The University of Chicago Law School

The University of Chicago Law School is a highly respected and well-ranked institution known for its excellent student body and outstanding faculty. The school offers several prestigious degrees, including the Juris Doctor (J.D.), which it was the first American law school to offer. University of Chicago Law School graduates enjoy bright career prospects, often landing clerkships with the US Supreme Court or other federal or state-level courts or jobs at elite law firms.

University of Chicago Law School is known for its push to integrate social science into law. This change in how jurisprudence is approached began when Aaron Director advocated for the first systematic study of the relationship between law and economics. Many notable faculty members at the school continue to work in this area today.

The University of Chicago Law School has published the Supreme Court Review since the 1960s. The faculty also oversees the publication of the Journal of Law and Economics. The Supreme Court Review is one of the most cited legal journals internationally, providing commentary on the nation's highest court.

The University of Chicago Law School is home to one of the three founding chapters of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization. The school is also home to the Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic and a large American Constitution Society for Law and Policy chapter, a progressive organization.

History

In 1892, the University of Chicago's president, William Rainey Harper, expressed a desire to establish a law school that would improve democratic government. At the time, Harper observed that democracy had not yet found a way to ensure that the strongest men would be in control of the country's business. Harper took advice from many of his contemporaries, including a University of Cambridge professor who suggested that the new law school should train law students to become "leaders of the bar and ornaments of the bench, inspiring teachers, scientific writers, and wise reformers."

In 1901, the new law school was announced to be established the following year. The faculty of Harvard Law School was requested for assistance, and James Barr Ames was granted a leave of absence to serve as the law school's first dean in Chicago. Ames objected to the proposed curriculum, which included subjects not traditionally taught in a first-year law school curriculum. He insisted that the faculty only consist of law teachers and that the casebook method is used. Harper agreed to these terms and assembled the faculty with Blewett Harrison Lee, Julian Mack, James Parker Hall, Clarke Butler Whittier, and Harry A. Bigelow. Bigelow was a notable scholar who recognized the limitations of the casebook method. Freund's interdisciplinary approach influenced the law school's curriculum.

Admissions

Each year, they seek to create a community among the best, brightest, and most academically oriented law school applicants. They are seeking students who are intellectually curious, lively, collegial, and rigorous in their academic approach. They look for students who will take their legal education seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Because they are preparing students to enter a multi-faceted profession, they look for multi-dimensional students with a wide range of talents, backgrounds, experiences, and accomplishments.

Each year, they receive roughly 5,000 applications for their entering classes of approximately 195 students. The Admissions Committee reviews every completed application we receive.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	167 - 171 - 173	169 - 172 - 175
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.72 - 3.89 - 3.95	3.82 - 3.91 - 3.98
Acceptance rate	17.9%	11.9%
Applications received	4971	6514
Acceptances	888	776
Matriculants	1810	1409

The 1L class at the University of Chicago has a median LSAT of 172. The 25th percentile LSAT is 169 and the 75th percentile LSAT is 175. The median GPA is 3.91. The 25th percentile GPA is 3.82 and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.98.

Acceptance Process and Rate

All applicants must complete all sections of the LSAC Flexible Application. The application is the same for all applicants regardless of whether they are applying for an Early Decision or a Regular Decision. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preference on the application itself.

In the 2022 application cycle, 6,514 people applied to the University of Chicago. Of those offered admissions, 776 accepted and ended up attending the school. This yielded a class size of 190 and an overall acceptance rate of 22.55%.

Application Fee

The University of Chicago Law School requires an application fee of $90, which must be paid by credit card upon application submission. Fee waivers are available for certain eligible applicants, including those who have participated in Teach for America or the Peace Corps within the last five years, as well as active duty military personnel, veterans, and members of the National Guard or Reserves. Undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Chicago may also be eligible for a fee waiver. Fee waiver requests must be made starting September 1, when the application becomes available, until the application deadline of March 1 each year. For more eligibility information and how to request a fee waiver, please visit the LSAC website or email their Admissions Office.

