University of Idaho College of Law: A Comprehensive Overview

Since 1909, the University of Idaho College of Law has been a cornerstone of legal education in the state, shaping the minds of aspiring attorneys. As Idaho's only law school fully accredited by the ABA, the College of Law provides a unique blend of rigorous academic training and practical, hands-on experience, preparing students for successful careers in Idaho, the Northwest, and beyond. With locations in both Moscow and Boise, the College of Law offers a diverse and comprehensive legal education tailored to meet the needs of a dynamic profession.

A Legacy of Excellence and Practical Training

The University of Idaho College of Law has a rich history of producing practice-ready graduates. Routinely ranked by PreLaw Magazine as a top school for practical training, the College of Law emphasizes experiential learning through clinics, externships, and pro bono opportunities. This commitment to practical skills development ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the legal profession.

The curriculum at the University of Idaho Law School fuses practice and theory to give you the legal chops you need to succeed in the field. The faculty fosters critical thinking skills to prepare graduates. You can also utilize LSAC assistance during your application, and with a solid application, you may confidently pave the route for a rewarding and successful legal career.

Campuses in Moscow and Boise: Two Locations, One Law School

The University of Idaho College of Law operates on two campuses: its main location in Moscow and a second campus in Boise, the state capital. As of the entering class of 2017-18, students may take all three years of instruction at either location. This unique structure allows students to choose the environment that best suits their academic and professional goals. The Moscow campus provides a traditional residential university experience, while the Boise campus offers access to the state's legal and political center.

Moscow: A Traditional University Setting

Located in the scenic Palouse region of north-central Idaho, the Moscow campus offers a classic college town experience. The University of Idaho campus in Moscow offers much to the outdoor enthusiast. The region’s picturesque mountains, lakes, and rivers feature miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and excellent fishing and camping. The close-knit community fosters student camaraderie and accomplishment. Students benefit from an attentive, dedicated, and accessible faculty as well as the unique opportunity to combine residential university community and metropolitan living and learning.

Boise: Access to the State Capital

The Boise campus, housed in the Idaho Law and Justice Learning Center (ILJLC), provides students with unparalleled access to the state's legal and political institutions. The college opened its Idaho Law and JusticexLearning Center in Boise in 2010. The ILJLC is a collaborative effort between the University of Idaho College of Law and the Idaho Supreme Court to create a center for legal education and civic engagement. With its location in the state capital, the Boise campus offers unique opportunities for externships, internships, and networking with legal professionals.

Academic Programs: Juris Doctor and Dual Degrees

Idaho Law provides degrees ranging from Juris Doctor (J.D.) to dual degrees and personalized coaching to match your personality and career objectives.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program

Idaho Law’s J.D. curriculum trains graduates to be effective lawyers. It features a broad curriculum and also serves as a good ground for legal ideas, preparing students for a prosperous future in a dynamic and varied profession of law. The Juris Doctor degree equips you with a broad legal education and professional skills for a career in law, business or public service. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be qualified to take the bar exam anywhere in the United States. Through the study of appellate court decisions, advanced readings, simulations and real-world practice, you will learn to analyze, interpret and apply the law to meet the diverse legal needs of your future clients. Students also receive intensive training in legal research, writing, oral argument and other skills essential to the practice of law.

The J.D. curriculum features a broad base of required courses, including:

Legal Research and Writing
Contracts
Criminal Law
Torts
Property
Civil Procedure
Constitutional Law
Professional Responsibility
Evidence
Administrative Law
Business Associations
Constitutional Law II

After the first year, students may choose to pursue an area of emphasis. The College of Law provides emphases in natural resources and environmental law, business law and entrepreneurship, and Native American law.

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Specialized Programs and Areas of Emphasis

The curriculum at the University of Idaho College of Law is designed to provide students with a well-rounded legal education while also allowing them to specialize in areas of particular interest.

