Rankings and Accolades: UW College of Law Named Among the Best Schools for Practical Training, Most Affordable Law Schools, and Specialty Programs

The University of Wyoming College of Law is no stranger to recognition. With small class sizes, a low faculty to student ratio, and strong clinical programs all at a reasonable tuition, it is no wonder that others have taken notice. The College of Law has been named among the best in various categories in many different outlets highlighting these strengths.

Most Affordable Law School

Topping the list of accomplishments is the College of Law’s recognition among the Top 10 Most Affordable Law Schools in the United States. The points-based ranking system looked at a short list of schools identified through U.S. News & World Report as the most affordable schools. The ranking is especially important in the current climate where students are faced with high debt costs upon graduation. Wyoming has worked hard to maintain an affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, freezing tuition for several years where other law schools have continually increased their costs.

In addition to affordability, the College of Law offers a variety of specializations and programs making the degree not only one of the most affordable in the nation, but one of the best value. By keeping the cost of attendance low and providing students with a high quality, practical education, the College of Law is facilitating the post-graduate success of all who attend.

Best School for Practical Training

It comes as no surprise that the UW College of Law has been listed among the best in the nation for Practical Training by PreLaw and National Jurist Magazines. For the fifth year in a row, the College of Law was identified as one of the strongest law schools for training new lawyers. With other law schools stepping up to the plate and creating better practice-ready offerings within their curriculum, the College of Law has continued to remain competitive as one of the OG’s for experiential learning.

The College of Law has always prioritized clinical training as far back as 1970 with the creation of the first clinic. Currently boasting seven clinics and practicums, and poised to add more, students can gain valuable experience in the Civil Legal Services Clinic, the Defender Aid Clinic, the Prosecution Assistance Clinic, the Family and Child Legal Advocacy Clinic, the Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic, the International Human Rights Practicum and the Estate Planning Practicum. The College of Law will be adding a Business Law Practicum to the curriculum in the fall of 2019.

In addition to the robust clinical programs, the College of Law offers other diverse opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience including a vibrant externship program, simulation and skills courses such as the Summer Trial Institute, and a growing number of student competitions.

Law School Specialty Rankings U.S. News & World Report

As the backbone to all higher-ed rankings, garnering extra attention from U.S. News & World Report is a particularly notable achievement. A perennial school among the Best Law Schools, Wyoming has excelled in several areas, including Clinical Training, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, Tax Law, Environmental Law, and Legal Writing.

Ranked #65 in Environmental Law, the College of Law has several programs contributing to its excellence in this area. In addition to an expansive curriculum including Environmental Law, Public Lands & Natural Resources Law, Water Law, Federal Energy Law, Agricultural Law and Land Use Law (just to name a few), the College of Law offers exceptional opportunities for students to distinguish themselves within the area of natural resources. Through the Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Clinic students work directly with the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office in a hybrid structure consisting of a classroom component and a clinical practice component. Students can also earn a Certificate in Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources (EENR) law, endorsing their tailored education in these fields.

Ranked #42 in Legal Writing, the College of Law is known widely for its Center for the Study of Written Advocacy. Through the labors of the Center’s Director, Professor Michael R. Smith, the Center has advanced the discipline of legal writing by producing, facilitating, and promoting research and scholarship that explores the substance, procedure, and ethics of written legal advocacy. A list of past presentations sponsored by the Center for the Study of Written Legal Advocacy can be found here.

The UW College of Law continually strives to offer the best legal education possible for all of its students, and to maintain its significant institutional reputation for its alumni. The College of Law is proud that others have taken notice of the extensive expertise and incredible opportunities offered at the College of Law, and will continue to preserve the quality for years to come.