University of Virginia

University of Virginia School of Law is the fourth oldest law school in the US, and it has grown to become one of the most well-respected schools for producing successful lawyers. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. The school also earns high marks for having one of the best qualities of life for law school students. UVA has a total law school student population of a bit over 900.

The traditional curricular programs at Virginia Law include more than 250 courses and seminars offered each year in subjects like law and business, law and public service, international law, legal and constitutional history, human rights, immigration law, intellectual property, public policy and regulation, health law and law and humanities. Students can also take part in programs that focus on legal writing, professional ethics, trial advocacy, and public speaking. University of Virginia School of Law students also have many additional opportunities to broaden their law school education. Individuals can earn joint degrees, although these programs usually add an additional year to their studies.

Others choose to focus their law studies on specialties from other institutes like the Center for Oceans Law and Policy and the Center for National Security Law. Famous game-show host, Bob Barker, donated money to fund an animal law program on campus. Virginia Law is also well known for having 24 clinics for students to gain real-life case experience. Topics for clinics include: Advocacy for the Elderly, Employment Law, International Human Rights, Mental Health Law, Patent and Licensing, and Transactional Law.

After completing these rigorous programs, the University of Virginia School of Law students are more than ready to tackle the law profession. Many individuals go on to become chairpersons and managing partners at law firms across the country; alumni have also gone on to become general counsel for many Fortune 500 companies. Additional graduates have served as law clerks on the United States Supreme Court. In fact, at graduation, more than 98% of the students are employed. Virginia Law has long been considered one of the top law schools for career prospects.

There are over 70 on-campus student organizations, including chapters of the Federalist Society, the American Constitution Society, and the St. Thomas More Society. Every spring, more than a hundred students create a production of “The Libel Show.” This musical theater show was first produced in 1904, in which students make friendly jabs at professors and life on campus. One of the performances sees professors getting the chance to sing their responses to the student’s jokes.

The school also produces a student-run weekly newspaper called “The Virginia Law Weekly.” The publication has won the American Bar Association’s “Best Newspaper Awards” in years past. Virginia Law also has 10 academic journals. Students who are interested in a comprehensive education and excellent future job opportunities should look into the University of Virginia School of Law.