University of St. Thomas School of Law

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and growth throughout the legal profession. Their unique approach to legal education empowers the next generation of lawyers to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Students who want to shape the future of law in Minnesota and around the world will find an ideal home at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

History

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a prestigious institution in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, established in 1999. Recognized by the American Bar Association, it offers an unparalleled curriculum that focuses on developing professional skills, ethical values, and a holistic understanding of the legal field. The faculty, staff, and faculty strive to equip each of our students with the abilities vital to becoming a successful lawyer and leader.

At UST Law, they emphasize experiential learning, such as moot court competitions, clinical experiences, legal research projects, and externships. They also offer an International Program that allows students to gain international experience by studying abroad or participating in summer internships and externships. The faculty is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares students for a successful future in the legal profession.

Admissions

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a dedicated and vibrant legal institution located in the heart of Minnesota. They are passionate about providing a rigorous, top-notch education to our students. They offer an array of courses and programs that allow our students to explore their passions within the field of law. If you need more clarification about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	149 - 154 - 159	151 - 155 - 159
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.23 - 3.51 - 3.76	3.26 - 3.48 - 3.72
Acceptance rate	69.2%	63.6%
Applications received	577	671
Acceptances	399	427
Matriculants	38	34

University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minnesota) is located in the Twin Cities area and has become a popular choice for many students seeking a legal education. During the 2022 application cycle, 671 prospective law students applied to be admitted, and 428 were offered admission. Of those 428 who were offered admission, 160 were accepted, which reflects a 37.47% yield rate.

The 1L class at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) has a median LSAT score of 155, with the 25th percentile LSAT being 151 and the 75th percentile LSAT being 159. Likewise, the median GPA for this school is 3.48, with a 25th percentile GPA of 3.26 and a 75th percentile GPA of 3.72. With these statistics in mind, prospective students should prepare for their application by striving to achieve their best scores on the LSAT and GPA measurements.

Admission to the University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minnesota) is highly competitive. Still, students who are successful in their application will be joining a school with a long history of success. The institution has seen numerous successful alums and will provide an excellent legal education for those accepted.

Applications Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications for consideration to the University of St. Thomas School of Law between September 1 and August 1, as this school follows a rolling admissions system. This means that the earlier an applicant submits their application, the better their chances are of being accepted and awarded a scholarship. Furthermore, applicants who apply early may be eligible for special awards and scholarships not available after the deadline.

At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, they understand that each applicant is unique, so their admissions process takes into account various factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and other essential qualities. The admissions committee looks at each application individually and considers various characteristics when making admissions decisions.

Application Criteria

The University of St. Thomas School of Law focuses on individualized assessment when it comes to admissions. The Application Committee considers six criteria when deciding: LSAT score, undergraduate grades, writing skills, leadership potential, motivation, and demonstrated an aptitude for the school's mission. While LSAT scores and grade point averages are essential factors in the admissions process, the committee is eager to get to know applicants better by considering their activities, experiences, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The final decision is based on a combination of all these criteria. The school's mission focuses on providing outstanding legal education and developing ethical leaders who serve the community with justice and compassion. With this in mind, applicants should make sure they are highlighting the qualities that demonstrate they would be an asset to the St. Thomas Law community and would help further its mission.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is looking for students with solid academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership potential and motivation. Applicants should be sure to show the committee why they would be a good fit for St. Thomas, emphasizing their skills and experiences make them ideal candidates. With a holistic approach to admissions, applicants can showcase all their qualities to make a strong impression on the Admissions Committee and improve their chances of acceptance at this top-tier school.

LSAT Scores

The University of St. Thomas School of Law emphasizes the importance of LSAT scores but recognizes that they are only one factor when evaluating an applicant's qualifications. As a result, they prefer to consider LSAT scores taken within the last three years, and in no case will they consider one older than five years old. Additionally, the Admissions Committee will consider the highest score if an applicant has taken the LSAT multiple times.

To help applicants prepare for the LSAT, St. Thomas Law partners with Khan Academy to offer a free LSAT course that builds critical-thinking skills and prepares learners for success on both the exam and in law school. The course is tailored to each individual and can help applicants get the most out of their LSAT preparation. With this free, accessible resource, students have the tools they need to achieve the best possible score on the LSAT.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is committed to providing an excellent legal education to its students at an affordable price. For the fall 2022 entering class, full-time tuition for 12-17 credits per term is $23,110. For those interested in taking a reduced schedule of 8-11 credits per term, tuition is set at $17,332.

Students taking more than 17 credits in a term will be charged the flat-rate amount of $23,110 plus an additional $1,576 for each credit above the 17 credits. If a student decides to take at most eight credits in a term, they will be charged $1,576 per credit.

