Belmont University College of Law
Contents
History
Belmont University College of Law provides students with the education and co-curricular experiences needed to practice law effectively and ethically. The Randall and Sadie Baskin Center, which was opened in 2012, contains a modern library that houses the school's library resources. Additionally, the center features state-of-the-art classrooms, study spaces, and technology to keep up with today's rapidly changing legal landscape.
The College of Law at Belmont University is integrated into its main campus. It offers specialties in healthcare, entertainment/music business, and other areas in the university's highly regarded undergraduate programs. As a result of their education, Belmont Law graduates will be prepared to provide legal assistance in various settings with an expectation of high levels of expertise and integrity.
The Randall and Sadie Baskin Center was designed to provide a safe learning environment that mirrors actual professional practice. The curriculum teaches students the necessary skills for successful legal representation, such as researching legal topics, writing briefs, understanding court procedures, recognizing ethical dilemmas in different contexts, and working collaboratively with colleagues.
The college also provides students with experiential learning opportunities through clinical courses such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Criminal Justice Clinic, or Business Transactions Clinic, which allows them to engage directly in active problem-solving. At the same time, they learn the practical aspects of practicing law. They gain invaluable experience working with real clients under close faculty supervision.
Belmont Law's educational approach emphasizes service to their community by empowering students with leadership skills and a commitment to ethical practice. It also offers unique resources, such as specialized libraries containing digital materials explicitly prepared for their law studies.
Admissions
Belmont University College of Law strives to accept students capable of completing its rigorous legal program with excellence - recognizing that educational success can come from many different sources. Through this holistic approach to admissions, Belmont seeks to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, and students receive an exceptional education with real-world applications. If you need more clarification about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, then please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153 - 156 - 159 | 153 - 158 - 161 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.36 - 3.6 - 3.8 | 3.44 - 3.71 - 3.86 |
| Acceptance rate | 39.4% | 13.7% |
| Applications received | 956 | 7948 |
| Acceptances | 377 | 1086 |
| Matriculants | 122 | 1646 |
Belmont University College of Law received 1,315 applications during the 2022 application cycle. Of these, 537 applicants were offered admission, and from those accepted students, 144 students came to Belmont to pursue their law degrees. This translates to a yield rate of 26.82% for those who were offered admission to the university.
The median LSAT score among the admitted students is 158, with the 25th percentile LSAT being 153 and the 75th percentile LSAT being 161. The median GPA for the same group of students is 3.71, whereas the 25th percentile GPA is 3.44 and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.86, respectively. These statistics demonstrate that Belmont University College of Law has a highly competitive admissions process to secure places in its 1L class size of 144 students each year.
In addition to having strict admissions standards, Belmont University College of Law also encourages diversity among its student body by providing several scholarship programs like AccessLex Scholars Program or Honor Scholarship Programs for those passionate about making an impact in their community through legal education. Furthermore, they offer various government loan programs and financial aid packages so that all their admitted applicants can afford their tuition fees regardless of their financial background or family circumstances.
On top of this, Belmont offers extensive career services and networking opportunities so that their graduates can make the most out of their law degrees and be successful in their professional lives after graduation. They have a dedicated team who provides personalized guidance for each student's unique career goals and help them explore available options in legal career paths such as litigation attorney roles or corporate counsel positions—the possibilities are endless!
Application Requirements
Belmont University College of Law seeks to accept only the most qualified applicants who demonstrate the potential to complete their legal education with satisfactory results. An applicant must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a solid academic record. The selection process considers multiple criteria for whether a student is accepted, including grade point average, LSAT score, institutions attended, discipline and majors studied, extracurricular activities, community service provided, and work experiences.
The admissions process for Belmont University College of Law evaluates much more than just academic performance; other qualities that demonstrate an individual’s potential for success in law school are taken into consideration. For example, involvement in professional organizations is seen as beneficial, as it demonstrates a commitment to the field of law and indicates the applicant’s past successes in leadership and teamwork. Additionally, participation in community service projects highlights an individual’s dedication to helping others and willingness to contribute to society. Similarly, work experiences prove that the applicant has specific skills, such as problem-solving and communication expertise, which may be invaluable during law school.
By considering all these factors, Belmont University College of Law can select students who are not only academically accomplished but also have demonstrated achievements outside the classroom, making them well-rounded candidates suitable for the successful completion of their legal studies program.
