Best Law Schools In Minnesota 2024

Minnesota is known for its pristine lakes, vibrant culture, and commitment to education, and it is also home to several law schools, all of which offer a rigorous legal education and prepare students for success in the legal profession.

Law schools in Minnesota have gained massive recognition for producing some of the best lawyers in the US, and in a short while, we will be unveiling some of the leading law schools in Minnesota that have made the city this famous.

This article will provide an overview of the top 15 accredited law schools in Minnesota, highlighting their strengths and unique offerings. We will also discuss factors to consider when choosing a law school and provide tips for prospective law students.

So, whether you are interested in corporate law, public interest law, or environmental law, this article will serve as an ultimate guide to help you choose the best law school in Minnesota that will speed the process of chasing your dreams.

BEST LAW SCHOOLS IN MINNESOTA

1. University of Minnesota Law School

Location: Walter F. Mondale Hall, 229 S 19th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States

The University of Minnesota Law School, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a prestigious institution affiliated with the University of Minnesota. This renowned law school offers four distinct law degrees, including a Juris Doctor (J.D.), a Master of Laws (LL.M.), a Master of Science in Patent Law (M.S.P.L.), and a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.).

One of the notable features of this institution is its J.D. program, which provides students with a wide array of concentration opportunities, along with the possibility of pursuing dual and joint degrees in collaboration with other graduate and professional schools within the university.

With an impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this institution is selective in its admissions, with over half of the Class of 2024 having strong academic credentials. The law school also boasts a remarkable five-year average bar exam passage rate of 96.91%.

Its alumni are spread across all 50 U.S. states and 70 countries, holding influential positions, including a former U.S. Vice President, CEO of Marriott International, and prominent figures in the legal and nonprofit sectors. The University of Minnesota Law School is known for producing successful legal professionals with a global impact.

2. University of St. Thomas School of Law

Location: 1101 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is one of the most recent law schools in Minnesota, but it has quickly established itself as a leader in legal education. The school’s innovative curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in the legal profession by focusing on both legal knowledge and professional development.

The school has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its student body is one of the most diverse among law schools in the United States. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas School of Law have a strong track record of success on the bar exam and in the job market.

The school’s bar passage rate is consistently above the national average, and its graduates are employed at top law firms, government agencies, and corporations throughout the country.

The University of St. Thomas School of Law is a great choice for students who are looking for a law school that offers a rigorous curriculum, a supportive community, and a commitment to professional development.

Read also: Best Law Schools in Canada: Top 16

3. Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Location: 875 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, United States

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is a premier law school in the Midwest that offers a rigorous, accessible, and practice-based legal education. The school has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and its student body is one of the most diverse among law schools in the United States.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a wide range of courses, experiential programs, and specializations, so students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals. The school also places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, with students having the opportunity to work with real clients and legal issues through clinics, externships, and residencies.

Graduates of Mitchell Hamline School of Law have a strong track record of success on the bar exam and in the job market. The school’s bar passage rate is consistently above the national average, and its graduates are employed at top law firms, government agencies, and corporations throughout the country.

4. Winona State University, College of Business

Location: 175 W Mark St, Winona, MN 55987, United States

The Winona State University College of Business Legal Studies program is a great choice for students who are interested in a career in law or who are planning to attend one of the best law schools in Minnesota.

The program offers a variety of program options to meet the needs of all students, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in their future careers.

The Legal Studies program at WSU also provides enriching learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as internships, research projects, and the Mock Trial team, to help students gain valuable hands-on experience and develop their skills in a variety of areas.

In addition to its strong academic program, the Legal Studies program at WSU is also committed to making a real-world impact. The Criminal Expungement Clinic is a great example of this commitment, as it provides students with the opportunity to help individuals clear their criminal records and start fresh.

5. The College of Saint Scholastica

Location: 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811, United States

The College of Saint Scholastica Pre-Law Program is a great choice for students who are serious about pursuing a career in law. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty support, and a variety of opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge.

The Pre-Law Program at St. Scholastica is designed to prepare students for success in law school. The program’s faculty advisors work closely with students to develop a personalized program of study that meets their individual needs and goals. Students also have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience through internships and research projects.

The Pre-Law Society at St. Scholastica provides students with a supportive community and opportunities to engage with the legal profession. The society hosts workshops, speakers, and other events that help students learn more about the law and the legal field.

St. Scholastica’s partnership with Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers students the opportunity to earn their B.A./B.S. and J.D. degrees in just six years. This program is a great option for students who are eager to begin their legal careers sooner rather than later.

Related: Best Law Schools in Michigan

6. Gustavus Adolphus College

Location: 800 W College Ave., St Peter, MN 56082, United States

Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minnesota. The school offers a Pre-Law program that prepares students for admission to law school.

The Pre-Law Program at Gustavus Adolphus is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in law school.

The program includes a variety of courses in law-related fields, such as political science, philosophy, and economics. Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects to gain hands-on experience in the legal field.

Gustavus Adolphus College has a long and successful history of preparing students for law school, and many Gustavus Adolphus graduates have gone on to attend top law schools and have successful careers in the legal profession.

7. Macalester College

Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota. It does not have a law school, but it does offer a pre-law program that prepares students for admission to law school.

