University of Tennessee College of Law

The University of Texas School of Law is a highly respected institution that provides students with the skills and training they need to become successful lawyers. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Dean Doug Blaze is proud of the school's focus on teaching students both legal theory and the practical side of the law:

I think we are one of the best law schools in the country at preparing and training our students to be effective lawyers when they graduate. We strive to produce lawyers that can hit the ground running. That translates to job opportunities and better and more successful careers. We are very committed to the best in experiential learning opportunities through our curricular concentrations, clinical programs, and field placements. But the same teaching methods are used throughout our curriculum to connect legal theory with practical application.

The Law school strives to provide its students with a well-rounded legal education. This includes providing clinical and skills training and teaching innovative classroom methods. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of legal writing and professional values. They also work hard to produce high-quality scholarships that can improve the law and legal system. Lastly, they strive to serve the university, profession, and public by utilizing their talents and expertise.

Admissions

Choosing UT Law means choosing a school that has been helping students become lawyers for more than 125 years. One student from class 2021 said:

Being a member of the UT Law community makes me immensely proud. My classmates are exceptional people who are doing extraordinary things like helping to pass legislative bills, advocating for their communities, and assisting small business owners. Outside of law school, I have found countless UT Law graduates who are willing to mentor and help students in any manner. The UT Law community is truly amazing and inspiring.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	155 - 159 - 161	157 - 160 - 162
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.33 - 3.63 - 3.84	3.47 - 3.67 - 3.81
Acceptance rate	33.3%	28.9%
Applications received	1137	1483
Acceptances	379	428
Matriculants	152	173

The University of Tennessee College of Law offers several ways to apply, including a binding early decision option, a regular decision option, and a transfer application. However, reading detailed information about the application process is essential before getting started. This will help you understand what is required and how to submit your application. The earlier you submit your application, the sooner it will be reviewed. There is currently no fee to apply for the 2021-22 admission cycle. It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure all materials are received in the Admissions Office.

The numbers

The University of Tennessee has a 1L class size of 124, with a yield of 28.74%. Of the 1,483 people who applied, 428 were offered admission, and 123 out of those accepted ended up attending the school. The median LSAT for the admitted students was 160, with the 25th and 75th percentiles 157 and 162, respectively. The median GPA was 3.67, with the 25th and 75th percentiles being 3.47 and 3.81.

It is not entirely clear how much priority the school gives to in-state applicants, although the school admits that, "As a state-assisted law school, priority is given to Tennessee residents and those who intend to remain in Tennessee to practice, in the admission process." Last year, the school had 627 in-state applications and 833 out-of-state applications; considering the school's resident priority, gaining acceptance from out-of-state is clearly more difficult.

Admissions Application

The UT Law application for admission and instructions are available on the Law School Admission Council website. Accuracy and completeness are critical, so please provide documentation about character and fitness if relevant. The admission process can take months, so applicants must update their application form if any information they have certified as correct changes during that time.

LSAT

The LSAT is a standardized test that is required to get into law school. The test measures your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and persuasive writing skills. The current median LSAT score is 160. You can find more information about the LSAT and register for the exam at lsac.org/lsat. As with most schools, UTK mainly considers an applicant's highest LSAT score, although it will look at all of them. In terms of LSAT and GPA addendums, Dr. Britton suggests that you give a "brief summary of extenuating circumstances" if you feel like you have a legitimate reason for a low LSAT/GPA. For instance, one could mention one's "previous testing history… to demonstrate that [one's LSAT score] is aberrational."

Personal Statements

The personal statement is an opportunity for you to share information about your personal background, motivation to become a lawyer, and any hardships you have faced. The statement should also highlight your unique experiences and how they have prepared you to contribute to the legal profession. Additionally, you may want to mention any ties you have to the University of Tennessee or why you are specifically interested in attending our law school. If possible, try to keep the statement to two double-spaced pages. For more information on personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Transcripts

The transcripts are an important part of the application process. Your undergraduate GPA is a good indicator of how you will do in law school. The median GPA at our school is 3.6.