LSAT
The LSAT is an aptitude test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which measures prospective law students' aptitude. The test is offered multiple times a year at various locations around the United States and can be taken up to three times in two years. It is designed to predict how successful a student may be in law school and on the bar exam. Belmont University College of Law recommends that all students considering law school thoroughly prepare for the LSAT. They recognize that taking a standardized test can be stressful, so they encourage their students to take their time studying for it and not rush into it unprepared. Additionally, if you have taken the LSAT more than once, they will consider all of your scores when evaluating your application. To register for the LSAT, you must create an account with LSAC and follow their instructions for completing registration. Once you have submitted your registration form and paid the fee associated with taking the test, you will receive confirmation from LSAC with details about where and when to report on exam day. They understand that many factors go into choosing a law school, and taking the LSAT is just one part of this process. However, scoring well on this exam can help you stand out among other applicants, so they recommend investing sufficient time into preparing for it to maximize your chances of success.
Personal Statement
This document should be a one or two-page essay detailing why you are uniquely qualified to be a successful law student at Belmont University College of Law. You may cite experiences that have led you to study law and illustrate how you want to benefit the legal profession upon completing the Juris Doctor degree. The personal statement should be well-written, thoughtful, and original. You may also submit a diversity statement to supplement your personal statement.
Credential Assembly Service
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is a comprehensive system administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It's designed to collect academic transcripts from applicants seeking admission to law school. Every applicant must register with the CAS on the LSAC website and order a separate law school report for Belmont Law.
Regular Decisions
Belmont University College of Law offers a Regular Decision option for applicants looking to be admitted. The process begins on September 1, 2022, and extends until May 1, 2023. The school encourages all prospective students to apply as early as possible in the admissions cycle to take advantage of their opportunity to be considered for admission. All applications must be sent in by May 1, and supporting materials such as a CAS report and LSAT scores must be received by May 5. Applicants should note that the last accepted LSAT score will come from the April test.
Early Binding Decision
Belmont University College of Law offers an Early Binding Decision option for applicants who are certain Belmont is their top choice for law school. Candidates must begin the application process by September 1, 2022. To be eligible for this option, they must submit all required documents, such as their LSAT score and CAS report, by December 1, 2022. Those who successfully submit all necessary materials will receive a notification of their admittance, denial, or deferral within two weeks. Unfortunately, those whose applications are received after Thanksgiving may find out about the status of their applications in January 2023. Notably, the last LSAT score accepted by applicants will be from the November test date.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Belmont University College of Law offers a competitive tuition program for resident and non-resident students. For the upcoming academic year 2022-2023, the tuition cost is marked at an estimated $50,500*. This fee covers primary enrollment in courses and other curricular activities essential to any student's law degree path.
This price includes access to library resources, online research databases, study-abroad opportunities, and more. Additionally, Belmont University College of Law offers several scholarship opportunities to students in need, which can help defray the cost of tuition and allow them to focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Cost of Attendance
Belmont University College of Law provides prospective and current students with a total cost of attendance (COA) budget for the 2022-2023 academic year. This COA includes books and supplies, personal expenses, rent/housing, tuition and fees, and transportation. Books and supplies are estimated to cost around $2,500 for the year; meanwhile, personal expenses like clothing, hygiene products, and entertainment can range from $3,870. Furthermore, living and housing expenses at Belmont can range up to $15,210 annually, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Tuition at Belmont Law is $51,700 per academic year, including full-time study and any associated course fees. Lastly, transportation costs such as car payments or travel passes may total up to $2,630 annually. All in all, these costs sum up to no more than around $75,910 for the entire 2022-2023 school year – a relatively reasonable amount for those interested in attending law school! Of course, it's important to note that this figure does not include additional living costs, such as food or leisure activities which may be factored into one's budgeting plans. Additionally – depending on financial need – specific scholarships or grants may be available to help reduce someone's COA even further.
Bruin Scholarships
Belmont University College of Law is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to receive scholarship funding for their education. All applicants admitted into the program will be automatically placed under scholarship consideration and will not need to apply separately. Scholarships are awarded based on a review of each student's educational background and the application pool of that particular cycle. Awards range from 25-100% tuition remission, depending on the student's merit and qualifications.
