University of Virginia School of Law

							Law School Profile


University of Virginia School of Law
By Donna McGill


Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the historical grounds and buildings that define the University of Virginia School of Law remain
one of the most selective law schools in the United States, averaging less than 10% of applicant acceptance in any given year. Come
along as we take a look at the sprawling southern campus along with the faculty, staff and student body that make it the remarkable
educational institute that it is today.




In late October, the news came. The University of Virginia had        The spectacular campus, manicured perfectly year round,
two graduate schools that made the Princeton Review - and its         is indicative of the student body who takes pride in all it
law school was one of them. The University of Virginia School         does. Distinguished legal minds play a role in the experience
of Law took the top rank in the country for its quality of life       and many find themselves in the same classrooms of family
for students and number 2 for ‘’Best Classroom Experience’’.          members from generations past. They are taught to become
Ah, life is good and the collective faculty, staff and student        ethical community leaders, brilliant scholars and inspirational
body takes great pride in this recognition. The law school’s          global leaders. They seek to affect human behavior while also
Dean Paul Mahoney said, ‘’...a strong sense of community and          working to leave their world a better place.
a faculty dedicated to the craft of teaching...’’ plays a powerful
role in the overall experience. His students couldn’t agree           The school as a whole has more than 20,000 students at
more. After all, they ranked number 7 on the Princeton Review         any given time and a faculty that easily surpasses 2,100.
for ‘’Best Career Prospects’’.                                        With a recent $46 million expansion and renovation that
                                                                      was funded entirely from private funds; the school is now as
That’s not too surprising, considering the media LSAT scores          technologically advanced as it is secure it maintaining its deep
for the 2009-2010 class averaged 170 with an average GPA of           roots of southern tradition. Gardens, elegant greens and crisp
3.85. Further, the school is adamant in its decision to reserve       air that invites each and every student to broaden his horizons
a full 40% of its openings for Virginia residents. These are          with a clear mind and focus that’s unbreakable, it’s little
generally composed of graduates from UVA and The College of           wonder it remains a coveted program that many hope to gain
William & Mary - the other two colleges Virginia is proud of.         acceptance into.


Some of the nations most respected citizens graduated                 Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, along the foothills of the
from U of V School of Law, including Robert F. Kennedy in             Blue Ridge Mountains, there is no better place in the world for
1951; George Allen, former U.S. Senator and former Virginia           such an outstanding law school to call home, just as Thomas
Governor; Thurgood Marshall, Jr., former Cabinet Secretary            Jefferson intended all those years ago.
under President Bill Clinton; and Bill Nelson, Astronaut and
current U.S. Senator.




PAGE                                                      www.lawcrossing.com