Business Law and Entrepreneurship: This program teaches you about Business and Law - topics such as Contract Law, acquisitions and mergers, and regulatory compliance. This curriculum teaches skills for dealing with the corporate world and it is appropriate for those keen on law/business.
Native American Law: Idaho Law recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting Native American legal systems. Specializing in Native American Law allows you to learn about different legal issues that indigenous communities face.
Water Resources: If you’re passionate about water management, this program is designed for you! Explore laws, water management techniques, and policies to understand and address challenges in this crucial field.

Dual Degree Programs

Idaho Law takes your education a step further by offering dual J.D. Law degrees. Combining a J.D. will boost your professional possibilities. These programs allow students to combine their legal education with studies in other fields, enhancing their career prospects and providing them with a unique skill set.

J.D./M.ACCT: Merge your legal skills with a mastery of accountancy. This dual degree enhances your financial law, taxation, and corporate governance capabilities.
J.D./M.B.A: Get your master’s in business administration for law and business. This program teaches you the law and also the corporate world. You’ll gain the knowledge to be a smart advisor, skilled at handling law and corporate stuff. It broadens your understanding of business and law and sets you up to be an expert advisor in both fields.
J.D./M.S. (Taxation): With this dual degree, you will learn every aspect of tax law. Master the legal issues of taxation while also developing your accounting skills. Your unique skill set will be in demand.
J.D./M.S. (Environmental Science): Bridge the gap between law and environmental science. This dual degree helps make sure you can tackle legal challenges in environmental protection, resource management, and sustainable development.
J.D./M.S./Ph.D. (Water Resources): If you care about water management, this program is for you! It’s made for people interested in water issues. You’ll learn about laws, how to manage water, and policies. Joining will help you understand challenges in water management and gain skills in this important field.
J.D./M.P.A.: Do you dream of working in public administration? This dual degree prepares you for roles in government, policy analysis, and public service. Combine legal expertise with public administration skills.
Concurrent JD/MS degree in Bioregional Planning and Community Design: The concurrent JD/MS in Bioregional Planning and Community Design degree, offered in conjunction with the University of Idaho Bioregional Planning and Community Design Program, offers the opportunity to combine the studies of law, science, policy, engineering, and social science to help create a community of “planner-lawyers” who can better serve clients in a planning context.
Concurrent JD/Professional Science Master’s: The concurrent JD/PSM degree program through the University of Idaho Professional Science Master’s Program is an interdisciplinary, nonthesis degree that combines rigorous study in science with training in management and communication skills.
Concurrent JD/Master of Accounting degree in cooperation with the University of Idaho College of Business and Economics and dual JD/Master of Accounting, Taxation Emphasis degree in cooperation with Boise State University. These programs are particularly valuable for students interested in practicing tax law.

Practical Skills Development: Clinics, Externships, and Pro Bono

The College of Law places great importance on public service and the development of practical skills. We require all students to complete at least 50 hours of preapproved pro bono service before graduation, which allows students to engage in substantial, law-related public service work.

The curriculum is based on traditional law courses and includes pro bono work (law-related public service), several legal clinics, externships with either federal or state courts, internships with private law firms or public organizations, and a semester-in-practice program offered, in addition to the third-year program, in the state capital, Boise. The College of Law offers valuable practical experiences representing real clients.

Clinics

There are six live-client clinics available at the College of Law:

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Main Street Clinic (Moscow)
Immigration Clinic (Moscow)
Small Business Legal Clinic (Boise)
Tax Clinic (Boise)
Economic Development Clinic (Boise)
Mediation Clinic (Moscow)

Externships

Students also sharpen their practical skills through participation in the summer externship program, by completing a semester in practice externship, and/or by competing in a wide variety of faculty- and lawyer-supervised skills competitions.

Admissions: Requirements and Application Process

A law school’s statistics are as important as the other aspects of its identity. For aspiring law students like you, it’s your guide to know what they are looking for so you know what the goals are. Pay attention to crucial requirements such as LSAT scores and GPAs.

Applications are accepted beginning in October preceding the fall when an applicant intends to matriculate. Our law program is full time although we offer an adjusted curriculum for students who cannot attend class full time. Applicants must submit college transcripts and letters of recommendation through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The application priority deadline is March 15, but we recommend late-fall application. Applications submitted after March 15 will be reviewed, but timely applications will receive priority consideration. The Admission Committee looks at each applicant holistically, including, but not limited to, LSAT score, academic record and background, writing ability, personal statement, work and life experiences, and recommendations.

