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Tulane University Law School
At Tulane Law School, they believe that their students should have a strong understanding of how the law affects their global community. In addition, they provide hands-on training to help their students serve their local community. This combination of skills prepares their students for leadership in a changing profession.
Contents
History
Tulane University Law School has been around for a long time - it was founded in 1847 and is the 12th oldest law school in the nation. This storied history and the school's fabulous New Orleans location make it a fascinating place to spend three years as a law student. Its clinical offerings and internship opportunities are extensive, and Tulane has strong programs in sports law, environmental law, and maritime law (as well as several other fields). In their scarce free time, law students can also participate in the famous party scene on Bourbon Street and contribute to efforts aimed at rebuilding the city after Hurricane Katrina. Overall, with the academic and social offerings at Tulane, students should never be bored.
Admissions
The Tulane admission process looks for students who have the potential to succeed as law students and as lawyers. The admission committee also looks for students who will contribute to their educational and legal communities.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 155 159 161 | 157 161 164 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.25 3.54 3.7 | 3.4 3.6 3.74 |
| Acceptance rate | 53.3% | 40.0% |
| Applications received | 1511 | 2182 |
| Acceptances | 806 | 874 |
| Matriculants | 303 | 240 |
The admission process at Tulane Law School is based on a full review of each application. This means that Tulane gives significant weight to each candidate's statement, letters of recommendation, and previous accomplishments, in addition to looking closely at the standard predictors of success in law schools, such as an LSAT score and undergraduate academic record.
The application fee is $60 unless one obtains a fee waiver by contacting Tulane or receiving a need-based waiver from LSAC. Tulane says the following about fee waivers:
The fee can be waived if you arrange for the financial aid officer at your school to send us a letter recommending a waiver. If you are not currently in school, send us your most recent tax return and/or an income statement if you are requesting a fee waiver.
Beyond the Numbers
Of course, the numbers aren't the only part of your application for Tulane. Dean Krinsky emphasizes that other factors can make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection:
Year after year, we encounter applications where the GPA and LSAT are not particularly noteworthy within our pool, but where some other aspect of the application is persuasive enough to result in an offer of admission. That aspect could be work experience, volunteer/service activities, some kind of personal experience, or even an academic experience of some kind, and the common thread is almost always the way the candidate discusses that factor in his or her personal statement. It is critical that the candidate convey the relevance and significance of whatever the factor may be.
So, even if you feel like your numbers aren't terribly competitive, apply anyway! Factors like a strong personal statement, interesting extracurriculars, and compelling letters of recommendation can go a long way. In addition, crafting an effective resume is an important part of the application process. Your resume is a good way of sharing those factors that make you different in a concise and accessible way. To read some advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.
Personal Statement
Dean Krinsky had a lot to say about personal statements in her exclusive interview with Top-Law-Schools.com. Above all, she recommends that applicants tailor their personal statements to individual schools:
Make it clear to the reader that you know to which school you're applying; and make it clear that you know what makes you a good match for that school. All admission officers want to admit students who want to attend their school, so put yourself in that category. Avoid gimmicks, and be yourself. It's called a "personal" statement for a reason-I want to hear about you, not about world peace, not about my own school. By the time I finish reading the statement, I should have some sense of who you are and why I would want you to enroll at Tulane.
In other words, your essay should emphasize how you will contribute to the community at Tulane, but in a subtle way. It is important to note that Tulane requires two different statements - one more general "personal statement" (with a suggested length of 500 words) and one statement explaining why you want to attend Tulane. If you are interested in a specific area of law, the latter essay is a great place to tell the admissions committee why you would be a good fit for a particular program at Tulane.
Dean Krinsky also talks about what she dislikes when it comes to personal statements:
I'm not wild about personal statements that start out with a quotation. I'm frustrated by personal statements that start out telling a story ("As I stood in the emergency room with my best friend….."), then shift to the relevance of the story to the candidate's motivation, and never close the loop or tell the end of the story. Certainly, personal statements that are poorly written are just sloppy or that have grammatical or spelling errors do not help the candidate. Nor do personal statements that convey arrogance or other unpleasant personal traits.
