UMKC School of Law - TLS wiki (original) (raw)

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Styling itself as "the urban law school with a small liberal arts feel," this campus of the University of Missouri is located just south of downtown Kansas City. An affordable program, the school boasts several famous alumni - notably Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States.

Contents

History

The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law is a prestigious public law school providing quality legal education to its students since 1895. Established as the Kansas City School of Law, three young lawyers – William Borland, Edward Ellison, and Elmer Powell – founded it with the help of influential members from the local judicial system. Borland was the school’s first dean and served until 1910 when he was elected to Congress. He was succeeded by Ellison, who would lead the school until it merged with the University of Kansas City in 1938.

In 1963, the law school became part of the University of Missouri system and assumed its current name. In 1974, the school moved to UMKC’s main campus and had been officially accredited by the American Bar Association since 1975. The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law is proud to be one of only three law schools in the state of Missouri, offering its students a well-rounded academic experience with courses on various legal topics such as civil rights law, criminal law, and business law.

The school also provides its students with various opportunities for professional development, internships, and externships. The faculty consists of renowned legal experts from around the country who are passionate about their teaching. With a wide variety of courses, an excellent faculty, and plenty of resources to help students succeed, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law is an excellent place to pursue a legal education.

Admissions

At UMKC School of Law, they offer a variety of opportunities to help students gain valuable knowledge and experience. Their faculty consists of distinguished legal professionals and scholars committed to excellence in teaching. They also have several clinics, externships, and student organizations that offer real-world legal experience. If you need more clarification about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of: 2020-2021 2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT 151 153 155 165 - 169 - 171
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA 3.2 3.43 3.68 3.74 - 3.83 - 3.92
Acceptance rate 54.9% 13.7%
Applications received 5667 601
Acceptances 1220 326
Matriculants 2035 36

The University of Missouri—Kansas City is a prestigious university with a highly competitive admissions process. During the 2022 application cycle, 601 students applied for admission, and 326 were offered entry. Of those accepted, 129 attended the school, making the overall yield rate 39.57%. The 1L class size at UMKC is 134, which indicates the school's commitment to providing quality education in a more intimate setting. The median LSAT score for incoming students is 154, with 25th percentile LSAT scores at 152 and the 75th percentile at 157. Additionally, the median GPA for the class is 3.48, with the 25th percentile GPA being 3.21 and the 75th percentile GPA being 3.74. As such, it's clear that UMKC is committed to recruiting diverse students with a range of academic backgrounds and experiences which can bring something valuable to their learning environment. Those considering applying to UMKC should consider these figures when preparing their applications. The University of Missouri—Kansas City is an excellent choice for those pursuing their legal studies in a highly selective and innovative environment. With its high yield rate and prestigious academic credentials, UMKC offers a strong foundation for future success.

Before applying to the University of Missouri--Kansas City, for law school, it is essential to have a bachelor’s degree or, at the very least, be in the process of earning one. This degree must come from an accredited college or university and cover intellectually stimulating course material. Once you have your degree, you will need to take the LSAT.

The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is essential to the admissions process. It measures acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills, logical problem-solving, and analytical thinking.

It is also necessary to register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and sign up for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS collects applicants’ LSAT test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT Writing samples. This will help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

Application Process

The University of Missouri--Kansas City School of Law has an application process completed and submitted electronically through the LSAC website. However, if special accommodations are needed for students who require the application in a format other than electronic, they must contact LSAC directly to make arrangements. All academic documents and credentials will also be submitted as part of the Credential Assembly Service report, meaning that students must send original copies directly to LSAC. For the successful processing of materials, it is recommended that students allow at least two weeks for their applications to be considered complete.

For an application to UMKC School of Law to be deemed complete, the following documents and credentials must also be submitted: an application fee, personal statement, resume, transcript(s), letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores. All items should be uploaded electronically through the LSAC website. The application fee must also be paid for the review process to begin. Once all documents have been received, UMKC Law will notify applicants within two weeks to indicate receipt of their application. After review, applicants may receive a decision within four to six weeks of submitting their materials.

Character and Fitness

When applying to the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), applicants must be prepared to answer character and fitness questions. The school models their questions after those asked by the Missouri Board of Law Examiners, so they are a significant component of the admission process. If an applicant answers 'yes' to any of these questions, they must fully disclose the incident in their own words.

