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University of Maine School of Law
Established in 1962, the University of Maine School of Law is a classic example of a law school that ought not to be judged solely by its ranking (100th in the 2010 version of US News and World Report and unranked in the 2011 version). The school offers its students reasonable in-state tuition and unparalleled access to the Maine legal market. Those interested in pursuing a legal career in the great state of Maine should consider the University of Maine School of Law as one of their absolute top choices.
Students tend to enjoy their time in Portland greatly; one Maine student writes that he feels "right at home" in Portland, even though he originally hails from New York City. The school's academic programs are decent as well - students can travel abroad to partake in the Franco-American legal seminar, and the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal gives editors af chance to undertake "two years of research, writing, and editing experience." Overall, the school offers an invigorating atmosphere - both academically and socially - and students who are intent on practicing in the Maine legal market would be hard-pressed to pick a better school. If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Contents
Admissions
The University of Maine School of Law is a great starting point for anyone looking to launch their legal career. Here, you will find an array of top-notch, reasonably-priced educational programs that will equip you with the skills and experience needed to become an outstanding leader, public servant, scholar, and innovator.
When you start the application process, they encourage you to visit and meet with current students and faculty members. This will allow you to explore first-hand the countless advantages Maine Law offers. If you're not sure 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 | 152 - 156 - 158 | 154 - 158 - 161 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.24 - 3.51 - 3.7 | 3.24 - 3.57 - 3.79 |
| Acceptance rate | 46.3% | 52.3% |
| Applications received | 484 | 658 |
| Acceptances | 224 | 344 |
| Matriculants | 51 | 53 |
At the University of Maine School of Law, the number of applicants that applied for admission during the 2022 application cycle was 658, and 344 were offered admittance. Of those who accepted the offer to attend this school, 88 students made up the 1L class size, and a yield rate was established at 25.58%. This means that out of the 344 applicants offered admission, 25.58% chose to enroll at the University of Maine School of Law for their legal studies.
The median LSAT score among the 1L class was 158, with a 25th percentile LSAT score of 154 and a 75th percentile LSAT score of 161. The same goes for academic standing, where the median GPA was 3.57, with a 25th percentile GPA of 3.24 and a 75th percentile GPA of 3.79. This proves that the University of Maine School of Law has high admission standards and is selective in accepting applicants for their law school program.
Overall, the University of Maine School of Law is a highly competitive law school, and only those who prove their academic excellence are accepted into their program. With an impressive yield rate of 25.58%, the institution has a lot to offer future lawyers, giving them the best tools to succeed in their legal careers.
Looking at the LSAT scores and GPA, it is clear that the University of Maine School of Law takes its students’ academic performance seriously. It is no surprise that they have a solid program and highly knowledgeable faculty. If you are looking for an exemplary law school to attend, then the University of Maine School of Law should be your top choice!
Application Timeline
The University of Maine School of Law accepts applications for the upcoming academic year. The deadline for those wishing to submit a non-binding Early Action Application is November 15th, with all supporting documents due by December 1st. Decisions will be announced on December 31st or before. For all other applicants, decisions are made on a rolling basis.
While the deadline to apply is flexible, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, with February 1st being the priority deadline for merit-based scholarship consideration. Once accepted, deposits are due by June 1st and are non-refundable but will be applied toward tuition.
Application Process
The University of Maine School of Law is established to provide potential students with legal education opportunities. To apply, all applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) as part of their registration process through the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) website. This service is designed to allow applicants to submit all the necessary documents in one place and provide a comprehensive profile of their academic records, professional experiences, and other pertinent information.
In addition to CAS registration, applicants must also provide an official transcript from each college or university attended, at least two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s academic ability or professional promise, and a personal statement outlining their academic goals and motivations for pursuing a legal education.
It is an unfortunate reality that most students will have to borrow money to obtain a legal education. However, the school's modest tuition and job opportunities throughout Maine make it an excellent choice for those seeking to enter the Maine legal market. As one student writes, "Going to another, pricier law school may land you a good job in Portland, but going to U. Maine will put you closer to that goal (and leave more money in your pocket)." For a TLS article about funding your legal education, click here. Also, if you plan on pursuing a career in the public interest, click here to learn about the new program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness (or PSLF). Finally, to read about a new payment option for federal student loans called IBR (or Income-Based Repayment), click here.
