Looking for the top law schools in Michigan? Look no further! Our guide has everything you need to know about the best law institutions in the state to help you find the perfect match!
Top Law Schools in Michigan You Must Consider Applying to in 2023
If you dream of pursuing law in the US, you’re most certainly eager to know which states will best jump-start your legal career. While there’s a lot in store for you all across the country, we believe the world’s cherry capital, Michigan has what you need to live your dream legal-student life. And especially if adoring aesthetics while studying is more your style, you’re at the right spot!
When we think of Michigan, all that comes to our mind is the state’s stunning natural beauty, countless forests, and those breathtaking lakes. But did you know that Michigan is also home to some of the best law schools in the US? Yes, you read that right! The state boasts several top-rated and ABA-accredited law schools that do wonders for your legal journey.
But how do you select the best law school for yourself? That’s quite a task, but fret not; this is why we’re here to help! So, let’s dive right in to analyze the top law schools in Michigan.
1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#10
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Tuition Fee
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$66,386
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Average GPA
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3.83
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Average LSAT Scores
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171
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Acceptance Rate
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13.51%
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Application Deadline
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February 28, 2023
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Top of our list is none other than the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, the dream law school for many out there! The US News & World Reports ranks it as the 10th best law school in the whole US, so no wonder it has everything you need to kick-start your dream career.
And guess what? With a rich history dating back to 1859, Michigan Law has produced countless legal figures, including former US President Gerald Ford and Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy. If we were to say it’s a hub of intellectuals, we wouldn’t be wrong.
But Michigan Law goes way beyond just that. It’s a vibrant, forward-thinking institution that is committed to excellence in legal education. Perhaps the best part about pursuing a law degree from here is Ann Arbor’s bustling downtown, that’s just a few feet apart. This means that once you land a spot here, you can immerse all you want in the lively culture of the state that awaits you.
On top of that, no matter what your interests are, the University of Michigan will always have something for you. From corporate law to public interest law to any other area of legal practice, you name it! But don’t forget; these perks come with super competitive LSAT and GPA requirements. In the recent round of admissions, the LSAT requirement stood at 171, while the mean GPA requirement was 3.83. No easy feat, huh?
That makes one thing pretty clear; you’ll have to pull out all the stops when it comes to landing a spot here. The key is to give it your 110%, work on your LSAT score, and stay positive through it all. And once you’re here, rest assured that nothing can stop you from achieving the future legal endeavors you’ve forever dreamed of!
2. Wayne State University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#58
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Tuition Fee
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$36,502
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Average GPA
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3.80
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Average LSAT Scores
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161
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Acceptance Rate
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35.49%
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Application Deadline
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August 1, 2023
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3. Michigan State University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#91
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Tuition Fee
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$41,040
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Average GPA
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3.52
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Average LSAT Scores
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157
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Acceptance Rate
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43.89%
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Application Deadline
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April 30, 2023
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4. University of Detroit Mercy
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#139
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Tuition Fee
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$1,523 (Per-credit)
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Average GPA
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3.39
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Average LSAT Scores
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154
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Acceptance Rate
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56.13%
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Application Deadline
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April 15, 2023
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Next on our list is the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law – the place where legal education meets innovation. Situated in the heart of Detroit, this law school has a rich history of providing exceptional legal education grounded all across the state. And this is exactly why students come flocking here when the admissions open.
As one of the most established Catholic law schools in the United States, UDM Law enjoys a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. They take pride in being a member of the Association of American Law Schools and being accredited by the American Bar Association.
And while we’re at the admissions, let’s not forget that you’ll get a strong edge with a Catholic background here.
The school has an acceptance rate of 56.13% which means they’re taking over half the applicants in. In all honesty, that’s too good a chance for you to miss. The cherry on top, their LSAT and GPA requirements are way below the other universities, so you stand a great opportunity here even without working your fingers to the bone. But hey, don’t forget – you still need to stand out from a portion of other candidates, so we’d recommend focusing on your scores beforehand.
Just like you’d expect, the University of Detroit Mercy is more than just a law school that enjoys an excellent reputation. At UDM, they thrive by serving the community and bringing about positive change in the world. Another plus? Their curriculum is made to emphasize hands-on experience and real-world application, so you’re well-prepared for everything right after you graduate. In fact, if we were to call it the best law school in Michigan for experiential learning, we won’t be wrong!
However, the downside of this university is the relatively less impressive student-to-faculty ratio. This means you might struggle to keep up your relationships with faculty members. But if you’re an extrovert, that should be no big deal!
Pro tip: When applying to the UDM, make sure to have an outstanding personal statement to back up your scores. They really care about that when choosing between applicants!
5. Western Michigan University Thomas M.Cooley Law School
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#147-192
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Tuition Fee
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: $1,450 (Per-credit)
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Average GPA
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3.00
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Average LSAT Scores
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148
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Acceptance Rate
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48.15%
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Application Deadline
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January 1, May 1, September 1
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Last but definitely not least, we have the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, the excellence of which speaks for itself! Located in the vibrant city of Kalamazoo, WMU is a dynamic institution dedicated to providing students with a legal education that gives them an edge everywhere they go after they graduate. But what truly makes it stand out is the record-breaking size that’s unmatched by any other law school in the US.
Cooley Law School has both full-time and part-time professors, all of whom are committed to adding value to the lives of future lawyers. In fact, at WMU they have a student-focused approach to legal education.
Being ABA-accredited, Cooley School of Law boasts one of the most welcoming acceptance rates in town, accepting a whopping 48.15% of the applicants. Yep, that’s a lot, and perhaps the best chance for you to give it a shot. Thanks to the relatively lower GPA and LSAT criteria, you have the chance to be a part of the WMU family without much hassle.
So whether you’re a college student or an experienced legal professional looking to boost your career, trust us; Cooley is the perfect place to start your legal journey. And once you get in, you wouldn’t want your legal life to be any other way! It’s totally worth all your efforts.
The Bottom Line
It’s pretty natural to dream of attending a top school like the University of Michigan Law School, but let’s face it – the competition is fierce.
But now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge, we’re sure you can decide the best for your legal education! From the prestigious University of Michigan Law School to the welcoming Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan really has all you need!
So, if there was ever a right time to take action, it is now! Just know that you have what it takes to succeed in the challenging world of law, and you’ll see yourself doing wonders. Yes, you’ve got this!
FAQs
The admission criterion for law schools in Michigan varies by university but typically includes a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, remarkable LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts.
Yes, the good news is that most law schools in Michigan offer scholarships and financial aid to students. To win that, you need to visit the financial aid page of their preferred law school for more information.
Employment prospects for law graduates in Michigan primarily depend on school, program, and individual circumstances. Nevertheless, the state of Michigan has a super diverse legal market, that opens doors to opportunities in areas such as corporate law, government, public interest law, and more.
Yes, graduates from law schools in Michigan can practice law in other states, but to do so, they may need to pass the bar exam for the state in which they wish to practice.
Yes, there are online law programs available in Michigan. For instance, Michigan State University College of Law offers an online Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) degree program, designed for professionals who wish to gain legal knowledge but do not want to practice law.