While the College of Law operates from a set scholarship budget, they allocate awards in fair and just ways. However, only some applicants will receive an offer due to limited numbers. Typically, enrolled students are told whether they have been awarded a scholarship at the same time of their acceptance; however, this timeline may vary in some cases.
Dean's Scholars Program
Belmont University College of Law has an exclusive program for Early Decision applicants called the Dean's Scholars Program. This program is geared towards talented students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, reflected in their cumulative undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores. To qualify for this program, students must exceed the top quartile academic credentials set by the Belmont University College of Law. Those who meet these criteria will benefit by being part of a highly selective group with access to resources and support from faculty members and the school administration.
When applying for the Dean's Scholars Program, Early Decision applicants receive special consideration for Bruin Scholarships, regardless of whether or not they are accepted into the program. The college is dedicated to providing qualified students with the opportunity to pursue higher education and recognizes those who demonstrate high potential in the legal field through its scholarship programs.
Bell Tower Scholars Program
The Bell Tower Scholars Program at Belmont University College of Law is an opportunity for Alternative Academic Evaluation (AAE) applicants with a particularly impressive cumulative undergraduate GPA to gain recognition and rewards. Although AAE applicants are not eligible for Bruin Scholarships, they can take advantage of this elite group's exclusive benefits.
As part of the program, recipients will be able to engage in unique educational opportunities and develop specialized skills that set them apart from their peers. In addition, they will have access to exclusive networking events and mentorship programs which can prove invaluable when it comes time to seek out potential job prospects or post-graduate training opportunities. Furthermore, recipients will receive financial support to help defray the costs associated with attending law school. All these perks make the Bell Tower Scholars Program an excellent choice for those who qualify.
Federal Financial Aid
Belmont University College of Law offers financial aid for students through Federal Loans, such as Direct and Direct PLUS. Unfortunately, no Pell Grants are available for law students at Belmont. The maximum amount students can borrow through the Direct loan program is $20,500. If the cost of attendance exceeds this amount, students can opt to take out a Direct PLUS loan to fund any additional costs they may incur during their studies. It is important to note that Belmont has its own School Code 003479, which must be used when applying for these loans.
In essence, the Federal Loans system provides an excellent opportunity for law students at Belmont University College of Law to fund all or part of their education costs without relying on other financing sources. This gives them more flexibility and control over managing their money while studying at Belmont. Furthermore, the interest rates associated with these types of loans are often lower than those offered by other sources, which makes them an even more attractive option for law students looking to finance their education. Additionally, no credit check is required to qualify and receive these funds, making it easier for anyone who needs help funding their studies to apply and receive financial assistance from Belmont's federal loan programs.
Academics and Curriculum
Belmont Law's Juris Doctor program is designed to equip students with the tools necessary for a successful legal career. The curriculum consists of required foundational courses in the first year, such as Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts & Sales, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Property and Torts. In the second year, students delve deeper into specialty coursework, while in the third year, they are allowed to specialize further in capstone electives. Upon completing 88 credit hours, graduates will be awarded their Juris Doctor degree.
A unique component of Belmont University College of Law is its Practicum offered each semester. Through this program, students hone their skills in practicing law, including legal writing, research, client interviewing and counseling, litigation, and negotiation. Furthermore, during either the second or third year of study, students must demonstrate proficiency with a rigorous writing requirement before graduating.
In addition to these core curriculum components, Belmont Law offers an optional externship program that allows upper-level students to gain first-hand experience in the courtroom or other locations relevant to their practice area. This externship allows them to observe and work under attorneys actively practicing law and gain invaluable insight into legal practice from a more hands-on perspective. Students may choose from different concentration areas depending on their goals and interests, such as dispute resolution or business transactions.
Synopsis
Belmont University College of Law provides an excellent learning environment for aspiring lawyers by connecting them with industry professionals, offering generous scholarships and loan programs, and encouraging diversity among its student body. With such high standards for admissions, coupled with top-notch academic resources and career services, Belmont University College of Law is, without a doubt, one of the best law schools anyone could pursue in their legal studies!
Contact Information
Belmont University
College of Law
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-460-6000
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/index.html
Summary
| Established | 2012 |
| Location | Nashville, TN |
| Dean | ALBERTO GONZALES |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 133 |
| LSAT Median Score | 158 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.71 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 83% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 36% (2022) |
| Cost | $51,700 |
| Average Debt | $124,731 |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
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Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://www.belmont.edu/law/index.html
Rank #133
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