Personal Statements, Diversity Statements, and Addenda
Your statement is one of the most important parts of your application. You should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time brainstorming about, writing, and revising your essay if you want the full consideration of the admissions committee. The school emphasizes on its application that the personal statement should highlight aspects of your life and education that are not apparent in the other parts of your application. The Maine Law admissions committee is looking for "insights that cannot be obtained from the LSDAS report, resume (if included), or other information contained in the application (including any particular reasons you are interested in Maine Law)." In other words, it's a great idea to do some research so that you can write about the different programs or elements of Maine Law that pique your interest. Working specific references to the Maine Law program into your essay will show that you have done your homework and are seriously considering the school.
Applicants can also submit an additional optional essay in which they talk about "any economic, cultural, and societal factors (i.e., ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic disadvantage, special responsibilities, family background, etc.), your academic record, LSAT results or other information you believe is relevant or which would provide the Admissions Committee with additional insight into your application." In other words, this essay can function as either a diversity statement or an addendum. Although it isn't stated outright, including two separate essays that address these elements would probably not be frowned upon.
The diversity statement is an excellent way for applicants to break away from the pack. Diversity isn't just limited to ethnicity; one can write a great statement about one's socioeconomic condition, sexual orientation, etc. If you feel you've had any cultural or societal experiences that make you different from the average law school applicant, write a short essay (roughly a page) about them! The school will be impressed by your depth and may be more likely to admit you.
Finally, an addendum can help explain a black mark on your application. The school's website writes that if "there are circumstances that negatively impacted your GPA (i.e., illness, work schedule, change of major, etc.), please feel free to attach an addendum to your application or to include this information in your statement." The school also emphasizes that an LSAT addendum can be helpful if one has a history of underperforming on standardized tests. They write:
If you apply for accommodation, but the LSAC does not grant it, we encourage you to provide us with any information that will allow us to gauge your score. For example, let us know if you received accommodation at your undergraduate institution or have a history of receiving low scores on standardized tests and outperforming those indicators.
For more information about writing addenda, click here. Also, if you're interested in improving your statement or even just looking for ideas to write about, Ken DeLeon, the creator of Top-Law-Schools.com, wrote a fantastic guide to personal statements, which can be found here for free.
When to Apply
Like most schools, the University of Maine has a rolling admissions policy, so the sooner you get your application in, the better! Early birds can take advantage of the school's non-binding Early Action (or EA) option, where applicants are guaranteed their admissions decisions to be postmarked by December 31st. To utilize this option, prospective students are required to submit their applications by November 15th, and their applications must be complete by December 1st. Applications open on September 15th, so students should have plenty of time to prepare their essays and get their letters of recommendation in order. For the regular decision crowd, applications must be submitted (and complete) by March 1st. To read a TLS article about deciding between EA and RD, click here.
Letters of Recommendation
Like most law schools, the University of Maine requires at least one letter of recommendation (but accepts up to four). The school accepts letters of recommendation in three different ways: directly from the recommender(s), through the LSDAS Recommendation Service, or enclosed along with the application. If you submit your letter(s) with your application, place each recommendation inside its own sealed envelope, with the recommender's signature across the flap. As always, professors are a great source of recommendations, but TAs and employers will also work. It is always best to have at least one academic recommendation; law school is an academic (as well as professional) pursuit, after all! For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Urms (or Underrepresented Minorities)
Because of their disadvantaged histories in the United States, certain minorities enjoy a significant boost in the application process. To read more about this boost and whether you classify as a URM, click here. In addition, many pre-law programs are specifically created to help URM applicants get accepted to top schools. To read more about some of these programs, click here.
