University of Massachusetts School of Law: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Massachusetts School of Law (UMass Law), located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, stands as the state's first and only public law school. As the successor to the Southern New England School of Law, UMass Law inherited its campus and assets, marking a significant step in providing affordable legal education within the Commonwealth.

History and Establishment

The genesis of UMass Law traces back to early 2004 when the idea of converting the private Southern New England School of Law (SNESL) into a public law school within the University of Massachusetts system was conceived. This plan aimed to establish the first public law school in Massachusetts and only the fifth in New England. The proposal gained traction in October 2009, with SNESL offering to donate its real estate, facilities, technology, and library assets to UMass Dartmouth to facilitate the creation of a public law program.

Accreditation and Programs

UMass Law is fully approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). It offers three flexible programs of study: full-time day, part-time day, and part-time evening/weekend, allowing students to pursue their legal education in a way that fits their schedules and commitments. The law school is committed to increasing access to an excellent and affordable legal education and to improving the quality and reach of justice.

The school is reshaping legal education with a focus on the pursuit of justice by expanding the academic, experiential, and career opportunities for its students.

Campus and Location

The UMass Law campus is situated on 8.5 wooded acres in Dartmouth, MA, in the heart of the state’s Southcoast. Its location is approximately 30 miles from Providence, RI, and 60 miles from Boston, offering opportunities to explore the beautiful Dartmouth seacoast, the beaches of Cape Cod, and the arts hub and busy fishing port of New Bedford, all with a low cost of living. The law school is approximately two miles from the main campus of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is a technology-rich, contemporary facility. It boasts a welcoming lobby and a moot courtroom that is a central gathering space not only for our students but also for the bench and bar.

Academics and Curriculum

UMass Law’s curriculum is comprehensive, ensuring that students learn the principles of the law and the complex theoretical frameworks that comprise the core of legal knowledge. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in legal principles and practical skills. First-year courses lay the groundwork, teaching the foundations of the legal system. In the second and third years, along with the core requirements, students can choose from a wide variety of elective courses that will further their interests.

The law school has an essential focus on social justice, public service and helping the most vulnerable members of our society. Students at UMass Law receive an excellent, affordable legal education that prepares them to thrive in a changing profession.

Joint Degree Programs

The law school offers two joint-degree programs: JD/MBA and JD/MPP, allowing students to combine their legal education with studies in business administration or public policy.

Clinics and Field Placements

UMass Law provides extensive clinical and field placement opportunities for students to gain practical experience. The law school has three on-site clinics: the Immigration Law Clinic, the Community Development (Business Law) Clinic, and the Human Rights Clinic. Additionally, it has several hybrid clinics that are the result of partnerships with other legal organizations, such as South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Mashpee Wampanoag Legal Services Clinic, and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. The Field Placement Program (internships and externships) affords students the opportunity to work under the supervision of a judge or practicing attorney in virtually any field of law.

Through clinics, internships, field placements and pro bono work, students integrate theory and practice, confront ethical issues that arise in practice and sharpen their skills in interviewing and counseling, case planning and direct representation.

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Admissions

Admission decisions are made on the basis of the student’s academic record, LSAT score and writing sample, personal statement, letters of recommendation, résumé, extracurricular activities, and other information provided. The Admissions Committee looks beyond traditional academic indicators and evaluates candidates on the basis of civic engagement, commitment to the study of law, professionalism, and diversity, both seen and unseen. The committee is looking for qualities that will enrich the educational environment of the law school community. In addition to the application, two letters of recommendation are required. For applicants coming directly from an undergraduate experience, one of the letters must be from a professor.

The School of Law at University of Massachusetts--Dartmouth has an application deadline of June 30. The full-time program application fee at the School of Law at University of Massachusetts--Dartmouth is $50. The part-time program application fee at the School of Law at University of Massachusetts--Dartmouth is $50.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UMass Law is committed to helping students successfully and responsibly finance their legal education. Our affordable tuition provides students the opportunity to attend law school without amassing large debt. The cost of tuition, fees, and health insurance at UMass Law for the 2022-2023 academic year is $30,450 for full-time, in-state students, $39,550 for full-time, out-of-state students, and $32,450 for full-time, Rhode Island and Vermont residents. Students attending part-time will be charged on a per-credit basis. The Law School Transparency estimated debt-financed cost of attendance for three years is $162,311.

Each year, the law school awards approximately 20 incoming students with fellowships based on their past experiences working on behalf of the public and their continued commitment to public service. Up to 25 entering UMass Law students each year are awarded Public Interest Law Fellowships. The Fellowship, which includes a 50% scholarship for both tuition and fees, is designed to train students for careers in public service.

Student Life and Organizations

The rich diversity of the UMass Law student body is reflected in the co-curricular life of the law school. Student organizations include the Student Bar Association, Black Law Students Association, International Law Society, the Federalist Society, OUTLaw, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Latino/a American Law Student Association, Legal Association of Women, Parents Attending Law School, Delta Theta Pi, the Law Review, Mock Trial, and Moot Court. Our student organizations, our faculty, the PILF program, and our Career Services Office present various symposiums and panels throughout the year.

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UMass Law's collegial community respects and promotes diversity in identity and ideas, with faculty members who are committed to helping students realize their highest potential and achieve their professional goals.

Career Services

Our Career Services Office helps students leverage experience and connections developed through pro bono service, field placements, and internships through a rich array of panels and networking and mentoring opportunities.

Bar Passage Rates

The 2017 first-time bar passage rate for all jurisdictions was 72.7%, and the 2017 first-time bar passage rate for the Massachusetts Bar exam was 75.6%.

Notable Events

UMass Law has hosted several notable speakers and events. On May 19, 2014, Governor Deval Patrick served as the Commencement speaker for the 2014 graduating class at UMass Law. On May 16, 2016, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. On May 13, 2019, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Elspeth B. Cypher addressed the UMass Law Class of 2019.

Commitment to Public Service

Since 2010, UMass Law students have performed more than 100,000 hours of pro bono legal services and other assistance to community organizations, positively impacting the community while gaining perspective and skills that prepare them to be excellent lawyers. UMass Law School is proud to provide an outstanding, affordable legal education that expands access to justice and contributes to the social and economic development of our communities.

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