Law School Profile
Southwestern Law School By Donna McGill Located in Los Angeles, California, Southwestern Law School emphasizes its diverse student body with its innovation in programs as well as the four J.D. courses of study it offers. Founded in 1911, it’s been home to more than 10,000 law students, including more than 200 judges, well known entertainment lawyers and several members of Congress. It’s also this week’s Law School Spotlight.
Southwestern Law School has, in many ways, led the march for the alternative curriculum with traditional course programs, as well as a part time program model that other campuses across the country have instituted. It was also one of the first law schools in the nation that encouraged women and minorities to follow their own legal dreams via a law degree. It offers a unique program that allows those students with familial responsibilities to attend so that they too might graduate law school. A small group of students first met in downtown Los Angeles with the goal of defining a non profit institution that would provide educational opportunities to those who might not otherwise be able to afford any level of secondary education. The rest, as they say, is history.
While one’s first look at the two city block-wide campus might feel a bit intimidating, within just a few minutes of entering the campus, students are welcomed as the overwhelmed feelings pass quickly. The Bullocks Wilshire Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently underwent a $29 million expansion effort that allowed for significant improvements, both aesthetically and technologically, while not taking away from the historic aspects. Students enjoy dining facilities, terraces with ‘’panoramic views of the city’’, spa quality fitness centers, the second largest academic law library within California and so much more. Security is significant on campus, as the student body’s safety is always top priority.
With students from every state in the union, not to mention the growing number of international students, what newcomers find is a welcoming campus that embraces the differences each of us has. While the student body is about half and half in terms of men and women students, minorities make up around 35% of the total students. This lends to an open minded approach to all things legal, from equal rights for women to immigration to human rights.
From an admissions standpoint, the school is quite selective and on average accepts only 27% of applicants. It also strongly emphasizes GPA and LSAT scores, community involvement, the student’s motivation, recommendation letters, and past work experience. Further, close to 90% of the student body receives some level of financial assistance, usually in the form of grants, loans and work/study funding. For a full time day program, students can expect to pay tuition of about $38,900 for the J.D. program. Part time evening students will pay close the $23,400 in tuition.
The faculty is another reason many students apply to Southwestern. With nationally recognized experts in civil rights, anti-trust, entertainment, human rights and criminal justice, there is a broad range of experienced personnel who thrive on educating students in the American justice system. The adjunct faculty introduces the student body to judges and attorneys who are well known and respected for their expertise. Students enjoy a rich culture and are allowed the freedom to challenge themselves and their peers, which, of course, lends to a more open and honest experience.
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With a focus on the student body, an interest in attracting only the best educators and a commitment to community and family, Southwestern Law School is clearly the school of choice for many - and for good reason. If you’re seeking a legal education, Southwestern should be one of those facilities you strongly consider.
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