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Thinking about studying law in Minnesota? Read on to learn more about the top law schools in this state!
Minnesota is well known as a legal and economic hub, and it has several excellent law schools for aspiring lawyers! If you’d like to learn more about how to begin your prosperous legal career in this state, this guide will explore the three greatest law schools in the state, their admission stats, and more!
Before delving deeper into the best law schools Minnesota has to offer, here’s a general breakdown of their admission statistics to help you decide which school is best for you:
Minnesota is a popular choice for aspiring law students for several reasons, one of which is its vibrant legal community. Students pursuing their legal education in this state have access to valuable networking opportunities and connections for internships and careers.
Another reason students choose this state to begin their careers is because of its law schools, particularly the University of Minnesota, which is one of the top law schools in the nation! However, this state is home to three law schools that offer unique resources and opportunities. Here are some more details about these top schools.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The best law school in the state is the University of Minnesota. It also has the highest admission requirements and lowest acceptance rates, meaning it is the most competitive school on this list! It is home to highly accomplished scholars, world-class faculty, and one of the nation’s most distinguished clinical education programs!
This school is also located in the Twin Cities, giving students access to large law firms and countless legal organizations.
Source: University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas believes in using the law for the common good. If you’re ready to make a difference, this law school is ready to help you do it! Located in Downtown Minneapolis, this university offers innovative curricula that emphasize the education of the person as a whole.
This law school also offers an award-winning Mentor Externship Program where more than 500 lawyers and judges are paired with students to help them gain work experience, network and build relationships, and navigate the legal field. St. Thomas is one of the two schools in the country that offers this type of externship!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The final top law school in the state is the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, the only school to offer blended learning. In a one-of-a-kind hybrid JD program, students enrolled at Mitchell Hamline are able to complete their degrees online and in person.
Even if you prefer not to do a hybrid program, Hamline offers flexible scheduling! Upper-level students are able to enroll in classes on weekdays, weekends, and in the evenings.
Mitchell Hamline was one of the first few schools to begin including online components in its JD program, even offering some blended learning courses in the early 2000s!
Mitchell Hamline also offers students legal residency programs that can help them transition from law school to the real world of law. During this program, students participate in intense fieldwork experiences and scholarly discussions with experts in the field.
To get into law school in Minnesota, study hard for the LSAT, get advice on your personal statement, and submit all required documents on time. Make sure to showcase your relevant experiences and achievements in your application. Let’s take a closer look at these tips.
Dedicate sufficient time to study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), ideally for at least three months before taking it. Familiarize yourself with the test format and content, and consider taking practice exams to gauge your readiness.
Visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website to access valuable resources related to the LSAT and Credential Assembly Services (CAS). Take advantage of the information and tools available to help you navigate the application process effectively.
View your personal statement as your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Clearly explain why you want to study law and how your past experiences have prepared you for this journey. Don't hesitate to get input from mentors or prelaw advisors to make sure your statement reflects your goals and passions effectively.
Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide meaningful insights into your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in law school. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak positively about your qualifications. Ensure that your recommenders submit their letters in a timely manner to avoid delays in the application process.
Make sure to send your undergraduate (and/or graduate) transcripts to LSAC promptly. Keep an eye on your transcript submissions to make sure they go through smoothly.
If you have concerns about your GPA or specific trends in your academic performance, you may choose to submit a brief addendum with your application. Use this opportunity to provide context or explanations for any challenges you have faced academically.
Take a look at your resume and make sure it highlights your academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, community involvement, volunteer work, honors, awards, and hobbies. Keep it clear and concise, sticking to just one or two pages.
If applicable, consider submitting additional materials such as diversity statements or statements outlining your specific interest in the Minnesota law school. Tailor these supplemental materials to align with the values and priorities of the admissions committee.
By following these tips and carefully preparing your application materials, you can enhance your competitiveness and increase your chances of securing admission to law schools in Minnesota.
Want to learn about more options around Minnesota? Utilize our tool to efficiently find your ideal law school near Minnesota by filtering choices based on your desired region of the United States.
There are only three law schools in Minnesota: the University of Minnesota Law School, the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Students should aim for an LSAT score of 170+ to get into the University of Minnesota Law School, an LSAT score of 157+ to get into the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and an LSAT score of 155+ to get into the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Yes, the University of Minnesota is an excellent law school; it ranks 16th in the nation!
Minnesota’s best law school is the University of Minnesota Law School.
The cheapest law school is the University of Minnesota Law School. For in-state students, this school costs $48,528 a year. For non-residents, however, the University of St. Thomas School of Law is the cheapest option at $49,272 a year.
Any of the top law schools in Minnesota listed in this guide can act as a great first step to a prosperous legal career! Like a rolling stone, after your Minnesota JD, you’ll only continue to achieve greatness!
David Merson was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.
Reviewed by:
Senior Law School Admissions Advisor & Litigation Attorney, USC Gould School of Law
