University of Toledo - College of Law

The University of Toledo College of Law offers an affordable and welcoming, yet structured atmosphere designed to “accommodate, relax, and train students.” The school has climbed in stature last year, yet retains its rather “humble, calm nature,” partially due to its “intelligent, caring, involved, and self-regulating” students and decidedly non-arrogant professors who “are truly incredible individuals.” “Every aspect of the school strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and personal attention,” says a 2L. Students speak overwhelmingly of the school’s obvious care and concern for their future, and the faculty’s “willingness to sit and chat with students about class at any time, while connecting what we learn to real-life use.” Thanks to the smaller number of students, “everyone is able to develop personal relationships with faculty and staff.” In an effort to keep anxiety levels down, a lot of the professors stay away from the old version of the Socratic Method, which too often “puts you on edge.” If you do want to discuss flagging grades or class issues, all professors “go out of their way to make themselves available to students.” “It is not uncommon for professors to ‘hang out’ in the forum chatting with students,” says one. “I feel I can approach them with everything: my fears, thoughts, and course questions,” says another. The “relatively new” administration “takes a personal and vested interest in seeing us succeed,” and “everything and everyone is very easily and readily accessible.” Students do wish for a “more formalized joint degree program” and a “broader variety of courses,” as well as a less rigid attendance policy.
The research and writing program is “very thorough and puts an emphasis on real-world concerns,” and the school furthers each student’s practical background through almost-weekly opportunities to attend speeches or lectures, like one given by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Law Career Services “has put a great deal of effort” into the school’s Public Service Externship programs to ensure that students have the opportunity to network while still in school. There’s a “very big involvement of [the] Toledo Bar Association and Federal Bar Association in the school’s life.” The office “[does] it’s best to help us in this tough economy,” although the employment rate after graduation leaves something to be desired. However, students complain that much of this is due to the “oversaturated” Toledo and Midwest market, and the school’s lack of national name recognition means that more help is needed in other regions.
Aside from the somewhat archaic building and library, which are “more appropriate to an era of bellbottoms and platform shoes,” the law school’s facilities are up-to-date (though definitely “not glamorous”), with wireless Internet access available in “every corner of the building” and Smart Boards in every classroom.

Racial diversity isn’t exactly at United Colors of Benetton levels here, but it “is quite good for this area of the country,” and the faculty is very sensitive to both racial and gender issues. The political views also “follow a Midwestern range,” ranging from liberal to conservative. The student body remains uncompetitive and “gets along great,” even though many students (especially 1Ls) have GPA-based scholarships, and there’s a great camaraderie among classes. The student mentor program receives raves, and to further this sense of interconnectedness, intramural sports are big. “There are many organizations to get involved with,” and the Student Bar Association does “a very good job at bringing students together through social events (including weekly bar reviews) and volunteer opportunities.”
“Toledo isn’t exactly a party town,” and it’s “not the most enjoyable place to be,” so there aren’t too many distractions from school, but for those looking to blow off steam, “There are amazing metro parks, art, music, a zoo, and baseball and hockey games to attend.” As one might expect of a small school in a small city, “the sense of community that Toledo strives for is amazing and then stems into the larger Toledo legal community.” UT Law is also located within an hour of Detroit and Sandusky, within two hours of Dayton and Cleveland, and within four hours of Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Still, when students are on campus, “it’s difficult to get any kind of food after 11:00 p.m.,” and the law school doesn’t have any food options that can accommodate for the late hours students normally spend here.