Dean Krinsky admits that, at most, 1% of the personal statements that she reads are truly "exceptional." However, even a solid personal statement can go a long way in letting the admissions committee know that you're serious about Tulane. Make sure that you take plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your statement! Finally, Ken DeLeon, the creator of Top-Law-Schools.com, wrote a fantastic guide to personal statements which can be found here for free.
When to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications between September 15 and March 1. Admission decisions are typically made in the months of December through April, but Tulane Law continues to receive and process applications until the class is filled. If you are accepted before March 15, you are not required to make a commitment until April 15. If you are accepted after March 15, you will have two weeks to make a decision. A commitment deposit of $500 is due on June 1 (or the first Monday thereafter, if June 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday).
Letters of Recommendation
They recommend that you submit up to three letters of recommendation or evaluations from individuals who know you and your capabilities well. They encourage and prefer the use of the Law School Admission Council's Letter of Recommendation Service, which is included in the subscription to CAS. To get some additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Waitlisted
Being relegated to the waitlist at Tulane Law does not mean that you are condemned to rejection. Dean Krinsky reports that in previous years, as much as 15% of the entering class has come from the waitlist. However, this number varies wildly - for instance, in 2009, no one was accepted from the waitlist. If you are waitlisted, the best course of action is to let Tulane know that you are interested in attending (but "only if it is true"). Dean Krinsky remarks that an e-mail or a brief telephone call can be helpful, as it allows the school to know who is truly interested in Tulane. That being said, make sure you don't become a "pest" - leaving dozens of e-mails and sending the admissions committee flowers won't work in your favor!
Urms (or Underrepresented Minorities)
Because of their disadvantaged histories in the United States, certain minorities enjoy a significant boost in the application process. To read more about this boost and to see whether you classify as a URM, click here. In addition, there are many pre-law programs specifically created to help URM applicants get accepted to top schools. To read more about some of these programs, click here.
Tuition and Expenses
The cost of attendance is subject to change and may increase by 2 to 6 percent each year. Tuition and fees may also increase, so it's important to check the figures regularly. The cost of attendance generally becomes available in March or April for the upcoming academic year.
Cost of Attendance
| 2022-2023 Cost of Attendance | |
| Tuition | $60,390 |
| Academic Support Services Fee | $3,100 |
| Reily Recreation Center Fee | $420 |
| Student Activity Fee | $240 |
| Student Health Fee | $718 |
| Subtotal for Tuition and Fees | $64,868 |
| Estimated Living Expenses | |
| Room | $10,274 |
| Board | $5,972 |
| Transportation | $2,532 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,872 |
| Health/Medical | $3,572 |
| Subtotal Living Expenses | $24,222 |
| Books | $1,500 |
| Subtotal Books and Living Expenses | $25,722 |
| TOTAL | $90,590 |
The estimated living expenses for the 2022-23 school year are $2,691 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, miscellaneous expenses, health expenses, and transportation costs. Additionally, book expenses are estimated to be $1,500 per year.
Financial Aid
You do not need to wait to hear from the admission office before completing the required financial aid paperwork. Completing the required financial aid paperwork as soon as possible after applying for admission will have no effect on your chances of admission. The University and federal government (where appropriate) use guidelines to determine a student's estimated need, using the information provided by each applicant through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The majority of financial aid comes in the form of loans.
Tulane Law Scholarships
At Tulane, scholarships, tuition waivers, and grants are awarded to JD and LLM candidates based on their admission files. These awards are generally described as "merit-based," although most recipients also demonstrate financial need.
Transfer Students
Transfer candidates may be admitted to JD programs at other law schools depending on the number of spaces available in the class and the candidates' records. This policy is subject to change every year.