LLM Program Requirements

According to Dean Perry, the earlier one can submit a good application, the better. Like most others, the school uses rolling admissions. She said:

An application for admission must be submitted through LSAC for Chicago. Both the Document Assembly Service (DAS) and the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES) are required.

Transferring

Every year, the Law School at the University of Chicago reviews applications from students enrolled at other law schools who wish to transfer to the University of Chicago for their second and third years. On average, the Law School receives 150-200 transfer applications annually, and a transfer class of 15-25 students is typically admitted. The J.D. program at the University of Chicago is a full-time program; there is no part-time or evening academic program.

Transfer applicants may apply through our Early Decision or Regular Decision program.

Early Decision transfer applicants must make sure that their application and all relevant materials, including a law school transcript with first-year, first-semester grades, and the Law School Information Form, have been received by us by May 15.

Make sure your Regular Decision transfer application is complete, including the Law School Information Form and a law school transcript with all first-year grades (including Pass/No Pass grades) from an ABA-approved law school, by June 15. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Tuition and Expenses

Listed below is the Estimated Law School Cost of Attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Some students may have additional personal expenses not included in the standard budget. Examples of such additional expenses are medical expenses not covered by insurance and additional childcare or daycare expenses. More information regarding the cost of attendance appeals can be found in the Law Financial Aid Handbook.

Tuition	$73,185
Health Insurance*	$4,800
Graduate Student Services Fee	$1,347
Room & Board	$17,280
Books & Supplies	$1,785
Personal Expenses/ Misc.	$3,150
Transportation Expenses	$2,655
Student Loan Fees**	$2,286
TOTAL FOR 2L AND 3L STUDENTS	$106,488
Computer Allowance	$1,500
Transcript Fee	$75
TOTAL FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS	$108,063

*Estimated - All law students are required to have acceptable medical insurance coverage. Students do not have to join the University's plan if they provide evidence of comparable coverage under their own plan.

Financial Aid

UChicago law school provides a lot of financial aid through scholarships and loans to help students pay for their education. The amount of aid you get is based on your grades and how much money you need. Around 80% of students get some form of scholarship, and 60% take out loans.

Students can sign up to receive emails regarding Law Financial Aid updates, events, and outside scholarship opportunities by subscribing to the Law Financial Aid Listserv. As continuing students, you will need to remember to renew your FAFSA each year.

The Law School Financial Aid (LFA) team is located in the Law School on the 3rd Floor in the Student Services Suite. However, all appointments are virtual at this time. To reach us, please contact the Law Financial Aid team at financialaid@law.uchicago.edu.

Curriculum

The University of Chicago Law School is a prestigious institution that offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, as well as advanced legal degrees such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.), the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), and the Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD). The law school employs a unique teaching method, the Socratic Method, which involves calling on students without prior notice and constantly questioning them to test their knowledge and application of the material. The University of Chicago Law School is one of the few law schools in the United States that uses this teaching method. They currently have a high student-faculty ratio with over 200 full-time and part-time faculty members, and 600 students are enrolled in their JD program.

The law school offers graduate program degrees such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.), a one-year program for foreign law graduates, and the Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD), a three-year research program for those interested in pursuing an academic or legal career. The University of Chicago Law School also offers joint degree programs with other graduate programs, such as the J.D./MBA and the JD/Ph.D. The University of Chicago Law School's curriculum is divided into four main areas: civil procedure, contracts, constitutional law, and criminal law. Elective courses are also offered in various legal fields, such as environmental law, commercial law, tax law, and international law.

The University of Chicago Law School offers a variety of clinics and externships for students interested in gaining practical legal experience. The school's clinics include the Civil Rights Clinic, Police Accountability Project Criminal, Juvenile Justice Clinic, Appellate Clinic, and the International Human Rights Clinic. Externships are available with the Cook County Public Defender's Office, the US Attorney's Office, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Joint Degree Programs

Chicago Law offers only three established joint degree programs (business, international relations, and public policy). However, students can work toward joint Ph.D.s in the history and economics department or create their own programs, though the paths seem uncommon. According to Dean Perry, the school graduates around 10 to 15 joint degree students a year. The J.D./MBA program with the Booth School of Business is the most popular.

