Law Schools in Kansas City KS

Seeking the best law schools in Kansas City, KS? You’re in the right place.

This article explores the top law schools offering exceptional legal education and strong employment outcomes. Whether you’re aiming for a Juris Doctor or specialized programs, find out which institutions stand out and why.

Discover the unique advantages, faculty strengths, and career services that make these schools the top choices for aspiring lawyers.

UMKC School of Law – Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree Program

The UMKC School of Law, located in Kansas City, MO, offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program renowned for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovative legal education. This law school is your gateway to a promising legal career, boasting an employment rate of 94.4% for the Class of 2023 as of March 2024.

Program Highlights

• Diverse Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic legal landscape, incorporating modern innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI).
• Employment Success: An impressive 90.2% of graduates secure roles requiring bar passage or offer a JD advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Faculty members are devoted to both research and teaching, providing students with a robust legal education.
• Local Connections: UMKC posted 1088 local and regional employment positions in the 2022-2023 academic year, emphasizing its integration with Kansas City’s legal community.

Additional Resources

• Leon E. Bloch Law Library: A resourceful law library supporting both students and faculty.
• Continuing Legal Education: Various events and programs to support ongoing education for legal professionals.
• RooLaw CONNECT: An alumni networking platform that helps graduates stay connected and leverage career opportunities.

Financials and Inclusivity

• Tuition and Fees: Suitable financial support structures including non-discriminatory practices in alignment with Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106.
• Accessibility: The school complies with all ABA Required Disclosures, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Enrolling at UMKC School of Law provides you with a comprehensive blend of education quality, employment readiness, and strong local connections. Dive deeper into their offerings by visiting the UMKC School of Law website.

The University of Kansas School of Law – J.D. Program

The University of Kansas School of Law in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a distinguished J.D. program focusing on personalized legal education. With a remarkable faculty-to-student ratio of 6.6:1, you will experience close mentorship and guidance from esteemed professors.

Program Highlights

• High Employment Rates: About 94% of the 2022 graduating class secured full-time, long-term legal positions.
• Bar Exam Success: 100% bar exam pass rate for 2021 graduates within two years, boosted by the free Bar Prep Program.
• Diverse Legal Programs: Offers traditional J.D., LL.M. in American Legal Studies, Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), and a Two-Year J.D. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers.
• Specialized Certificates: More than 100 upper-level courses and eight specialized certificate programs in various legal fields.

Practical Learning

• Experiential Opportunities: Engage in live-client clinics, field placements, moot courts, and mock trials.
• Supportive Community: Initiatives aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as the Diversity in Law Banquet and free legal aid clinics for veterans.
• Faculty Excellence: Benefit from nationally recognized professors dedicated to your academic and professional growth.

Financial Aspects and Campus Life

• Cost-Effective Education: Ranked as the #4 Best Value Law School by National Jurist Magazine in 2023, balancing high academic standards with affordability.
• Campus Environment: The school builds a solidarity-focused community, fostering relationships that last beyond graduation.

The University of Kansas School of Law’s reputation for high employment outcomes and comprehensive education structure make it a top choice. For more information, visit the University of Kansas School of Law.

University of Missouri–Kansas City – School of Law

The University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law is another prominent institution set in Kansas City, MO. Established in 1895, it joined the University of Missouri system in 1938 and has since been accredited by the American Bar Association.

Program Highlights

• Strong Rankings: Holds a #114 ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Annual Rankings with a notable 21st position for its Trial Advocacy Program.
• Practical Training: Received an A- designation for practical training from preLaw Magazine and won the national championship at the Transactional LawMeet competition.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Operates the top traditional CLE program in Kansas, enhancing professional learning post-graduation.

Clinical Programs and Employment

• Varied Clinical Programs: Offers hands-on training in various legal fields such as family law, intellectual property, and tax law.
• Employment Statistics: 74.07% of the Class of 2017 secured full-time positions requiring bar passage within ten months, reflecting solid employment outcomes.

Financials

• Cost: Missouri residents pay $19,038 per year. Non-residents incur an additional $16,318, though scholarships are available to reduce expenses. The overall annual expense for a Missouri resident is approximately $34,488, including living costs.

Institutional Integrity

• Accreditation and Membership: Accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools, ensuring high academic standards and rigorous legal training.

Explore more about the resources, faculty, and employment opportunities by visiting the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law.

Ensuring that you choose the best law school is crucial for your future legal career. Each institution highlighted here offers unique advantages tailored to your educational and professional goals.

University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law

The University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law is a beacon for aspiring lawyers in Kansas City. With a 58.9% acceptance rate, this public law school promotes diversity and inclusivity. Here, prospective students can pursue a comprehensive Juris Doctor (JD) program and several dual-degree options.

Program Highlights

• Holistic Admission Process: Emphasizes a comprehensive admission process beyond standardized metrics.
• Strong Practical Skills Development: Offers robust clinics, externships, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Emphasis Areas: Focuses on intellectual property, advocacy, and family law.

Practical Learning

• Internships: Kansas City’s vibrant legal market provides ample internship and job opportunities.
• Career Support: The Career Services Office aids students in securing internships and post-graduation employment.

Financial and Community Aspects

• Affordable Education: Compared to many law schools, UMKC offers a financially accessible program.
• Financial Aid: Scholarships and financial aid packages are available to reduce educational costs.

The UMKC School of Law stands out for its practical training, strong legal programs, and comprehensive career support. Delve deeper into what they offer by visiting the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law.

How to Choose the Right Law School in Kansas City KS

Choosing the right law school can set the stage for your legal career. Here’s how to make an informed decision.

Accreditation and Specialization

1. Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) for quality assurance.
2. Specialization: Select schools offering strong programs aligning with your career goals.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

• Internships: Examine the internships provided, as practical experience is crucial.
• Post-Graduation Employment: Research the school’s employment statistics to ensure strong job placement support.

Faculty and Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• Faculty Expertise: Review the faculty’s qualifications and teaching styles for a rich educational experience.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: A low ratio indicates personalized attention and mentorship.

Campus Life and Financial Considerations

• Campus Life: Investigate housing, extracurricular activities, and the overall campus environment.
• Financials: Calculate tuition costs, scholarship availability, and total attendance expenses, including living costs.

Additional Tips

• Visit Campuses: Attend open houses or virtual tours to get a feel for the environment and facilities.
• Alumni and Current Students: Reach out to alumni and current students for authentic insights into the school’s culture and opportunities.

Choosing the right law school in Kansas City KS involves assessing multiple factors to ensure it aligns with your aspirations and needs.

Summary of the Best Law Schools in Kansas City KS

To recap, selecting the best law school depends on various factors such as accreditation, available specializations, faculty expertise, and campus life. From UMKC’s strong employment outcomes and practical training to the personalized education and affordability at the University of Kansas School of Law, these institutions offer promising pathways for aspiring lawyers.

Explore further details on each school by visiting their respective UMKC School of Law and University of Kansas School of Law website links. Make an informed choice to kickstart your successful legal career in Kansas City, KS.