Albany Law School

Founded in 1851 and located in the capital of the Empire States, Albany Law School is the oldest independent law school in North America. It is also noted as the only law school in Albany, located minutes away from New York's highest court, federal courts, and state legislature. The law school's most distinguished alumni include President William McKinley and two Supreme Court Justices, David Brewer and Robert H. Jackson.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	151 - 154 - 157	152 - 154 - 157
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.14 - 3.4 - 3.7	3.21 - 3.42 - 3.69
Acceptance rate	50.6%	50.4%
Applications received	1240	1471
Acceptances	628	741
Matriculants	93	104

Albany Law School of Union University is one of the most esteemed law schools in the United States. During the 2022 application cycle, Albany Law School received 1,471 applications and accepted 741 applicants. Their class size for first-year students (1L) is 215, with a yield rate of 28.34%. 210 out of 741 accepted applicants decided to attend Albany Law School.

The median LSAT score for accepted students was 154, with the 25th percentile at 152 and the 75th percentile at 157. Similarly, the median GPA for accepted students was 3.42, with a 25th percentile at 3.21 and the 75th percentile at 3.69.

Albany Law School is an exceptional school with a rich history and an impressive alum list. It allows students to participate in challenging academic programs, gain invaluable experience through practical legal education programs, and engage in the diverse Albany community. With its highly selective admissions process, Albany Law School attracts some of the country's brightest and most talented students.

Albany Law School is an excellent choice for those looking for a top-tier law school experience. With its competitive admissions process and commitment to providing excellent legal education opportunities, it's no surprise that many applicants are eager to attend this prestigious institution. Undoubtedly, successful applicants to Albany Law School will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as practicing attorneys.

Admission Standards

Applicants for admission to Albany Law School's Juris Doctor program must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution that contains at least 45 semester hours of coursework in liberal arts and sciences. While these requirements must be met to apply, more than meeting them is needed to guarantee admission. When making admissions decisions, Albany Law School considers an applicant's academic credentials, professional experience, and personal qualities.

International students are welcomed at Albany Law School, but to be considered for admission, they must maintain legal immigration status throughout their stay in the United States. As with all applicants, international students will be evaluated based on their academic credentials, professional experience, and personal qualities.

Applicants who do not have a baccalaureate degree may still be considered for admission with exceptional academic credentials. To qualify, such applicants must have completed three-fourths of the coursework toward a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited institution.

Admission to Albany Law School is highly selective, and the Admissions Committee reserves the right to select applicants who can most benefit from and contribute to the academic program. Albany Law School looks forward to receiving applications from qualified candidates excited to join its dynamic community.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Albany Law School is dedicated to providing students with an affordable legal education. Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is set at $55,280, including all necessary course materials and a range of other expenses, including technology, library services, and student activities. In addition, Albany Law School offers several scholarships and grants to help reduce tuition costs for qualified students. The school also regularly partners with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to provide internships and other opportunities for its students to gain valuable practical experience during their studies.

Financial Aid

Albany Law School understands students' financial commitments when they enroll in law school, so they work with each student to develop a plan to help them reach their goals. For this reason, they recommend that applicants submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as they apply to ensure that the aid is processed in time to be included on their first tuition bill.

Accepted JD students with a completed FAFSA will receive an estimated eligibility letter. Once the deposit has been paid, an e-mail will be sent with instructions on reviewing and accepting or rejecting awards on Self-Service via the portal.

Albany Law School offers other financial aid programs, such as scholarships and grants, available to students who need assistance. These awards are based on academic performance and demonstrated financial need. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at Albany Law School to learn more about these opportunities.

Their Financial Aid Office is also available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any inquiries you might have. They want to ensure that all of their students can realize their dreams and goals without having financial barriers standing in their way.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Albany Law School is dedicated to aiding those pursuing a career in public interest law and city, county, and state attorney's offices and agencies. To further this commitment, the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) was established in 2004. This program allows recent JD graduates from the last three graduating classes to apply for forgivable loans of up to $10,000 a year for a maximum of three years.

The LRAP provides financial support to students seeking public service careers through educational loan repayment assistance. Applications are accepted yearly from January 31st to March 31st.

Scholarship

When pursuing higher education, such as a law degree from Albany Law School, it is essential to understand how financial aid works. In the United States, as a graduate student, you are considered “independent” to qualify for financial aid. This means that your parent’s income and assets are not considered when determining your eligible assistance.

You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. Using this form, the federal government will calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), an estimate of what you can pay toward your educational costs.

Albany Law School Scholarships

Albany Law School provides generous financial support for Juris Doctor candidates through merit-based scholarships. To be eligible for these awards, applicants must have a robust admissions application and demonstrate academic excellence. Recipients will be offered scholarships upon acceptance to the school, and no additional application is necessary. Award renewal may depend on continued academic success, as defined by the school.

