Application Guide to The College of William and Mary Law School
The College of William and Mary in Virginia is a public research university located in Williamsburg. It was founded in 1693 during the reign of King William II and Queen Mary II. It is actually the second oldest institution of higher education in the US, next to Harvard.
In 1779, The College of William & Mary Law School was established following the endorsement of Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson, one of its college alumni. It then became one of the oldest law schools. Today, The College of William & Mary Law School has turned into one of the top law schools in the country, and since it’s a public university, it has lower tuition than other institutions in the same league.
William and Mary Law School also publishes several law journals such as the William & Mary Law Review, William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, William & Mary Journal of Women and the Law, and William & Mary Business Law Review.
The Law School has about 600 postgraduate students enrolled in its law degree programs, under prominent faculty members who ensure high quality education.
Degrees offered
William and Mary Law School offers J.D., LL.M. and joint degree programs. The J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree involves courses like Contracts, Property, Torts, and other legal specializations. For full-time students, the program can be completed in three years.
The Law School also offers an LL.M. degree program for foreign students or non-US legal professionals. The program specializes in American legal systems. Students enrolled in the program come from various parts of the globe, such as China, Australia, and Switzerland.
Joint degrees can be completed in four years. The joint degree programs include Law/Master of Business Administration, Law/Master of Arts in American Studies, and Law/Master of Public Policy.
The Law School is also known for its study abroad programs.
Alumni
Aside from having highly distinguished faculty members, the Law School is also known for its accomplished alumni who became influential personalities in various fields. The list includes:
* Thomas Jefferson – former US President who authored the Declaration of Independence,
* John Marshall – former US Chief Justice
* James Monroe – former US President
* Henry Clay, former Secretary of State, senator, and Kentucky Representative
* William H. Cabell – the first one to be receive a baccalaureate in law in America, former Virginia * Jerry W. Kilgore – former Attorney General of Virginia
* Eric Cantor – Virginia Representative
* Michele Bachmann – Minnesota Representative
Rankings and reviews
The College of William and Mary Law School is regarded as among the prestigious law schools in the country. It takes the 28th spot in the 2011 edition of the US News and World Report rankings of the best law schools in the nation. As a public law school, it was ranked 10th. In the same survey, it took the top spot for small public universities. According to the Brian Leiter’s law school rankings, it has a highly regarded faculty and selective admissions process.
Admission tips
The William and Mary Law School is highly selective; therefore, applicants should perform well in their LSATs and other exams and work on having a good GPA. To gain an advantage over others, it is best to submit a well-crafted personal statement for law school. It is better to apply earlier and get the requirements ready for evaluation.
Admission facts
Admission data for the class of 2012
* Enrollment
Applicants: 4,984
Enrolled: 213
Women: 46%
Students of color: 19%
Student to Faculty Ratio: 1: 14.8
* GPA/LSAT scores
LSAT Median: 165
LSAT 25/75 Percentile: 161-166
UGPA Median: 3.66
UGPA 25/75 Percentile: 3.41-3.77
Contact info
Regular Mail:
Admission Office
William & Mary Law School
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795
Express Delivery:
Admission Office
William & Mary Law School
613 South Henry Street
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Phone: (757) 221-3785
Fax: (757) 221-3261
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