Diversity Statement

The Admissions Committee seeks to create a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating environment by actively recruiting students from diverse backgrounds. Your personal statement will help us understand how your unique experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity at UT Law.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report

This report will be ordered when you apply for admission and will be updated as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing samples are added.

Letters of Recommendation

The required recommendations must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. Choose recommenders who are familiar with your abilities and can provide a sound evaluation. The University publishes an annual security and fire safety report which contains information on crime prevention, crime reporting, statistics, fire safety and statistics, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and other matters related to security and safety on university property and associated public areas. The security report for the Knoxville area may be found at clery.utk.edu/crime-statistics/. A printed copy of the combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at the UT Police Department, 1101 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996 or you may request a copy by mail to clery@utk.edu.

Dr. Britton also suggests that you give your letter-writers a brief overview of the factors that matter in law school admissions:

The applicant is advised to brief the recommender on factors that the law school will consider in its process and ask the recommender to discuss the candidate in that light. Occasionally, recommenders focus on factors that mean a lot to them, rather than on the factors that matter in the law school admission process, making the recommendation less effective.

TED – Tennessee Early Decision Program

The TED program is a unique early decision program offered by Tennessee Law. If you are the top candidate willing to enroll early, you may be accepted into this program. No specific scholarship is associated with this program, but you may be offered a scholarship if available. Candidates accepted through the TED program must pay their enrollment deposit within 10 business days of receiving an offer of admission.

• Binding Nature: This program is for students who have carefully considered their law school options and are confident that the University of Tennessee College of Law is their first choice. If admitted under this program, students agree not to apply to other law schools’ early decision programs and to withdraw any other law school applications. They must also pay the full $500 deposit within ten business days of admission notification. If they fail to honor these commitments, they will be revoked admission.
• Timetable for the Applicant: The deadline for submitting an application, including all supporting documents and recommendations, is December 15 in order to be considered for the TED program. The LSAT must be taken no later than the November administration.
• Timetable for the College of Law: The College of Law will communicate decisions to TED candidates by January 1. Candidates admitted through the TED program must pay the $500 seat deposit 10 days after notification of admission. Candidates who are not selected under this program will either be referred for consideration in the regular admissions program, which if admitted later, will not be binding or they will be informed that their application for admission has been denied.

Tuition and Expenses

Tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year at UT Law are $20,168 for Tennessee residents and $38,842 for out-of-state students. The cost of attending UT Law is comparable to other state-supported and private institutions. Tuition and fees are determined by the Board of Trustees and may change from year to year. The financial aid budget for a student living on or off campus is outlined below for the 2022-2023 academic year. This should give you an idea of the total cost of attendance.

Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees
Costs	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition	$16,696	$35,140
Fees	$3,472	$3,702
Room and Board	$13,398	$13,398
Books	$1,600	$1,600
Transportation	$1,664	$1,664
Miscellaneous	$4,002	$4,002
Total	$40,832	$59,506

Financial Aid

The College of Law's Office of Admissions helps students and applicants work through the application process, including communication with the university's financial aid office. The office also processes scholarship awards as selected by the Scholarship Committee. For information pertaining to your specific financial aid questions, contact the Office of Admissions at 865-974-4131 or lawadmit@utk.edu.

Loans

As a borrower, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. When you sign a promissory note, you are making a commitment to repay the money you borrow. If you are eligible for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or a GradPlus Loan, your financial aid analysis will determine the amount you can borrow. Be sure to understand the terms of your loan before you sign anything.

• Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to students (with or without demonstrated financial need) who have completed the FAFSA. While these loans are not need-based, they are budget-based, and you will not be eligible to borrow more than your budget. Interest rates are set annually by the Department of Education and can be found here. These loans begin accruing interest immediately. The interest on these loans may be paid while enrolled in school or may be added to the loan principal when it goes into repayment (six months after graduation). The maximum amount that eligible students may borrow is $20,500 per year.

