Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
If you’re planning to pursue a JD degree, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is a good choice. The college opened its doors to aspiring lawyers and legal educators in 1964 and received its current name on 2006 in recognition of US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As a major department of the Arizona State University, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law offers not just JD degrees but also hybrids like JD-MD, JD-PhD in Law and Psychology, JD-PhD in Justice Studies, JD-MBA, and a two-year MLS (Masters of Legal Studies). To learn more about the legal educational institution, visit its official website.
Baylor Law School
The Baylor Law School is the oldest law school existing in the state of Texas. The school was founded in 1857 and has since been a provider of top-notch legal education with a strong underlying Christian commitment. The graduates of Baylor Law School are remarkable and well-known for their excellent services as part of the federal and local government. Many of the alumni of Baylor Law School, with their education and training, pursued careers in public service and became senators, congressmen, judges, justices, and ambassadors. For more information on Baylor Law School, just visit its official site.
Ave Maria School of Law
Just like Baylor Law School, the Ave Maria School of Law integrates a Roman Catholic perspective with legal instruction. Located in Ann Arbor and established in 1999, the Ave Maria School of Law was granted full accreditation by the American Bar Association in 2005. The school offers degrees with specialization in philosophy and ethics as well as courses on Dignity in the Workplace, Papal Teaching and the Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. To learn more about the Ave Maria School of Law and its admission process, visit the official website.
Albany Law School
The Albany Law School is one of the most prestigious legal educational institutions in the United States. Founded in 1851 and located at the Capital Region of New York, the Albany Law School is considered as one of the oldest independent institutions. It prides of having not just the first student-edited law review, the Albany Law School Journal, but also distinguished and well-known alumni. Among them are former President William McKinley and US Supreme Court Justices Robert H. Jackson and David Brewer. To know more about course offerings and the admission process in Albany Law School, visit its official website.
Appalachian School of Law (ASL)
Established in 1994 in Virginia, the Appalachian School of Law was built as a tool to improve the region’s economic development. Among the factors that make the ASL one of the top-ranking law schools in the United States are its three-year Juris Doctor degree program as well as the school’s emphasis on alternative dispute resolution and professional responsibility. In addition, because the curriculum of ASL focuses on leadership and community service, students are required to complete 25 hours of community service every semester before graduation. Learn more about ASL, its degree offerings, and admission procedure through the school’s official site.
The American University Washington College of Law (WCL)
The American University Washington College of Law is located at Washington D.C. and was established in 1896. For decades, WCL has developed efficient, brilliant, and respectable graduates who are able to make remarkable contributions in the legal industry. What distinguish WCL from other law schools are its human rights law programs and public interest work programs. WCL is also recognized for its two student publications, The American Jurist and The Business Law Brief, as well as for providing grants through the Equal Justice Foundation to students involved in the public sector. To know more about WCL, visit its official website.
Boston College Law School (BC Law)
The Boston College Law School, one of the graduate schools of Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts, was founded in 1929. What makes BC Law one of the most prestigious schools in the United States are its programs in public interest law, human rights, and social justice. The college also has very high standards in selecting students, assuring that only the most talented will receive quality legal education in BC Law. Among the notable alumni of BC Law are former American Bar Association President Michael S. Greco, US senator John Kerry, and others who became senators, judges, justices, congressmen, and ambassadors.
Brooklyn Law School (BLS)
Norman P. Heffley and William Payson Richardson established Brooklyn Law School in 1901 with a goal of enabling women, immigrants, and less privileged members of society receive legal education. BLS today has a diverse student body, as well as a multi-faceted academic community. In addition, the school offers joint degrees in partnership with other academic institutions. Examples of joint degrees are the JD-MBA with Baruch College, JD-Masters in Urban Planning with Hunter College, and JD-MA in Political Science with Brooklyn College. Learn more about BLS and its course offerings through its official website.
Boston University Law School (BU Law)
As a branch of Boston University, the Boston University Law School was founded by a group of law teachers, jurists, and lawyers in 1872 with the aim of enabling anyone with merit to access quality legal education. What distinguishes BU Law from other law universities is the fact that it uses the Socratic method of teaching. Through this method, students are encouraged and are able to engage in interactive and intellectual discussions with lecturers and and fellow students. Those interested in pursuing degrees at BU Law School may want to consider having joint degrees, considering the school offers them in association with other Boston University colleges and graduate schools. To learn more about BU Law and its curriculum, visit the school’s official website.
Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law (Campbell Law)
The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law was founded in 1976 and is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The school is a graduate department of Campbell University, that is why it has Campbell Law as its shorter name. The aim of the school is to produce graduates who are professional and competent in the legal industry while showing strong moral conviction and social compassion. Among the programs offered in Campbell Law are the JD-MBA program and the JD-MTIM (Masters in Trust and Investment Management) program. The JD-MTIM is offered to interested students in partnership with the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business of the Campbell University. Learn more about Campbell Law, its program offerings, and the admissions process through the official website.
Chapman University School of Law (Chapman Law)
Located in Orange, California, the Chapman University School of Law was established in 1995 as a private, non-profit law school. It is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools and the American Bar Association. Students who would like to pursue a combination of degrees can look into the program offerings of this school and choose programs such as the JD-MBA, JD/MFA in Film and Television Production, and the LL.M. Degrees in Prosecutorial Science and Taxation. Graduates of Chapman Law are proud to have undergone training and instruction with an emphasis on good citizenship and ethics, making them truly competent lawyers. Visit the official website of Chapman Law to learn more about the school and the admission procedure.
Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law (Case Western Reserve Law)
The Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law is the law school department of the Case Western Reserve University, giving it the nickname, Case Western Reserve Law. It opened its doors to students in 1982 and has since been producing competitive, recommendable, and brilliant graduates. Many of them serve in the local and federal government as lawyers or politicians. Among the joint-degrees offered in Case Western Reserve Law are the JD-MSSA (Social Work), JD-MBA, JD-MD, JD-MA in Bioethics, and JD-MPH (Public Health). Check out the school’s official website to submit an online application.
Charleston School of Law (CSOL)
The Charleston School of Law is one of two law education institutions in South Carolina. CSOL was founded in 2003 with the aim of producing competent lawyers with strong moral fiber. To promote a healthy intellectual discussion among its students, CSOL hosts three student publications—the Charleston Law Review, the Federal Courts Law Review, and the Maritime Law Bulletin or MALABU. Topics covered in the said student publications include issues on human rights, current events, and legal studies. Learn more about CSOL, its program offerings, and the admissions by visiting the school’s official website.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland Law School was the original name of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law when it was established in 1897. It is the law school department of Cleveland State University that is located in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1946, the law school merged with the John Marshal School of Law and received its current name. Students who wish to enroll at Cleveland-Marshall can look into various degrees offered including JD degrees, LL.M. programs, and five dual-degree programs. As the first evening law school in Ohio and one of the country’s first schools to open doors to women and minorities, Cleveland-Marshall promotes quality education that is accessible to anyone. Visit the official website of the school to learn more on offered programs and admissions.
The City University of New York Law School (CUNY Law)
The City University of New York Law School was established in 1983 and is well-known for its specialization in public interest law. “Law in the Service of Human Needs” is the motto of the school and its curriculum is geared toward serving the disadvantaged and disempowered members of society. In accordance to and as proof of the aim of the CUNY Law curriculum, specializations and clinics revolve on issues in Community and Economic Development, Economic Justice Project, Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and International Women’s Human Rights. More information on CUNY Law and its programs can be found at the school’s official website.
Marshall-Wythe School of Law (W&M Law School)
Thomas Jefferson founded the Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1779. It is the law department of the College of William & Mary, the second oldest college in the United States after Harvard University. W&M Law School, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the oldest law school that exists in the country and it is often ranked among the top 30 US law schools. A few of the most notable programs offered at W&M Law School are the Election Law Program, Human Rights and National Security Law Program, and the Institution of Bill of Rights Law. To know more about the programs, the school, and the admissions process, visit the school’s official site.
Cornell Law School
As one of the graduate schools of Cornell University, Cornell Law School was established in 1887 in Ithaca, New York. Cornell Law is also one of the five renowned Ivy League law schools. It offers JD-MBA, JD-Masters in Global Business Law, JSD, and LL.M., among others. In addition, programs such as Public Interest, International Human Rights Clinic, International and Comparative Law, Clarke Program in East Asian Law and Culture, and extensive externships are offered by Cornell Law. Apply to this school by completing an online application form at the official website.
