Here Are the Best Law Schools In Chicago

A saying goes that where there is no law, that chaos prevails. So there’s a necessity that we have good lawyers. Thus Law schools in Chicago are where good lawyers are being created. Hence, nowadays a career in law is proving more lucrative with the clarion calls increasing across the nations. As of 2020, it was recorded that lawyers have a median salary of about $127,000. Meanwhile, the forecast says that the positions opened for attorneys are projected to be over 4% in the next decade.

Furthermore, lawyers bear the responsibility of advising clients and also representing them fairly regarding legal matters. Therefore, lawyers have varieties of specializations including tax, defense, environmental, prosecution, and criminal.

However, before considering the right law school for you, several factors are needed to be considered. Thus, this includes job placement, academic achievements, public opinion, and faculty. Meanwhile, there are many great choices to pick from within the Chicago metropolitan area.

So, if you are on this page with queries regarding law schools in Chicago or any of the questions below;

  • Why must it be law schools in Chicago?
  • Are there good law schools in Chicago?
  • I want to become an attorney but I don’t know how?
  • How can I become a lawyer in Chicago?
  • Are there scholarship programs for me if I decide to get a law degree in law schools in Chicago?

Then you’ve indeed gotten to the right place to get the right answers. Hence, you are only required to carefully go through this page to get the most out of it.

Here Are the Best Law Schools In Chicago

What Are Law Schools?

To regulate legal issues in a state, a law must be put in place. Also, to maintain peace and order in a country. Therefore, a lawyer must ensure this. But to become a lawyer or a practicing attorney you must pass through the walls of a law school. Hence, it might sound funny but Law schools are simply where lawyers attend school. Lol!

Meanwhile, Law schools are institutions that deal with legal education. It is often part of the prerequisite in the process of becoming a lawyer within a given jurisdiction. So, you will spend most of your time in the library studying subjects from cooperating law to business and civil law. Still, yet you will have many practical activities besides schoolwork.

Additionally, top law schools like the ones in Chicago often require hands-on legal experience. Through internships, legal clinics, and extracurricular activities. Hence, this will also enable the student to know the aspect of the law to specialize in.

Moreover, before an attorney is eligible to practice law in the US, he/she will need to earn a degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Thus, also pass the bar exam. Hence, classes in law school will cover subjects like

  • Civil procedure
  • Contracts
  • Torts
  • Criminal law
  • Constitutional law
  • Legal research

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Why Attend Law Schools In Chicago?

Asking why you should go to law schools in Chicago is more like asking why you should go collect honey from the beehive while you looking for natural honey. Hence, there couldn’t be an any better place to obtain a degree in law than in Chicago. As Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, therefore, provides many clients for prospective lawyers.

Meanwhile, Chicago is a diverse and affordable city. So, it’s perfect for law students to gain hands-on experience at the many firms, corporations, courts, and non-profit organizations.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to meet policy administrators and create your network with specialists for your career prospects. Also, you’d connect with the creative minds of students regarding legal issues and thence become a better lawyer.

You will also have opportunities to explore various kinds of foods in the state with moderate climatic conditions. Meanwhile, because of the productive opportunities available throughout the metropolitan area. The National Jurist magazine rates Chicago as a promising city for young attorneys.

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How Much Does It Cost To Enroll In Law Schools In Chicago?

It is also crucial we look into the cost of living and studying in law schools in Chicago. But significantly, know that law schools in Chicago want the best for students. Therefore provide various opportunities to make the learning process easy for them.

However, as a student in Chicago, you are advised to seek many financial aid opportunities as many are accessible to students. Some scholarship programs are fully funded while some are tuition fee waivers. Also, some scholarships are meant to assist students that have proven to be from a low-income earning background. While some are for outstanding students who have proven their academic merits.

However, the average tuition and fees of the law schools in Chicago according to data from Chicago are shown below.

