Washburn University School of Law
Washburn University School of Law is located in Kansas City, Kansas. The school offers a convenient location for students interested in pursuing a career in law. Washburn Law's impact extends beyond the state's borders and into the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The school provides an excellent education for those interested in becoming lawyers.
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History
The Washburn University School of Law is a municipal university in Kansas founded in 1865. The school was renamed in recognition of New England philanthropist Deacon Ichabod Washburn in 1868. The university receives partial funding from the state of Kansas.
Washburn University School of Law is a highly respected institution accredited by the American Bar Association since 1923. The school offers a variety of programs and courses that prepare students for successful careers in the legal field.
The Washburn University School of Law has a long and prestigious history, graduating many influential figures in the legal community. Five of its graduates have served as Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, including the first woman to hold that position, Kay McFarland. The school has also been a leader in promoting equality and diversity in the legal profession. Despite facing challenges in the past, it has always remained a strong and innovative institution.
The school offers a variety of programs to prepare students for success in the legal field, including certificate programs in Advocacy, Business and Transactional Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, International and Comparative Law, Law and Government, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law, and Tax Law. The school is also home to the Washburn Law Library, one of the premier legal research portals available to a worldwide audience of experts. Under the leadership of Dean Dennis R. Honabach, the school has launched several signature programs, including the Business and Transactional Law Center, the Center for Excellence in Advocacy, and the Children and Family Law Center. The law school classrooms have also undergone a significant renovation, with new features and state-of-the-art teaching tools.
Admissions
The Washburn Law faculty is dedicated to providing its students with the best possible education. They are accessible and supportive and take pride in helping their students succeed. The school has a long tradition of excellence in legal education, creating opportunities for its graduates in many fields. The student body is energetic and supportive, working together to help each other achieve their goals. Washburn Law is the place for you if you are looking for an excellent legal education.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 152 - 155 - 158 | 151 - 155 - 159 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 2.94 - 3.39 - 3.78 | 3.15 - 3.53 - 3.8 |
| Acceptance rate | 50.5% | 49.0% |
| Applications received | 463 | 612 |
| Acceptances | 234 | 300 |
| Matriculants | 26 | 16 |
Application Process
The Washburn University School of Law application process will be completed once all items are received. This includes applying online through LSAC, attaching the personal statement and resume, and attaching the character and fitness supplement (if applicable) and diversity statement (optional). If there is any technical difficulty, don't hesitate to get in touch with LSAC's help desk. All required documents must be submitted to the Credential Assembly Service. This includes official LSAT scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. At least one letter of recommendation is needed, though no more than three will be accepted.
When to Apply
The priority deadline for the fall start is April 1. However, they will continue to accept applications after that date. The priority deadline for the spring start is November 15. However, they will continue to accept applications after that date.
Deferments
If for some reason, you cannot attend the class you were admitted to, you may request a deferment of your admission to the next incoming class. Deferment requests should be submitted to the Admissions Office in writing and are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Statement
The personal statement requested as part of the application is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves to members of the Admissions Committee. The statement is a significant part of the application, as the Committee evaluates applicants in many areas beyond test scores and grade point averages. Applicants should feel free to discuss any of the following areas:
- Education Background
- Community involvement
- Strengths and weaknesses in certain courses or activities
- Personal and professional goals
- Significant achievements
- Stories of personal growth, triumph, or struggle
- Motivation for attending law school
- Any other information that may be relevant to the admission decision, including information demonstrating the unique contribution an applicant can make to Washburn University School of Law.
Resume
A resume is an essential part of any law school application. It should list your educational background, including your degree, any honors or awards you have received, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work you have done. It should also list your work experience, including any jobs you have had, summer internships, and permanent employment. References are not required as part of a resume.
Letters of Recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation is required to be considered for admission into the Washburn University School of Law. The best letters come from former or current instructors who can appraise the applicant's character, maturity, motivation, and academic ability. Applicants who have been away from their graduate or undergraduate institutions for some time may substitute recommendations from employers if obtaining a faculty recommendation is not feasible. Judges or public figures are not typically the best sources for recommendations because they often only have a passing knowledge of the applicant. No particular form is necessary, but an original, signed letter is preferred. Letters must be sent directly to Washburn Law from the person writing the letter or through CAS (previously LSDAS) letter of recommendation service.
