From the School
Western New England University School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school located in the up-and-coming city of Springfield, Massachusetts. It is the only law school in Massachusetts located west of the Boston area, giving our students a monopoly on many legal externship opportunities.
Founded in 1919, the School of Law was originally part of Northeastern University. The school received an autonomous charter in 1951 and became Western New England College, and later, in 2011, Western New England University. Throughout this time, the law school has maintained a strong focus on experiential learning and public service.
Overview
From The School
Each year, the Admissions Committee assembles a talented, interesting, and diverse class of students. Each completed application is read in its entirety and carefully reviewed to determine whether the applicant possesses the academic preparation and motivation necessary to complete the demanding workload of law school. While LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA are important, we recognize that the ability to succeed in law school and contribute to the legal profession are not always tied to these numbers. For that reason, we also closely consider the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and supplemental essays provided by the applicant.
We encourage you to submit your application early since admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. It is strongly recommended that applications be completed by March 15.
Please visit our website at www.wne.edu/law for more information.
We encourage you to submit your application early since admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. It is strongly recommended that applications be completed by March 15.
Please visit our website at www.wne.edu/law for more information.
Applicants
648
Acceptance Rate
58%
Median Undergrad GPA
3.30
Accepted Applicants Who Attend
88
Test Scores
LSAT
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
146 - 152
Application Process
Rolling Admissions
Yes
Application Fee
$0
CAS Service Used
Yes
Applicants accepted in terms other than fall
No
Transfer Applicants Accepted
Yes
Deferred Admission
Yes
Other Admission Factors
Academic
LSAT Score
Undergraduate GPA
Selectivity Rating
Overall
From The School
Degrees Offered
WNE School of Law realizes that one size does not fit all when it comes to earning your JD. Therefore, in addition to our traditional three-year, full-time program, we also offer four-year, part-time evening and day programs. Furthermore, the School of Law offers several joint degree options: JD/MBA, JD/Master of Science in Accounting, JD/ Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, JD/ Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Coaching, JD/ Master of Science in Engineering Management, JD/Master of Regional Planning, and JD/Master of Social Work.
The School of Law also offers a Master of Science in Law for those desiring more legal knowledge, possibly to advance in their current professional field, but not interested in earning a JD and practicing law. Additionally, we offer an online LL.M. and Master of Science in Elder Law and Estate Planning.
Programs and Curriculum
At WNE School of Law, we keep our class size small to promote a collegial learning environment in which students are challenged to actively participate in their legal education. In addition to the typical required courses, the School of Law requires each student to participate in two semesters of legal research and writing courses, a rigorous bar preparation program, and 20 hours of pro bono service. WNE School of Law places heavy emphasis on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to merge theory with practice through clinical course work, internships and externships, simulation courses, and moot court teams.
To assist students in preparing for their careers, the School of Law offers five areas of concentration: Transactional Law Practice, Criminal Law Practice, Gender and Sexuality Law, International and Comparative Law Practice, Public Interest Practice.
Faculty
Our full-time faculty members have been educated at the nation's most prestigious law schools. All have practiced law before joining our faculty and several hold additional graduate degrees in other disciplines. The School of Law places a strong emphasis on collaborative learning and student-professor interaction. Faculty members foster an open and collegial interaction with the students that provides a positive legal education in a comfortable atmosphere. The School of Law also has numerous adjunct faculty members, including practicing attorneys and judges, who bring their current legal practices into the classroom setting.
Faculty Information
Student/Faculty
11:1
Total Faculty
59
22
Female
8
Underrepresented Minorities
Career overview
Pass Rate for First-Time Bar Exam
48%
% of graduates who are employed within ten months of graduation
81%
Career Services
On campus summer employment recruitment for first year JD students
No
On campus summer employment recruitment for second year JD students
Yes
# of Employers that Recruit on Campus Each Year
12
Employers who most frequently hire graduates
Bacon Wilson, PC; Robinson & Cole, LLP; Shipman & Goodwin, LLP; Committee for Public Counsel Services; Reid & Riege, PC; Hampden County District Attorney?s Office
Graduates Employed by Area
29%
Private Practice
21%
Government
15%
Business/Industry
5%
Judicial Clerkships
5%
Public Interes
4%
Academic
Graduates Employed by Region
69%
New England
8%
Mid-Atlantic
1%
South
1%
South West
Prominent Alumni
Hon. Mark Mastrioanni
U.S. District Court Judge
Jonathan Blum
Senior Vice President/Yum Brands (retired)
Amy Fliegelman Olli
Senior Vice President and General Counsel at VMWare Inc.
Barry Skolnick
Senior Vice President and General Counsel/Merrill Lynch
Hon. Katherine Robertson
District Court Magistrate
Overview
From The School
For the 2019-2020 academic year, tuition for full-time students was $42,058; tuition for part-time students was $31,544. Other costs to take into consideration include books, fees, room and board, transportation, and health insurance. Please see our website for a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
Financial Aid
WNE School of Law is committed to making a legal education affordable for our students. Over the past three years, an average of 75% of Western New England University law students received scholarships and 90% received some form of financial aid. Scholarships range from $8,000 to full tuition. Law school is an important investment, and we will work with you to assure that you have the resources needed to finance your legal education.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Mar 1
Financial Aid Statistics
% Students Receiving Some Aid
96%
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$42,058
Estimated On-Campus Room and Board
$13,000
Estimated Off-Campus Room and Board
$13,000
Estimated Cost for Books / Academic Expense
$1,600
Fees
$1,640
Overall
From The School
WNE School of Law prides itself for its diverse student body. Our students come from various races and ethnicities, ages, academic and professional backgrounds, political affiliations, and geographic areas. There are more than 17 student organizations including the Women's Law Association, Western New England Law Review, and the Student Bar Association (SBA).
Student Body Profile
Total Enrollment
246
Parent Institution Enrollement
3,808
Number of Foreign Countries Represented
4
Average Age at Entry
26
% Out-of-State
60%
% International
1%
Demographics
29.00%
% Under-represented Minorities
70% are full time
30% are part time
57% female
43% male
Campus Life
More Information
% of Classrooms with Internet Access
100%
Admissions Office Contact
From The School
Campus and Location
Western New England University School of Law is located on WNE's beautiful 215-acre campus in a residential section of Springfield, Massachusetts. With approximately 153,000 residents, Springfield is the third largest city in the Commonwealth and sits in the heart of the Pioneer Valley. There is a wide array of recreational, social, and cultural attractions in the local area as well as easy access to Boston, Albany, New York City, and Hartford.
Facilities
The Blake Law Center has modern classrooms, comfortable student study and social spaces, and a newly renovated Legal Clinic office. The tri-level library houses a collection of over 350,000 volumes along with comprehensive access to numerous electronic resources. The building has a robust wireless network that facilitates research and communication. Law students also have access to most other facilities on campus such as the University Commons and recreation centers.
Contact
Anthony J. Orlando
Director of Admissions
Director of Admissions
Address
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Springfield, MA 01119
Phone
413-782-1406
Email
admissions@law.wne.edu