and a chance to explore the city of Chicago.

John Marshall Law School provides students with an unmatched law education experience in the heart of downtown Chicago. With convenient public transportation, there is no need to worry about navigating the city. The affordable tuition includes a pass for the CTA transit system, which offers immense convenience and cost savings. And the variety of activities available in Chicago provides students with an enriching experience and a great way to explore their new home. All of these benefits make John Marshall Law School an excellent choice for aspiring law students looking for quality education on a budget and convenient access to the city.

Library

Atlanta's John Marshall Law School Library is an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and staff. It provides a wide range of materials, from print resources, computer resources, and audiotapes to videotapes suitable for legal practice and research. The collection includes appellate case reports, Georgia and southeastern states' federal government statutes, and topical legal treatises. Furthermore, students and faculty can access Westlaw and LexisNexis, two of the vastest online legal databases. The Library also offers high-speed printers on a local network to conveniently access all its resources. Research and scholarship have never been more accessible thanks to the John Marshall Law School Library.

The Library is open during its posted hours and provides a valuable service to the John Marshall Law School community. By having access to the numerous resources this Library has to offer, students, faculty, and staff can readily conduct legal research for their studies and work. The Atlanta's John Marshall Law School Library is an essential asset to Atlanta's John Marshall Law School and its community.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

About 88 percent of John Marshall students were employed within nine months of graduation. Nearly 94 percent of those graduates were employed in-state, evidence of the school's regional nature. These graduates earned a median of $75,000 in the private sector and $55,316 in the public sector. Students at John Marshall say the career services department is good but maintain that to be considered for a job at a prestigious firm, you must be in the top 15 percent of your class (and more likely in the top 5 percent). Students agree with the stigma that many John Marshall students go into lower-paying public-service jobs. But they remain optimistic. They claim that any job is possible from John Marshall, though it depends on where you place in your class and how well you interview.

Synopsis

John Marshall has some lackluster numbers when it comes to starting salaries. Unfortunately for graduates, their debt also borders on unmanageable. Many students in 2008 found themselves with a job that paid less than $75,000 and a debt slightly above $124,000. Since John Marshall is a Tier 4 school, graduates will find their success is limited to Illinois and, in some cases, to Chicago. Overall, the school can be a decent option for students. The prospects of finding a great-paying job are low, but this is a problem given the number of loans incurred by graduation day.

Contact Information

John Marshall Law School
Office of JD Admissions
315 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
(800) 537-4280
admissions@jmls.edu
http://www.jmls.edu

Summary

Established	1933
Location	Chicago, IL
Dean	Jace C. Gatewood
2022 US News Ranking	147
LSAT Median Score	153
GPA Median Score	3.55
Bar Passage Rate	70.4% (2022)
Employment Rate	65% (2022)
Cost	Full-Time Students $24,289 per semester Part-Time Students $14,699 per semester
Average Debt	na
Application Deadline	August 4, 2023

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Reference

https://www.johnmarshall.edu/
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