Interviews
The Admissions Office does not interview applicants for the J.D. program. They do encourage applicants to visit Washburn Law to learn more about the school and the admission process.
Addendums (optional)
A candidate may submit an optional grade or LSAT addendum if there were extenuating circumstances beyond the applicant's control that resulted in less than stellar academic performance. Washburn Law also accepts diversity statements.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Washburn University School of Law offers a high-quality legal education at a reasonable cost. Tuition is competitive with other public law schools and well below most private institutions. Convenient housing is readily available and affordable, keeping the cost of living well below that of other cities. The following are estimated tuition and fees, books, room and board, and transportation costs to attend Washburn Law during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Tuition & Fees The student activity fee is $55 per semester. A typical course of study to obtain the J.D. degree is 90 hours over six semesters/three years. The first year of study consists of 29 hours (14 hours in the first semester and 15 hours in the second semester). Colorado, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska residents are eligible for in-state tuition through the Interstate Tuition Waiver Program (ITWP). Active duty and veteran military who have received an honorable discharge (shown on D.D. Form 214), their spouses, and dependents qualify for in-state tuition.
The full-time tuition for Kansas residents and ITWP participants is $24,476. Non-Kansas resident/non-ITWP participant tuition is $37,439. The cost of books will vary depending on the type of course. Room and board are $10,757 and include utilities and food expenses. Personal expenses are estimated to be $1,946. Transportation costs are estimated to be $1,226. There is no fee for parking on the Washburn University campus.
The total cost for attending Washburn University School of Law for the 2022-2023 school year is estimated to be:
- $40,522 for Kansas/Colorado/Missouri/Texas/Oklahoma/Nebraska residents,
- $46,780 for non-Kansas/Colorado/Missouri/Texas/Oklahoma/Nebraska residents who begin in the fall semester but become Kansas residents by the second semester, and
- $53,485 for non-Kansas residents/non-ITWP Participants who do not qualify for Kansas residency by the start of the second semester.
The total cost of attendance for students who take out loans will be $2,994 for residents and $3,191 for non-residents, in addition to the loan fees. These fees are estimated and may change depending on the total amount borrowed.
Loan Fees
Note that students who take advantage of loans will be responsible for the following fees in addition to the totals shown above:
$197 – Resident and Non-Resident
Loan fees are estimated and are contingent upon the total amount borrowed.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At Washburn Law, all students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, which are awarded from a general scholarship fund. These scholarships are made possible partly by alums and friends' generous contributions. Financial aid and loans can be obtained through the Washburn University Financial Aid Office.
Academics and Curriculum
The Washburn University School of Law focuses on providing a conducive learning environment for its students. This includes having large enough classes to include multiple perspectives while also being small enough to encourage interaction among classmates and professors. An open-door policy allows students to meet with professors outside of class, and the school embraces diversity and open exchange of views. The curriculum is comprehensive and prepares students for success in the legal profession.
First-Year Program
The Washburn Law first-year program is staffed by full-time, tenure-track faculty members who give you a meaningful start on your legal education. Their low student/faculty ratio allows for informal advising, particularly in your first year of study. This allows you to get to know your professors and develop relationships that will benefit your law school career.
Upper-Level Curriculum
The Washburn Law School provides students with a strong curriculum and the opportunity to study various subjects in depth. In addition to fulfilling the upper-level requirements, students are encouraged to select a concentration that reflects their interests. Many students choose to specialize by participating in one of the school's certificate programs or designing an independent study program. Alternatively, students can take advantage of one of the school's signature programs in advocacy, business and transactional law, children and family law, international and comparative law, oil and gas law, or law and government.
Washburn Law Clinic
The Washburn Law Clinic allows students to practice law before they graduate. The clinic is staffed by upper-level law students and full-time faculty members trained in clinical education. This allows students to learn how to argue complex legal issues, make closing arguments, depose witnesses, and cross-examine hostile witnesses. The clinic also allows interns to represent individuals who can't afford legal counsel. Under the close supervision of faculty, interns work on issues such as criminal law, family law, juvenile law, civil law, appellate defense, and transactional law.
Externship Program
Law students can enhance their legal education by completing off-campus placements in their second and third years. These placements allow students to gain professional experience early in their legal careers. Many externs are given assignments that impact real people.
