UNM School of Law

The University of New Mexico School of Law is a top-notch institution that provides excellent legal education. Ranked among the top law schools in the nation by the preLaw magazine and Princeton Review, UNM School of Law stands out for its exceptional environmental law program, which consistently has earned a spot at number one on preLaw's national rankings.

UNM School of Law is highly regarded as a leader in providing resources to Native American students - it has been ranked number two in the nation for Native Americans by the preLaw magazine. It is also listed third by Princeton Review for its great resources for older law students and seventh for its commitment to diversity among minority students. In addition, preLaw magazine recently ranked UNM School of Law as having full diversity among law schools nationwide.

These rankings demonstrate that the UNM School of Law is a leader in providing legal education to all types of students. With its small school atmosphere and big-time recognition, UNM School of Law is an ideal choice for those interested in making a difference in the legal world.

History

In 1947, the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Law opened its doors on the second floor of Zimmerman Field's grandstand amidst great anticipation and excitement. Initially, four professors shared one classroom and two offices with their first class of 53 students, all of whom were World War II veterans. Despite the humble beginnings and lack of resources, UNM President Philip Wernette and Alfred Gausewitz, the school's first dean, pledged to maintain high standards and quality as the student population grew.

By 1951, UNM's Board of Regents had approved spending $295,115 for a two-story building across from University House (the president's residence). The building featured a seminar room, student lounge, offices, and three classrooms (one doubled as a moot courtroom). The library was the most significant space in the building and held 30,000 volumes.

In 1952 UNM School of Law moved into its new quarters with high expectations. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black gave a keynote speech at the building's dedication, solidifying the school's commitment to providing students with a quality education. Throughout its life, UNM School of Law has continuously strived for excellence in legal education and remains one of the top law schools in New Mexico today. ​​​​​

Admissions

Investing in a graduate degree is an important personal and financial decision. The University of New Mexico School of Law has been gaining attention and recognition from current students, graduates, and employers. Why pay more when attaining a legal education when you can attend UNM School of Law for less? The Admissions and Financial Aid team at UNM School of Law are dedicated to helping students find ways to make their education more affordable.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	150 - 155 - 158	152 - 156 - 159
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.22 - 3.5 - 3.73	3.37 - 3.61 - 3.83
Acceptance rate	46.2%	41.2%
Applications received	502	578
Acceptances	232	238
Matriculants	40	37

During the 2022 application cycle, 578 prospective students applied for admission to the University of New Mexico School of Law, and 238 were offered an opportunity to attend. Of those offered admissions, a total of 103 accepted their places, meaning that 43.28% of those offered admissions ended up attending the school. The 1L class size at this law school is 110.

The median LSAT score for those admitted was 156, with the 25th percentile LSAT at 152 and the 75th percentile LSAT at 159. In terms of GPA, the median was 3.61, with a 25th percentile GPA of 3.37 and a 75th percentile GPA of 3.83.

Application Process

The University of New Mexico School of Law is a private and diverse institute dedicated to admitting and training the future generation of legal professionals. At UNM Law, applicants are carefully evaluated by the admissions committee on their potential for academic success in law school and their ability to contribute to an academic environment that promotes education and collaboration. The committee considers each applicant's prior academic performance, LSAT score, letters of recommendation, personal statement, work experience, extracurricular activities, and other information they provide.

New Mexico residents are given preference regarding admission to UNM Law. The priority deadline for the Fall entering class is February 15th, and the application fee is $50.00. All admitted applicants to UNM Law are considered for merit-based scholarships and can apply for financial aid, including loans and need-based aid, by submitting the FAFSA and Need Access applications by March 1st.

UNM Law is fortunate to have a supportive alum network that provides several named scholarships to incoming and current law students.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of New Mexico School of Law offers an excellent legal education, with a wide range of courses and programs so that students can learn the fundamentals of the law and prepare for successful careers. The school's tuition costs reflect its commitment to providing quality education; the cost of attending per academic year (fall/spring) for full-time students (12-18 credits) is $18,201.20 for in-state residents and $40,306.20 for out-of-state residents. Financial aid opportunities are available to qualified applicants, so students should check with the school's financial aid office when considering attending UNM Law School. With its excellent resources, knowledgeable faculty and staff, and affordable tuition, UNM Law School is an excellent choice for aspiring lawyers.

Cost of Attendance

	Academic Year	One Semester
Room and Board	$10,396.00	$5,198.00
Books and Supplies	$1,194.00	$597.00
Transportation	$1,994.00	$997.00
Miscellaneous	$2,236.00	$1,118.00
Total	$15,820.00*	$7,910.00*

Financial Aid

The University of New Mexico School of Law offers several financial aid opportunities to help students and alums ease the burden of paying for their legal education. Programs include fellowships, grants, and assistantships from federal, private, and corporate sources. In addition, there are scholarships available to those who qualify.

Academics and Curriculum

At the University of New Mexico School of Law, students are provided with a comprehensive and holistic approach to becoming lawyers. Students are immersed in an environment dedicated to helping them excel in their chosen profession while also gaining essential practical knowledge that can be immediately implemented. With a focus on creating law-ready professionals, the school offers its students an array of resources to help them succeed, from faculty-led clinics and experiential learning opportunities to specialized courses explicitly crafted for their career goals.

The school also offers its students a vibrant environment full of academic and extra-curricular activities that will help develop both the intellectual and social sides of their professional development. Through student organizations such as the Student Bar Association and Study Abroad Program, students can engage with their peers and form long-lasting ties while exploring meaningful experiences.