Clinics

Chicago's clinical offerings are extremely well-received by students, and several have said that they actually made the decision to come to Chicago over other schools because of a specific clinic. "It's sort of the reason why I came to Chicago," said a rising 3L of the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship. That clinic, which helps guide burgeoning small businesses through their legal issues in order to hit the ground running, is one of the most popular, along with the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic, the Appellate Advocacy Clinic, and the Mental Health Project.

There is a lottery for 2Ls and 3Ls to get into clinics ("There's always a waiting list; there's a lot of people who want to do clinics," a student said), but students can apply to work for a clinic over their 1L summer and are then guaranteed a spot on their selected clinic. This is an attractive option for many who have their heart set on a specific clinic because students say that though most people who want to do a clinic can eventually get on, it might not be one of their top choices. The summer program is 10 weeks long and pays about $5,000 in total.

Classes

Chicago Law employs a unique grading system, quarter system, and even section system. "The curriculum is very intense and academic," one student said.

Both faculty and students stress that one need not be a math or economics all-star to excel at and enjoy studying law at Chicago. The curriculum and teaching philosophy applies basic theories of economics to help explain and understand the law and its effects while leaving out most of the tricky technical aspects. Most Chicago Law students rave about the logical nature of the law and economics curriculum.

"You're not only learning the law; you're learning another theory that allows you to anticipate the law," a rising 3L said. Another student added, "Law and economics is this thread that underpins all the classes and kind of weaves its way in and out and can be more prevalent in some classes and less in others, but it's usually always at least there."

Professor Leiter said:

I think students have the misapprehension that they're going to be force-fed more economics than really happens. Most of the economic analysis of the law that gets realized in most classes is pretty simple stuff. It's a simple way of thinking about legal views and policy questions and legal doctrines. Frankly, if you go to any law school in the United States and they're not teaching you a bit of that, that's educational malpractice.

Classes tend to be small, with more than 60% of classes having fewer than 25 students enrolled.

The Quarter System

Chicago employs a quarter system as opposed to semesters. The first quarter starts in late September, the second in early January, and the last in early April. Students are off for the summer come mid-June (2Ls and 3Ls finish at the end of May).

This means that students will usually have three different sets of classes in a year as opposed to two. "In general, I think it's a very good idea," said a rising 2L. "The primary impact it has on 1L year is that it allows for a different amount of time to be allotted to different courses. More complicated classes are longer. Easier courses can be truncated down to nine weeks."

Torts, property, civil procedure, criminal law, and contracts, the standard 1L doctrinal courses, each last two quarters. Chicago's unique required 1L course, Elements of the Law, and an elective both last one quarter. A graded legal writing class is taken in all three quarters.

Students only take two exams after the first quarter, which is "definitely a nice way to ease into the toughness of law school," a student said (and also a way to partially shield a student's GPA in case of a rough first set of exams). The first year is back-loaded, though, and students say taking three or four exams after the third quarter is "extremely stressful." Said another student, "If you want an experience that kind of ramps up rather than being the same the whole year, then that's kind of good."

Attitudes toward the quarter system all seem to be based on personal preference-some students like having less material to study during exam periods, whereas others think the stress of three finals periods instead of two is a little much. "There's no downtime," one student said. "Since there are three exam periods, obviously there's going to be more crunch time for Chicago students."

One student said that while he prefers the quarter system because it allowed him to experience more professors, the main problem is that Chicago students are not in sync with other law students and usually have to start their summer jobs late. According to U. Chicago's website, 2Ls usually start their jobs a few weeks after students from other schools. "Because our classes begin much later in the fall, our students may be able to stay at their summer jobs for an additional 2-4 weeks after other students have returned to school if an employer permits," the website says. Students say it's usually a non-issue, and employers are very understanding and accommodating.

