West Virginia University College of Law

West Virginia University College of Law, the only law school in the state of West Virginia, is a public law school located in Morgantown, WV. It was founded in 1878, and distinguished alumni include several congressmen, senators, and other politicians and diplomats from West Virginia.

History

West Virginia University College of Law has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1878, when it was founded as the first professional school in West Virginia. Classes were held in Woodburn Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus. In 1879, William R. Thompson of Hinton, WV, became the college's first to receive an LLB.

In 1894, the West Virginia Law Review was founded as the fourth oldest law review in the country. 1895 saw WVU College of Law graduate its first female, Agnes Westbrook Morrison, with West Virginia being one of the earliest states to educate women in law and admit them to the bar.

In 1914, the college was admitted to membership in the Association of American Law Schools, and then in 1923, it moved into its new building on University Avenue – Colson Hall. That same year, WVU College of Law became fully accredited by the ABA and has remained so ever since. 1925 saw the West Virginia University Chapter of the Order of the Coif installed to recognize the top 10% of the graduating law school class, while 1926 saw the beginning of the Baker Cup Competition at WVU College of Law.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	151 - 154 - 156	152 - 154 - 157
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.06 - 3.45 - 3.8	3.29 - 3.56 - 3.88
Acceptance rate	63.5%	59.1%
Applications received	441	519
Acceptances	280	307
Matriculants	26	30

West Virginia University College of Law received 519 applications during the 2022 admissions cycle, with 307 accepted. The school has a 1L class size of 117, and out of the 307 offered admission, 116 were accepted and enrolled in the incoming class. This amount equals a yield rate of 37.79%. The admitted students had an average LSAT score of 154, with the 25th percentile at 152 and the 75th percentile is 157. The median GPA for those accepted was 3.56, with the 25th percentile at 3.29 and the 75th percentile is 3.88. These numbers indicate that West Virginia University College of Law has a moderately competitive admissions process. Overall, West Virginia University College of Law has a slightly competitive admissions process and is considered an excellent school for legal education. With its strong academic reputation, the college can provide students with the opportunity to build a successful career in law.

Admission Process

At WVU Law, applicants' academic credentials and unique experiences are essential in assessing their preparedness for law school. This is why it is mandatory to begin the application process online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The WVU Law Application for Admission can be found on LSAC, and you must also register and submit your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report.

In addition, you will need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They understand that each applicant has different backgrounds and experiences that shape their readiness for law school, so they encourage applicants to provide any additional information they feel will best highlight their qualifications.

Cost of Attendance

West Virginia University College of Law provides high-quality education to residents of the state who qualify for the Loyalty Tuition Program, and non-residents. The estimated cost for a first year in the program includes tuition, books and supplies, and living expenses.

For West Virginia residents taking advantage of the Loyalty Tuition Program, the approximate cost for the first year is $25,272. For non-residents, it increases to an estimated $42,120. Additionally, books and supplies are generally estimated at around $3,400 per year, with living expenses around $11,970 annually.

The College of Law provides numerous financial aid options, including need-based grants, scholarships, and loan programs. To help ensure students complete their degree in the most cost-effective manner possible, the school also has a comprehensive budgeting system to assist in navigating payment plans and other financial planning needs.

Overall, West Virginia University College of Law provides quality legal education to its student body while considering the financial needs of those it serves. With numerous scholarships, grants, and loan programs, students can make their legal education more accessible and achievable with proper financial planning and budgeting.

Academics

The West Virginia University College of Law is an esteemed institution with a rich academic history and impressive legal specialties. These specialties include business law, international law, and family law, all of which are areas in which the school excels. In particular, the school takes considerable pride in its fourth oldest law journal in the nation, the West Virginia Law Review.

The school also emphasizes practical experience and fundamental professional skills in its students. As such, WVU Law offers several opportunities for its students to gain hands-on legal knowledge, including study abroad programs in Mexico and Brazil. Furthermore, first years must take a prescribed set of core classes, such as property, civil procedure, and criminal law. This rigorous curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for their legal careers.

The West Virginia College of Law plans to expand its clinical programs, focusing on energy and sustainability law. Additionally, the school plans to open a medical assistance clinic with the WVU Health Sciences Center. Overall, WVU Law is an excellent choice for those seeking to pursue a legal education and the many opportunities that come along with it.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The West Virginia University College of Law graduates is highly sought after in the legal profession, boasting a median starting salary of $72,500 for those who enter the private sector. This is significantly higher than those graduates who opt to pursue public sector roles and enter the judicial system, where median starting salaries average at $57,089.

Further, 54.7% of West Virginia University College of Law graduates choose to join the private sector and take on positions in law firms. In comparison, 15.1% opt to enter the judicial system as clerks for a judge. Additionally, those passionate about public interest work can expect 12.8% of their peers to enter similar routes.

West Virginia University graduates can feel confident when entering their chosen field, with an impressive 82.2% passing the bar exam on their first try. This is thanks to the rigorous study of law and the resources available for students during their education at West Virginia University College of Law. Graduates are well-prepared and ready to take on the challenges of a career in law.

This makes West Virginia University College of Law an excellent choice for students wanting to pursue a career in law with excellent prospects and confidence. The resources, faculty guidance, and educational opportunities available here ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the world of law. With a median starting salary in the private sector of $72,500 and a high rate of passing the bar exam, West Virginia University College of Law is an ideal place to pursue your legal education.

Quality of Life

Morgantown, WV (population 29,000) is a classic small college town. Students accustomed to life in Manhattan or a similar locale will no doubt have some adjusting to do, but Morgantown can be an excellent choice for those who enjoy small-town life. The cost of living is low relative to major cities, and Pittsburgh is not too far away for those craving big-city outings. Students will find plenty of bars and eateries catering to their crowd and also be able to cheer on WVU's football team.

Synopsis

Although WVU is hardly the best choice for someone interested in practicing in a major legal market  (in fact, most recently, not a single firm from NY, DC or CA participated in WVU's on-campus interview process), it is an excellent choice for those who wish to practice in WV. It can take advantage of rock-bottom in-state tuition prices.

Contact Information

WVU College of Law
Admissions Office
101 Law School Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506-6130
Phone: (304) 293-5301
Fax: (304) 293-6891
Email: wvulaw@mail.wvu.edu

Summary

Established	1878
Location	Morgantown, WV
Dean	William J. Maier
2022 US News Ranking	118th
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.56
Bar Passage Rate	82% (2022)
Employment Rate	40% (2022)
Cost	$25,272 West Virginia Residents and Loyalty Tuition Students $42,120 Non-Residents
Average Debt	$87,628
Application Deadline	July 31, 2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, WV
https://www.law.wvu.edu/
Rank #118
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