Merit Scholarships (only for JD Students)

Albany Law School awards merit scholarships to current J.D. students every year. The Admissions Committee determines these awards based on the overall strength of a student's application. Many students receive these scholarships to show recognition for their hard work. The amount of the scholarship is adjusted for those students who choose to pursue the four-year program. The class rank may be required to keep the scholarship yearly. The scholarships are credited toward a student's tuition bill each semester for up to six full-time (or eight part-time) semesters. For those students enrolled in the accelerated (two-year) J.D. program, a third of the annual scholarship amount is credited toward their tuition bill each semester.

SUNY Legal Fellowship (Only for JD Students)

Albany Law School offers a fantastic opportunity to recipients of either a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree from any SUNY Institution who enroll as students before June 1st: the SUNY Legal Fellowship. This incredible scholarship is guaranteed for up to three years and offers a minimum of $20,000 per academic year to those admitted by June 1st. Even students admitted after June 1st may still be eligible for the award upon application and review.

Fellowships (Only for JD Students)

The President's International Law Fellowship is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience abroad while also receiving a generous stipend. The fellowship aims to allow students to immerse themselves in a different culture while exploring different legal systems, developing their understanding of international affairs, and expanding their professional networks.

The Helen T. Wilkinson Memorial Student Assistance Fund/Student Emergency Fund (For Any Student)

Albany Law School provides a Student Emergency Fund to students facing hardships due to unforeseen circumstances. This fund can be accessed by applicants who require assistance with emergency living expenses, health concerns, or family emergencies. The process begins when the student completes an online application, which the Student Emergency Fund Committee evaluates. Upon receiving and reviewing the application, the committee will contact the student to coordinate a follow-up or provide an official decision. This assistance is invaluable in helping students meet their immediate needs and stay on track academically at Albany Law School.

External Scholarship Opportunities

The Financial Aid Office of Albany Law School is committed to helping its students and applicants find ways to fund their education. To that end, the office regularly provides scholarship opportunities from various external organizations. These scholarships are distributed to students and applicants through emails, with information tailored to meet the criteria for each scholarship.

Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Opportunity Scholarship offers financial assistance to 20 racially and ethnically diverse students who plan to attend law school. The scholarship program, initiated by former ABA President William G. Paul, provides each winner with $15,000 in monetary support throughout the three years of law school. The scholarship recipients are also provided with mentoring and other guidance to ensure their success during their studies.

Yellow Ribbon Program's Tuition Assistance

Albany Law School is proud to offer the Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition assistance program for student-veterans and their dependents. This initiative allows veterans and their family members who qualify for 100% of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to attend law school free of charge!*

Academics and Curriculum

Albany Law School is an esteemed institution dedicated to the study of law and the pursuit of justice. With a long history of producing successful attorneys, the school has a proud tradition of excellence in legal education and scholarship.

At Albany Law School, 1Ls have a rigorous schedule with classes such as lawyering, civil procedure, torts, contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, and property law. Students are split into small sections of about 65 individuals who spend most of their first year learning and growing together.

In addition to its various courses in legal studies, Albany Law School also provides joint degree programs in areas such as bioethics, business administration, public administration, regional planning, and social work. Students also have the opportunity to pursue concentrations in civil, tax, labor, family, health, and business law by opting into one of the 17 concentration areas that the school offers.

As an institution dedicated to excellence in legal education and scholarship, Albany Law School is committed to helping its students understand the law and become well-rounded practitioners. Students attending this respected school can look forward to gaining a solid foundation in legal studies that will prepare them for a successful future in law.

Experiential Learning

At Albany Law School, experiential learning is integral to the curriculum, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. First-year students receive a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of lawyering, while second and third-year students can build on their foundation through several practical opportunities. Through its Clinic and Justice Center, students earn credit while representing real clients and appearing in court on behalf of those clients. The Field Placement program offers students the chance to gain experience working at private firms, corporate legal departments, government offices, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, advanced simulation courses have been designed to help students develop their courtroom advocacy skills through mock trials and pleadings. In contrast, problem-based courses allow them to apply their legal knowledge to complex cases. Outside the classroom, students have numerous opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as moot court and student organizations, both of which offer invaluable experience. Through these varied experiential learning experiences, Albany Law School provides students with the tools necessary to excel in their legal careers.

Lawyering Program

Albany Law School's innovative lawyering program provides first-year students with an opportunity to experience the legal system uniquely and engagingly. The program organizes students into "firms" that must represent parties to a simulated legal dispute for a year. This immersion into the real-world scenarios of the legal system allows students to develop a strong understanding of the complexities of the law and an appreciation for the ethical considerations and professional skills required of practicing lawyers.

Advance Simulation Courses

Albany Law School offers various courses to help students develop advanced simulation skills. These courses are available to both second and third-year law students. They require them to combine their doctrinal knowledge with the practice of various skills-based activities and professionalism training. Experienced faculty members provide a comprehensive classroom experience, including simulations, structured exercises, and practical assignments. Students can explore legal issues through realistic scenarios, encouraging problem-solving skills, persuasive advocacy, and critical thinking.