Columbia Law School
Otherwise known as Columbia Law, Columbia Law School is one of the most prestigious legal institutions in the United States. This school is one of the graduate departments of the Ivy League-member institution, Columbia University, and it has a highly selective admissions process. Graduates of Columbia Law have become successful lawyers, congressmen, senators, businessmen, ambassadors, and diplomats. Among them are the famous Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. Students eager to specialize in intellectual property, and corporate and international law will do better to proceed to Columbia Law because the said programs are the school’s forte. Learn more about this law school by visiting its website.
Most law students go into law school with the aim of going into legal practice and pursuing a career in the judiciary. For most students, the acme of a legal career is securing the position of Supreme Court justice. This is why US Supreme Court justices are a source of inspiration and motivation for many law students. Below we discuss three famous US Supreme Court justices who have made an impact on the country’s judicial system and process:
Antonin Gregory Scalia
Antonin Gregory Scalia is known for his vigorous support for textualism in statutory interpretation. Scalia is considered as a core member of the Supreme Court’s conservative wing, and he is opposed to the idea of a living constitution. Furthermore, he believes that the Constitution should be regarded as a legal document that prescribes how court rulings should be made. His formalist approach is against the idea of viewing the Constitution as a living organism that should be interpreted in accordance to the changing times.
Scalia is a product of Harvard Law, and even held the position of Notes Editor of the Harvard Law Review. While pursuing a political career as a public servant, he also taught at Georgetown, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. He is the US Supreme Court’s second most senior Associate Justice, and has written a book called Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges, which is endorsed by The Federalist Society.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Chief Justice Holmes is known for having authored The Common Law, and for clearly setting the scope and limitations of the freedom of speech. Holmes got an undergraduate degree from Harvard before participating in the American Civil War. Holmes then returned to Harvard to study law after being wounded in battle.
President Roosevelt nominated Holmes for position of US Supreme Court Justice, which he assumed on December 8, 1902. Holmes also spent a year teaching at Harvard Law, before he became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Holmes served as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from December 8, 1902 up to January 12, 1932.
Benjamin Cardozo
Chief Justice Benjamin Cardozo was nominated by President Hoover in 1932 after the death of Chief Justice Holmes. Cardozo got his law degree from Columbia School, after which he practiced law and eventually snagged one of the seats in the Supreme Court of New York in 1914. Cardozo has written valuable texts used in the study of law, including The Nature of the Judicial Process, The Paradoxes of Legal Science, and The Growth of the Law.
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The requirements to hold public office do not include having a law degree. However, being a lawyer or having a law degree lends a certain edge to those who venture into politics. The knowledge gained in law school often translates to deep and informed understanding of the law. In this sense, a lawyer-politician can be seen as more able in formulating policies and legislations. Leadership and organization skills are either inborn or acquired, but an intensive knowledge of the law and pertinent legal matters can only be gained through a law school education.
This is not to say that law students are better suited to hold public office, as there are many knowledgeable and responsible politicians who do not have law degrees. They are spurred by their desire and commitment to serve the country and uphold the greater good. What we are saying, however, is that lawyers and law graduates can become promising politicians if they choose to. They can opt to put their knowledge and skills to good use by going into policy-making with the core principles of the Constitution in mind. The skills that lawyers acquire and will prove to be valuable for good governance include:
Excellent communication skills
Lawyers are trained to listen to people, assess their situations, and express their opinions and thoughts in an articulate manner. They are also equipped with good debating skills, something that is necessary if a politician is to lobby for policies and laws to be passed. In this sense, lawyers can make good politicians because having good communication skills ensures that they will be able to represent their constituents and bring to the surface the issues that need to be dealt with.
Analytical skills
Another skill that law school harnesses in their students is the ability to read and understand large volumes of text on laws, policies, and legal procedures. This skill is essential in politics because as policy makers, politicians have to carefully evaluate bills and policies and ensure that these don’t override existing laws.
Logical and critical thinking
The ability to employ logical and critical thinking is an essential skill that politicians should possess. This is because holding public office entails coming up with ways to address current issues and deciding which among the proposed solutions is feasible and effective. This type of thinking is often employed by lawyers when assessing court cases. Lawyers can make good politicians because they have years of experience in thinking critically and logically when faced with stifling situations and cases.