Tulane Law Loans
Law School Loans are small, short-term loans available to qualified students in emergencies. The loans are based on the need and availability of funds and are typically for $2,000 or less. A description of the terms is available from the Law School Financial Aid Office. Emergency loans are designed to provide for emergencies during the academic year. Repayment is required by the end of the semester the loan was made, and only one emergency loan can be made per student in each academic year.
- Federal Financial Aid: If you're applying for financial aid, you'll automatically be considered for any federal programs you may be eligible for. Federal student aid is not available to international students, though. You'll need to add the school's Title IV code on the online form to include Tulane Law School as one of the schools to receive your FAF results. If you've already filled out a FAFSA, you can correct it online or contact the Department of Education. Remember that any offer of federal funds is contingent upon meeting other federal requirements.
- Federal Loan Programs: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan that may be borrowed up to the cost of attendance (tuition and fees, plus allowable living expenses), less other financial aid. The interest rate is 6.28% for loans disbursed between 7/1/21 and 6/30/22. Each year, the interest rate on new Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans will be based on the prevailing index rate, with a cap of 10.50%. Graduate PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after 10/1/2021 but before 10/1/2022 will be assessed a 4.228% origination fee.
- Federal Work-Study: Work-study is a program that provides students with money to help pay for school. To be eligible, you must be an upper-level student and have a complete financial aid file. Jobs are available on and off campus, depending on the availability of funds.
- Private Loan Programs: Private lenders offer credit-based loans to students who do not qualify for federal loans or who choose not to pursue them. These loans may be helpful for students who are enrolled less than half-time or are not American citizens or permanent residents. For more information about private loans, see https://financialaid.tulane.edu/types-of-aid/loans/private-alternative.
Law School Culture
As expected, the social life at Tulane is electrifying. Considered by many to be the party capital of the U.S., New Orleans provides Tulane Law students endless nightlife options, including its famous restaurant scene and a wide variety of bars and nightclubs on storied Bourbon Street. Students also have a chance to participate in the annual Mardi Gras festivities, as well as a chance to browse the bars of the city by way of school-sponsored bar reviews. The city is also extremely famous for its music scene: some of the best jazz shows in the world can be seen there. If you're interested in museums, the New Orleans Museum of Art is fantastic, and if you're more of a sports nut, the city is home to the New Orleans Saints, winners of Super Bowl XLIV.
Some students might be afraid of the "party reputation" that Tulane (and New Orleans) has. However, one student reassures prospective applicants that students are serious about law school:
It's not like students at Tulane are just a bunch of party animals that don't take the study of law or their careers seriously. That said, people drawn to New Orleans, in general, tend to enjoy partying or learn to enjoy it because of the culture of great food, live music, and festivals throughout the year. Lots of Tulane Law students enjoy these things, but in no way will you be ostracized if you don't.
Although some parts of New Orleans are in disrepair after Hurricane Katrina, the Tulane campus is in one of the safer sections of the city. This area contains many affordable housing options for law students, most of who choose to live off-campus, although graduate dorms are available. The Tulane Law website suggests:
The Tulane campus is situated in a delightful residential neighborhood full of large old homes and numerous shops and restaurants. There are many apartments available in the immediate area, as well as in other neighborhoods such as the Garden District. The best strategy for first-year students is to visit New Orleans in the summer to become familiar with the city and put down a deposit on an apartment.
All of these factors, combined with the lack of cutthroat competition among the student body, make for a promising quality of life for Tulane Law students. The school also has plenty of different extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. For instance, one can join the Lambda Law Alliance, Sports Law Society, Christian Legal Society, etc. The Moot Court on campus has a longstanding tradition of excellence at Tulane. Students are given the "opportunity to learn by doing direct and cross-examinations, opening and closing arguments, persuasive appellate presentations, negotiations, and arbitrations." Those who manage to emerge victorious in the Senior competitions (for third-year students) have their names "engraved in gold on the marble tablets in the appellate moot courtroom in Weinmann Hall," while those who win the Junior competitions (for second-year students) are invited to join the Moot Court Board that supervises intra- and inter-school competitions.
