Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Missouri that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Missouri are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Missouri.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Missouri
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 23 | Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) Acceptance rate: 25.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 162-169 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.8 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $46,042 per year Enrollment (full-time): 847 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 80.7%
|
| 81 | University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Acceptance rate: 40.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 156-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.18-3.7 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $17,784 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $34,000 per year Enrollment (full-time): 425 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 81.7%
|
| 101 | St. Louis University (St. Louis, MO) Acceptance rate: 58.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.58 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $36,175 per year Enrollment (full-time): 806 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 84.6%
|
| 140 | University of Missouri, Kansas City (Kansas City, MO) Acceptance rate: 40.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-157 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.01-3.66 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $16,730 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $31,772 per year Enrollment (full-time): 438 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 72.9%
|
All Law Schools in Missouri
Missouri is home to several prominent law schools that offer a variety of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful legal careers. These schools are known for their comprehensive legal education, strong connections to the local legal community, and focus on experiential learning opportunities.
1. Washington University School of Law
Overview
Washington University School of Law, located in St. Louis, is one of the top-ranked law schools in the country. Established in 1867, it is widely known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary legal education. Washington University Law provides students with access to a global alumni network and a wealth of resources, including numerous clinics, externships, and research opportunities. The school is also recognized for its high bar passage rates and impressive employment outcomes.
Degree Programs
Washington University School of Law offers several degree programs that cater to different career paths in the legal profession:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that offers a broad foundation in legal theory and practice. Students can specialize in areas such as corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, and intellectual property law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for foreign-trained lawyers and U.S. attorneys seeking advanced legal training. Concentrations include Taxation, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.): A research-focused doctoral degree designed for students pursuing academic or high-level policy careers.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): A joint degree program with the Olin Business School, preparing students for leadership roles in both law and business.
- J.D./M.S.W. (Master of Social Work): A program for students interested in legal issues related to social work and public policy.
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health): A dual degree program in law and public health, for those focusing on legal aspects of healthcare and public health policy.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Washington University School of Law allows students to specialize in several key areas of law:
- Corporate Law: Courses cover corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and bankruptcy.
- International Law: Students can focus on international business transactions, human rights law, and international dispute resolution.
- Environmental Law: The law school offers courses on environmental regulation, energy law, and natural resource management.
- Dispute Resolution: The law school has a highly regarded program in negotiation and dispute resolution, with courses in mediation, arbitration, and conflict management.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Washington University School of Law is highly competitive. The admissions committee looks for students with excellent academic credentials, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service or legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 170
- Average GPA: 3.85
Other key components of the application include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing a legal education and how Washington University Law fits into their career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are typically required, preferably from academic professors or employers who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications.
- Resume: Applicants should highlight their work experience, leadership roles, internships, and extracurricular activities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of Washington University School of Law are highly sought after by top law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Many students secure prestigious clerkships and positions at national and international firms.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $190,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $65,000
2. University of Missouri School of Law
Overview
The University of Missouri School of Law, located in Columbia, is a highly respected public law school that has been educating future lawyers since 1872. The school is known for its emphasis on practical legal training, including its nationally recognized dispute resolution program. Missouri Law offers students the opportunity to participate in clinics, externships, and pro bono work, providing real-world legal experience. With its affordable tuition and strong ties to the Missouri legal community, the University of Missouri School of Law is a popular choice for students looking to practice law in the Midwest.
Degree Programs
The University of Missouri School of Law offers a variety of degree programs to prepare students for different legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides a solid foundation in legal theory and practice. Students can pursue concentrations in areas such as business law, criminal law, and intellectual property law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Dispute Resolution: A one-year program focused on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. This program is designed for both U.S. and foreign-trained lawyers who want to specialize in dispute resolution.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: A joint degree with the University of Missouri’s Trulaske College of Business, combining legal and business education.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Affairs): A program that allows students to pursue legal and public policy studies simultaneously.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Missouri Law provides opportunities for students to specialize in several key areas:
- Dispute Resolution: The law school’s dispute resolution program is one of the best in the country, offering courses in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Criminal Law: Students interested in criminal justice can take courses in criminal procedure, trial practice, and evidence, with opportunities to work in the school’s criminal defense clinic.
- Intellectual Property Law: The school offers courses in patent law, copyright law, and trademark law for students interested in working in technology and innovation fields.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Missouri School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for students with strong academic records, leadership experience, and a passion for the law.
- Average LSAT: 159
- Average GPA: 3.57
Other admission requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their career goals and how Missouri Law aligns with those aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, typically from academic or professional references.
- Resume: Applicants should provide a resume that highlights their work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of Missouri School of Law are well-prepared for careers in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, particularly in Missouri and the surrounding region.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $80,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
3. Saint Louis University School of Law
Overview
Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU Law), located in downtown St. Louis, is one of the oldest Catholic law schools in the country, founded in 1843. It is known for its strong focus on health law and public interest law, as well as its commitment to social justice and ethical legal practice. SLU Law offers students the opportunity to work with faculty members who are experts in their fields and to engage in hands-on learning through clinics and externships. The school’s downtown location provides access to a vibrant legal community, including federal and state courts, law firms, and public interest organizations.
Degree Programs
Saint Louis University School of Law offers a variety of degree programs to prepare students for a wide range of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides students with a comprehensive legal education. SLU Law is particularly well-known for its concentration in health law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Law: A specialized one-year program designed for U.S. and international attorneys who want to gain expertise in health law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health): A joint degree with SLU’s School of Public Health, focusing on legal and health policy issues.