Sections

A Chicago class of about 190 students is divided into six sections of about 32. Students take every 1L course with this core group of classmates, including legal writing, which is just one small section. The rest of the courses are composed of three sections, making it about 95 students in each class. The sections rotate for all the classes, so Chicago 1Ls will at some point take a course with every classmate, while still remaining with their small group.

"It's nice to always have a core group of friends in class with you, but it's also nice that we're not divided cleanly in half so we never meet the rest of our class," one student said.

Class Offerings

Since students have three opportunities each school year to take courses instead of two because of the quarter system, Chicago helps mitigate the disadvantage smaller schools often face in having to offer fewer courses than larger law schools. Most 2L and 3L courses last only a quarter, so students can take a broader range of classes.

"The electives are generally pretty good, but they are limited. But I don't think there was a class I wanted to get into that I didn't get into," a student said. Another added, "It's a smaller school than, say, Harvard or Georgetown, so where there everything you want will be offered every semester, here you have to plan more. You can find everything you want here, but it's just not going to be offered every quarter."

Every student interviewed said there weren't any practice areas or topics of law in which they wish more classes were offered. Indeed, a student also said that the administration takes very seriously the requests of students in regard to the curriculum.

"My friend wanted an animal law class taught, and he petitioned the dean and suggested who to hire, and that's who they hired as an adjunct," a rising 2L said.

The Socratic Method

Most 1L classes at Chicago feature some variation of cold-calling, including the Socratic Method. "The way that professors use the Socratic Method is as a very positive force. It's very constructive," a student said. "If you don't do well, people will still be supportive. If you were having a tough time, people would try to slip you answers."

In 2L and 3L classes, the Socratic Method tends to drop off, but participation is still an important factor in classes.

Grading

The University of Chicago Law School's grading system ranks law students from 155 to 186. Before 2003, the scale was 55 to 86, but the law school has since used a prefix of "1" to avoid confusion with the traditional 100-point grading scale. For classes with more than ten students, professors are required to set the median grade at 177, with approximately the same number of grades above 180 as below 173.

A law student at the University of Chicago may graduate "with honors" if they earn an average final score of 179, "with high honors" if they earn a final score of 180.5, and "with highest honors" if they achieve a final score of 182. While it is possible to achieve the highest honors, it is quite rare, with usually only one student per year managing to reach the necessary 182 average.

Additionally, the Law School gives out two types of awards to students based on their class rank at graduation. There is the "Order of the Coif," which is given to the top 10% of students, and the "Kirkland Scholars," which is given to the top 5% of students. The Kirkland Scholars designation was created in 2006 with a $7 million donation from the law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

The University of Chicago Law School changed its grading scale in 2003 from 55-86 to 1-86. This was done to avoid confusion with traditional grading scales.

Studying

Chicago has a long-held reputation for attracting and fostering students who take their studies quite seriously. "The first two quarters, there were people who would be in the library until midnight every night, and you really don't need to do that," a rising 3L said.

Thanks to the benefits of the quarter system, though, students at Chicago can often hammer down their most effective study habits after taking only two finals after the first quarter. With the obvious qualification that every person studies differently, most students said that on average, people study about a few hours a night, prior to the crunch time of finals, when hours are much longer.

Some tips and methods from top students:

- "I used a version of the highlighting system that's discussed in 'Law School Confidential.' It was a lot faster for me than actually going through and writing up written briefs. I also started using canned briefs and focused on black letter law. In general, I found it helpful to meet in small study groups and compile black letter law-based outlines with other students."

- "I just wrote down what the holding is, what the takeaway is-little one-page briefs for basically every case first quarter. Most people start doing that and then at some point sort of stop."