Making Friends
Most students are slightly nervous when they go off to law school about meeting people and making new friends. Luckily, Tulane seems to be a school where this is no problem at all. One student even claims that this is the most compelling trait of the Tulane student body:
But the best thing about the Tulane student body that I've noticed is how collegial everyone is. As a 0L, you hear stories about how competitive law school can be and how some schools have a cutthroat culture where no one is willing to help each other out. My experience has been the exact opposite here. Though law school is stressful and people certainly care about grades and performance here, students openly talk about study methods, share notes and generally go out of their way to help each other.
The city of New Orleans is also a "great place to meet people," with plenty of different venues (museums, bars, restaurants) depending on your taste. Dean Krinsky confirms that the atmosphere is "relaxed," and highlights this as one of the biggest draws of the school. Overall, students seem satisfied with their classmates, and the rumored "cutthroat" atmosphere of law school is virtually nonexistent at Tulane.
Facilities
The facilities at Tulane are top-notch. The law building has an "outstanding library and excellent computer facilities," and students have access to a computer lab with 40 different workstations. Tulane's website continues:
The building was designed to enhance natural light and to encompass the features most enjoyed by previous faculty and students: faculty suites spread throughout the building, rather than segregated on one floor, facilitating collegiality among faculty and students; and outdoor courtyards for informal studying and conversation.
Those looking to exercise can utilize Tulane's excellent gym, which has five basketball/volleyball courts, a 7,000 sq. foot weight room, and many other amenities.
Journals
Students who are interested in participating in a journal while in law school are in luck if they attend Tulane. There are eight different law journals, six of which are solely student-run. These six include the Tulane Law Review, Tulane Maritime Law Journal, Tulane Environmental Law Journal, Tulane Journal of International & Comparative Law, Tulane Journal of Technology & Intellectual Property, and Law & Sexuality. The school's Tulane European & Civil Law Forum "has faculty involvement in the selection of manuscripts, but students assist with editing," and the Sports Lawyers Journalis "published by the National Sports Lawyers Association and edited by Tulane students."
The Tulane Law Review is the school's flagship journal. It was founded in 1916, is published six times annually, and is on its 84th volume. Based on citations, the Law Review places in the top 15% of general law reviews. The Board of Student Editors is "composed of approximately 60 upper-class students chosen for their outstanding scholastic records or demonstrated ability in legal research and writing." Recent articles in the Law Review have discussed antimicrobial resistance, doctors as bankers, and the clear statement rule for spending clause legislation. The journal has a "special commitment" to civil law, comparative law, and admiralty law. Finally, each year, the Law Review posts "articles from two different symposia." Recent topics have included "Federal Preemption of State Tort Law: A Snapshot of the Ongoing Debate" and "The Principles of the Law of Software Contracts."
The Maritime Law Journal is the most cited maritime journal in the country. Founded in 1973, the journal publishes two issues annually "consisting of practical and scholarly works written by academics, practitioners, and students." Subscribers span 38 countries on six continents and include private law firms, marine insurance companies, shipping lines, federal agencies, federal judges, and the United States Supreme Court. Forty to 45 students are selected to work on the journal "d on the basis of a summer writing competition and academic performance." Currently, on its 34th volume, the journal is perfect for those students who are interested in admiralty and maritime law.
Although the Tulane Environmental Law Journal was founded more recently (in 1986) than some of the other journals at Tulane, it is an important part of the academic life at the university. Published biannually, the Journal "has been rated as one of the top 15 environmental law journals" and in recent issues has examined Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker, Southeastern Federal Power Customers, Inc. v. Geren, and the regulation of street trees. Members of the journal are chosen through write-on competitions every summer and fall. The school's website continues, "All Tulane Law School students are invited to compete for membership after their first year. International graduate students are also welcome to participate in the competition."
