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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.
Contents
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
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is a private, ABA-accredited institution offering full-time and part-time J.D. programs, including a Criminal Justice Certificate track. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the school reported an acceptance rate of about 45 percent, with median admitted-student stats around a 150 LSAT and a GPA just above 3.1. The school is known for its student-centered atmosphere that blends rigorous academics with flexibility, making it a strong option for both traditional and nontraditional applicants.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 149-150-153 | 149-150-153 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.78-3.19-3.51 | 2.72-3.09-3.46 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.8% | 45.5% |
| Applications received | 1041 | 998 |
| Acceptances | 488 | 454 |
| Matriculants | 119 | 133 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School reported LSAT scores ranging from 149 at the 25th percentile, 150 at the median, and 153 at the 75th percentile. Incoming students held GPAs between 2.72 at the 25th percentile, 3.09 at the median, and 3.46 at the 75th percentile. The school received 998 applications, admitted 454 candidates, and enrolled 133 students. This resulted in an overall acceptance rate of about 45.5 percent for the entering class.
Application Deadline
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 entering class. Prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, especially if they plan to take the LSAT later in the cycle. Submitting an application before LSAT scores are released allows the admissions team to begin reviewing materials promptly and speeds up the decision process once scores arrive.
For the Fall 2025 cycle, the application window opens on September 1, 2024, and remains open until July 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the final deadline to improve their chances of admission and to ensure that their LSAT results can be included in the evaluation. If a student plans to take a later LSAT administration, they can still apply early and indicate that their score is pending. The admissions team will begin assessing their file as soon as the score is available, helping keep the review timeline moving efficiently.
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
The cost of attendance for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2025 includes both direct expenses, such as tuition and fees, and indirect expenses, such as housing, transportation, books, and personal costs. These estimates help students understand the full financial commitment of pursuing a Juris Doctor program for one academic year. Since AJMLS is a private institution, tuition does not vary based on residency, and students are encouraged to plan ahead using the school’s full yearly estimates.
While actual spending varies from student to student, AJMLS provides an estimated cost of attendance so applicants can budget realistically and prepare for financial aid planning. Students attending full-time typically see higher tuition totals, while part-time students experience a reduced annual tuition but similar living expenses. Tuition is generally the largest expense, but indirect costs make up a significant portion of a student’s overall budget and should be considered carefully.
| Category | Full-Time (Estimated) | Part-Time (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $42,000 | $30,000 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Housing & Utilities | $13,500 | $13,500 |
| Food | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Transportation | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | $70,200 | $58,200 |
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
For the 2025 graduating class at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, employment prospects continue to reflect the school’s focus on preparing students for practical, skills-based legal careers. Most graduates secure positions in small law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, or compliance-related roles. Because AJMLS is located in Atlanta, many students benefit from access to a large metropolitan legal market with opportunities in criminal law, family law, corporate compliance, litigation support, and administrative law. The school’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, including clinics and externships, helps many students establish relationships with employers before graduation, leading to steady employment outcomes in the months following the bar exam.
Bar passage remains a critical measure of readiness for practice, and the school continues actively working to improve performance through structured bar-prep programs, academic support, and faculty mentoring. While AJMLS historically reports bar passage rates below the national average, recent years have shown incremental improvement as the school invests in curriculum changes and bar-preparation initiatives. For 2025, the projected bar passage rate is expected to remain in the mid-60 percent range for first-time takers, with higher performance among graduates who participated consistently in the school’s structured bar-prep support. These efforts demonstrate AJMLS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening graduate outcomes and supporting students’ transition into professional practice.
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 | Martin L. Ellin |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 178th-195th |
| LSAT Median Score | 150 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.09 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 64.9% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | "$53,236 full-time,
$32,494 part-time" |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
The John Marshall Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.johnmarshall.edu/
LSD Law
Ranked # 178-195
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