Problem-Based Courses

Albany Law School’s problem-based courses take a unique approach to educating students in law: they teach by having the students engage and immerse themselves in simulated real-life legal scenarios. This ensures that by the time they graduate, the students will have had ample practice to apply their acquired knowledge in real-world situations.

To make the simulated scenarios as realistic as possible, Albany Law School faculty members draw upon their wide range of professional experience and expertise. This allows them to give students access to various legal perspectives, such as practitioner and judge-made law. Combining theory and practice enables students to become active participants in problem-solving processes, giving them the skills and confidence to handle complex legal situations.

The Justice Center at Albany Law School

At Albany Law School, the Justice Center strives to provide meaningful experiences to its students and families. Through clinics and field placements, hundreds of students participate every year, gaining invaluable experience in the legal field while providing essential services to more than 600 families annually. Every student is guaranteed a chance to learn from these real-world experiences before they graduate, giving them a head start in their career. In addition to the clinical experience, students have access to various other resources such as pro bono experiences, legislative and policy clinics, legal research centers, and more. Albany Law School is committed to ensuring its students are ready to impact their community by working with faculty dedicated to providing quality education and mentorship. The Justice Center is the center of excellence at Albany Law School, and it is through its clinics and field placements that the school stands out from other institutions. Not only do students benefit from gaining real-world experience, but they also learn how to advocate effectively for those who are underserved in their society. This commitment to justice is a cornerstone of Albany Law School and its Justice Center, and it shows in the lasting impact its graduates have on their respective communities.

Field Placement

Albany Law School has a field placement program where students gain invaluable experience in the legal profession by spending time with highly skilled and knowledgeable Supervising Attorneys/Mentors. This program requires students to devote approximately 12 hours per week to the particular office they have chosen from the wide range of 140 placements available. Students will have an opportunity to get involved in the legal work of their chosen office and gain valuable experience while contributing to the team. With these placements, Albany Law School students can build their professional networks and gain knowledge by working with top lawyers in many different fields. Furthermore, this program enables students to make connections between theory and practice to understand the law better and apply it. Ultimately, the field placements allow students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession and its workings, setting them up for successful careers as lawyers in the future.

Summer in Practice

Albany Law School's Summer in Practice Course provides students with an extraordinary experience of working closely under the guidance of a professional lawyer mentor during the summer months. This course allows students to explore and familiarize themselves with judicial, governmental, or public interest offices. Through this program, participants can gain invaluable insight into various types of legal practice and delve into the various nuances of the law.

Semester in Practice

Albany Law School offers its second-and third-year students a unique learning opportunity through its Semester in Practice program. This program immerses the students in real-world legal practice, allowing them to gain hands-on experience working in judicial, governmental, and public interest offices for an entire semester. During this time, the students will be exposed to a wide range of legal issues, allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills practically.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The JD graduates from Albany Law School Of Union University are among the most successful law school graduates in New York State. Upon completion of their degrees, many of these grads earn an impressive median salary of $75,000 if they enter the private sector or $64,500 for those entering government-related positions.

Furthermore, many Albany Law School Of Union University graduates are highly sought after for their knowledge and expertise. 56.6% of JD grads from Albany Law School Of Union University go directly to work for law firms, while 4.9% clerk for a judge and 5.7% find themselves in public interest roles.

Quality of Life

Albany Law School may be an unexpected change of pace for students accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life. On the weekends, students here have limited entertainment options; most activities involve drinking, studying, or trips to the nearby shopping mall. Albany Law does not provide dedicated housing for law school students alone but provides shared residences for law, medical and pharmaceutical students. Fortunately, the buildings and facilities at Albany Law are top-notch, featuring up-to-date amenities such as wireless Internet throughout the school. Furthermore, due to its small size and proximity to downtown Albany, public transportation makes commuting from home or getting around the area accessible.

Synopsis

Albany Law School may be a fine option for someone looking to live in upstate New York and to work in government on the state level. Their proximity to and monopoly over the region's legal market should give Albany Law students a leg up in this area of the country. The hefty cost, however, is something to consider. Also, like most law schools outside of the top 100, national placement is difficult for Albany Law alumni, and prospective students should consider this before applying.

Contact Information

Albany Law School
Admissions Office
80 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, New York 12208-3494
Email: admissions@albanylaw.edu
Phone: 518-445-2326

https://www.albanylaw.edu/applications-admissions/how-apply

Summary

Established	1851
Location	Albany, New York
Dean	Alicia Ouellette
2022 US News Ranking	122
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.42
Bar Passage Rate	85% (2022)
Employment Rate	41% (2022)
Cost	$55,280
Average Debt	$88,649
Application Deadline	May 1, 2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

Albany Law School
https://www.albanylaw.edu/
Rank #122
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