- J.D./M.B.A.: A dual degree program offered in collaboration with the Chaifetz School of Business, combining legal and business education.
Specializations and Focus Areas
SLU Law offers several areas of specialization, allowing students to focus on specific legal fields:
- Health Law: SLU Law is home to the Center for Health Law Studies, one of the top health law programs in the country, offering courses on healthcare policy, medical malpractice, and bioethics.
- Public Interest Law: The school emphasizes social justice and offers courses and clinics focused on civil rights, immigration law, and poverty law.
- Business Law: SLU Law offers a range of business law courses, including corporate finance, securities regulation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Saint Louis University School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee seeking students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 155
- Average GPA: 3.40
Other important components of the application process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their interest in law, career goals, and how SLU Law can help them achieve those goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from professors or employers who can attest to the applicant’s abilities and potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Applicants should include a resume that details their work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community service activities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of SLU Law are competitive in the job market, particularly in health law and public interest roles. Many find employment in law firms, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
4. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
Overview
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law, located in Kansas City, is a public law school known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded legal education with an emphasis on practical skills. Established in 1895, UMKC Law offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through clinical programs, externships, and internships. The school has strong connections to the legal community in Kansas City, providing students with access to numerous networking opportunities and career prospects.
Degree Programs
UMKC School of Law offers a variety of degree programs to prepare students for different areas of legal practice:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides a comprehensive legal education. Students can choose to concentrate in areas such as family law, urban law, or business law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation: A one-year program focused on tax law, designed for U.S. and international attorneys seeking advanced legal training in taxation.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: A joint degree program offered with UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management, combining legal and business education.
Specializations and Focus Areas
UMKC School of Law offers students the ability to specialize in several key areas of law:
- Tax Law: The law school has a strong tax law program, offering courses on tax policy, corporate taxation, and estate planning.
- Family Law: Students interested in family law can take courses on child advocacy, divorce law, and domestic violence law.
- Urban Law: UMKC Law offers courses focused on legal issues affecting urban areas, including land use, housing policy, and municipal law.
Admission Requirements
Admission to UMKC School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership abilities, and a commitment to public service or legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 153
- Average GPA: 3.30
Other admission requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing a legal education and their career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are typically required, preferably from academic or professional mentors.
- Resume: Applicants should include a resume highlighting their work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community service.
Starting Salaries
UMKC Law graduates are well-prepared for legal careers in Kansas City and the surrounding region, with many finding positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, and public service.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $72,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $52,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Missouri Law Schools
All four law schools in Missouri emphasize experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to gain practical legal experience through clinics, externships, and internships.
Washington University School of Law
- Civil Rights and Community Justice Clinic: Students represent clients in civil rights cases, focusing on issues such as housing discrimination, police misconduct, and immigration.
- Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Clinic: Offers students the chance to work with startups and small businesses on legal issues related to intellectual property.
- Judicial Externship Program: Students gain hands-on experience by working with judges in federal and state courts.
University of Missouri School of Law
- Family Violence Clinic: Students represent clients in cases involving domestic violence, child custody, and protection orders.
- Mediation Clinic: Provides students with the opportunity to mediate real disputes under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
- Externships: Students can extern with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and law firms, gaining valuable practical experience.
Saint Louis University School of Law
- Civil Advocacy Clinic: Students represent low-income clients in cases involving housing, consumer protection, and employment law.
- Health Law Clinic: Offers students the opportunity to work on legal issues related to healthcare access, medical malpractice, and health policy.
- Immigration Law Clinic: Students assist immigrants with asylum applications, deportation defense, and visa issues.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
- Child and Family Services Clinic: Students represent children and families in legal matters involving custody, adoption, and juvenile law.
- Tax Clinic: Provides students with hands-on experience representing low-income clients in tax disputes with the IRS.
- Public Defender Externship: Students can extern with public defenders’ offices, gaining experience in criminal defense.
Bar Passage Rates
Bar passage rates are an important factor to consider when choosing a law school. Each of the Missouri law schools provides bar preparation courses and resources to help students succeed on the bar exam.
- Washington University School of Law: 95% bar passage rate.
- University of Missouri School of Law: 88% bar passage rate.
- Saint Louis University School of Law: 85% bar passage rate.
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law: 83% bar passage rate.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Missouri’s law schools offer competitive tuition rates, with both public and private institutions offering financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their legal education.
Washington University School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $64,000 per year
- Financial Aid: Washington University offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal loan programs to assist students.
University of Missouri School of Law
- In-state tuition: Approximately $23,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $43,000 per year
- Financial Aid: Missouri Law offers scholarships, need-based financial aid, and loan programs.
Saint Louis University School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $45,000 per year
- Financial Aid: SLU Law provides merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and loan options for students.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
- In-state tuition: Approximately $20,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $39,000 per year
- Financial Aid: UMKC offers scholarships, need-based financial aid, and federal loans to help students cover the cost of tuition.
Career Services and Job Placement
All four law schools in Missouri offer robust career services to assist students with finding internships, externships, and full-time employment after graduation.
Washington University School of Law
- Employment Rate: Approximately 92% of graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation. The school’s strong alumni network helps students connect with job opportunities in law firms, government, and business.
University of Missouri School of Law
- Employment Rate: Around 88% of Missouri Law graduates find employment within 10 months of graduation, with many securing positions in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments in the Midwest.
Saint Louis University School of Law
- Employment Rate: About 85% of SLU Law graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation, particularly in health law, public interest law, and business law.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
- Employment Rate: Approximately 80% of UMKC Law graduates find employment within 10 months of graduation, with strong job placement in Kansas City and surrounding regions.