- "I would read a case and highlight it and get to class 15 minutes early and type up the first case. If I didn't get called on, I would start on the second case during class. When it came time to study for finals, I would take my notes from class and I would literally just put it into my outline and I would go through and read it all and start cutting things down and finding patterns. I'd say I never briefed a case but essentially I was writing a brief of the case in my own method just before class-about a paragraph per case."

- "I would say I briefed just about every case fall quarter and then I never did it again. I think I'd still do it the same way if I had to do it again."

- "As far as finals go, I didn't really use too much in terms of secondary resources. I like to basically do the outline from scratch."

- "Find a study group of like three or four smart people. A lot of people are used to just studying alone, but in law school, it actually really helps to talk with people about stuff."

- "People should talk with professors as much as possible - not just for understanding concepts and everything, but to have that contact. If you're lucky they sort of tend to guide you toward what might show up on the final. Obviously, they're going to focus on what they think is important."

Employment Prospects

The University of Chicago Law School is consistently ranked as one of the top law schools in the United States. In 2018, it was ranked first in the US for overall employment outcomes by the National Law Journal and second in the US for best career prospects by Forbes. The law school has an excellent track record of placing graduates in top law firms and securing high-paying positions. In the Class of 2019, 98.5% of graduates obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation.

In 2022, JD graduates from the University of Chicago make $190,000 (median) upon graduation if they work in the private sector. If they go into the private sector, a grad can expect to make $66,393. 62.8% of law graduates from the University of Chicago go directly to work for law firms, while 31.2% clerk for a judge. 5.0% of graduates go into public interest. 97.8% of University of Chicago graduates pass the bar on their first try.

1L Summer Placement

Students said that securing summer internships after their 1L year is "really easy," with most students finding unpaid public interest or judicial work. Students said that paid firm work is tough to come by, but it does exist for a small percentage of students.

Students usually either stay in the Chicago area or return to their hometowns over the summer. Said a student: "A decent number of people stay in Chicago-especially people with Midwest connections. It's also fairly common for people to leave Chicago and go wherever they intend to practice." There are also a small number of international internships, including those established in India, Australia, and South Africa.

The Office of Career Services is "very hands-on" about helping 1Ls find summer jobs. There are several meetings throughout the quarters and the office sends frequent e-mails with job listings. "They really want to be involved and help us and put a lot of emphasis on helping us with our resume," a student said.

Loan Repayment Assistance

The University of Chicago Law School has a new Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) that helps graduates pay back their loans if they work in the public interest for ten years. This program is available to the Class of 2023 and later, but earlier classes can petition to switch to this program if they want. LRAP program provides financial assistance to help graduates reduce their law school debt obligations if they pursue lower-paying public service careers. This program is important because it helps support those who choose to work in public service careers, which often have lower salaries. By reducing the amount of debt these graduates have, they hope to encourage more people to pursue these types of careers. Read LRAPs Make Career in Public Interest Law Possible.

Summer Funding

Though criticized in the past for not providing enough support for public interest-minded students, Chicago has beefed up its summer funding for students who take on nonprofit, government, or public interest work. Check out Public Interest Law Jobs and Loan Forgiveness Programs to avoid struggling to make your monthly student loan payments.

Students who undertake qualifying (low-paying, with a not-for-profit or government unit) public interest work their first summer are eligible for a $5,000 award. Second-year students are also eligible for a $5,000 award. Both awards are guaranteed.

Clerkships

Chicago sends many of its students to clerk for federal judges (14.4% of the class of 2012, according to Law School Transparency). Not only does the school foster close relationships between students and faculty-key for procuring strong letters of recommendation-but it is also known for its consistently high rates of prominent placements.

The clerkships at the University of Chicago Law School reflect the diversity of both our faculty and student body. Every year, they have graduates and alumni who become clerks in different parts of the country, in various federal judiciary branches, and in many state courts. They aspire to help every student or alum who applies for a clerkship to get one, and we work hard to make that happen.