The Tulane Journal of International & Comparative Law is made up of "over 40 members" and "focuses predominantly on current topics in international law." The journal is in the top quarter of all journals in the nation in terms of citations, and subscribers span over fifty different nations and six continents. Recent issues have addressed slavery in India, obesity, and disability in the airline industry, and sovereign wealth funds. Students become members of the journal by participating in the summer or fall write-on competitions at the school. Most students apply during the summer competition, where approximately 50 to 100 students apply for 20 to 25 spots. For the fall competition, the journal typically accepts another five to ten students, "depending on the number of students accepted during the Summer Write-On Competition."
The newest journal at Tulane is the Tulane Journal of Technology & Intellectual Property, but that doesn't mean it's unimportant to the intellectual vitality of the school. Published annually in the fall, the journal is an "integral part of the intellectual property program at Tulane Law School." Recent issues have examined cyber attacks, copyright law, hybrid devices, and patent law. Students are accepted to be members of the journal via the school's two annual write-on competitions (in the summer and in the fall).
Finally, the last student-run journal at Tulane is the Law & Sexuality journal. As the "first and only student-edited law review in the United States to be devoted to issues of concern to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community" and as the "official legal journal of the National LGBT Bar Association," the journal is an important part of sexuality studies nationwide. Like the other journals, members apply via the annual write-on competitions at the school. Recent topics addressed include equal access to healthcare, the defense of ENDA (the Employment Non-Discrimination Act), and the prohibition of anti-sodomy laws. The journal also hosts symposia; the most recent of which, entitled "Durable Relationships under the Law," addressed a "variety of topics… that pertain to LGBT concerns."
Although the Tulane European & Civil Law Forum is not purely student-run, it is an important factor in students' understanding of European and civil law. The editing board is primarily composed of professors from ten European countries as well as the United States. In addition, one student editor-in-chief and five or six student editors are chosen to aid in the editing of material. Students tend to be chosen "based on demonstration of interest in the area," and contribute to one of the "most highly cited peer-reviewed journals in the world," according to the 2008 results of Washington and Lee University School of Law's annual rankings. The journal ranks first out of three European Law peer-edited journals in the United States and second out of 18 European Law peer-edited journals in the world. Recent issues have examined the books that shaped Louisiana law, the recodification of civil law in Puerto Rico, and foreign influences in Israeli banking law.
The final journal that students at Tulane are involved with is the Sports Lawyers Journal. This journal is published annually by the Sports Lawyers Association (or SLA), but articles are edited by Tulane students. As the most widely read legal sports journal in the United States, the Journal reaches over 1000 subscribers. The editorial board for this journal is made up of up to ten Tulane students, with a "slightly larger junior staff." Students become members of the journal through the write-on competition mentioned previously. Although the school does not host a symposium in association with the journal, students are welcome to attend the Sports Lawyers Association Annual Conference, where "agents, attorneys, stadium and arena personnel, team and league officials, students and professors, and company representatives" all converge and talk about "important and timely issues facing the sports world." Recent issues have discussed arena liability for fan injuries, protective federal regulations for professional boxers, and issues in Puerto Rican sports.
Academics
Tulane school is always looking for new and innovative ways to help its students learn and grow. They believe providing a well-rounded education in a supportive environment is the key to success, and they always work to improve their programs and facilities.
During their 1L year, students at Tulane Law School enroll in the usually required set of core courses, including Torts, Contracts, Property, and Legal Writing. After this first and most rigorous year, students are mostly free to choose from among the school's 143 elective courses to round out their JD degrees, the majority of which contain less than 25 seats. Tulane Law School students can also choose to pursue certification through concentration programs in European Legal Studies, Maritime Law, Sports Law, Civil Law, or Environmental Law.
