University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law

Louisville Law

The University of Louisville School of Law is a great option for those interested in working in Kentucky. For others, the school is likely to disappoint, as career prospects are limited outside of the state. Further, Louisville's academic program is weak overall. Regardless, the school's cheap in-state tuition and Louisville location make it one of the best options for students looking to stay in Kentucky.

History

The University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law has an important place in history, established in 1846. As the oldest law school in Kentucky and the fifth oldest in America's continuous operation, it began as the Law Department of the University of Louisville. It was eventually elevated to become a school properly in 1923 when its first full-time professor was hired.

In the early 1900s, the Jefferson School of Law also existed in Louisville and competed by operating part-time. However, this method of providing legal education became increasingly outdated as national trends shifted to favor more formal legal education. In 1950, the Jefferson School of Law and the University of Louisville School of Law merged, allowing the school to become a significant player in legal education.

Justice Louis D. Brandeis began investing heavily in the school in 1925, and his vision was solidified when Harvard law dean Roscoe Pound proposed to increase enrollments at that school. Justice Brandeis objected, calling instead for smaller, better schools and writing that the time had come to "build a law school of distinction." This vision has continued as the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville continues to offer quality legal education and produce exceptional lawyers.

Admissions

For the 2025 entering class, the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law remains moderately selective, admitting about 64.4% of applicants and enrolling approximately 113 first-year students from a pool of around 573 applicants. The median LSAT score for admitted students is 156, and the median undergraduate GPA is around 3.59, with LSAT and GPA ranges typically spanning 153–158 and 3.26–3.86, respectively. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and all applicants are automatically considered for institutional scholarships without the need for a separate application.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	152-156-158	153-156-158
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.31-3.68-3.83	3.26-3.59-3.86
Acceptance rate	54.2%	64.4%
Applications received	635	573
Acceptances	366	369
Matriculants	114	112

Here’s a summary of the 2025 admissions statistics for the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, based on the table you provided:

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Brandeis Law received 573 applications and admitted 369 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 64.4%. Out of those accepted, 112 students matriculated into the program. The middle 50% range for LSAT scores was 153–156–158, and the corresponding GPA range was 3.26–3.59–3.86, reflecting strong academic credentials among incoming students.

These figures indicate a slight decrease in applications compared to the previous cycle but a higher acceptance rate, suggesting a competitive yet accessible admissions landscape for the 2025 cohort.

Application Process

At the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctor is an incredible opportunity for aspiring legal professionals. The application process is designed to give potential students the chance to demonstrate their aptitude for law and showcase the unique qualities they possess that set them apart from other candidates. Louisville Law seeks to create a vibrant learning environment with a diverse student body from various backgrounds. Through the admissions process, candidates will have the chance to highlight their achievements and qualifications that make them an ideal fit for the program.

Application Fee and Deadline

The application period for the first-year JD program opens on October 1, 2024, and runs through July 15, 2025, with all materials due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on that date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials before the priority deadline of January 15, 2025, to maximize their chances of admission and scholarship consideration.

Notably, Louisville Law does not charge an application fee, and all applicants are automatically considered for available institutional scholarships without needing a separate application.

To apply, prospective students must create an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which processes transcripts and other supporting materials. LSAC typically requires about two weeks to process these documents before forwarding them to the law school for review.

Priority Applications

Applicants who apply to the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law by January 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time are considered priority applicants. These applicants receive preference for institutional scholarship funding. It is highly recommended that those interested in special opportunities such as the Human Rights Fellowship meet this deadline to maximize their eligibility for scholarship consideration.

To meet the priority deadline, applicants must take the LSAT by November 2024. All application materials should be finalized and submitted by the January 15 deadline to ensure full consideration for scholarships and admission.

The Brandeis School of Law remains committed to providing a strong educational foundation and encourages all prospective students to take advantage of the priority application option.

Regular Applications

If you are applying to the Brandeis School of Law and wish to be considered for institutional scholarships, your completed application must be ready for review by April 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants who miss the priority deadline but complete their materials by this date will still be considered regular applicants.

To be eligible for consideration for scholarships, applicants must take the LSAT by February 2025. Taking the exam earlier may increase the likelihood of qualifying for higher levels of funding.

Late Applications

Applications received after the regular deadline of April 15, 2025, are considered late applications and are not eligible for institutional scholarship funding. The final deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. After this date, no new applications or updates to existing applications will be accepted.

Applicants must take the LSAT by June 2025 for their scores to be considered for Fall 2025 admission. Only applications with LSAT scores submitted by this date will be reviewed for admission consideration.

Application Components

Applying to the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law for a JD program requires submitting an application, which includes more than just the standard electronic form found on LSAC.org. This application should include additional components that can assist in painting a fuller picture of the applicant, helping to make them stand out from the competition.

