The Best Law Schools in Idaho: Rankings and Analysis

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Whether you are looking to pursue a career in law or just interested in knowing more about the legal education landscape in Idaho, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will delve into the topic of the best law schools in Idaho, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of top-tier law schools, but it has its fair share of institutions that offer quality legal education and prepare graduates for successful careers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top law schools in Idaho, their academic programs, faculty, admission requirements and procedures, as well as their post-graduation employment rates and median salaries.

Introduction: Understanding the Legal Education Landscape in Idaho

Before we dive into the specifics of each law school in Idaho, let’s first take a moment to understand the state’s legal education landscape. In Idaho, there are two types of law schools: public and private.

The only public law school in Idaho is the University of Idaho College of Law, which has two campuses: one in Moscow, and one in Boise. The University of Idaho College of Law is part of the larger University of Idaho system, which is a land-grant institution with a strong focus on research and innovation. The College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and has a long-standing tradition of producing lawyers who are committed to serving the community and upholding justice.

Private law schools in Idaho, on the other hand, are relatively new and niche. There are currently two private law schools in Idaho: Concordia University School of Law and Northwest Nazarene University School of Law. Both schools are based in Boise, the state’s capital and largest city, and both have a distinct religious affiliation: Concordia University is associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, while Northwest Nazarene is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these law schools and their respective strengths and weaknesses.

The University of Idaho College of Law: Tradition and Excellence

The University of Idaho College of Law was founded in 1909 and has a long and rich history of legal education in the state. The College of Law offers a J.D. program, as well as LL.M. and M.S. programs in various fields of law. The College of Law has a strong commitment to public service and offers a variety of clinics, externships, and pro bono opportunities to its students.

Academic Programs

The J.D. program at the University of Idaho College of Law requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including courses in legal writing, research, and analysis, as well as doctrinal courses in various fields of law. The college also offers joint degree programs with other departments of the University of Idaho, such as the College of Natural Resources, the College of Business and Economics, and the Master of Public Administration program. Additionally, the College of Law offers LL.M. programs in Natural Resources and Environmental Law, Litigation, and International Law, as well as an M.S. program in Water Resources.

Faculty

The faculty at the University of Idaho College of Law is diverse and accomplished, with a mixture of tenured and tenure-track professors, adjuncts, and visiting professors. Many of the faculty members have significant experience in practice and bring real-world insights to the classroom. The faculty is also actively involved in research and scholarship, with many publications in prestigious law journals and academic presses.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

To apply to the University of Idaho College of Law, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). The college also requires a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The college uses a rolling admissions process, with the priority deadline of March 15 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Post-Graduation Employment Rates and Median Salaries

The University of Idaho College of Law has a strong track record of placing its graduates in fulfilling and lucrative careers. According to the latest employment data from the American Bar Association, 75.4% of the Class of 2020 secured full-time, long-term, bar passage-required jobs within ten months of graduation. The median salary for these jobs was $66,000, with a range from $45,000 to $120,000.

Strengths

The University of Idaho College of Law has several strengths that set it apart from other law schools in Idaho:

1. Long-standing tradition of legal education and public service
2. Diverse academic programs and joint degree opportunities
3. Accomplished and experienced faculty
4. Strong emphasis on experiential learning and public interest

Weaknesses

While the University of Idaho College of Law has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses that prospective students should be aware of:

1. The only public law school in Idaho, which may limit diversity of viewpoints and experiences
2. Relatively high tuition and living costs compared to other law schools in the region
3. Challenging job market in Idaho and limited national reach

Concordia University School of Law: Small and Innovative

Concordia University School of Law was founded in 2012 and is Idaho’s only private, non-profit law school. Concordia University School of Law offers a J.D. program and has a small student body of approximately 200 students. Concordia University School of Law prides itself on its innovative and student-centered approach to legal education.

Academic Programs

The J.D. program at Concordia University School of Law requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including courses in legal writing, research, and analysis, as well as doctrinal courses in various fields of law. The school also offers a joint J.D./M.S. in Organizational Leadership degree program, which prepares students for leadership roles in various organizations.

Faculty

The faculty at Concordia University School of Law is small but dedicated, with a focus on providing individual attention and mentorship to students. The faculty includes full-time professors, a writing specialist, and adjuncts who are practicing attorneys in the Boise area.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

To apply to Concordia University School of Law, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and take the LSAT. The school also requires a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The school uses a rolling admissions process, with the priority deadline of May 1 for the fall semester and December 15 for the spring semester.

Post-Graduation Employment Rates and Median Salaries

Concordia University School of Law has a relatively short track record, as its first graduating class was in 2015. According to the latest employment data from the American Bar Association, 60.9% of the Class of 2020 secured full-time, long-term, bar passage-required jobs within ten months of graduation. The median salary for these jobs was $60,000, with a range from $40,000 to $85,000.

