Law Schools in St. Louis MO

Top Law Schools in St. Louis MO

Looking for top law schools in St. Louis MO to kickstart your legal career?

This guide covers the best institutions, their standout programs, and unique opportunities.

Discover which law school aligns with your professional goals and offers the best resources, faculty, and connections to help you excel in the legal field.

Saint Louis University – School of Law

Discover the rich history and dynamic environment of Saint Louis University School of Law, a globally connected Catholic, Jesuit law school. With 175 years of tradition, SLU Law provides an ideal setting for legal education right in the heart of downtown St. Louis.

Key Features:

• Diverse Course Offerings: Choose from four specialized concentrations, 10 dual degree programs, and three centers of excellence.
• Extensive Experiential Learning: 132 experiential learning options provide invaluable real-world experience. Students contribute over 36,000 hours of free legal services annually.
• Public Service Commitment: Engage in significant public service opportunities. Since 2010, 91 SLU Law students have argued cases in the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court.
• Strong Community: Benefit from a close-knit, supportive environment with an extensive alumni network. Recent accomplishments include outgoing Dean William Johnson’s new role and Associate Dean Kathryn Banks’ leadership recognition by Focus St. Louis’ Leadership St. Louis class.

With these attributes, SLU Law creates a vibrant academic atmosphere fostering growth and expertise in legal practice.

Washington University School of Law

At Washington University School of Law, you will find a blend of rigorous academics and practical skills training, all within a collegial and collaborative environment. This school stands out for its high-ranking Masters in Law programs, particularly with international students, promoting a diverse academic setting.

Key Features:

• Renowned Faculty: Learn from faculty recognized for their profound expertise and commitment to legal education.
• Substantive Courses and Applied Skills: Comprehensive course offerings incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects, ensuring well-rounded legal training.
• Global Network: Utilize the school’s connections to a vast network of legal professionals, boosting your career prospects domestically and internationally.
• Innovative Legal Education: Engage in progressive programs designed to stimulate critical thinking and meaningful legal practice.

Explore the exceptional legal education offered at Washington University School of Law, enhancing both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Saint Louis University School of Law – Part-Time Program

For those juggling work or other commitments, the Saint Louis University School of Law Part-Time Program offers a flexible path to obtaining your law degree. As the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River, SLU Law maintains strong ties to its Jesuit traditions while providing modern legal education.

Key Features:

• Flexible Scheduling: Designed to accommodate working professionals, students can pursue specialized areas, including health law, employment law, and international law.
• Experiential Learning: Participate in clinics and externships to gain hands-on legal experience, crucial for practical learning.
• Public Service Opportunities: Engage in public service through the Center for Health Law Studies and other initiatives, balancing academic learning with community contribution.
• Student Publications: Contribute to esteemed journals such as the Saint Louis University Law Journal and the Journal of Health Law & Policy.

This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experiences, tailored to meet the demands of part-time students.

St. Louis University – School of Law

Choose St. Louis University School of Law for a comprehensive legal education that prepares you for diverse career paths in law. Known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning, SLU Law is a premier choice for aspiring attorneys.

Key Features:

• Experiential Learning: Practice through clinics, externships, and internships, ensuring real-world experience.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from accomplished faculty who provide personalized mentorship and guidance in small class settings.
• Bar Exam Success: Benefit from strong bar exam preparation programs, contributing to high success rates.
• Networking Opportunities: Leverage the school’s strategic downtown St. Louis location to build robust professional connections.
• Financial Aid: Access scholarships and financial aid to support your legal education journey.

SLU Law creates a supportive and challenging environment for students to excel academically and professionally.

Explore these exceptional law schools in St. Louis, MO, and find the program that best fits your career aspirations and lifestyle needs. Each institution offers unique strengths, and St. Louis provides a vibrant legal community to support your growth as a future attorney.

Washington University in St. Louis – Juris Doctor (JD) Program

Explore the Juris Doctor (JD) Program at Washington University in St. Louis for an enriching legal education that uniquely combines academic rigor with practical experience. Here, you can tailor your legal studies to your interests while gaining practical skills fundamental to legal practice.

Key Features:

• Specialized Academic Programs: Gain expertise in specialized fields such as Bankruptcy, Corporate and Business Law, Intellectual Property and Technology Law, and more.
• Multiple Clinics and Externships: Participate in any of the eleven clinics or seven externship programs to work on real cases and develop essential lawyering skills.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Complete critical core courses in the first year, along with an ethics course and an upper-level research and writing requirement.
• Bias and Cross-Cultural Competency Studies: Starting from Fall 2023, coursework includes subjects on bias, cross-cultural competency, and racism (BCCCR).
• Practical Research and Writing Courses: Enhance your legal expertise with practical courses taught by experienced attorneys and law librarians.
• Extensive Credit Requirements: Fulfill the 86 credit unit requirement with a mix of classroom learning and experiential credits.

The JD program ensures an education that balances rigorous coursework with experiential learning, preparing you thoroughly for a successful career in law.

Washington University School of Law – WashULaw Online Programs

Discover the flexibility and prestige of WashULaw Online Programs, which allow you to advance your legal education without compromising your current commitments. Positioned among the top-20 law schools by U.S. News & World Report, these programs cater to professionals seeking career advancement.

Key Features:

• Master of Legal Studies (MLS): Broaden your legal knowledge and enhance your professional skillset without becoming a practicing lawyer.
• LLM in U.S. Law: Geared towards international lawyers to deepen their understanding of U.S. legal principles.
• LLM in Taxation: Specialize in tax law to navigate complex tax regulations and advance in your career.
• Master of Legal Studies in Taxation: Equip yourself with knowledge in tax law while maintaining your professional role.

Additional Benefits:

• Flexible Study Options: Balance your studies with personal and professional commitments through an adaptable online format.
• Renowned Faculty: Learn from distinguished faculty who bring extensive real-world experience and scholarship to the virtual classroom.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and legal professionals globally, expanding your professional network.
• Access to University Resources: Leverage the resources and research facilities of Washington University.

WashULaw Online Programs provide an esteemed, flexible educational option designed to fit the needs of working professionals.

Choosing the Right Law School in St. Louis

When considering law schools in St. Louis MO, you need to weigh various factors to find the best fit for your legal education and career aspirations.

1. Accreditation: Ensure the law school is accredited, as this affects your eligibility for the bar exam and the quality of education.
2. Program Diversity: Look for schools offering a wide range of specialized programs and dual degree options that align with your career goals.
3. Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and areas of research of the faculty to gauge their impact on your educational experience.
4. Location: Consider the school’s proximity to legal firms, courts, and networking opportunities, which can enhance your practical learning experiences.
5. Career Services: Investigate the school’s career placement rates, employer connections, and career services support.
6. Alumni Network: A strong alumni network can provide mentoring opportunities and open doors to professional connections.
7. Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate tuition costs, availability of scholarships, and financial aid options to manage your educational expenses.
8. Campus Culture: Visit the campuses or attend virtual information sessions to get a feel for the school’s environment and community.

By focusing on these crucial aspects, you can choose the law school that best meets your needs, setting the stage for a successful legal career.

Conclusion

St. Louis, MO, offers excellent choices for your legal education, each with unique strengths and opportunities. Whether you are interested in full-time or part-time programs, traditional classroom settings, or flexible online studies, the law schools in St. Louis provide comprehensive educational experiences and access to a vibrant legal community.

Visit their websites and take the next step toward enrolling in one of St. Louis’s top law schools. Your future in the legal field begins with a well-informed decision.

Explore Saint Louis University School of Law and Washington University School of Law further to see which aligns best with your aspirations and goals.