LSAT Score Report

To apply for the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, you must have a reportable score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) within the past five testing years. In other words, your most recent LSAT score must be five years old to be considered valid. You may submit your application before you have a reportable LSAT score. However, it will be complete once the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) releases your score report to the school. It is important to note that you must also complete at least one LSAT Writing section, which is administered separately from the primary LSAT test before your LSAT score will be released.

Transcripts

Suppose you are applying to the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. In that case, you must submit official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions you have attended via the Common Application System (CAS). This means not only those schools from which you got a degree but also any other university, college, or institution from which you earned transfer credits or dual enrollment credits while still in high school. It is essential that your transcripts accurately display any degrees conferred and the dates of conferral.

Letters of Recommendation

To apply to the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation via the Centralized Application Service (CAS). It is possible to submit a third letter of recommendation if desired. The Admissions Committee looks favorably on academic or professional letters. It strongly encourages applicants currently studying or recently completing a degree program to submit at least one letter from a faculty member who taught them in a traditional classroom setting. The Committee discourages personal letters of recommendation, such as those written by friends or family members. All letters of recommendation must be received through CAS; any other means may not be accepted.

Personal Statement

A personal statement must be included when applying to the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. This essay is an open-ended opportunity for prospective students to choose whatever topic they wish and express themselves in a two to three-page double-spaced document. It should demonstrate the applicant's ability to write quality work with the standard typeface and margins. The personal statement is also a chance for the Admissions Committee to gain more insight into the student's personality and background and what they can offer to our law school community and the legal profession. By taking this opportunity, applicants have the unique privilege of introducing themselves in an individualized way that goes beyond standard application materials.

Résumé

You must include a current resume with your application. Your resume should be well structured and formatted correctly to accurately convey your educational background, career history, and any notable accomplishments you have achieved. Most applicants' resumes will fit on a single page if the information is presented carefully and concisely. If you have substantial work experience, it may be reasonable to use a second page for your resume.

Character and Fitness

For anyone looking to become a lawyer in the United States, it is necessary first to pass a bar examination to qualify for admission to the bar of any jurisdiction. However, that is not all that is required; each jurisdiction has its own set of character and fitness qualifications and other criteria that an aspiring lawyer must adhere to to be eligible to practice law.

Diversity Statement (Optional)

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is committed to providing equal education and legal opportunity for people from all backgrounds. The Admissions Committee considers diversity in their applicant evaluations an essential factor in achieving this goal. To demonstrate how an applicant might contribute to a diverse learning environment and expand the representation of traditionally underrepresented groups in the legal profession, applicants are encouraged to submit a diversity statement with their application.

Addendum (Optional)

If you would like to provide additional information about your application for consideration by the Admissions Committee, you may do so with a supplement. This should be a concise, double-spaced document that is one page at maximum (250 words), except in certain extraordinary circumstances. Through this document, you may explain any areas of your application that need further clarification. For example, you may use it to explain a gap in education or employment or provide additional information regarding academic performance in a particular course. You can also include any other relevant details that would not fit within the confines of your statement or application forms.

Employment Prospects

Louisville Law

For the 2025 cycle, employment prospects for graduates of the University of Louisville’s Louis D. Brandeis School of Law remain strong, with data from the Class of 2024 showing solid placement results across legal and professional fields. Out of 115 graduates, approximately 104—about 90%—secured employment shortly after graduation. Most of these positions were full-time, demonstrating the school’s success in helping graduates transition directly into professional careers.

A significant portion of graduates, around 73%, obtained bar passage–required positions, working in traditional attorney roles across private practice, government, and judicial sectors. Another 14% found J.D. Advantage positions, where a law degree enhances job performance even if not required—common in compliance, consulting, and corporate policy roles. Only a small number of graduates were still seeking employment or not seeking for personal reasons, reflecting a relatively healthy job market for the school’s alumni.

In terms of employment sectors, law firms accounted for nearly half of all placements, showing that private practice continues to be the dominant career path. Many of these graduates joined small and mid-sized firms, though some secured positions at larger regional or national firms. Business and industry roles represented about 21% of placements, demonstrating that Brandeis graduates are also competitive in corporate, finance, and consulting positions. Government employment accounted for about 11% of the total, while public interest roles and judicial clerkships drew a smaller but consistent share of graduates.