Strengths

Concordia University School of Law has several strengths that make it a compelling choice for prospective law students:

1. Innovative and student-centered approach to legal education, with a focus on practical skills and experiential learning
2. Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty and staff
3. Opportunities for leadership and community involvement
4. Relatively affordable tuition compared to other private law schools in the region

Weaknesses

While Concordia University School of Law has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses that prospective students should consider:

1. Relatively new and untested, with a limited track record of producing successful graduates
2. Small faculty and staff size may limit course offerings and extracurricular opportunities
3. May not offer as diverse a range of legal specialties and joint degree programs as larger law schools

Northwest Nazarene University School of Law: Faith-Based and Flexible

Northwest Nazarene University School of Law is the newest addition to Idaho’s legal education scene, opening its doors in 2020. Northwest Nazarene University School of Law is a faith-based law school affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and offers a J.D. program that emphasizes principled leadership, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Academic Programs

The J.D. program at Northwest Nazarene University School of Law requires the completion of 85 credit hours, including courses in legal writing, research, and analysis, as well as courses in interdisciplinary subjects such as ethics, theology, and leadership. The school also offers a B.A./J.D. dual-degree program that allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a J.D. degree in six years.

Faculty

The faculty at Northwest Nazarene University School of Law is diverse and experienced, with a range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. The faculty includes tenured and tenure-track professors, adjuncts, and visiting professors, and focuses on collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

To apply to Northwest Nazarene University School of Law, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and take the LSAT or GRE. The school also requires a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The school uses a rolling admissions process, with the priority deadline of August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Post-Graduation Employment Rates and Median Salaries

As Northwest Nazarene University School of Law is brand new, there is no employment data available yet. However, the school has strong connections with the legal profession and the local community, and is expected to produce graduates who are well-prepared for the job market.

Strengths

Northwest Nazarene University School of Law has several strengths that make it an attractive option for prospective law students:

1. Faith-based and values-driven approach to legal education, with a focus on ethical and moral principles
2. Interdisciplinary and collaborative curriculum, with a focus on leadership and service
3. Dual-degree program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a J.D. degree in six years
4. New and innovative, with an emphasis on technological and pedagogical advances

Weaknesses

While Northwest Nazarene University School of Law has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses that prospective students should keep in mind:

1. Brand new and untested, with no track record of producing successful graduates
2. Religiously affiliated, which may limit diversity of viewpoints and experiences
3. Relatively small and unranked, which may limit job prospects and national recognition

Comparison Table: Best Law Schools in Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the admission requirements for law schools in Idaho?

Most law schools in Idaho require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a high LSAT score, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Some schools also require supplemental essays or interviews.

2. How much does it cost to attend law school in Idaho?

Tuition and fees vary depending on the law school and residency status, but generally range from $16,000 to $38,000 per year.

3. What are the job prospects for law school graduates in Idaho?

Job prospects for law school graduates in Idaho are generally competitive, as the state has a relatively small legal job market. However, graduates from the University of Idaho College of Law have a strong track record of securing employment in the region.

4. Can I take the bar exam in Idaho if I graduate from an out-of-state law school?

Yes, you can take the bar exam in Idaho if you graduate from an out-of-state law school, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Idaho State Bar.

5. Do law schools in Idaho offer joint degree programs?

Yes, both the University of Idaho College of Law and Concordia University School of Law offer joint degree programs with other departments of their respective universities.

6. Do law schools in Idaho offer online courses?

Most law schools in Idaho do not offer fully online J.D. programs, as the ABA prohibits more than 12 credits of online coursework. However, some schools offer hybrid programs that combine online and in-person components.

7. How can I finance my legal education in Idaho?

Most law schools in Idaho offer scholarships, grants, and loans to qualifying students. There are also external funding sources, such as private scholarships, bar association grants, or employer tuition reimbursement programs.

8. Can I practice law in other states if I graduate from a law school in Idaho?

Yes, you can practice law in other states if you graduate from a law school in Idaho, as long as you pass the bar exam in the state you wish to practice in and meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the state bar association.

9. Are law schools in Idaho ranked nationally?

None of the law schools in Idaho are currently ranked nationally by major ranking publications such as U.S. News & World Report. However, each law school has its own strengths and areas of excellence.

10. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at law schools in Idaho?

The student-to-faculty ratio at law schools in Idaho varies depending on the school, ranging from 7:1 to 24:1.

11. What kind of extracurricular activities do law schools in Idaho offer?

Law schools in Idaho offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including moot court competitions