Personal Statement

Personal statements should be around three pages long, double-spaced, and allow the reader to understand why you chose to apply to law school. Instead of simply restating information already found elsewhere in your application (such as your résumé or transcripts), focus on conveying something a bit different – such as what motivates your decision to attend law school or how your experiences have shaped the way you view legal issues. Your statement should demonstrate that you are an ideal fit for the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s law program, so be sure to include any unique skills and perspectives that set you apart from other applicants. Finally, it is essential to proofread your statement for errors and ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free of grammatical or spelling mistakes. If you’re unsure about the content of your statement, consult a tutor or advisor at your university’s writing center – they can offer valuable advice on making your application stand out to admissions officers. For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Resume

Resumes should be current and should include information about your education, employment, activities, community service, etc. To read some advice about creating a professional law school resume, click here.

Addenda

The University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC) is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the legal profession, a fundamental part of which is the values of respect for people, knowledge, ideas, and justice. They encourage applicants to provide an additional addendum that illustrates how their backgrounds or perspectives will foster greater diversity at UMKC. Through this addendum, applicants can discuss any relevant experiences or accomplishments they have encountered that could contribute to their learning community and address any areas of potential concern in their application materials. UMKC believes that a diverse student body is essential for the legal profession and will continue to strive towards creating an environment of understanding and respect among its students. They welcome applicants to take this opportunity to share their unique voices, backgrounds, and experiences as they prepare their future legal professionals. For more information about writing addenda, click here.

Application Fee

Applicants to the University of Missouri--Kansas City must pay a $60 application processing fee, submitted via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). However, former degree-seeking UMKC students who began their studies at the university starting in the Fall of 1975 or later, as well as veterans, are not required to pay this fee. These applicants should reach out to the Admissions Office at law@umkc.edu to obtain an application fee waiver before submitting their applications. This fee waiver policy is in place to provide financial assistance and expanded access for those who may experience difficulty paying the processing fee. Also, UMKC does not accept cash or paper checks for the application fee, and no refunds will be issued for the processing fee. All applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application, including the required documents and the processing fee, as soon as possible to ensure timely consideration. The University of Missouri--Kansas City is committed to providing an accessible and equitable admissions process that allows all applicants to apply for admission without regard to financial barriers.

LSAT and Writing Sample

To be admitted to the University of Missouri--Kansas City, all applicants must provide a writing sample either from a paper-and-pencil version of the LSAT taken before June 2019 or from the “LSAT Writing” exam available as of that date. The LSAT Writing is an online proctored test that allows applicants to take the exam from any location with internet access. The test is typically offered once a month, consisting of one prompt that must be answered in 35 minutes. Candidates will receive two scores: one based on the content of their response and another based on how well they followed the conventions of written English. Both scores are reported to the law school.

Transcript

The University of Missouri--Kansas City requires transcripts from all institutions of higher education you have attended, regardless of whether you earned credit, withdrew, or did not finish the course. This includes community colleges, undergraduate and graduate institutions, law schools, medical or professional schools, and colleges offering summer or evening courses. It also applies to schools you attended for college-level courses while still in high school and institutions that sponsored your overseas study. International transcripts must be provided if applicable. Be sure to submit all required documents to ensure that you are considered for admission.

Interviews

The University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC) employs personalized interviews as part of the admissions process. While only some applicants will be invited to interview, those who are will receive direct contact from the Admissions staff with information on scheduling it. Interviews are essential to assessing students' qualifications and determining which applicants are the best fit for our programs.

International Students

International students who have attended a post-secondary institution in which English was not the primary language of instruction need to provide either a TOEFL or IELTS score that is at most two years old. International students admitted to the University of Missouri--Kansas City may be asked to submit additional paperwork for processing through the UMKC International Student Affairs Office. International students should ensure their applications are completed by March 1st to give adequate time for processing.

Tuition And Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for first-year law students at the University of Missouri - Kansas City is based on the academic year, which includes a full-time enrollment of thirty hours. The cost for Missouri residents is 23,359,whileout−of−statestudentsmusttypicallypayanadditionalfeeof23,359, while out-of-state students must typically pay an additional fee of 23,359,whileout−of−statestudentsmusttypicallypayanadditionalfeeof6,000 to attend law school. However, UMKC routinely awards nonresident fee scholarships to all out-of-state students, allowing them to pay the in-state rate while establishing Missouri residency.

