Louisiana State University - Paul M. Hebert Law Center

The “very inexpensive” Louisiana State University Law Center boasts “the highest bar-passage rate in the state” pretty much every year and a unique program where graduates may receive both a JD and optional Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law, which becomes a second degree. All students leave LSU Law with exposure to civil law—the law of private relations such as contracts, marriage, property and inheritance, set forth in Louisiana code following the European legal tradition. “The focus on the civil law at LSU is a definite plus because most of us remain in Louisiana to practice,” explains a 2L. “It’s a much different approach to problems than our common law colleagues use, and the training in the civil law happens early and often.” The “first-year curriculum is rich and very demanding.” Contracts, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, and all your standard 1L courses are required. First-year students must also take course work in Louisiana’s codes of obligations, civilian property, and the history and methods of both civil and common law. After first year, “2Ls and 3Ls [are] more free to specialize and take advantage of the practical law courses available that would be applicable out of state.” Some students complain that there aren’t nearly enough electives, though. “LSU is small and so the range of courses available isn’t very broad, and it’s not always clear when a course will be taught.” “Some courses offered in the school’s course booklet haven’t been offered in years,” gripes a hardened 3L. However, in 2015 the school adopted scheduling changes that aims to reduce obstacles to scheduling each semester and allow for better planning by students.
“The classrooms and facilities are phenomenal.” Class attendance policies are “relatively stringent.” It’s a good thing, then, that the academic atmosphere is generally “excellent.” “The great thing about LSU Law professors is that many of them have been incredibly influential in the development of Louisiana law,” observes a 1L. “In preparing cases for classes, you can’t help but notice how often the courts have relied on your professor’s doctrinal works in formulating their decisions.” “While some are intent on using the Socratic Method at all costs, most use it simply to ensure that you are paying attention and can answer their questions when called upon,” relates a 3L. Not all faculty members are fabulous, though. “LSU has some of the best,” advises a 2L, “but a couple have to be the worst.” Outside of class, most faculty members are “more than willing to talk to students.” “They are all accessible if you try a little bit.” A few students tell us that the administration “emphasizes bureaucracy,” but the overwhelming sentiment here is that top brass “truly works for the students” and is “remarkably responsive to the student body.”
LSU Law offers “an abundance of opportunities to be involved” in journals and advocacy programs. There are clinical programs in immigration law, family law, mediation, homeless advocacy, parole reentry, and juvenile representation. “A well-connected externship program places secondand third-year students with justices and judges in the Louisiana Supreme Court and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, among others,” adds a 3L. A study abroad program in Lyon, France, is also popular. Over 150 employers recruit here each year, but opinion regarding LSU Law’s ability to help students find jobs is split. Critics tell us that the Career Services office displays “callous indifference toward students who are not in the top five to ten percent of the class.” Other students say that Career Services is “in touch with you from the beginning” and “goes the extra mile to help students and find opportunity for them.” “This school does everything it possibly can to ensure that you pass the bar and get a job,” beams a confident 1L.

“Students are generally serious and hardworking.” “The student body and faculty lean conservative, but all walks of life are welcome” and it’s a diverse group, “age-wise and experience-wise.” LSU Law “has a collegial feel where there is a place for everyone.” “The school is just the right size to allow getting to know everyone,” explains a 2L. “No one is just a number. Everyone has the opportunity to be an individual.” “We have gunners just like every law school,” admits a 1L. For the most part, though, there is only “a mild dose” of competition. “There really isn’t a lot of the cutthroat behavior.” Students frequently “share outlines and help each other learn the law.”
“Social life at LSU Law is great from the library to the tailgate.” This school is “in the middle of Cajun country—great food, one of the best football teams in the nation, and good Southern people.” “LSU is in the greatest location a student could ask for,” gloats a 1L. “Baton Rouge is an amazing city, and the Law Center is located in the heart of one of the most vibrant undergraduate campuses in the nation.” “There are many social programs running throughout the semester so that you get to know your classmates personally and you aren’t just doing law school 24/7.” “There are parties all the time.” “There are free drinks nearly every weekend.” “Intramural tournaments” are pretty popular, too. “Students strap on pads and play a charity football game once a year,” just for instance, complete with tackling.