Transfer Students
Your transfer application will include many of the same materials as a regular application. You are required to send the school a personal statement, at least one letter of recommendation, and your LSDAS report (which contains your LSAT score, your college transcript, etc.). In addition, transfer applicants must send in their law school transcripts and a letter of good standing from their law school dean. In their last ABA report, the school noted that five students transferred in and three students transferred out. Transfer applications are usually due July 1st for the upcoming fall semester. Still, exceptions are sometimes made for students to transfer to law school in the spring semester. To read more about transferring to the University of Maine, click here and here.
Law School Culture
The University of Maine is located in Portland, which was recently named the number one most livable city in America by Forbes.com. That being said, the small-town atmosphere isn't for everyone. While Portland is the largest city in Maine, it only has a population of approximately 60,000; those who are used to the busy lifestyle of cities like New York City or Los Angeles will have a bit of adjusting.
However, even if it's not a bustling metropolis, the city is not without its charms. There are minor-league sports teams and other local attractions, and plenty of lobster can be found in local eateries. Those looking for a bigger city can travel to nearby Boston, only about two hours away via car. Overall, students seem to enjoy the atmosphere at the University of Maine; one student writes, "I'm currently a 1L at University of Maine School of Law, and I'm finding that its small character and the home-like atmosphere is great." To learn more about the city of Portland, click here.
Because the University of Maine School of Law has such a small student body, students tend to be incredibly close-knit. One student writes, "Since the University of Maine Law School is so small (only 72 students in my class), the competition is virtually non-existent." He further elaborates, "Overall, I enjoy the closeness that has developed within our class. Everyone knows everyone else at this point, and we all sit in the same seats we picked at the beginning of the year. We stay in one room with the professors coming to us!" The school encourages students to get to know each other by hosting breakfasts and lunches, and guest speakers are routinely brought in (with free pizza, no less).
One student writes about going out, "And to have a little social life, the Men's Law Association picks a bar each Thursday night where the majority of the school meets and socializes. We're in Portland, a 5-minute drive to the old port, which has a very Greenwich Village-type feel." So, even if Portland isn't quite New York City, students have a decent nightlife and regularly go out and have fun throughout the week. One student sums up the situation: "I think Portland is a great place to go to law school. It is small enough that you have great exposure to the legal community but big enough to have a lot of things to do. The downtown area is fun, with many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, musical venues, etc."
Students had differing opinions on whether a car was necessary. One Maine resident wrote, "If you are going to live in Portland, you may not need a car. There is a bus system, and things are relatively close together. Things outside of Portland would be a bit more difficult to get to without your car, but all of the 'essentials' are right in town." However, another student wrote, "I would recommend taking your car. Portland is a fairly walkable city, especially if you live downtown, but once winter hits, you will want a car. The law school schedule is pretty hectic, so having a car is nice."
Like most other law schools, the University of Maine has plenty of extracurricular activities on campus in which students can participate. Besides the Student Bar Association, students can get involved with clubs like the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Law Caucus, the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Maine Law Basketball Association. To read more about these organizations and others, click here.
Some students might be worried about the cold weather in Maine; students reassure applicants that it isn't that bad. One writes:
I am not going to lie- you will probably have some difficulty adjusting to the Maine winter. However, Maine's fall, spring, and summer are all fairly mild, so it shouldn't be too bad. There are a lot of students that come from other parts of the country, and although we usually get quite a few big snow storms, I have never heard anyone say it is unbearable.
Another Maine resident adds that Maine's weather is "weird" and can vary drastically from one week to the next. She remarks that, although the winters are long, one can always find "all kinds of cool things to do in the snow." So pack some winter clothes and prepare yourself for the cold weather!
Finally, the school is serious about keeping its students safe; eleven different safety programs and initiatives are listed on the University of Maine website. Some include emergency telephones (both indoor and outdoor), printed crime prevention materials, and electronic alarm systems. The Community Service Corps and the Rape Aggression Defense Program are programs of note. The school's website explains the former below:
The purpose of this program is to provide a safe walk during the evening hours while at the Orono campus. Students, employees, and visitors are encouraged to use the program. A team of one male student and one female student will respond to the caller's location and provide a safe walk to the caller's destination. The walkers are screened and interviewed by the Department of Public Safety. The hours for this program are Sunday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m..