Tuition $70,710
Health Insurance$4,566
Graduate Student Services Fee$1,296
Room & Board $17,280
Books & Supplies$1,785
Personal Expenses/ Misc. $3,150
Transportation Expenses $2,655
Student Loan Fees$1,299
TOTAL FOR 2L AND 3L STUDENTS$102,741
Computer Allowance$1,500
Transcript Fee$75
TOTAL FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS$104,316

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How To Enroll In Law Schools In Chicago

To enroll in any law school in Chicago, you have to meet the law school’s minimum academic requirement. Thus, a bachelor’s degree is the lowest academic requirement needed to be enrolled in a law school. Hence, to obtain this, you must first have concluded your secondary school. Therefore must have been a commerce major. Where you’d have learned subjects like government, commerce, economics, etc.

Next, you’d apply to any tertiary institution of your choice to obtain a bachelor’s degree in law. Meanwhile, it has to be a government-accredited institution. Furthermore, you will now take the law school admission test after your bachelor’s degree. Hence, on passing the test, you would now select any Chicago law school of your choice and complete their application process.

In addition, when you get into law school, you’d earn a Juris Doctor degree. After that, you’re expected to pass the bar examination and advance your career.

The 7 Best Law Schools In Chicago

Here, we have provided a detailed list of the best law schools in Chicago. This also includes their acceptance and more details. Meanwhile, to have a better review of any school herein respectively, kindly visit the school’s official webpage provided below it. Also, note that the ranking of the school is based on data analysis derived from Edu-Rank about the school’s performance.

#1. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago law school is often known as UChicago’s Law School. Thus, the school is known to be one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. The school ranked first place in the United States by the New Law Journal due to its high success and overall employment outcomes. Also, it ranked the fourth top law school in the world, following the Times Higher Education University Rankings.

Furthermore, Uchicago Law students learn using the Socratic Method. Hence, this is a unique approach among many other law schools. As obstructed to lectures, professors interact with pupils promptly, contesting them to express and maintain their stances on complicated legal theories and principles. Therefore, elegance under tension and critical thinking in challenging situations is necessary for their future career as an attorney.

Meanwhile, the major edition in the department is the University of Chicago Law Review. Here, students can contribute through editing and compilation.

The chief

Founded: 1890

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Average ACT: 34

Average SAT: 1535

Net Price: $34,719

Visit School Webpage

#2. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola’s School of Law commits to adopting human differences. Hence, united by a common goal of serving their community and contributing to society. The school attracts students from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds, with 51% from out of state and 32% students of In states. 

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Moreso, Loyola University is at the lead of legal growth in the Chicago area. So, the legal market gives a rich collection of employment, clerkship, and clinical opportunities. The clinical schemes are at the essence of Loyola’s devotion to social justice, enabling students to gain real experience. Therefore influences children, families, and other members of their community. In addition, you will gain first-hand knowledge that will be useful for your career goals and a good advantage for future employment.

Law students also increase experience in legal study and journalistic skills through the many journals and editions that reach a wide audience.

Founded: 1870

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Average ACT: 28

Average SAT: 1225

Net Price: $36,388

Visit School Webpage

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#3. DePaul University

DePaul University has been a vital part of the Chicago legal society for more than a century. Having an alumni network of over 10,000 throughout the area. This, it is one of the best law schools in Chicago.

So, these connections enable students to use their degrees to find new opportunities and engage with alumni. DePaul College of Law graduates goes on to be United States District Judges, state senators, and prominent attorneys nationwide. 

Furthermore, DePaul’s College of Law provides a wide variety of difficult courses designed to ready students for their prospective legal practice in any specialty. Hence, the 3rd Year in Practice Program (3YP) joins engaging schoolwork with field placements that go well with the student’s interests. Therefore, this unique experience readies students to practice law in the real world

Established on the ABA Employment Summary for the set of 2019 students, 90.5% of graduates got jobs within 10 months of their graduation. They work at top government organizations, law firms, non-profit organizations, and many other businesses. 

Founded: 1998

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Receiving Aid: 98%

Average Aid: $24,087

Net Price: $32,022

Visit School Webpage

#4. The University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC (The University of Illinois Chicago) is a public research university in Chicago, Illinois. Thus, its campus is in the close West Side community area, opposite the Chicago Loop. Hence, the 2nd campus was founded under the University of Illinois system. UIC is also the largest university in the Chicago metropolitan area, having more than 33,000 students enrolled in 16 colleges. 

The school was officially established in 1982. With the consolidation of the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle and the University of Illinois at the Medical Center. Today, the university has become a global leader in several subjects, such as law, education, nursing, pharmacy, communication, and public administration.