The Pre-Law program includes a variety of courses in law-related fields, such as political science, philosophy, and economics, and is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in law school.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects to gain hands-on experience in the legal field.

In addition to its Pre-Law Program, Macalester College also offers a Legal Studies program that provides students with a broad understanding of law and the legal system. You can choose to focus on a variety of areas, such as constitutional law, criminal law, or even international law.

Macalester College has a long and successful history of preparing students for law school. Many Macalester graduates have gone on to attend top law schools and have had successful careers in the legal profession.

8. Bemidji State University

Location: 1500 Birchmont Dr. NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, United States

Bemidji State University, located in Bemidji, Minnesota, is known for its Pre-Law program, which is designed to prepare students who are interested in pursuing legal careers and possibly attending law school.

While Bemidji State University does not have its own law school or offer a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, its Pre-Law program provides students with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills needed for success in law-related fields.

The Pre-Law program at Bemidji State University typically includes coursework in areas such as political science, philosophy, history, and other disciplines that are relevant to the study of law. It may also offer resources and guidance to students who plan to apply to law schools, helping them prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and navigate the law school application process.

9. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Location: 1104 7th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56563, United States

The Minnesota State University Moorhead Pre-Law Program is a great choice for students who are serious about pursuing a career in law. The Program is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in law, government, and public policy.

The program’s curriculum includes courses in a variety of law-related fields, such as constitutional law, criminal law, and business law. Students also have the opportunity to take courses in political science, economics, and philosophy.

In addition to its rigorous curriculum, the Pre-Law Program at MSUM also offers students opportunities to get involved in political and legal organizations. The university also has a Pre-Law Club, which hosts a variety of events and activities for students who are interested. Students also have the opportunity to volunteer or intern with local law firms and government agencies.

10. Carleton College

Location: Sayles Hill Campus Center, North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057, United States

The Carleton College Department of Law and Legal Studies offers a unique and interdisciplinary approach to the study of law, examining its complex interactions with society at the national, transnational, and international levels.

Located in the national capital, this department provides students with exceptional access to a broad spectrum of resources and opportunities, including internships with government agencies, law firms, and other legal organizations.

Notably, the Carleton College Department of Law and Legal Studies is recognized as the oldest and largest undergraduate program in legal studies in Canada. Beyond undergraduate studies, the department also offers advanced MA and PhD programs in legal studies.

The distinguished faculty members at the department possess expertise in various areas of law, encompassing constitutional law, criminal law, international law, and environmental law. They engage in cutting-edge research projects, allowing students to actively participate in advancing knowledge about law and society.

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11. St. Olaf College

Location: 1520 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057, United States

St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, is renowned for its strong liberal arts education and diverse academic programs.

While St. Olaf College is widely recognized for its undergraduate offerings in the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, it does not have a law school. However, this school offers a Pre-Law Program to prepare students for admission to law school.

The Pre-Law Program at St. Olaf is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in law school.

St. Olaf College has a long and successful history of preparing students for law school. Many St. Olaf graduates have gone on to attend top law schools and have successful careers in the legal profession.

12. Metropolitan State University

Location: 700 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106, United States

The last school on our list of law schools in Minnesota is Metropolitan State University. The Metropolitan State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is an excellent option for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or advancing their careers in the field.

The program provides a rigorous curriculum, skilled professors, and hands-on learning opportunities. The Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate is a distinct aspect of the curriculum that distinguishes it from other criminology and criminal justice programs.

Another distinguishing characteristic of the curriculum is its emphasis on social justice and community problem-solving. This program educates students to have a positive influence in the criminal justice field and to contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society.

FAQs

Is law school difficult?

There have been several rumors saying “law schools are difficult,” but I strongly disagree. When it is your passion, you will always enjoy the process and look forward to learning new things.

How much is law school in Minnesota?

The law schools in Minnesota have different prices; however, the average law school in Minnesota costs around $35,000 for local students and around $50,000 for international students.

What is the cheapest law school in the US?

University of the District of Columbia (Clarke)

The cheapest law school in the US is the University of the District of Columbia. The tuition fee costs $13,438 for local students and $25,874 for international students.

What GPA do you need to get into the University of Minnesota Law School?

The University of Minnesota accepts applicants with an average GPA of 3.69. Even if your GPA is below the accepted average, you can still make it in if your LSAT score is high, and your application letter is convincing enough. Also, the average LSAT score that UMN accepts is 164.

WRAP UP

There are several law schools in Minnesota, offering students a range of options to choose from. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in public interest law, corporate law, or something else entirely, you are sure to find a law school on this list that is a good fit for your needs and goals.

When choosing a law school, it is important to consider factors such as the school’s curriculum, faculty, location, and cost. You should also consider your own interests and goals. If you are interested in a specific area of law, such as environmental law or intellectual property law, you should choose a law school with a strong program in that area.

If you are not sure which law school is right for you, it is a good idea to visit multiple schools and talk to current students and faculty. You can also attend law school fairs and talk to admissions representatives from different schools.

Once you have chosen a law school, be sure to start preparing early for the LSAT and the law school application process. Law school is a challenging but rewarding experience, and it can prepare you for a successful career in law.

Best Law Schools in Minnesota

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