Above all, the University of New Mexico School of Law is dedicated to providing its students with outstanding resources and opportunities to help them reach their professional goals. From specialized career counseling services to highly experienced faculty and staff, the school is committed to setting its students up for success. With a focus on practical lawyering and a student-centric approach, the University of New Mexico School of Law is an ideal choice for aspiring law professionals looking to launch their legal careers.

J.D. Degree

The University of New Mexico School of Law provides an outstanding education with a curriculum that focuses heavily on experiential learning. This unique approach allows students to gain hands-on experience in the field by representing real clients under the careful direction and guidance of highly qualified, tenure-track faculty members.

The Law School also offers one of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, helping to ensure that students receive an excellent return on their investment. In addition, the Office of Student & Career Services provides comprehensive career planning and professional development services to all law students.

Clinical Program

One of the first law schools in the country to create a mandatory clinic, UNM also pioneered the use of technology in the clinical program with the development and use of an automated case management system. Constantly expanding and evolving, their clinical program continues to be recognized as a national leader.

UNM School of Law offers several different clinics, including Civil Law Clinic, Criminal Law Clinic, Domestic Violence, Family Law Clinic, Indian Natural Resources, Environmental Law Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, and Tribal Court Public Defender Clinical Program. Each clinic provides students with hands-on experience in the legal field while working alongside experienced attorneys. Through these clinics, students learn the practical application of legal theory and gain the experience necessary to become successful practitioners. Furthermore, the UNM School of Law is dedicated to providing low-cost or free legal services for New Mexicans with limited resources. The school works closely with local communities to ensure that everyone receives access to quality legal representation. With its commitment to service, UNM School of Law is an ideal place for students to advance their legal education.

Externships

Externships are integral to a student's education at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Externships provide students with the opportunity to gain practical skills that they can apply to real legal situations. Working closely with a supervising attorney, students will be presented with challenges that allow them to explore and analyze the various roles lawyers and legal institutions play in their communities.

The University of New Mexico School of Law offers students a variety of externship opportunities, including working with governmental organizations, public interest groups, private law firms, and corporate in-house legal departments. Students also have the opportunity to engage in international fieldwork during their externships. These experiences give students an invaluable opportunity to apply their legal knowledge in a real-world setting, further sharpening the skills and abilities they have acquired through coursework and study.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

University of New Mexico School of Law

Graduates of the University of New Mexico School of Law can expect a decent salary upon graduating, with a median wage of $60,000 for those who enter the private sector. Those pursuing public interest careers may expect a slightly lower salary but are still competitive. Most grads (50.5%) go into law firms, 10.5% opt to clerk for a judge, and another 10.5% go into public interest roles.

The University of New Mexico School of Law enjoys an impressive bar passage rate of 85.8%, which means that most graduates succeed on their first examination attempt. This hints at the high quality of the education and training offered by the university. Furthermore, this statistic also assures potential students that they are more likely to succeed in their Bar exam if they attend classes at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

In sum, graduates from the University of New Mexico School of Law can expect a competitive salary upon graduation, with most having a successful first-time bar exam pass rate. The university offers an excellent standard of legal education and training, making it a great choice for those looking to pursue a career in law.

Quality of Life

The University of New Mexico School of Law is located in the vibrant city of Albuquerque, nestled between the majestic Sandia Mountains and the tranquil Rio Grande River. Boasting an elevation of 5,000 feet, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy all sorts of activities, such as mountain biking, camping, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding.

The School of Law is the highest-ranking law school in New Mexico and boasts a variety of programs for its students. These include three-degree options: Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). The curriculum focuses on traditional legal issues and international, environmental, and social justice law. This comprehensive approach to legal studies provides students with an unparalleled educational experience that prepares them for a successful career.

The school is next to the New Mexico Court of Appeals and has a particular viewing room designated for our students. This gives those enrolled at the University of New Mexico the unique opportunity to observe the court proceedings in real time and gain invaluable insight into the working of the legal system.

The School of Law is also surrounded by a 9-hole golf course, offering our students ample opportunities for relaxation between classes or during breaks. With its vibrant atmosphere, academic excellence, and abundant outdoor activities, the University of New Mexico School of Law is ideal for those seeking to further their legal studies.

That's why it has become a top choice for law students across the state and beyond looking for a well-rounded, comprehensive, and outstanding educational experience.

Synopsis

By keeping class size small and offering very reasonable in-state tuition, some highly-regarded specialty programs, and unparalleled access to the Albuquerque legal market, the University of New Mexico Law School is one of the best educational values in the country.

Contact Information

University of New Mexico
Admissions Office
Physical Address
UNM School of Law
1117 Stanford NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Mailing Address
UNM School of Law
MSC11 6070
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Contact Us
Phone: 505-277-2146
reception@law.unm.edu

https://lawschool.unm.edu/admissions/index.html

Summary

Established	1947
Location	Albuquerque, NM
Dean	Dean Camille Carey
2022 US News Ranking	91st
LSAT Median Score	156
GPA Median Score	3.61
Bar Passage Rate	86% (2022)
Employment Rate	43%% (2022)
Cost	$18,201.20 In-State Residents $40,306.20 Out-of-State Residents
Average Debt	$82,583
Application Deadline	March 1, 2023(Priority) May 1,2023(Regular)

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://lawschool.unm.edu/
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