Founded: 1859

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Average ACT: 25

Receiving Aid: 78%

Average SAT: 1145

Visit School Webpage

#5. Illinois Institute of Technology

This school is the second oldest law school in Illinois and has been making a result ever since. It is the only law school in the United States to receive the top mark of A+ from the preLaw magazine in labor and employment law. Their revered program joins concepts with experiential learning opportunities. The school has over 20 courses in practice areas and the institute of law for the workplace.

Furthermore, Law Street Media ranked Chicago-Kent first in the nation for Intellectual Property Law. As an outstanding school for engineering and Chicago’s only technical university, IIT is specially qualified in the field. The IP program provides a remarkable education to ready law students for challenges that come with sudden advances in technology. The school provides a broad array of networking and scholastic events. Through its Patent Hub, comprising national meetings and student moot court teams.

Outside of schoolwork, pupils can flex their legal proficiency through student organizations and communities. The Chicago-Kent Trial Advocacy Team has nationwide commendation for its proven advocacy skills in mock trial competitions. The team from Chicago-Kent gained the National Trial Contest in 1988, 2007, 2008, and 2015. Defeating out teams from more than 140 law schools across the country.

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Founded: 1890

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Average ACT: 29

Average SAT: 1295

Net Price: $26,708

Visit School Webpage

#6. John Marshall Law School

The John Marshall Law School at UIC is a Chicago public law school. They provide a comprehensive and affordable legal education to many students. The department was named to satisfy the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. Hence, one of the best law schools in Chicago.

Additionally, affiliation with the University of Illinois Chicago enables many dual degree programs. That aligns with the school’s strengths in disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, and business.

The university is committed to good public education and community service. Therefore, encouraging students to practice their legal skills while helping people in need. Law students have to work in a clinic or externship during their time at UIC. The Community Legal clinics are well regarded for the millions of dollars in pro bono services it gives to the community in Chicago.

Inside the classroom, students have the chance to learn from professors at the top of their fields. Nearly 50% of the full-time faculty hold law degrees from the top 15 law schools. Also, include 45% women and 35% professors of color. The remarkable faculty include United States District, civil rights activists, Circuit judges, and notable lawyers.

Founded: 1899

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Enrollment: 1060

Male:Female: 42:58

Visit School Webpage

#7. Northeastern Illinois University

The Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law was founded in 1867. It has one of the finest law schools in Chicago. The first-ever law school was established in Chicago. Today, admission to the program is highly competitive, with applicants attaining a median LSAT score of 169. The university also has a strong appreciation for those who have at least 2 years of work experience.

Furthermore, another innovative hub at Northwestern is the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center. Which serves as a replica for similar programs. The nonprofit student-focused program assists lawyers in illustrating entrepreneurs and reaching legal problems creatively.

Founded: 1867

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Average Act: 19

Receiving Aid: 84%

Average Sat: 1015

Visit School Webpage

Also, read this great article on Scholarships for Undergraduate Law Students

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicago is a very nice place to undertake any program of study. Not to talk of attending law schools in Chicago which ranks top in the world. Therefore, we must give ourselves the best education by attending world-class institutions.

Hence, take that bold step and enroll in that school of law in Chicago you’ve been longing for. We assure you that you are making the right decision for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools In Chicago

Does Chicago have good law schools?

The Law School at the University of Chicago is one of the top legal education centers not just in Illinois but all of the United States. It also has among the top citations-per-capita rate by any American law school.

How do you get into the University of Chicago law school?

The UChicago Law School Class of 2023 includes students with undergraduate GPAs ranging from a low of 3.23 to a high of 4.14. However, while it certainly is possible to get into UChicago Law with a relatively low GPA, fully 75% of the class earned at least a 3.72 GPA, and half of the class had a 3.89 GPA or better.

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year. So it is attainable.

Is it hard to get into UChicago law school?

UChicago Law is considered a moderately competitive law school that accepted ~21% of its applicants. Last year, the school made 185 offers to the several thousand students who applied.

Is Loyola in Chicago a good law school?

For the Advocacy specialty, U.S. News & World Report ranked Loyola 15th in its specialties ranking for 2019. Overall, Loyola ranks 90th among the best law schools in the United States as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

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