University of Puerto Rico School of Law

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law provides students with a comprehensive legal education that is both rigorous and engaging. With its breadth of courses, cutting-edge research opportunities, and collaborative faculty, the School of Law prepares students to impact the world. Whether they stay in Puerto Rico or pursue careers abroad, UPR School of Law graduates is well-equipped for success in any field.

History

The University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus is the oldest and most prominent institution of higher learning in the Caribbean. Founded in 1903, this campus has built a legacy of academic excellence and offers various courses ranging from bachelor's to doctoral degrees. In addition, it has been recognized as a Doctoral Research Intensive University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law is a premier institution offering a wide range of courses to prepare students to practice law in the region and worldwide. The school has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1978 and boasts an impressive list of alums who have gone on to serve as judges, legislators, and private practitioners. Furthermore, the school has several clinics which allow students to further their understanding of the law by participating in real-world legal cases.

The School of Law offers courses in all major areas of law, including civil procedure, criminal law, constitutional law, family and labor law, legal writing, and more. The faculty are well-respected scholars in their respective fields, bringing the latest legal knowledge to the student body. In addition to its courses, the School of Law is an active participant in research initiatives and hosts various lectures and conferences throughout the year.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	141 - 144 - 149	145 - 149 - 153
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.33 - 3.61 - 3.81	3.58 - 3.75 - 3.88
Acceptance rate	43.2%	33.5%
Applications received	373	457
Acceptances	161	153
Matriculants	4	3

Application Dates

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law is accepting applications for the 2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 31, 2023. Prospective students should note that this date is not related to the LSAT exam or when the score will be received - the April LSAT is the last accepted LSAT, and the registration deadline is Thursday, March 2, 2023. Additionally, students are encouraged to complete the LSAT Writing component before Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Application Requirements

Every applicant must first meet specific criteria to be considered for admission to the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. The foremost requirement is that the individual holds a baccalaureate degree granted by an accredited and recognized academic institution. This qualification must be obtained before the date the applicant begins his studies, though not necessarily at the time of applying through LSAC. According to the American Bar Association regulations, any postgraduate average obtained by the applicant is not considered for admission purposes.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law requires that prospective students take and pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) to be considered for admission. The LSAT is offered online and can be downloaded using Proctor U. It is important to note that results from tests taken after April of the year for which admission is requested are not considered. The highest score obtained from the LSAT is considered for admission, and a valid score must be present on the application deadline date. All applicants are responsible for ensuring that their results are received by the Law School promptly. For more information about taking the LSAT online, visit https://www.lsac.org/

LSAT Writing

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) Writing Section is essential to the examination. Candidates must submit a written response on the day of the LSAT to qualify for admission at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law. The writing sample must be completed in the same language and format as the LSAT exam.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

The CAS (Credential Assembly Service) is a service provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) that compiles and gathers data from the academic record of applicants who wish to attend law school. Those who subscribe to this service must apply for law school to evaluate their candidacy. The period for application is open from October 1 to March 31 of the year in which a person wishes to apply.

Send your academic record to CAS

All applicants to the University of Puerto Rico School of Law must remember to submit an official academic record, known as a transcript, to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) by March 31. It is essential to allow adequate time for this process, so applicants should plan and ensure they send in their request at least three to four weeks before the deadline. This transcript must be sent from any institution where you have completed your undergraduate or graduate studies and should include all courses and grades earned during that time.

To request an official transcript, applicants should complete the Transcript Request Form available on the LSAC website (https://www.lsac.

CAS Report

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law requires applicants to submit the CAS report, which is used as part of their admissions process. This report, issued by LSAC (Law School Admission Council), consists of three components: taking the LSAT, completing the LSAT Writing section, and obtaining credit transcripts. All three steps must be completed before LSAC can issue the report. The process typically takes two weeks, so applicants must plan and ensure that all components are completed promptly.

Personal Statement

Applicants for the University of Puerto Rico School of Law must submit a two-page composition detailing any life experiences, talents, or other elements of their background that could contribute to the diversity of our student body. This statement should focus on what makes the applicant unique and how it can add to the diversity at our school. It can be written in Spanish and English and should demonstrate how the applicant could bring a unique perspective to our school. This is an essential part of the application process, so applicants should take care in drafting their statements and make sure to include all relevant information. This composition allows applicants to present themselves with just the other application materials. By submitting a strong and well-written statement, the candidate can demonstrate their commitment to achieving the School of Law’s goal of cultivating a diverse student body.