• GradPlus Loan

GradPlus Loans are available to students who have completed the FAFSA. These loans are designed to assist students to reach their budget if they haven’t done so with scholarships, and/or Stafford Loans. These loans carry a credit base and will need to be applied for directly through the Department of Education. The interest rates are set annually by the Department of Education and can be found here.

• Private Loans

Private loans are loans that are not given by the government. Private loans usually have higher interest rates than federal loans. Some private loans are fixed rate, meaning the interest rate does not change, and some are variable rates, meaning the interest rate can change.

• Disbursement

The excess aid that is disbursed each semester is usually released by direct deposit on the Monday following the first day of classes.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)

The Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz PC Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) at UT Law provides financial support to UT Law graduates who obtain employment in the field of public interest law and who need assistance in repaying loans for legal education. This program helps to ensure that people with careers in public service can continue to work in these important fields without being burdened by overwhelming debt.

Scholarships

The College of Law offers scholarships to many of its students in order to help them pay for their education and graduate with less debt. The college considers all diversity factors when awarding scholarships, and the majority of scholarships are granted for six semesters of law school, as long as the student maintains a good academic standing and remains enrolled in the College of Law.

Transfer Students

Transferring to UT Law is a great option for students who have completed their first year of law school at another institution. The transfer application period Dr. Britton explains the process:

It is our hope that every law student who begins the first year here will receive their degree from UT, and we do not solicit transfers from other law schools. In past years, very few students have transferred out, leaving very few - if any - seats for transfers into our second-year class. We only accept applications if we expect to have seats available, and if we accept applications, we usually receive 25 or so and admit one or two candidates.

However, for those who end up applying to transfer to UTK, the following criteria are used:

We consider academic performance in the first year of law school, the traditional predictors considered in the first-year admission process, and the reason that the candidate wants to complete his/her legal education at Tennessee.

Thus, if you're not a good standardized test-taker and bombed the LSAT, you could conceivably transfer to UTK if your first-year grades are strong enough. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.

Law School Culture

Whether it's the bars and venues down at the Old City, the restaurants at Market Square, or the college scene on the Strip, Knoxville has plenty to offer its patrons. Dr. Britton sums up Knoxville as "a beautiful area with a reasonable cost of living and sky-high quality of life," and, having lived in Knoxville for most of my life, I think most of UTK's students would agree. Dean Doug Blaze describes why he thinks students love UTK:

Besides the terrific legal education, there is something for everyone and we have a great sense of community. East Tennessee is beautiful, especially in the fall and spring. We have wonderful outdoor opportunities; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 45 minutes away. The music scene in Knoxville is [also] remarkable. Between the university and law school, we have every student organization imaginable; […] and we also have great football and basketball!

And one student gives the following summary of living in Knoxville:

For those students from larger cities, Knoxville can seem like a small town. The University provides most of the economic fuel for the city, so most of the entertainment is student-oriented. Market Square and Cumberland (the strip) offer a broad selection of bars and restaurants, but the rest of Knoxville is a family-oriented, suburban environment. I live out in the suburbs, though, and they provide a great atmosphere for law students who have families and don't mind a longer drive (i.e., fifteen minutes to school). For the sake of employment prospects, I plan on moving to a larger city after graduation, and I believe that this is the general attitude amongst my peers.

Furthermore, given Knoxville's location at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, law students will also have plenty of opportunities to partake in outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, and mountain climbing. Law students can socialize amongst each other through weekly bar reviews (dubbed "Rump Court") and can also join in on the Greek parties that have earned the University of Tennessee a place among the nation's most vibrant party schools.

Safety and traffic are generally not issues for law students either, and those who have complained about the parking situation at the law school readily admit that it is not an intolerable situation. All this considered, it seems safe to say that most law students enjoy their three-year stay at the University of Tennessee.