Key Admission Requirements

LSAT Score and GPA: UI Law School looks for a median GPA of 3.36 and an LSAT score of 152 or higher. Aim for a perfect score in the LSAT, if possible.
Resume: Crafting a strong law school resume is crucial. Highlight your school achievements and skills, and include work experiences like internships to show your understanding of legal matters. Don’t forget to showcase any volunteer work or activities related to law to demonstrate your commitment and provide a full picture of your skills and interests.
Letters of Recommendation: Select recommenders wisely, picking those who can talk about your academic skills, work ethic, and suitability for law school. Ask professors, employers, or mentors who know you well for your law school letter of recommendation highlighting your abilities and character for your law school application. Picking the right recommenders is important to make your application stand out.
Personal Statement: Write a genuine law school personal statement, expressing your reasons for choosing law. Share your goals, and relevant experiences, and explain why Idaho University Law School is your ideal choice.

Tips for a Successful Application

Address Weaknesses: If your LSAT or GPA scores aren’t excellent, fix those in your personal statement. Showcase your growth, resilience, and plan for success in law school.
Follow Deadlines: Follow the guidelines and deadlines in the law school application timeline, ensuring you submit all documents on time. Idaho Law School’s admission deadline runs from September 15, and scholarship priority continues until March 15.
Be Confident: Approach the application process with confidence, knowing your unique experiences make you a valuable candidate. Clearly express your passion for law and your commitment to excelling at Idaho University Law School.

Application Fee

The full-time program application fee at the College of Law at University of Idaho is $50.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The tuition for 2023-2024 at the University of Idaho Law School is USD 41,984 to USD 61,220. High tuition sometimes poses challenges for law students, influencing their education and future jobs. Many incoming law students often think of how to pay for law school. This is especially true for people who may be facing financial struggles but want to succeed in law school. Student debt becomes a significant hurdle, leading to long repayment periods. The steep costs create barriers, limiting access to legal education for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It also influences career choices toward higher-paying legal areas, potentially affecting the availability of legal services in certain fields.

Fortunately, prospective law students with financial challenges can explore financial aid options, including scholarships and loans. These options are available at UI Law School to ease the cost burden. The College of Law at the University of Idaho awards this law school scholarship grant to incoming law students like you. This grant is based on your performance in the LSATs and your GPA, so make sure to lay your foundation right. This grant does not need a separate application as it comes with the law school application you submit in the beginning. Once you qualify, you will receive a notification through a scholarship letter. Continuing students may also have access to scholarships from endowed funds, awarded based on criteria set by alumni. Most scholarships offered by Idaho Law are renewable for up to three years.

Student Life and Activities

Students can join one or more of UI’s 30 active student organizations. The Student Bar Association represents student interests, both educational and social. The Idaho Law Review, which covers topics ranging from state and regional problems to national and international issues, and the Idaho Critical Legal Studies Journal, an online journal of critical legal studies, give students valuable writing and editing experience. The Board of Student Advocates and the Law Students for Appropriate Dispute Resolution coordinate intramural competitions and provide opportunities for students to participate in national competitions that build professional skills. Other groups include the American Civil Liberties Union, the Latino Law Caucus, the Federalist Society, the Multicultural Law Caucus, the Native American Law Students Association, OUTLaw, the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, and the Women’s Law Caucus.

Career Development and Opportunities

Starting a legal profession is both rewarding and fulfilling. Here, you will receive practical legal education that goes beyond theory and applies concepts to everyday situations.

The assistant dean (in Moscow) and director (in Boise) are licensed attorneys who are active members of the legal community, allowing them to build relationships with alumni and employers.

A "Great Value" Law School

The University of Idaho College of Law is often recognized as a "great value," offering a high-quality legal education at an affordable price, especially for in-state residents. With its strong regional ties, practical training opportunities, and dedicated faculty, the College of Law provides students with the tools they need to succeed in the legal profession.

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