Provide a Copy of a College Paper

To apply for the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, all candidates must submit a copy of an essay they have written and prepared individually during their time at the university. This essay should be written in either Spanish or English and demonstrate the applicant's writing and analytical skills. The essay must be an original work written by the applicant and not be a group assignment or in any other form other than an essay. Theses, dissertations, books, or any other work not in essay form will not be accepted. Additionally, the applicant may submit an alternate written piece they have produced during their university studies if no essay is available. In this case, the applicant can write an essay on any topic to demonstrate their writing and analytical skills. The University of Puerto Rico School of Law will evaluate the submitted piece to assess the candidate's aptitude for law school. Those accepted into the program will receive a rigorous legal education that prepares them to take on challenging roles in the legal profession. Applicants are encouraged to submit their essays as soon as possible to be considered for the program.

Resume

All applicants must also include their resume or curriculum vitae in the application.

Application Fee

Applying to the University of Puerto Rico School of Law requires a single payment of $30.00. This fee can be paid by money order, credit card, or debit card. To register, applicants must fill out an online form found at https://forms.gle/U7UHadwTZuxF2wht6. Once the registration is complete, an official receipt will be sent to the applicant via text message. If payment is made by credit or debit card, no Money Transfer Certification must be filled out. For those paying by money order, please make sure it is in the name of the University of Puerto Rico.

Academics and Curriculum

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law offers an intensive, rigorous academic program for students pursuing the Juris Doctor degree. To obtain this degree, students must complete a minimum of 92 credits with an academic index higher than two points, satisfy other requirements and adhere to the school's high standards. Of the total 92 credits, 49 are required courses, and 43 elective credits. Six credits must be passed in the Legal Assistance Clinic course, and two seminars must be completed, with monographic writings of publishable quality as part of these seminars.

The requirements for the Juris Doctor degree can typically be met within three years for students enrolled in the day session and four years for students enrolled in the night session. A detailed overview of each program is available, with a list of the subjects that both day and night session students must take.

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law offers its students rigorous academic programs to ensure they are well-prepared to enter the legal profession. Graduates of the program will have the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful, ethical lawyers.

Clinics

The Legal Assistance Clinic at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law is a required course for students upon graduation and is worth six credits split into two semesters. To be eligible to enroll in the clinic, students must have completed sixty credits, including courses in Civil Procedure Law, the Law of Evidence, and Evidence. Those interested in taking the course in the sections that handle criminal law cases must have already passed the Criminal Procedure Law course.

In addition to its regular curricular offering, the Legal Assistance Clinic routinely reviews and expands its available courses depending on student interest and client demand. Courses offered include civil cases in general, criminal law (both severe and less profound), minors, immigration, family, employment, environmental, federal criminal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Legal Assistance Clinic's facilities are modern and spacious to more accurately reflect the conditions of a real-world law firm. Students have access to all the technological advances necessary for the effective practice of their legal profession. This environment allows students and faculty to work daily on cases and clients seeking quality legal representation.

Sections

Environmental law
Immigration
Mediation
Special Education Student Rights
Civil litigation
Notarial
Technology and Justice Clinic
Serious, less serious and minor crimes
Bankruptcy
Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Community development: organization and self-management
Intellectual property and entrepreneurship
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Clinic
Clinic Prevention and Defense of the Debtor in Mortgage Foreclosures
UPR Resiliency Law Center
Post Sentence DNA

Quality of Life

At the Río Piedras Campus, students can access diverse international exchange opportunities, consortia, and international agreements with universities worldwide. The campus also houses numerous research centers dedicated to specialty topics, a wealth of bibliographic resources, and specialized collections.

The Río Piedras Campus is the only unit in the University of Puerto Rico system to offer Bachelor's degree programs in Environmental Sciences, Geography, and Environmental Design. With its expansive array of academic offerings and access to unique research centers, those enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico School of Law will be given all the tools necessary to succeed in their studies. Students can look forward to a stimulating intellectual and professional experience and a bright future within their chosen field of study.

Synopsis

The University of Puerto Rico School of Law is dedicated to providing the administrative support services necessary for successfully running the university's teaching, research, and other activities. They strive to be a team that aims to facilitate the advancement of knowledge through scholarly research, creative output, and dissemination of information.

Their mission is to ensure that they provide the necessary services to further the development of their university community efficiently and effectively. They recognize the importance of developing a sense of camaraderie between faculty, staff, students, and other university community members. They are committed to providing the support needed for all activities on campus that promote learning and knowledge sharing.

Contact Information

University of Puerto Rico School of Law
14 Ave. Universidad Ste. 1401
San Juan, PR 00925-253
Phone: (787) 999-9565
Email: admissions.derecho@upr.edu

Summary

Established	1903
Location	San Juan, PR 00925
Dean	--
2022 US News Ranking	Unranked
LSAT Median Score	149
GPA Median Score	3.75
Bar Passage Rate	N/a (2022)
Employment Rate	N/a (2022)
Cost	N/a
Average Debt	N/a
Application Deadline	31-Jan-2023

Forum and Discussion

University of Puerto Rico School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://www.uprrp.edu/
BCG Attorney's Advice for Associates
LSD Law
US News/ Unranked
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

University of Puerto Rico School of Law

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