Making Friends

For most students, making friends should be easy. Tennessee (and the South in general) has a reputation for hospitality, and this openness is surely a part of the University of Tennessee as well. For instance, one student writes that "I have made some wonderful friends here. Law school is a bonding experience if anything, and I value the fact that I have 150 very intelligent, capable people who are going through this with me." Others might be concerned that the atmosphere changes once finals and grades roll around. Not so, according to the same student:

I, personally, have never felt I was hardcore competing with my classmates. There's a friendly competition during oral arguments or negotiations, but overall, when grades and the Dean's List come out, it's a friendly atmosphere.

In fact, according to this student, classmates even share outlines with each other:

Absolutely, we share our outlines! One of our student organizations hosts two Outline Libraries per semester where you can buy course/professor-specific outlines. The cost is minimal and mainly just covers the cost of printing them. If you don't want to buy them, there are plenty of 2Ls you can ask for, too. In the rare instance, someone would actually say no, just move on and ask someone else. You can always ask me!

Another student agrees that UTK is a friendly campus, writing, "UTK students are extraordinarily friendly! There is little sense of competition between students, and the attitude tends more toward every student doing his or her best and the grade reflecting who fared better in the end." The same student even writes that the "very congenial attitude amongst students and between students and professors" is the "most positive aspect of life at UTK." He explains:

Everyone helps each other, and that seems to really help us all receive a better education. I am currently going through a divorce, and all of my classmates and professors have been very generous with their offers of support and accommodation.

Dean Blaze sums up the friendliness of UTK by saying, "We are a close community - students, faculty, and staff. Our students are competitive like all law students, but are still supportive of each other and want everyone to succeed." So, at least at the University of Tennessee, you don't have to worry too much about your 1L classmates being cutthroat and overly competitive!

Quality of Life

The city of Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee College of Lawis one of the best places in the country to live. It has genuine hospitality and a central location that will surprise you. Knoxville is consistently ranked among the best cities in America for its low cost of living. Forbes ranks Knoxville as the second most affordable city in America. With plenty of charm and a low cost of living, Knoxville is a great place to live.

Knoxville is a great city for those who appreciate the arts. There are many museums and art galleries, and the best artwork is usually on display during the "First Fridays" event each month. Knoxville also has a lively music scene, with plenty of restaurants and small businesses located in the Market Square area.

The city of Knoxville has a variety of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. These events include concerts, scavenger hunts, and eating contests. One event, in particular, the Big Ears Festival, attracts many renowned musicians and artists from around the country.

Knoxville is a great place to visit because it has something for everyone. If you're into nature, you can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is just a short drive away. If you're more of a city person, there are plenty of things to do in Knoxville as well. You can visit the UT Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, go hiking or biking on the city's many greenways and nature trails, or check out one of the many festivals that take place in Knoxville throughout the year. No matter what you're into, Knoxville has something for you.

Housing

Knoxville is centrally located, making it easy to get to a number of nearby cities for a quick road trip. There are also low-cost airlines that fly out of Knoxville to beaches in the Southeast and major cities in the West. So your biggest challenge will be picking a destination for your weekend trips and summer break getaways. The University of Tennessee has a website where you can find information on properties for rent or sale, as well as roommates. UT also has apartment-style residence halls available for graduate students. If you're looking for a place to live Knoxville, UT is a great resource. Knoxville is a great city with plenty to do; there's something for everyone here. Visit University Housing’s website and Off-Campus Housing

Facilities

When asked about the facilities, most students couldn't be happier. One student writes:

I love law school. The building is very, very nice with lots of natural light and modern (i.e. clean) furniture and our fantastic library is located inside the law school. I can easily spend 12 hours/day here, so the physical space here is important to me, but it might be less so for someone else.

Another student confirms this perspective, writing:

The law school provides relatively solid facilities, but I wouldn't consider it to be technologically superior to other schools. Each chair has an outlet, each room has wireless Internet access, and the library has a large selection of books, but Cat-5 connections were largely disabled in 2008, and that can be irritating when the wireless network has issues (once or twice per semester, it seems). The school also uses wireless printing, and that saves a lot of time. All of the classrooms are equipped with adequate technology and acoustics.

