From the School
The University of Maine School of Law is the public and only law school in Maine, offering the J.D. degree and post-professional LL.M. (Master of Laws) and J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) degrees. Maine Law is committed to educational and scholarly excellence, to justice and the public interest, to professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards, and to serving as a resource for the entire state and the nation. A rigorous core curriculum is augmented by Maine Law's strengths in oceans law, intellectual property and technology law, business and commercial law, international law, robust clinical programs, trial practice and advocacy, and more. Maine Law prepares graduates to succeed in a global economy and to excel in a wide variety of careers in private and public sectors in Maine and throughout the world.
By design, Maine Law is one of the smallest law schools in the country. The small size fosters a sense of community that is embraced by students, alumni, faculty and staff. It also gives Maine Law the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing legal profession and the new demands of the job market. Maine Law graduates are public and private sector leaders regionally and around the world.
As a public institution and law school of the University of Maine System, Maine Law takes seriously its responsibilities to the State of Maine and its citizens. Students and faculty advance the economic and social well-being of Maine through extensive research, policy development, clinical programs, internships, and public interest fellowships. Graduates hold prominent leadership positions in law, government, business, and civic society. Maine Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools.
In addition to a strong core curriculum, Maine Law offers experiential learning opportunities; including externships, clinical programs and capstone courses. There is excellent access to externships, which offer students the opportunity to work alongside seasoned attorneys in corporate, judicial and governmental placements in Maine and around the country. The clinical programs at the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic allow students to assume all the responsibilities of an attorney and to represent clients, including low-income individuals, juveniles, prisoners, and immigrants. It is one of the oldest clinical programs of its kind in the nation.
"We’re a very nimble law school," said Dean Peter Pitegoff, who highlighted the school's ability to tailor its curriculum to individual students. "We’re flexible enough to adapt to changes in the legal economy and job outlook."
Maine Law is situated in Portland, Maine, rated one of the most livable cities in the country. Portland's rich cultural community, thriving businesses and passionate leaders provide endless possibilities for success.
Contact us now to learn more about how you can be part of Maine Law's future.
Overview
From The School
To be eligible for admission, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). In addition, you must sit for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) which is administered in February, June, October, and December at centers throughout the United States and around the world. The LSAT should be taken as early as possible, but no later than the February prior to the September in which you plan to enter law school.
The Admissions Committee considers each applicant on an individual basis. Your undergraduate performance, as evidenced by success in a challenging course of study, good performance on the LSAT, your personal statement, and personal recommendations are the primary selection criteria in the admission process.
Admission is for the fall semester only. Regular applications are accepted beginning September 15th; April 15th is the deadline date. The Admissions Committee operates on a rolling admission basis. The review of completed files occurs on an ongoing basis with decisions between December and May of each year. A candidate is notified as soon as an admission decision is made.
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Application Process
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Essay / Personal Statement
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Overall
From The School
Programs and Curriculum
The three-year curriculum offers courses that range from the bedrock foundation of the Socratic method, to legal aid clinics where you will represent real clients in real Maine courts. The underlying purpose of the curriculum is to give students a solid foundation in legal analysis and practical lawyering skills that will serve them well in any field they choose to pursue. Maine Law also offers a growing Externship Program, where students are placed in law firms, companies and organizations, working alongside seasoned attorneys for academic credit.
The core J.D. program is complemented by our Joint Degree offerings, and an LL.M. (Master of Laws) program.
The LL.M. program is primarily intended for foreign students and practitioners who have earned a law degree outside the United States. Through a rigorous program of study, foreign students and practitioners learn about many aspects of the U.S. legal system. Participants design a curriculum suited to their individual needs and interests, and choose from advanced courses in specialized areas of law.
Faculty
Professors at Maine Law implement a rigorous curriculum across all disciplines, and they hold students to a very high standard. At the same time, the environment is supportive and collaborative.
Faculty Information
Students Say
When it comes to coursework, students are quick to tout the great “clinical offerings [in] juvenile justice, prisoner assistance, general practice [and] refugee and human rights.” They also note that “Maine Law is well known nationally and internationally in the field of privacy law, and has an excellent Information Privacy Program.” And the accolades don’t end there! University of Maine also boasts “a nationally recognized Moot Court Team and Legal Writing Program.”