In addition to tuition costs, all students enrolled in the University of St. Thomas School of Law must pay a technology fee of $120 and a student health fee of $60 per term. A student activity fee of $80 will also be charged for the fall and spring terms. While tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year, the University of St. Thomas School of Law remains committed to providing quality legal education at an affordable price.

Students entering fall 2022 as reduced schedule students who enroll in the recommended first-semester course load of 12 credits will be charged the reduced schedule tuition rate of $17,332 for their first semester only, despite their 12-credit course load. This allows students to get the most out of their education at a discounted price.

Living Expenses

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers several financial assistance options to help students cover their education-related expenses, including tuition, living costs, and other associated fees. Scholarships, employment opportunities, and loans are available for those who apply for financial aid. For the 2022-23 academic year, the nine-month Cost of Attendance Budget for students who qualify for financial aid includes allowances for other indirect costs such as books, supplies, housing, meals, transportation, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses totaling $22,194. This allowance may vary depending on each individual’s specific circumstances.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law also offers various financial aid services designed to help students understand their options and make the most informed decisions about financing their education. These services include assistance with completing loan applications, interpreting award letters, providing information on repayment plans, and helping students manage debt. The School of Law also provides resources to help students find grant opportunities and scholarship programs available through the University.

Scholarships

The University of St. Thomas School of Law has a generous scholarship program for students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence or have the potential to contribute significantly to the school's mission. The school does not set a predetermined number of scholarships to be awarded yearly but evaluates applicants for their academic achievements, individual perspectives, and life experiences. A diverse student body is a goal in awarding scholarships, and the funds are used to attract and reward individuals who bring something unique to the community. All scholarship decisions are based on merit, and all inquiries regarding eligibility should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is committed to providing financial assistance for students with demonstrated needs. They hope these programs will enable more students to attend the school and benefit from its rigorous legal education. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to helping qualified applicants access the resources necessary for success in their program.

The President's Scholarship

The President's Scholarship, established in honor of Dr. Julie Sullivan, President of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, is the premier award presented to those students who demonstrate not only exceptional academic performance but also a strong alignment with the mission and values of the University and its affiliated law school. Recipients are rewarded with a full-tuition scholarship for the duration of their coursework. Graduating President's Scholars also benefit from various exclusive alum resources and unique opportunities.

The Dean’s Scholarship

The Dean's Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is an exceptional opportunity for highly qualified applicants to receive financial support for their legal education. This award is bestowed by the Dean and is provided to students who have exhibited outstanding academic performance and a solid commitment to the school's mission and values.

The Access to Justice Scholars Program

The Access to Justice Scholars program at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is a prestigious initiative that provides scholarships and mentorship opportunities to individuals passionate about pursuing a legal career in small-town or rural settings. This exclusive program helps to support lawyers interested in serving areas often underserved by traditional legal services and provides a significant opportunity to help close the access-to-justice gap.

The program seeks to match successful applicants with experienced mentors who have a strong knowledge of small-town or rural practices. Awardees are granted up to a 75 percent tuition discount each year of the J.D. program. To apply for the Access to Justice Scholars program, applicants must submit an essay explaining their interest in and commitment to pursuing legal practice in a small-town or rural setting. All academically qualified applicants are invited to submit an essay with the application for admission. Those who appear most promising will be invited to interview with a faculty admissions committee.

The Access to Justice Scholars program at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is a unique initiative that provides aspiring lawyers with valuable resources and guidance while helping to improve access to justice in underserved communities. It is an essential step toward achieving more significant legal equity for all citizens, and recipients of this scholarship program have the potential to make a lasting impact on their community through their work as an attorney.

Academics and Curriculum

The University of St. Thomas School of Law has established a solid commitment to justice and morality in providing its students with an excellent academic experience. Their motto, "Inspire Justice," reflects their dedication to teaching the importance of social justice and ethical behavior. UST is ranked #1 in the nation for practical training and externships and has one of the most innovative clinics – the Federal Commutations Clinic, led by Professor Mark Osler.

In addition to its rigorous academic programs, UST School of Law also offers a variety of joint degree options, including J.D./M.B.A., J.D./M.S.W., LL.M. in compliance, J.D./Master's in public policy and leadership, and M.A. in Catholic studies. This allows students to receive a top-tier legal education while also developing their skills in business, social work, public policy and leadership, and religious studies.

The Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions and the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law, and Public Policy also provide students with excellent opportunities to engage in hands-on experience and hone their leadership skills. UST School of Law strives for excellence in its student body with a small student-to-faculty ratio of 17.5-to-1 and only 7.9% attrition of their most recent class not making it back to the second year.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a top-tier law school that focuses on justice, ethics, and morality for those seeking to further their education in the legal field. The combination of practical training and externships, innovative clinics, and joint degree options allow the UST School of Law to provide students with a comprehensive legal education that reflects their commitment to justice and morality.