Besides the law school, other facilities on campus are also top-notch. For instance, one student raves about the on-campus gym, TRECS (or Tennessee Recreational Center for Students):

TRECS is the campus gym, and it's FANTASTIC. It's very large, very clean, and state-of-the-art with yoga and kickboxing classes. There's a Smoothie King inside, too. It's on the other side of the campus--about a 15-20 min walk. There's limited parking outside if you want to drive. It's just as nice, if not nicer than any 24-Hour Fitness or Bally's you'll find.

Having been to the TRECS many times myself, I have to agree - there's a nice indoor track upstairs, a great outdoor swimming pool, plenty of indoor basketball courts, and a huge weight room with tons of machines and free weights. If you're looking for a great gym, then UTK won't disappoint!

Academics and Curriculum

Beginning law school at the University of Tennessee is slightly different than most other schools. Before embarking on the standard set of first-year law school requirements, students partake in a week-long series of mini-courses that serve as an introduction to the study of the law and help first-year students with the usually difficult transition to law school.

The first-year curriculum at the College of Law is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the law while exposing them to various aspects of the legal profession. The curriculum includes practical training, legal writing, and career planning. Upper-division courses are also available, which can be found in the Graduate Catalog. Current students can find information on the College of Law portal about their course schedule and the two-year master schedule.

Professors

As expected, students mostly enjoy the professors at UTK. One student writes:

I love the faculty here. Many of them have been here for a long time, and it's obvious they love what they do. The faculty is pretty involved in the school, whether they are working with law student organizations and journals or participating in cross-departmental symposiums and events. I haven't encountered any faculty so far who have made me feel dumb or disrespected. Everyone goes through the usual 1L boot camp, but it's not personal.

Another student reaffirms this perspective, writing:

The professors are great! They teach both the laws of Tennessee and uniform and national codes (IRC, UCC, RULPA, MBCA, and the ABA MRPC), with more emphasis on the uniform and national codes, but they often compare different laws so as to provide a well-balanced view. I have never doubted the competence of any of my professors, and they are generally very likable people. Several of our professors have practiced with powerful firms and governmental agencies, but they're also willing to see students after class and for review sessions.

Of course, with 40 different professors teaching, there is the potential for you to dislike one or two of your professors during your tenure at UTK. However, one's overall experience with faculty will likely be a positive one.

Public Interest

While there is no specific program for public interest at UTK Law, there are plenty of public interest opportunities for students. One obtains funding for summer jobs via internal fellowships and several different external funders. Many of the classes and clinics at UTK are focused on public interest (such as the Business Law Clinic, Advanced Environmental Law, and Public Interest Law & Lawyering). Also, there are student organizations such as UT Pro Bono that students can join to become more involved in public interest work at UTK. Finally, the school encourages students to pursue pro bono hours by giving students who reach at least 50 eligible hours of public service public recognition near graduation. All of that being said, public interest law doesn't seem to be overwhelmingly popular at UTK, as one student explains: "I don't know very many students that are interested in public interest law, but those who are so inclined really have a great opportunity to work with those clients in an educational environment."

Journals

Students at UTK can choose to apply for three different journals. Dean Blaze explains that students are selected for all of the journals "based on a bluebook exam and a writing assignment involving the need to synopsize a recent case." Selections are made by the "incoming editorial boards of the respective journals." One student describes all of the journals as "very popular," and they play a major role in the academic development of most students at UTK.

The Tennessee Law Review is the flagship journal of UTK. The Tennessee Law Review is a quarterly journal that publishes articles discussing legal topics of interest to legal scholars, attorneys, legislators, judges, and students. The articles are written by professors, practitioners, and law students, with guidance from faculty advisors. The journal is edited and published by second and third-year students at the University of Tennessee College of Law.

While Transactions: Tennessee Journal of Business Law is a law journal that is published twice a year by UT Law students. The journal focuses on legal developments and scholarship in business law, with articles serving both the academic community and practitioners. Issues of national and regional interest are addressed in Transactions.