Quality of Life

At the University of Chicago Law School, students and faculty enjoy a supportive and fun community while being serious about ideas. Events like Wine Mess and Coffee Mess provide opportunities for students to relax and socialize, while the annual Law School Musical is a chance for everyone to have fun. No matter what's going on, the University of Chicago Law School is always where serious thinkers can thrive.

UChicago Law students can join over sixty student organizations, covering a wide range of interests from community service to music and wine tasting, debating societies to politically active national organizations. There is also an annual musical and a weekly cocktail party. These provide excellent opportunities for students to get involved with their peers and the greater Law School community.

Students can get involved in various activities that reflect the diverse range of backgrounds and interests they bring with them. This makes for a dynamic and exciting community and provides an excellent foundation for future success. Hyde Park is a great neighborhood in Chicago that is close to the city center. The University of Chicago is located in Hyde Park and benefits from the diversity of the city. The school is affordable and has a lot to offer students.

The Law Building

The law school's building is modern, with recent renovations throughout and a clean feel to it inside. There are very large common areas for students to gather and socialize (and even play a game of foosball, which students say is pretty popular) and most say they really like the library.

There's a small cafe right in the law school building, and students often head to the nearby business school, which has "better dining options."

Social Life

Reviews of Chicago Law's social life are mixed. Said a rising 2L: "There are a lot of people out, especially fall quarter, getting to know each other. It may be less socially active than other law schools, but if you make an effort to go out, you usually can get people to go out somewhere."

Another postulated that 1Ls are more likely to hang out around apartments rather than go to bars since the immediate area doesn't offer much nightlife. "The problem with Hyde Park is there's only a couple places to go out, so you need to go further north, and sometimes that's hard to do," a student said. Another added, "If you're going out, it's not in Hyde Park."

One student said that social life actually expands quite a bit after the first year since most students live farther north and "everyone goes to the same places," noting that the Fullerton, Diversey, and Clark areas tend to be the most popular. He also said that "The first year, you're spending more time studying."

Graduate school mixers are hosted periodically throughout the year, and law school events and bar nights are well-attended.

One student said he went out almost every Friday and Saturday, and then one other night of the week to do something more low-key. "Up until maybe two weeks before exams, there's enough time to socialize most nights, if you're interested in doing that," he said. "I would say people do generally go out."

Housing

Convenient and safe housing options are located relatively close to the law school, along with more vibrant areas further up north. Generally speaking, 1Ls stick around the Hyde Park area, and then head north (the Lincoln Park and Lake View areas are particularly popular) for their second and third years.

"Everyone moves to the north side," a 3L said, who advised that students do live in Hyde Park for their first year, for the "community feel."

Regents Park

A large number of 1Ls live in the Regents Park apartment complex, located about a 15-minute free shuttle ride away from the law school. It's about ten blocks north of the law school. Though it is dominated by 1Ls, a fair number of upperclassmen live there, too.

Students appreciate being surrounded by their classmates, as it is often the focal point of social activities or just meeting up, but it's also not like a dorm situation where it's impossible to "get away." Although there are other apartment complexes closer to campus and cheaper, students said that they like the amenities of Regents (24-hour doorman, convenience store, restaurants, fitness center) and the social aspect of it.

"If there's one piece of advice to give to incoming students, it's to consider the value of living at Regents-not for the amenities, but because a lot of people live there and it's really the social hub," a rising 2L said.

Others agreed that it is wise to stay in Hyde Park for the first year because of its convenience and closeness to school and classmates. Another common 1L housing option is to live in the University of Chicago graduate housing, which can be closer than Regents but could be in a sketchier area with facilities that are not as nice.

Hyde Park

Bordered by Lake Michigan, Hyde Park is famous for housing the University of Chicago's campus and not much else. Dean Perry said the main reason why the law school building is located in Hyde Park-as opposed to downtown Chicago-is to remain closely tied to the rest of the campus and facilitate interdisciplinary learning among the graduate departments.