Clinical and joint-degree opportunities are also abundant, as are study abroad programs that allow students to take their legal education beyond American borders to such countries as Italy, France, and Greece. Also, because Louisiana is a civil-law state, whereas other states operate by common law, Tulane Law offers numerous civil-law courses for students hoping to work in Louisiana after graduation. That said, Tulane Law students are not required at any point to enroll in any civil law courses, and their legal education will not necessarily differ in that sense from students at other law schools.
Dean Krinsky is proud of Tulane's diverse course offerings and remarks that "Tulane's strengths include depth and breadth of curriculum, a superb faculty who genuinely enjoy teaching and who also pursue their scholarship with seriousness…" The school is particularly renowned for its maritime program; the school's website states that, "Tulane Law School is widely acknowledged to have the strongest maritime law program in the world." Tulane also hosts many "distinguished scholars of maritime law" through its Maritime Law Center, the heart of its maritime program. To find out more about the maritime law program at Tulane, click here.
The school offers seven standard joint degrees, as well as the option to petition for a custom joint degree program. Some standard choices include the JD / MBA, JD / MAACT (Master of Accounting), and JD / MHA (Master of Health Administration). To read more about joint degrees and why one might pursue one, click here and here.
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF)
The Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF), an integral component of the Tulane Law School mission, promotes interest and opportunities in public interest law by helping fund summer stipends for students to work for organizations representing traditionally underrepresented individuals and interests.
Clinical Education
The Tulane law clinics offer students unique opportunities to work with experienced faculty and provide direct legal representation to clients before state and federal courts, legislative bodies, and administrative agencies. Tulane's clinics are the centerpiece of the school's experiential learning program, which allows students unparalleled hands-on experience. Clinic students are the only ones at Tulane who are sworn in to practice law under Louisiana's student-practice rule.
Externships
The Tulane externship program offers students a chance to gain practical legal experience by working in various legal settings, such as state and federal courts, government agencies, public interest legal organizations, and corporate counsel departments. Under the guidance of experienced attorneys, students can focus on developing specific skills or knowledge in law. They may draft legal opinions, interview clients, conduct legal research, or observe court proceedings.
Pro Bono Service
The pro bono culture at Tulane Law School encourages students to use their skills and interests to help those who are most in need. This training provides opportunities for students to cultivate leadership, skills, and community engagement under the supervision of alums, practitioners, and potential employers. The pro bono requirement is designed to instill in each student a desire to volunteer and improve access to justice for underserved community members.
Employment Prospects
According to the data, JD graduates from Tulane University make a median salary of $110,000 if they work in the private sector. If they work for a law firm, they can expect to make around $53,000. 56.4% of law graduates from Tulane University go on to work for law firms, while 4.8% clerk for a judge. 10.6% of graduates choose to pursue public interest careers. Finally, 86.4% of Tulane University graduates pass the bar on their first try.
Synopsis
When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana a few years ago, many people were unsure about Tulane's future. The school has weathered this catastrophic disaster admirably, remaining a good program with some national reach. Students interested in living in New Orleans for three years should give the school serious consideration, as should students interested in entering fields like maritime law, environmental law, and sports law. The school's dedication to the public interest is shown through its pro bono requirement and clinics, and its rich history as the 12th oldest law school in the country gives it a well-deserved national reputation.
Contact Information
TULANE UNIVERSITY
LAW SCHOOL
Admissions Office
John Giffen Weinmann Hall
6329 Freret Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: 504-865-5939
Email: admissions@law.tulane.edu
carbour@tulane.edu
https://law.tulane.edu/admissions
Summary
| Established | 1847 |
| Location | New Orleans, LA |
| Dean | David D. Meyer |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 55th |
| LSAT Median Score | 161 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.6 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 86% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 60% (2022) |
| Cost | $64,868 |
| Average Debt | $137,258 |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
Tulane University Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.tulane.edu/
Rank #55
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
Interview: with Susan L. Krinsky, Former Associate Dean of Admissions at Tulane University Law School
Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4