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From the time they enter law school to the time of legal practice, lawyers gain exceptional amounts of knowledge on the judiciary system and intricacies of Constitutional rights and procedures. This legal expertise and knowledge is one of the main reasons why lawyers can make good public servants if they ever decide to venture into politics.
Policy-making
Because lawyers are equipped with the technical and theoretical knowledge on legal matters, they are potential societal models when it comes to adhering to the laws. By having spent a significant amount of years studying the Constitution and the country’s legal history, lawyers can greatly contribute to processes of policy-making. They have the potential of ensuring that the laws formulated and passed are representative of the rights and limitations stated in the Constitution.
Another essential skill that politicians and policy-makers should have is the ability to read and absorb information in large amounts. Reading through bills and amendments and understanding the information therein is one of the tasks required of politicians. In this aspect, lawyers make ideal politicians because they’ve had years of experience going through volumes and volumes of written text. Their keenness and attention to detail is also a valuable trait to become effective politicians.
Being a politician also requires the ability to make logical arguments and discuss the pressing issues and matters that the country faces. Lawyers’ experience and knowledge on litigation and political debate make them ideal candidates for public office. For politicians to become effective representative of their constituents, they must be able to clearly express and discuss the pertinent issues in their jurisdiction.
Good governance
The ability to govern and lead people is not acquired by default in law school. But lawyers’ assumed adeptness at communication and interaction in socio-political settings is highly important to exhibit good governance. Being able to talk with, and relate to, fellow legislators, big audiences, and their constituents is necessary for good governance. In this sense, the political arena can even be seen as a larger courtroom for lawyers, where they are given the chance to represent the public and bring to the surface the pressing issues that proliferate at the different strata of society.
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The University of California Hastings College of the Law is a well-respected law school and one of the earliest law schools in the West Coast. Among its notable alumni are Congresswoman Jackie Speier, California State Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman, San Francisco Public Defernder Jeff Adachi, and California State Assemblyman Todd Spitzer.
History
The University of California Hastings College of the Law was established with a $100,000 grant from Justice Serranus Clinton Hastings, who started the school based on two conditions: that it stayed in the San Francisco campus, and that it could not be run by the university regents. The University of California Hastings (UC Hasings) College of the Law had to get its funds straight from the California Legislature, instead of the regent boards as other colleges did.
Academics
UC Hasings College of the Law offers a Juris Doctor program with a three-year curriculum and the option to specialize in criminal law, civil litigation, international law, taxation, public interest law, family law, and intellectual property law. It also has its own publishing department that produces prestigious journals in different areas of law.
Application
Law school applicants should submit an application form available at the UC Hastings website, along with a law school personal statement (also called an admission essay or statement of purpose), LSAT scores, resume, and letters of recommendation. The application essay and other requirements can be submitted electronically via the LSDAS service; the LSAT score is usually forwarded to the school during the application.
Using sample law school personal statements for a winning application essay
In reading sample law school personal statements, you’ll know instantly that the purpose of writing an admission essay is to show a more personal side of yourself. Sample law school personal statements would suggest that you share personal anecdotes or experiences. Based on sample law school personal statements, the focus is to make attention-grabbing introductions and powerful conclusions. Most sample law school personal statements have these in common. Needless to say, sample law school personal statements are used in making a good statement of purpose.
Those who have written excellent sample law school personal statements have proven themselves to have strong persuasion and good reasoning abilities. Sample law school personal statements also intend to show good traits of the law school applicant such as motivation and leadership. While others focus on their accomplishments, in some sample law school personal statements, writers talk about their passion for wanting to study law and the desire to help others. Sample law school personal statements may also feature a compelling story behind their goal.
For those who don’t know where to start, sample law school personal statements could be a clear guide. Sample law school personal statements offer effective tips for writing something that’s original, creative, and persuasive. Browsing through sample law school personal stratements will help avoid common mistakes such as the heay use of technical terms or summarizing a resume. Sample law school personal statements will help applicants make a winning piece of application essay. In fact, some sample law school personal statements were used as reference by UC Hastings law school graduates.
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