Geographically, the majority of Brandeis Law graduates chose to remain in Kentucky, reflecting the school’s strong regional reputation and local employment network. A smaller number accepted positions in neighboring states such as Indiana and Tennessee, with a few moving farther afield. This regional focus underscores the law school’s close ties with the Kentucky legal community, which often provides internships, clerkships, and first-job opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Overall, the employment outcomes for the 2025 class reflect both stability and versatility in the career paths of Brandeis Law graduates. The high percentage of full-time positions and the strong presence in bar-required and J.D. Advantage roles indicate that the school’s graduates are well-prepared and competitive in the job market. The Career Services Office plays a key role in this success, offering individualized career advising, employer connections, and on-campus recruitment programs to help students secure meaningful employment. These consistent outcomes affirm Brandeis Law’s position as a reliable pathway to professional achievement in Kentucky and beyond.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law continues to provide an excellent legal education at a competitive cost. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition for Kentucky residents is approximately $24,550 per year, which includes all mandatory university fees. For non-residents, the total cost of attendance is around $29,550 annually. These tuition rates reflect the school’s ongoing effort to deliver high-quality legal education while maintaining affordability compared to many peer institutions.

Students have access to a variety of financial aid options to help manage the cost of attendance. The law school automatically considers all admitted students for institutional scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and professional promise—no separate application is required. Additional need-based aid is available through federal loan programs and university grants.

Brandeis Law also offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), designed to support graduates pursuing careers in public service or lower-paying legal fields by helping them manage and repay educational debt. This initiative underscores the school’s dedication to promoting access to legal education and supporting alumni in meaningful, service-oriented careers.

With its combination of reasonable tuition rates, scholarship opportunities, and post-graduation support, the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law remains an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality and affordable path to a legal career in 2025.

Cost of Attendance

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law continues to uphold its reputation for providing a quality legal education at a competitive cost. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance reflects tuition, fees, and typical living expenses for both Kentucky residents and non-residents. These figures help prospective students plan their educational budget, with the assurance that numerous scholarships, grants, and loan programs are available to assist with affordability.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated 2025 Cost of Attendance:

University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law – 2025 Cost of Attendance

Category	Kentucky Residents	Non-Residents
Tuition & University Fees	$24,550	$29,550
Books & Supplies	$1,500	$1,500
Room & Board	$14,800	$14,800
Transportation	$2,200	$2,200
Personal Expenses	$2,600	$2,600
Total Estimated Cost	$45,650	$50,650

Notes:

• Costs are approximate and based on a nine-month academic year (Fall and Spring semesters).
• Tuition figures include mandatory university and law school fees.
• Living expenses may vary depending on housing choices and personal spending habits.
• Financial aid, including scholarships and federal loans, is available to qualifying students.

Scholarships & Awards

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law provides scholarship opportunities for incoming students to ease the financial burden of attending law school. Institutional scholarships are available, and applicants are automatically considered with no separate application required. Although other considerations will be considered when allocating scholarship funds, an applicant’s LSAT score, and undergraduate GPA will play an essential role in the decision. Louisville Law does not take financial needs into account when making scholarship determinations.

Determinations are made on a rolling basis as part of the admissions process, with applications that are complete and ready for review by the priority application deadline of January 15th, given priority consideration for available institutional scholarships. Applications that are complete and ready for review by the regular application deadline of April 15th will also be considered, although funding may not be available in some cases. Applications that still need to be completed before the regular application deadline generally do not qualify for institutional scholarships.

Human Rights Fellowship

The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville offers a unique fellowship program to its students dedicated to advancing human rights across the globe. The Human Rights Fellowship Program recognizes and awards student leaders willing to join and work with the Brandeis Human Rights Advocacy Program (HRAP). HRAP is actively involved with various nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders to ensure that immigrants, refugees, and noncitizens have access to health care, education, and legal and vocational services.

External Scholarships

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law provides a wealth of scholarship opportunities for its students, both those who have already completed their application process and current law students. These scholarships come from public agencies, charitable organizations, private firms, and the school itself. Prospective and existing students are encouraged to take advantage of the AccessLex Law School Scholarship Databank, which contains a comprehensive catalog of available scholarships and writing competitions.

Application requirements for these external scholarships vary depending on the source. Some may be open to applicants the school has yet to accept, but in all cases, enrollment into a JD program is required before receiving the scholarship funds.

Academics and Curriculum

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is an exceptional institution providing students with the highest quality legal education. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a proud member of the Association of American Law Schools. Students enrolled at this prestigious university can pursue their J.D. full-time or part-time. The full-time program is a rigorous three-year course of study that requires nearly all of the student’s time, while the part-time program is designed to accommodate those with outside obligations and can be completed in four or five years. Students may also switch from part-time to full-time programs after completing their first semester. For those seeking a high-quality legal education and more flexibility in the program structure, the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is a great choice.