This is why the University of St. Thomas School of Law is considered one of the leading law schools in the nation. They are committed to providing an academic experience emphasizing justice, ethics, and morality and offering unique opportunities for students to develop their skills. With its strong focus on justice and ethics, the UST School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier legal education.

This is why students worldwide are drawn to the University of St. Thomas School of Law to receive an exemplary legal education focusing on social justice and ethical behavior. With its commitment to justice, morality, and practical learning experiences, the UST School of Law is an exceptional choice for those seeking to further their legal career.

Externships

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a unique Compliance Externship Program that allows students to gain invaluable real-world experience in the corporate ethics and compliance field. Through this elective program, participants will participate in supervised projects related to ethics and compliance, learning how to evaluate and complete tasks within this area. In addition to the hands-on experience, students will be exposed to the seven elements of an effective compliance program.

The Compliance Externship Program offers an excellent way for students to gain insight into the corporate ethics and compliance field while also developing essential skills that will help them in their future careers. Upon completing the program, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and experience that can help them stand out in the job market.

Legal Clinics

The Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services at the University of St. Thomas School of Law is an innovative program that unites law, psychology, and social work experts to help needy individuals. In this pioneering center, students from the law school are allowed to work alongside students from the University of St. Thomas School of Social Work and Graduate School of Psychology to provide legal aid and advice to underserved members of the Twin Cities community. By offering various services, such as health care assistance, political asylum guidance, and social justice advocacy, this comprehensive program strives to address and improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals in their local community. The St. Thomas legal clinics are made possible by a generous donation from Robins Kaplan LLP, which supports the clinic financially and provides invaluable resources to their students. Through this generous contribution, they can provide their community with much-needed legal aid and assistance to create a more equitable society.

• Appellate Clinic
• Bankruptcy Litigation Clinic
• Community Justice Project
• Criminal and Juvenile Defense Clinic
• Federal Commutations Clinic
• Immigration Law Practice Group
• Nonprofit Organizations Clinic
• Religious Liberty Appellate Clinic
• Special Education Clinic
• Trademark Clinic

Employment Prospects and Bar Passage Rate

Graduates from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minnesota have promising prospects for earning an income after graduation. The median salary for those who venture into the private sector is around $77,500, while those who opt to work in the public sector expect a slightly lower salary of $56,206.

Regarding where graduates from the University of St. Thomas School of Law go after graduation, 44.5% go directly into law firms, 25.8% clerk for a judge, and 7.0% go into public interest positions. The good news is that 77.5% of those who take the bar exam at the University of St. Thomas pass on their first try. This is an impressive statistic, especially compared to other law schools nationwide.

Graduating from the University of St. Thomas School of Law opens up several lucrative opportunities for graduates and offers them good salaries and job placement prospects. It also provides an excellent opportunity to pass the bar exam on their first try. With such promising prospects, it is no wonder University of St. Thomas School of Law graduates are highly sought after by employers.

Quality of Life

The University of St Thomas School of Law is excellent for aspiring lawyers. In 2021, The Princeton Review rated the school #8 on its Best Quality of Student Life list. This is a testament to the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional quality of life offered by the law school.

At St Thomas, students come from all walks of life with different points of view and backgrounds. This encourages meaningful dialogue between them on the pressing issues of the day. The university is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fosters belonging and supports social justice initiatives.

To help its students reach their full potential, St Thomas has over thirty active student organizations. These enable students to explore their interests and develop leadership, service, and communication skills. They can also participate in various speaker programs, volunteer activities, and social events.

In addition to emphasizing personal growth, St Thomas Law encourages its students to become active community members. By actively engaging with the world around them, they can help make a difference and truly understand the power of the law.

St Thomas Law School is ideal for those who want to pursue their legal aspirations while also experiencing meaningful dialogue, personal growth, and community engagement. With its diverse student body, myriad activities, and commitment to a quality life, St Thomas Law offers an unparalleled educational experience.

Synopsis

University of Saint Thomas School of  Law has made a name for itself with national rankings in practical training, externships, best professors, and quality of life. It is a potentially very compelling choice, especially for Catholic students interested in practicing public interest law in or around the Upper Midwest.

Contact Information

University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
Admissions
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 USA
Phone: 651-962-5000

https://www.stthomas.edu/admissions/

Summary

Established	1894
Location	St. Paul, Minnesota
Dean	Joel Nichols
2022 US News Ranking	127th
LSAT Median Score	155
GPA Median Score	3.48
Bar Passage Rate	78% (2022)
Employment Rate	44% (2022)
Cost	$45,259
Average Debt	$85,743
Application Deadline	August 1, 2023

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Reference

University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, MN
https://www.stthomas.edu/law/
Rank #127
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