The Rape Aggression Defense Program (or R.A.D.) is a "comprehensive self-defense program for women" in which participants "are provided with the knowledge and ability to survive a sexual assault through lecture, discussion, and the learning of physical techniques." For more about this program and other safety initiatives at the University of Maine, click here.
Housing
There are plenty of housing opportunities available near the law school. Specifically, the University of Maine's website has a section where people can advertise available housing options in the Portland area. If nothing on that page tickles your fancy, then check the local listings for Portland - you should be able to find something convenient and affordable. One student highly recommends Craigslist:
I'm from the area and lived in Portland during law school -- I found every good apartment I had through Craigslist. The "USM (or University of Southern Maine) area" is a good place to start if you prefer to be able to walk to school. The area around the school is quite residential but still close to grocery stores, etc. -- and there are many apartments from studio size to 3-br. There are also people on Craigslist (even grad students) looking for roommates. I would start with Craigslist.
Another student agrees, writing, "Regarding apartments, I recommend checking out Craigslist. Many students live in the West End, the East End, and right around the law school / USM area. You can find some pretty great deals, and landlords usually like law students because we are quiet and pay our rent on time." The school's Facebook page (found here) has a topic on its discussion board entitled "Where to Live" where students can get additional advice. In this topic, the school posted a map of Portland, ME, with locations where students typically rent marked. It can be found here.
Finally, the school advises that most apartments in Maine "will come available about a month before the end of a lease term, unlike in other areas of the country where you need to sign your lease many months in advance." This is advantageous for students, as they can get to know their future classmates via Facebook, TLS, or any other medium and make arrangements very close to when classes start.
Journals
There are two student-run journals at the University of Maine: Maine Law Review and the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal. Both journals provide students with an "invaluable two-year research, editing, and writing experience." In recent editions of the Maine Law Review, students have examined "the preservation of judicial discretion in criminal sentencing, the equal protection implications of child adoption by same-sex couples, the scope of 'public records' and privacy under Maine law, and the prudence of posthumous paternity testing for inheritance purposes." Students who participate in the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal work to "[facilitate] discourse on legal issues related to the domestic and international use of the sea and seashores." According to the school, membership is determined through a combination of "academic performance and writing skills." Students can enter the school's yearly writing competition to write-on in journals.
Academics
When it comes to the quality of professors, the opinion of current students is overwhelmingly positive. One student writes, "Our professors go out of their way to ensure we understand what is going on, and our legal writing program is headed by the person who wrote the book on Maine citations." The small size of the school allows students to get to know their professors (and each other) in a way that might be impossible at larger schools. In addition, the student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1 is relatively good for a school of Maine's ranking. An alumnus from the class of 2006 had nothing but positive thoughts about the professors:
The professors are extremely accessible to the student body. They are always available during their office hours but are also often available during other hours. You will see that many professors, when not in class, have an open-door policy. Many students talk to professors immediately after the following class with any questions they may have. Others choose to visit them in their offices. Still, others serve as their research assistants and mentees. Because Maine Law is small and has such a sense of community, I know that I was much closer with my professors here at Maine Law than I was with my professors at my undergraduate institution, and I still count many of them as good friends.
As with most law schools, first-year students take a fixed schedule consisting of Torts, Contracts, Constitutional Law, etc. However, students can choose from various classes in their second and third years. Some options include Environmental Law, Estate and Gift Taxation, and Gender and the Law. A listing of all the available courses at the University of Maine School of Law can be found here, and short descriptions of the courses can be found here.
The school offers a number joint degree programs for students. These include two JD / MBA programs (with the University of Maine School of Business and the University of Southern Maine's School of Business) and three joint degrees with USM's Muskie School of Public Service. To read more about joint degrees and why one might pursue one, click here and here.
Clinics
Those seeking hands-on experience in law school won't be disappointed by the University of Maine's excellent clinical program. Peter Pitegoff, the dean of the law school, had the following to say:
The impact of our clinical education program is remarkable, providing crucial assistance to clients in need, service to the greater community, and a rewarding learning experience for Maine Law students. This robust combination of theory and practice is pivotal in our program of legal education at Maine Law.
The Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic (or CLAC) is the control center for low-income-related clinics at the school. Complete with its own building, student offices, and library, CLAC offers students the opportunity to do real legal work while still in law school. The school's website explains:
While Clinic faculty provides instruction and supervision, the students are, in every respect, the lawyers for the Clinic's clients. Students interview and counsel clients, develop case theory, conduct discovery, negotiate outcomes with opposing parties and counsel, prepare cases for court, and handle hearings, trials, and appeals.
Clinics offered by CLAC include a General Practice Clinic, a Juvenile Justice Clinic, and a Prisoner Assistance Clinic. Students participating in these clinics also work for the school's Domestic Violence Program, where they "represent victims of domestic violence in protection from abuse proceedings in Lewiston District Court." Participants "develop skills in negotiations and evidentiary trials, while addressing a critical need."
If Intellectual Property law is more your style, then the University of Maine has a clinic for that as well. Under the expert supervision of the school's Center for Law & Innovation, students help "independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and research scientists engaged in technology transfer" with legal issues. Along with this student clinic, the school was selected as one of six to participate in a pilot program to be part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Law School Clinical Certification program."
The school offers both a summer internship program and externship opportunities for its students. Summer interns "do the same work as students in all three clinic courses and the Domestic Violence Program, and CLAC thus can provide much-needed representation on a year-round basis." Those who are selected to be in the program get the chance to have a "paid, intensive experience practicing public interest law." Likewise, students participating in the externship program can apply theoretical law to real-world situations. Students have worked with the following organizations (and others): Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Maine Attorney General's Office, U.S. Attorney, University Counsel of the University of Maine System, Worker's Compensation Board - Advocacy Division, and the Conservation Law Foundation.
Finally, if you're interested in Marine Law, the Marine Law Institute is a fantastic resource on campus. The school's website explains:
The Marine Law Institute is the research and public service component of the Ocean and Coastal Law Program. It is the only law school-affiliated marine policy research program in the Northeast. MLI has dedicated its legal and policy research program to analyzing ocean and coastal resource issues to improve management practices and public understanding.
The institute publishes the previously mentioned Ocean and Coastal Law Journal.
Employment Prospects
University of Maine School of Law graduates has a bright future ahead of them, with promising starting salaries and excellent first-time bar passage rates. On average, JD grads from the University of Maine can expect to make $58,000 in their first year as a lawyer if they work in private practice. This is slightly lower than the median for private-sector employment, at $56,880. Of those graduating from the University of Maine School of Law, 47.0% go on to work for law firms, 18.2% clerk for a judge, and 4.5% pursue public interest work. Most importantly, 84.6% pass the bar exam on their first attempt, meaning that the University of Maine Law students are well-prepared to embark on successful legal careers. This makes studying at the University of Maine School of Law an attractive option for aspiring lawyers. % Pass Bar Exam: 84.6% (1st attempt) Median Private Sector Salary: $56,880
Synopsis
While the University of Maine School of Law isn't for everyone, it's a perfect choice for those interested in a legal career in Maine. With a sky-high quality of life in the city of Portland, students can feast on fresh lobster while networking with Maine graduates that are abundant throughout the state. Students rave about the low cost of tuition, and even if you don't make $160,000 a year after graduation, you will be able to pay off your student debt in a reasonable amount of time. Despite the school's low ranking, it should be difficult to turn down the University of Maine School of Law if you are interested in working in Maine.
Contact Information
University of Maine
School of Law
Admissions Office
246 Deering Avenue,
Portland, ME 04102
Phone: 207.780.4355
Email: mainelaw@maine.edu
Phone: 207.780.4341
Email: lawadmissions@maine.edu
https://mainelaw.maine.edu/admissions/
Summary
| Established | 1962 |
| Location | Portland, ME |
| Dean | Leigh Saufley |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 114th |
| LSAT Median Score | 158 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.57 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 85% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 45% (2022) |
| Cost | $23,190 |
| Average Debt | $75,639 |
| Application Deadline | JUne 1, 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
University of Maine School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
University of Maine School of Law
https://mainelaw.maine.edu/
Rank #114
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