Degree Programs

The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law offers a standalone Juris Doctor (J.D.) program for individuals who have completed 90 semester hours and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. This J.D. program is available both on a full-time and part-time basis and requires students to take core courses, perspective courses, writing and skills requirements, as well as public service requirements. In addition to the J.D. program, Brandeis School of Law also offers eight unique Dual Degree Programs for those students interested in further interdisciplinary studies and specialized fields such as taxation, health law, and cybersecurity. These dual degree programs are designed to provide students with a combination of legal and non-legal knowledge, allowing them to gain an understanding of multiple disciplines and develop specialized skills that will prepare them for the ever-changing field of law.

Experiential Learning

The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville offers a variety of ways for students to gain practical experience outside the classroom. These experiential learning opportunities include a clinic where students can represent clients in domestic violence, interpersonal protective order, divorce, and housing cases. Another clinic allows students to collaborate with MBA students from the University of Louisville College of Business to launch businesses and compete with other schools.

The school also has strong ties to the bench and bar in Louisville, giving students access to attorneys and judges through externships. These externships allow students to work with judges, represent clients, prepare cases, and try them in court. Furthermore, the school hosts a variety of lectures, workshops, and other events that draw on top legal professionals from around the world to give students access to real-world advice and experiences.

Clinics

The University of Louisville's Louis D. Brandeis School of Law offers four unique legal clinics for students to gain practical experience and apply their classroom learning. The Robert and Sue Ellen Ackerson Law Clinic, the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, the Trager-Brandeis Elder Law Clinic, and the new Mediation Clinic are all available for students to participate in. The Mediation Clinic, which opened in the Fall of 2017, allows 2Ls and 3Ls who have completed 40 hours of mediation training to work with low-income pro se litigants referred by Jefferson County Family Court judges. These students are certified mediators to resolve divorce, paternity, child custody, and post-decree divorce problems. The Mediation Clinic is the only free mediation service in Louisville, providing invaluable legal experiences for students and much-needed assistance to those who need it most. The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law provides an excellent environment for students to learn about the law and gain practical experience that will aid them throughout their legal careers. Students can receive real-world experience and help those who need it the most with four unique clinics. From mediation to elder law, the Brandeis School of Law has something for everyone.

Externships

The University of Louisville School of Law requires students to graduate with six credit hours of experiential courses. Of these, at least two must be earned through Live Client Courses. According to American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation standards, an experiential course that counts towards the six credits must be a simulation, an externship, or a clinic course.

Live Client Courses are divided into two categories: externships and clinics. Externships involve students working in government agencies, public interest organizations, or private law firms on projects related to their field of study. Clinics involve student representation of clients with legal problems where the students work under the close supervision of a faculty member.

All Live Client Courses require 56 hours of coursework per credit hour earned. This means that to earn two, three, or four credits, students must devote 112, 168, or 224 work hours, respectively, during a 14-week semester. Students should ensure they can commit sufficient time to their clinical or fieldwork to receive full credit for their efforts.

Quality of Life

Louisville, Kentucky, is a vibrant city full of life and opportunity for students. Whether exploring the fascinating art museums, relaxing in one of the city’s many parks, or participating in the thrilling Kentucky Derby, Louisville offers limitless exploration experiences. Not only that, but Louisville also has an impressive reputation as one of the safest cities in the United States. That’s why so many students are drawn to the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, where they can pursue their dreams of becoming a lawyer while enjoying all that Louisville has to offer! With its world-class faculty and staff, the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is ideal for law students to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience. From attending seminars to interacting with lawyers through networking opportunities, there’s something here for everyone. With its unbeatable combination of safety, opportunity, and educational excellence, Louisville is the perfect destination for any student looking to make a name for themselves in the world of law.

So if you’re looking to pursue a career in law, there’s no better place to do it than Louisville. The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law can give you the tools and resources you need to succeed in the legal profession while enjoying everything the city offers. Come to Louisville and see what makes this city a great place!

Synopsis

Louisville's cheap in-state tuition and fun location make the school an attractive option for many students. The academic program is lacking, however, and prospective students should keep this in mind as they decide. 

Contact Information

LOUIS D. BRANDEIS SCHOOL OF LAW
University of Louisville
Admissions Office
Louisville, KY 40292
Phone: (502) 852-6391
Email: lawadmissions@louisville.edu

https://louisville.edu/law/admissions

Summary

Established	1846
Location	Louisville, KY
Dean	Dean Melanie Jacobs
2025 US News Ranking	94th
LSAT Median Score	146th
GPA Median Score	3.59
74.8% (2025)
Employment Rate	62.5% (2025)
Cost	"$26,416 (in-state, full-time), $31,416 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	$60,478
Application Deadline	April 1, 2025

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Reference

https://louisville.edu/law
Rank #146
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