Of course, the best aspect of UM might just be the “incredibly knowledgeable” and “invested” professors. Students have the opportunity to “work closely with some of the greatest legal minds in Maine.” And the “access to faculty is unparalleled.” Professors “take a huge interest in their students and provid[e] them with all the resources they could ever need.” Even better, they know how to make their courses endlessly interesting. We’ll let this impressed student explain. “I came into school knowing that I wanted to focus in juvenile justice but I left 1L year with a newfound respect for a range of subjects that I never cared about before. I am fascinated by property law now and could even manage to care a little bit about contracts (which is wild).”
Further, many professors “practice locally and help students make connections outside of school.” The university also does a great job of encouraging “relationships between students and local attorneys.” Additionally, “the First Circuit and the District Court for the District of Maine partner with the law school to provide opportunities exclusively to students at Maine Law.” And a number of people highlight the fact that the “vast majority of the Maine State Bar is comprised of Maine Law grads.” In other words, “If you’re interested in practicing law in Maine, Maine Law is pretty much the ONLY school worth attending.”
Career overview
From The School
Career Services
Graduates Employed by Area
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Prominent Alumni
Overview
From The School
Tuition Charges 2014-2015
Maine Resident $22,290
New England Regional Program & Canadian Citizens $30,420
Non-Maine Resident $33,360
In addition, full-time students pay approximately $1270 per year in mandatory fees.
Tuition Charges Per Credit Hour For students registered for fewer than 12 credits
Maine Resident $743.00
New England Regional Program $1,014.00
Non-Maine Resident $1,112.00
New England Regional Program (NEBHE) Tuition Rates
Each year, by virtue of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Compact, a limited number of students from New England states, other than Connecticut and Massachusetts, are eligible to pay a special tuition rate equal to the in-state tuition rate plus 50%. Unless the NEBHE Compact changes and/or the University policy changes, a student who enters the Law School eligible for NEBHE rates will remain eligible for this consideration during the full three years he or she is enrolled.
New Military Benefits for Veterans and Current Military Personnel
On March 22, 2014 the Governor of Maine signed into law L.D. 1768 – H.P. 1267, which renders all current members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of residency status. If you are a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces, please include a DD 2-14 and a Certificate of Eligibility with your application. If you are current serving in the Armed Forces, you must also provide a copy of your military ID.
Financial Aid
If you think you will need financial assistance to meet the costs associated with your legal education you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to apply for aid by February 15th. (Do not wait for an admissions decision to apply for financial aid!) This will enable the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility before the first non-refundable tuition deposit is due.
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From The School
But a legal education is not just about hitting the books. It's also about making lifelong friends, participating in enriching student organizations, and occasionally taking time to hit the fitness center. As a Maine Law student, you have easy access to a variety of activities and services to make sure that you are a well-rounded and healthy individual.
Student organizations such as the Student Bar Association, Maine Association for Public Interest Law, and Parents-In-Law provide excellent support networks and valuable information within areas that matter to you. Throughout the year, these organizations host a variety of events, from trips to see the Boston Red Sox, to the popular Barrister’s Ball.
Food is crucial to law students, and not just the order-out pizza that you will need for mid-day meetings. Students routinely organize gatherings in and around Portland, especially visits to one of the city's many incredible restaurants, such as the Great Lost Bear, Local 188, or the Novare Res Bier Cafe.
Maine Law students have access to health services, physical fitness options, and technology support through our relationship with the University of Southern Maine, with whom we share a campus. Within the law school building, you can visit our friendly staff for academic advising at the Office of Student Services, and job planning at the Career Services Office.
Student Body Profile
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Campus Life
Students Say
One point virtually all students agree on? The fact that Portland is a “beautiful city on the ocean.” Of course, if you come from a larger metropolitan area, it can feel like a “small town.” The upside is that “you always know where your friends and classmates are on the weekends.” Plus, Portland has a “nationally recognized foodie scene” and “lots of craft cocktail bars.” All in all, the city is “a great place to spend three years.”
More Information
Admissions Office Contact
From The School
Campus and Location
Facilities
The centers at Maine Law the Center for Oceans and Coastal Law, and theCenter for Law + Innovation help to drive research and public policy development in Maine and beyond. Scholars from around the world are engaged in a number of projects through the centers, in areas of law ranging from maritime security to data privacy.
Some of the problems our students help solve are as intense and complex as at any law school, from helping immigrants seek political asylum, working on cutting-edge privacy policy, or representing indigent clients before Maine's highest court.
Director of Admissions
Portland, ME 04102