Budget

Attending law school at the University of Missouri--Kansas City is an exciting experience. A typical first-year law student would need to plan their Fall/Winter academic year budget around estimated fees and costs associated with living off campus. This includes tuition and fees, as well as books and supplies, rent, meals and other expected expenses for the year.

Fee schedule for full-time students: Fall 2022–Winter/Spring 2023

Expense category Nine-month amount
Fees (Missouri resident) $23,359
Books and supplies $1,034
Transportation $1,030
Personal $3,706
Housing and dining $12,270
Total $41,399

Fee schedule for part-time students: Fall 2022–Winter/Spring 2023

Credit hours Resident fees/semester Nonresident fees/semester*
8 6,484∣6,484 6,484∣8,084
9 7,214∣7,214 7,214∣9,014

Financial Aid

The University of Missouri: Kansas City (UMKC) provides students with various financial aid options, allowing them to pursue their academic and professional goals without incurring excessive debt. Students can access the UMKC Financial Aid and Scholarships office to receive information about the application process, the different types of loans available, and repayment plans.

Scholarship

University of Missouri--Kansas City offers a range of scholarships to eligible students based on factors such as the information provided in an application and admissions interview. To be considered for some of these need-based scholarships, students must submit their FAFSA form to UMKC. Students are encouraged to submit their applications for admission by the March 1st priority deadline to receive total consideration for their scholarship opportunities. UMKC is committed to helping students access the funds they need to pursue a quality education and achieve their academic goals.

Merit-Based Scholarship

The University of Missouri-Kansas City allows admitted students to be considered for merit-based Second Century Scholarships. These awards are based on various criteria, including the LSAT score and GPA of the applicant and their performance during the admissions interview. Beyond this, other academic and personal qualities, such as a course of study, writing experience, leadership, and community engagement, are also considered.

Eligible students typically receive notification regarding their Second Century Scholarship status within 1-2 weeks of admission. These awards are designed to recognize outstanding applicants who stand out in a highly competitive pool and allow admitted students to participate further in the UMKC community.

Need-Based Scholarship

To potentially qualify for need-based scholarships at the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), students must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) promptly. UMKC's FAFSA code is 002518, and interested applicants are highly encouraged to submit it as early as January 1. The priority deadline for submitting FAFSA is February 1.

Once the applications and relevant documents have been received, UMKC will begin the review process of their applicants to determine who may receive need-based scholarships. Recipients of these scholarships are usually notified at the beginning of the academic year once a decision has been made.

It is important to note that need-based scholarships are reserved for matriculating students rather than prospective ones. As such, only students admitted into UMKC can receive these awards. However, prospective students should keep the February 1 FAFSA deadline in mind, as it may benefit them regarding their admissions decision. It is also important to note that not all students who submit the FAFSA are guaranteed a need-based scholarship, as other factors come into play, such as GPA and financial need.

Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship

The University of Missouri--Kansas City is proud to offer non-resident students an equivalent tuition rate to that of in-state residents. They are committed to providing these scholarships for a student's academic career in the Juris Doctor program. Their non-resident tuition scholarships are typically awarded within two weeks after admission has been granted. This allows out-of-state students to pursue their degree with the same financial commitment as those who live in Missouri--Kansas City and throughout the state. They are committed to providing their non-resident students with a world-class education and believe that affordability should never be an obstacle for those seeking higher education. Their scholarship program is just one of the ways they demonstrate their commitment to all students, regardless of their state of residence. Their program is designed to give everyone a fair chance at achieving the goal of obtaining a Juris Doctor degree and ultimately making their dreams come true. They look forward to continuing to provide these scholarships for years to come so that non-resident students can access the same quality of education as those who live in Missouri--Kansas City. They are proud to stand behind their commitment to providing the best education possible for all.

Full Tuition Scholarship

The University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Law School is pleased to offer two prestigious, full-tuition scholarships to exceptional members of their incoming class. The Julian Klein Davidson Scholarship and the Jack and Helyn Miller Scholarship are awarded each year to students who demonstrate excellent academic qualifications and leadership potential.

