University of Missouri - Kansas City - School of Law

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law provides an affordable education via advanced technology and the seamless integration of practical experience and high-level theory. With only around 336 enrolled students, this student body is able to easily interact with professors and scholars in a tight-knit program where everyone "know[s] each other well and that fosters an intimate atmosphere at the school." UMKC Law tops it off with two state-of-the-art courtrooms, six clinics, study abroad and international opportunities, and a curriculum that is "rewarding and stimulating in all respects." "All my classes leave me wanting more," says a student. UMKC Law is "a great academic setting wherein critical thinking strategies are emphasized and fostered." Classroom and facilities are "up to speed" though many suggest they could use some renovation, but "the library is the crown jewel and is the most updated part of the school." Many do wish there was more of a stress on writing, as "if a student doesn't participate in moot court or work for a firm outside school they get little legal writing experience." Students say that in order to distinguish oneself, "one really has to go beyond the materials in class and network and find opportunities for yourself." The school's location directly in the heart of Kansas City ("one of the most vibrant legal communities in the country") is strategic, and "students have outstanding opportunities for experiential learning while also taking classes during the semester." It also allows for "one of the most impressive, diverse group of adjunct professors and stakeholders in the community that help make UMKC Law great."

Law professors are excellent and "a great resource for advice and insight into different areas of law." They are "very available to students" and happy to discuss various issues with them, such as "grades and any aspects of school that are causing undue stress." They are very accommodating "both helping with material as well as job placement," and are also "very involved in the community." The "very honorable" faculty participate in extracurricular activities for students and "are not just there to teach and run a law school": They "care deeply about the students and their success." The administration takes the time to hear and entertain student concerns, as does the governing body, the Student Bar Association. "I have never been to a school that so adamantly expressed their desire to hear all issues as much as UMKC Law," says one student. From the dean to professors to students and faculty within the school, everyone seems committed to "creating a high-energy [and] dynamic learning environment that is still grounded in a positive atmosphere."

At this urban public law school, everyone is "very accepting" of one another and most students "are friendly with each other outside of the normal cliques that form in all places of society." UMKC Law is "very welcoming and that transfers to the legal community after school." There are "lots of opportunities to get close to fellow students since the law school is small," including numerous school-sponsored social and networking events. UMKC Law boasts an overall "fun environment, [is] reasonably social, and provides opportunities if you want to engage as well as a variety of clubs." The location of the law campus provides "an accessible legal market to tap into during the year in Kansas City without having to worry about commutes." Additionally, it provides "a plethora of opportunities for internships without much competition from other law schools" while still being in "an amazing yet affordable city." A healthy competitive atmosphere "definitely exists," but "not to the extent that it makes classes less fun or uncomfortable." UMKC Law is "an anchor to the strong legal community in Kansas City," and "almost every single day there is a speaker or presentation regarding a practice area" nearby.