Saint Louis University - Saint Louis University School of Law

Not only do students at the Saint Louis University School of Law say the school’s plum new downtown Saint Louis location is unbeatable, but “the opportunities for practical experience at SLU Law make it so that we are part of the legal community before we even graduate.” Says one grateful student, “I truly feel like each professor wants great success for each student. They believe in us and want to help equip is with the best skills for the real world.” The diverse curriculum at SLU Law is designed to prepare students for all areas of legal practice. After the first thirty hours of required core curriculum, where students are introduced to the building blocks of law and develop basic legal analysis, upperclassmen are able to essentially design their own curriculum from a wide variety of courses that include specialized offerings and foundational bar preparation courses. In addition, students have the option of pursuing a concentration in specialized areas such as employment law, health law, intellectual property law, or urban development, land use and environmental law. Notes one student, the “Health Law program has a national reputation that makes it easy to find a health law position” after graduation. Qualified students also have the opportunity to write and edit for one of SLU Law’s three prestigious law journals. SLU Law also offers a part-time JD program for working adults.
When it comes to the Saint Louis community, students say that “our professors are active in legal issues throughout the St. Louis area and their ideas are invaluable in community discourse. It is a great feeling to attend and work with faculty and students so involved and respected in the area.” Not only that, “[we] can walk across the street and watch a trial in their free time” at the civil courthouse, and “the criminal and federal courthouses are less than a quarter mile away.” When it comes to connecting with SLU Law alumni, “SLU has a good reputation in the St. Louis area and it is great at providing information and networking events that connect you with the alumni.” One student points out that SLU Law “seems to be doubted for academic quality because of the rankings and the fact that a top 20 law school [Washington University] is the other school in the city;” rankings aside, students say they “wish people could now take the opportunity to see how awesome [SLU Law] is.”
The professors at SLU Law “are overall great, and class sizes makes professors accessible. They are always willing to help students outside of the classroom.” The fact that “teachers and faculty know virtually everyone working the St. Louis legal community” leads to “introductions” and “internships.” Students appreciate that “practically ever professor has practiced law before becoming an academic, so they know what to teach you to be successful. They train lawyers not professors, unlike many elite schools.” Unlike at many law schools, students say that on the whole “the administration staff, including career services, are excellent” and that “since the first day that I interacted with SLU Law administration and faculty, I have always felt welcomed and that they had an open door for me, whatever the issue.” Some wish, however, that “the Career Services office would be more useful if it gave equal attention to all students regardless of class rank.” Others add that, in the current economy, it might be beneficial for the Career Services office to “provide more resources for alternative career paths for law graduates.” In terms of facilities, students say, “The modernization at the school is unbelievable and really maximizes the learning experience.”

Students value the “sense of community” at SLU Law, saying the school “is like a mini community where everyone knows everyone and wants them all to succeed.” SLU Law “fosters a sense of unity among students from the beginning, which makes the transition to law school a lot easier. Students will share outlines with each other, study together, and create lasting friendships.” This isn’t a “a crazy competitive school—nobody hides books in the library.” In terms of finding activities on campus, “SLU Law’s student organizations do a great job at facilitating social events outside of the law school. There is always something going on, or something to look forward to.”