Finally, the Tennessee Journal of Law & Policy is the newest journal at UTK. First started in 2004, it is published twice a year, with some special editions published "occasionally." The journal analyzes the "latest developments in law and public decision-making," and has annual symposia that explore a "current policy issue." The most recent symposium focused on "forensic medicine and its application in the legal realm, particularly the lingering controversy over the admissibility of forensic evidence and the development of forensic evidence beyond DNA analysis." Those students who participate in it "seem to enjoy it very much," so prospective students should look forward to being a member of any of UTK's three esteemed journals!

Clinics

Even though UTK's clinical program is one of its greatest strengths, the school is still looking to expand upon it. Dean Blaze explains further:

First, we want to build on [our] strength of effectively connecting theory and practice by expanding our clinical offerings. And I anticipate hiring new clinical faculty over the next couple of years.

This means that the program will continue to grow in the years ahead. Currently, the school has clinics in areas as varied as domestic violence to housing law. Dean Blaze says:

We have an exceptional clinical program - the oldest, continuously operating law school clinic in the country. We have a wide range of clinical offerings including juvenile, housing, immigration, environmental, business transactions, mediation, and domestic violence law. We have just added a new wills clinic and an education law practicum. We also have externship programs in the state prosecutor's office and the public defender's office; next year we will add a new placement at the US Attorney's Office. So we have an incredible breadth and serve every student that is interested in a clinical experience.

In other words, if you're interested in getting hands-on experience, then UTK probably offers a clinic in your field of choice. One current student emphasizes how important the clinics are:

My first experience with the clinical program will take place this summer, but I know that the clinics are very popular and the main focus of the school. Although the clinics are limited to 3Ls, the administration really pushes the clinics from the beginning and reinforces their practicality throughout orientation and advising meetings. There is quite a variety of practical experience, but many students need to carefully tailor their course load from the beginning of their second year in order to meet the prerequisites before their last semester.

Employment Prospects

Graduates from the University of Tennessee who majored in law make an average of $54,700 in the private sector. If they work for a law firm, they can expect to make around $59.5% of their peers. However, if they choose to clerk for a judge or go into public interest, they can make around $11.7% more than their peers. Additionally, 90.4% of graduates from the University of Tennessee pass the bar on their first try.

Synopsis

Those seeking an affordable school that places well in Tennessee (and the Southeast in general) should consider the University of Tennessee as one of their top choices. The school has a fantastic clinical program, outstanding faculty, and a cohesive and friendly student body. While employment is rocky everywhere right now, the school's strong alumni network makes getting a job quite feasible if one puts in the required hours of study. Finally, the busy social life in Knoxville and the easily accessible Smoky Mountains give students plenty of recreational opportunities. I've lived in Knoxville for most of my life, so I say with a great deal of conviction that the school offers an ideal setting for doing well in law school. Students can both study in peace and enjoy the great quality of life that Knoxville has to offer.

Contact Information

University of Tennessee
College of Law
Admissions Office 1505 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1810
Phone: (865) 974-4241
Admissions: lawadmit@utk.edu
https://law.utk.edu/admissions/

Summary

Established	1890
Location	Knoxville, Tennessee
Dean	Lonnie T. Brown, Jr.
2022 US News Ranking	56th
LSAT Median Score	160
GPA Median Score	3.67
Bar Passage Rate	90% (2022)
Employment Rate	51% (2022)
Cost	$20,168 for Tennessee Residents $38,842 for Out-of-State Students
Average Debt	$76,840
Application Deadline	August 15, 2022

Forum and Discussion

University of Tennessee College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://law.utk.edu/
Rank #56
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers

Interview: with Dean Doug Blaze of the University of Tennessee - Knoxville College of Law
Interview: with Dr. Karen Reagan Britton, University of Tennessee College of Law
Interview: with L. Pilar Mensah, Assistant Dean for Admissions; Sondra R. Tennessee, Associate Dean for Student Affairs; and Tiffany J. Tucker, Assistant Dean for Career Development, University of Houston Law Center

Forums: https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4