Quality of Life
At Washburn University School of Law, students can access top-notch education in a city environment. The school is located in Topeka, KS - home to around 127,000 residents. The campus is easy to navigate, with modern facilities and a low student-to-faculty ratio. This ensures that students will get to know their professors well. The school offers industry-standard programs that lead to in-demand jobs. The Washburn University School of Law offers a variety of academic programs as well as opportunities to get involved in campus clubs and organizations. Students can also participate in community service and cultural and recreational activities. The Mulvane Art Gallery regularly holds exhibits and events, and the White Concert Hall, Andrew J., and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre host music and theatrical programs. Whether you’ve got questions about paying your bill, adding money to your iCard, getting a job on campus now or a job after graduation or if you need someone to talk to, this is the place to find the answer. While on Campus, Visit the Student One Stop Office. One stop for all your needs.
Housing
Your Campus Home Living on campus isn't just about the ease of getting to class and activities - it is about late-night study sessions, meeting life-long friends and learning new things about yourself. There is nothing quite like living and learning in the heart of the Washburn community. To help everyone find the right home, we offer six housing facilities with traditional, suite-style and apartment options. No matter what your choice, you'll be safe with secure facilities and our very own Washburn University Police Department on duty 24/7.
Summer House
Summer housing is available to Washburn students meeting at least one of the following conditions:
- Students taking a summer course at Washburn
- A student enrolled for the upcoming Fall semester and who has lived with us this past year or will be living with us next year (booking required)
The Residential Living Housing Portal will open on April 1st for students who want to apply for summer housing. The available dates are from May 30th to August 5th. The only room option for students is the Living Learning Center because of maintenance and conference schedules. Students who are residents for the outgoing Spring 2022 term may apply for the first interim period from May 13th to May 29th. Students who are residents for the incoming Fall 2022 term may apply for the second interim period from August 6th to August 17th.
Employment Outcomes & Bar Passage
Class of 2021 Summary
- 100: Total Graduates
- 100: Employment Status Known
Employment Status Of the 100 students whose employment status is known ten months after graduation:
- 91: Employed (91%) *
- 0: Employed - Start Date Deferred (0%)
- 7: Unemployed (7%)
- 2: Enrolled in Graduate Studies (2%)
The percentage of students employed after law school is broken down by category. This includes all full and part-time, short and long-term employment, whether or not a JD is required.
Position Requirements Based on 91 employed graduates.
- 78: Bar Passage Required (86%)
- 10: J.D. Advantage (11%)
- 0: Professional Position (0%)
- 2: Other Position (2%)
- 1: Undeterminable (1%)
Percentages are calculated by dividing the number of graduates in each category by the total number of employed graduates.
Areas of Practice Based on 91 employed graduates.
- 48: Law Firm (53%)
- 22: Government (24%)
- 9: Business or Industry (10%)
- 3: Judicial Clerkship (3%)
- 0: Education (0%)
- 8: Public Interest (9%)
- 1: Undeterminable (1%)
Percentages are calculated by dividing the number of graduates in each category by the total number of employed graduates.
Geographic Distribution Based on 91 employed graduates.
- 54: Kansas (59%)
- 16: Missouri (18%)
- 5: Colorado (5%)
- 16: Other states/countries (18%)
Percentages are calculated by dividing the number of graduates in each category by the total number of employed graduates.
OFFICIAL ABA EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY
Synopsis
The Washburn University School of Law is great for a well-rounded legal education. The faculty is nationally recognized, and the student body is delighted. The law school also offers a lot of practical experience through hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the alum network is very supportive and dedicated to helping students succeed.
Contact information
Washburn University School of Law
Attn: Law Admissions Office
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone: (785) 670-1185
Email: admissions@washburnlaw.edu
Summary
| Established | 1903 |
| Location | Topeka, KS |
| Dean | Jeffrey D. Jackson |
| 2022 US News Ranking | 105 |
| LSAT Median Score | 155 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.53 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 83% (2022) |
| Employment Rate | 56% (2022) |
| Cost | $24,476 — Full-time Kansas Residents $37,439 — Full-time Non-Kansas Resident |
| Average Debt | $77,981 |
| Application Deadline | na |
Forum and Discussion
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References
Washburn University School of Law
Rank #105
LSD Law
Guide to Fee Waivers
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
