Law Schools in Michigan
University of Michigan Law School
The University of Michigan Law School, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was established in 1859. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States, known for its rigorous academic programs, influential faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study. Michigan Law offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with practical experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school’s beautiful Gothic-style campus and vibrant college town environment provide an inspiring setting for legal studies. Michigan Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, attracting students from across the globe.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of the Science of Law (SJD)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 20%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 169.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Clarence Darrow – Famous defense attorney in the early 20th century.
- Ann Coulter – Political commentator and author.
- Valerie Jarrett – Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama.
- William W. Cook – Major benefactor of the University of Michigan Law School.
- Richard Cordray – First Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Jones Day
- U.S. Department of Justice
Wayne State University Law School
Wayne State University Law School, located in Detroit, Michigan, was established in 1927. It is part of Wayne State University, a major public research institution. The Law School is known for its strong emphasis on public service, practical training, and commitment to the city of Detroit. Wayne Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and public interest programs. The school’s location in Detroit provides students with access to a dynamic legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Wayne Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, attracting a diverse student body.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #97 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 400 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 48%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 157.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Carl Levin – Former U.S. Senator from Michigan.
- Damon Keith – Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
- Marilyn Kelly – Former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Edward Littlejohn – Pioneer in African American legal history.
- Spencer Abraham – Former U.S. Secretary of Energy.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Dykema Gossett PLLC
- Honigman LLP
- Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone PLC
- Michigan Attorney General’s Office
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Michigan State University College of Law
Michigan State University College of Law, located in East Lansing, Michigan, was established in 1891 and became affiliated with Michigan State University in 1995. The College of Law is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and interdisciplinary study. MSU Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and moot court programs. The school’s location in East Lansing provides students with access to a vibrant college town environment and numerous professional opportunities. MSU Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #91 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 600 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 47%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 155.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Gretchen Whitmer – Governor of Michigan.
- George Crockett Jr. – Former U.S. Representative from Michigan.
- Dennis Archer – Former Mayor of Detroit and President of the American Bar Association.
- Thomas Brennan – Founder of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Mike Duggan – Mayor of Detroit.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Dykema Gossett PLLC
- Honigman LLP
- Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone PLC
- Michigan Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, located in Lansing, Michigan, was established in 1972. It is the largest law school in the United States in terms of total enrollment. The school is known for its commitment to practical training, flexible scheduling options, and accessibility. Cooley Law offers a comprehensive legal education with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and simulation courses. The school’s location in Lansing provides students with access to the state’s capital and numerous professional opportunities. Cooley Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, attracting a diverse student body.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #147-192 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 85%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 145.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Henry Saad – Former Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals.
- Norman Shinkle – Member of the Michigan State Board of Education.
- Thomas Brennan – Founder of Cooley Law School and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Barbara M. Keenan – Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
- Phillip E. Johnson – Former Michigan State Senator.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Michigan Attorney General’s Office
- Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan
- Michigan Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