To be considered, students must apply for admission to UMKC Law School by March 1. Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in Scholarship Day, where they will interview members of the Scholarship Committee and have the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications for these awards.

Final scholarship recipients are notified before April 1 each year, so interested students should apply early to be considered. UMKC Law School congratulates all past recipients of the Julian Klein Davidson Scholarship and the Jack and Helyn Miller Scholarship. It looks forward to awarding these generous scholarships to more deserving students in future years.

Academics and Curriculum

At the University of Missouri--Kansas City, the law school curriculum for first-year students consists of Contracts I & II, Property I & II, Torts, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure I, Constitutional Law, and two semesters of legal writing and researching. Additional coursework available can include upper-level elective courses for those who choose to begin their law studies in May as opposed to August. The grading curve for first-year courses has an average grade between 2.6 and 2.9, while the average grade for upper-level required courses is between 2.7 and 3.0, with the upper-level elective courses having a range of 2.8 to 3.1. Seminars and other courses have no grade curve requirements. The attrition rate is low, with few students failing to make the required grades, withdrawing or transferring each year.

The student-to-faculty ratio at UMKC is quite attractive at 11:1, which allows for a close relationship between professor and student. UMKC also offers qualified second and third-year students the opportunity to work as paid research assistants. Students are encouraged to submit articles to journals such as The UMKC Law Review, Urban Lawyer, and Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The University of Missouri--Kansas City provides a comprehensive curriculum, an attractive student-to-faculty ratio, and an abundance of journal opportunities to its law students.

Clinics

At the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), students can gain invaluable real-world legal experience by representing actual clients in on-campus clinics. Under the guidance of UMKC Law faculty, these students can develop their lawyering skills while also helping those in need. Clinic courses

Field Placement

The University of Missouri--Kansas City offers students the opportunity to gain practical legal experience through a field placement program. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys and judges, students can participate in approved government agency roles, public interest organizations, and judicial chambers. This invaluable program is paired with a seminar course called Learning from Practice. The course is taught by leading legal professionals and provides an in-depth exploration of the nature of the practice, professional judgment, and the necessary skills for success.Field placement areas

Study Abroad Programs

The University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC) offers students the opportunity to study abroad through various consortia and its partnerships with schools in Asia, Europe, and South America. Over the past few years, UMKC students have had the chance to explore different parts of the world by studying in destinations such as China, England, and Italy. If you are interested in taking full advantage of this opportunity, the first step is to schedule a meeting with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. During your appointment, you can discuss your goals and available options and begin planning for a semester-long study abroad.

Quality of Life

Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant metropolitan area that's sometimes overlooked by people who live in other major cities. It is the second-largest city in the state and offers plenty of amenities, including shopping malls, museums, and two professional sports teams. This means there is always something to do in the city, regardless of your interests. The University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School is located just a few miles south of downtown, making it easy for students to take advantage of all the city offers.

The cost of living in Kansas City is low compared to other cities in the United States, with an average that's 80% lower than the national average. Students can benefit from affordable housing without sacrificing access to entertainment and fun activities. With a combination of cultural vibrancy, affordable living, and easy access to the city's amenities, UMKC is one of the best places for law school in Missouri.

Synopsis

As with most Tier 3 schools, potential applicants should be aware that a degree from UMKC is hardly a "sure thing" regarding post-graduate job prospects. However, there are certainly upsides. Tuition is cheap, especially for Missouri residents, and almost all graduates quickly find employment. For an applicant willing to stay in Missouri (where only Washington University outranks UMKC) and practice at a smaller law firm, UMKC can be a good use of time and money. But one interested in working in another state or outside the private sector would probably be best served elsewhere.

Contact Information

University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Law
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
law@umkc.edu

Summary

Established 1895
Location Kansas City, MO
Dean Barbara Glesner Fines
2022 US News Ranking 114th
LSAT Median Score 154
GPA Median Score 3.48
Bar Passage Rate 97% (2022)
Employment Rate 87% (2022)
Cost $68,264
Average Debt $143,021
Application Deadline April 1, 2023

Forum and Discussion

UMKC School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://law.umkc.edu/
Rank #114
LSD Law
Guide to Fee Waivers
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans

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