The area immediately surrounding the school includes coffee shops and cafes, perfect for snacks or studying between classes. Though there are scattered bars near the law building, several students said that the only one usually frequented is the University of Chicago Pub, an on-campus bar located in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall. A student said it is usually "teeming with undergrads," but that the beer is good and cheap. Other students have noted that the pub is not usually "teeming" with anyone and that the statement should be qualified by noting that University of Chicago undergrads are somewhat different than a stereotypical undergrad, so the pub is decided not full of drunken students raising hell.

The University operates two gyms nearby, both free to students. For those commuting from other parts of Chicago, parking can be a bear, and it's recommended that students purchase a pass (which usually runs between $80-$150 a month, depending on location).

Extra-Curricular

Students at the University of Chicago have many opportunities to get engaged in whatever sort of projects and practices of the law might strike their interest. The school has about 50 student organizations, including those associated with identity, those associated with legal fields, and those associated with service or social goals.

"I'd say students are pretty involved here," a rising 3L said. "I got very involved in my clinic, which was sort of my thing,' and most other students have their thing,' too. I'd say to incoming 1Ls to try lots of stuff at first but then sort of hone it down to just a couple activities tops by the time you're a 2L."

Moot Court Competitions

Moot court competitions are a key part of the University of Chicago Law School experience. These competitions allow students to hone their advocacy skills, writing, and appellate brief writing in a realistic setting. The University of Chicago Law School has a long and proud tradition of excellence in moot court, with many of our alums becoming leading practitioners and judges. Our students have the opportunity to compete in a variety of different moot court competitions, both domestic and international. The University of Chicago Law School is also home to the Kirkland & Ellis International Moot Court Competition, one of the world's most prestigious international moot court competitions.

The University of Chicago Law School is also home to the Hinton Moot Court Board, a student-run organization that administers and coordinates the University of Chicago's moot court program. They conducted the appellate advocacy program for upper-class students, and first-year students were allowed to participate in a moot court as part of their Bigelow Legal Research and Writing Program. The Hinton Moot Court Board was founded in honor of Judge Edward W. Hinton, a faculty member of the University of Chicago Law School from 1892 to 1928.

The University of Chicago Law School has a long and proud tradition of excellence in moot court, with many of our alums becoming leading practitioners and judges. Our students have the opportunity to compete in a Hinton Moot Court competition and other various moot court competitions, both domestic and international. The University of Chicago Law School is also home to the Kirkland & Ellis International Moot Court Competition, one of the world's most prestigious international moot court competitions.

Publications

The University of Chicago Law School has seven student-run journals covering various topics. The University of Chicago Law Review is one of the world's most highly cited legal journals. Other journals include the Chicago Journal of International Law, the University of Chicago Legal Forum, and the University of Chicago Business Law Review.

The University of Chicago Law Review is a student-run journal and one of the school's flagship publications. The selection process for membership in the Law Review involves a writing competition at the end of the first year. Based on GPA ("grade on"), 19 students are selected for membership. Another ten students are chosen for the quality of their writing competition submission ("write on"). The other two student-run journals select members solely based on writing competition submissions. All three student-run journals allow second and third-year students to "write on" by submitting a piece of legal scholarship. This process allows for publication if the work is considered worthy.

Contact Information

The University of Chicago Law School
Admissions Office
1111 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-834-9484
Email: admissions@law.uchicago.edu

Summary

Established	1902
Location	Chicago, IL
Dean	Thomas J. Miles
2021 US News Ranking	5th
LSAT Median Score	172
GPA Median Score	3.91
Bar Passage Rate	98% (2022)
Employment Rate	95% (2022)
Cost	$71,142
Average Debt	$184,119
Application Deadline	March 1, 2023

Forum and Discussion

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References

University of Chicago Law School
LSD Law
Ranked #3
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

Interview: Professor Brian Leiter at the University of Chicago Law School
Interview: Ann Perry, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School
Forum: UChi Current Students Taking Questions
News: Above the Law