Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Minnesota that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Minnesota are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Minnesota.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Minnesota
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 19 | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) Acceptance rate: 24.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-167 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.41-3.9 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $34,817 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $43,385 per year Enrollment (full-time): 752 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.9%
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| 127 | William Mitchell College of Law (St. Paul, MN) Acceptance rate: 70.5% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 150-159 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.16-3.62 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $35,660 per year Enrollment (full-time): 698 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 88.0%
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| 161 | Hamline University (St. Paul, MN) Acceptance rate: 60.5% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 148-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.13-3.58 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $34,555 per year Enrollment (full-time): 480 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 73.2%
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| 199 | University of St. Thomas (Minneapolis, MN) Acceptance rate: 55.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.07-3.54 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $34,898 per year Enrollment (full-time): 481 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 86.5%
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All Law Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to several respected law schools that offer a variety of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the legal profession. Each law school in the state offers unique strengths, from top-tier public institutions to private schools with a focus on practical legal training.
1. University of Minnesota Law School
Overview
The University of Minnesota Law School, located in Minneapolis, is one of the top law schools in the country, consistently ranked among the top 25 law schools by U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1888, it is renowned for its strong academic programs, influential alumni network, and its emphasis on both legal theory and practical training. The law school offers students a range of opportunities, including access to numerous research centers, legal clinics, and externship programs that allow them to gain hands-on experience in various legal fields.
Degree Programs
The University of Minnesota Law School offers a variety of degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its student body:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides a solid foundation in legal theory, combined with numerous opportunities for specialization. Students can pursue concentrations in areas such as intellectual property law, business law, international law, and environmental law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.): The most advanced law degree, intended for those interested in academic or research careers in law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): Offered in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Affairs): A joint degree program with the University’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health): Combines law and public health studies for students interested in legal issues in the healthcare industry.
Specializations and Focus Areas
The University of Minnesota Law School allows students to specialize in several key areas of legal practice:
- Business Law: The law school offers comprehensive business law courses in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation.
- Intellectual Property Law: With its proximity to technology and innovation hubs, the law school provides robust offerings in patent law, copyright law, and trademark law.
- Environmental and Energy Law: Students can focus on environmental regulation, sustainable development, and energy policy.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Minnesota Law School is highly competitive, with the admissions committee looking for students with strong academic credentials, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to the legal profession.
- Average LSAT: 165
- Average GPA: 3.75
Other admission requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for studying law and how the University of Minnesota aligns with their career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are typically required, preferably from academic mentors or employers.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of Minnesota Law School enjoy strong employment outcomes, particularly in large law firms, government, and corporate sectors.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $180,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $65,000
2. Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Overview
Mitchell Hamline School of Law, located in St. Paul, is a private law school with a long history of providing accessible and flexible legal education. It was formed in 2015 through the combination of William Mitchell College of Law and Hamline University School of Law, both of which had a longstanding reputation in Minnesota’s legal community. Mitchell Hamline is known for its innovative approach to legal education, offering both traditional and online hybrid programs that make law school more accessible to working professionals. The school emphasizes practical legal training, with a strong focus on experiential learning through clinics, externships, and public service opportunities.
Degree Programs
Mitchell Hamline offers several degree programs to meet the needs of traditional students and working professionals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A flexible J.D. program that can be completed full-time, part-time, or through a hybrid on-campus/online format. The hybrid program is one of the first ABA-approved online J.D. programs, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while attending on-campus sessions periodically.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who wish to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Master in Law (M.L.): For non-lawyers who want to gain legal knowledge relevant to their careers, such as those working in business, healthcare, or government.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Mitchell Hamline offers a range of specialized areas of study that reflect its commitment to practical legal training:
- Dispute Resolution: The school is known for its strong dispute resolution program, offering courses in mediation, negotiation, and arbitration.
- Health Law: With the growing importance of healthcare in law, Mitchell Hamline offers specialized courses and externships in health law, focusing on regulatory and compliance issues.
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Law: The school provides opportunities for students to focus on legal issues related to data protection, privacy, and information security.
Admission Requirements
Mitchell Hamline takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering both academic performance and professional experience. The school looks for students who demonstrate a commitment to public service, leadership, and legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 153
- Average GPA: 3.25
Other admission requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their interest in law, career aspirations, and why Mitchell Hamline is the right fit for them.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, typically from academic or professional references.
- Resume: Applicants should include a resume detailing work experience, internships, leadership roles, and community service activities.
Starting Salaries
Mitchell Hamline graduates have strong job placement rates, particularly in Minnesota’s legal market. Many graduates go on to work in small and mid-sized law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $80,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
3. University of St. Thomas School of Law
Overview
The University of St. Thomas School of Law, located in downtown Minneapolis, is a Catholic law school that emphasizes ethics, public service, and social justice. Founded in 2001, it is the newest law school in Minnesota but has quickly developed a strong reputation for its focus on experiential learning and mentorship. St. Thomas Law combines rigorous academics with a commitment to fostering a sense of community and ethical responsibility in the legal profession.
Degree Programs
The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers several degree programs aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the legal profession:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that integrates ethics and public service throughout the curriculum. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as business law, intellectual property, and human rights law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Organizational Ethics and Compliance: A specialized program designed for lawyers who want to focus on legal compliance and ethical issues within organizations.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: A joint degree program offered in collaboration with the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
- J.D./M.S.L. (Master of Studies in Law): For non-lawyers seeking legal training to enhance their careers in business, healthcare, or public service.
Specializations and Focus Areas
St. Thomas Law offers several specialized tracks to help students focus on specific areas of legal practice:
- Business and Corporate Law: Students interested in corporate law can take courses in corporate governance, tax law, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Ethics and Compliance: With an emphasis on ethics, St. Thomas Law offers a unique focus on compliance, preparing students for careers in corporate compliance and regulatory affairs.
- Human Rights Law: The school offers opportunities for students to engage with global human rights issues, including through externships and international legal clinics.
Admission Requirements
St. Thomas Law values academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to ethics and public service in its admissions process.
- Average LSAT: 154
- Average GPA: 3.32
Other requirements include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their interest in law, career goals, and how St. Thomas Law’s mission aligns with their aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, typically from academic or professional mentors.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, internships, and volunteer activities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of St. Thomas School of Law are well-prepared for careers in law firms, corporations, and public service roles. Many graduates work in the Twin Cities region, with strong placement rates in corporate legal departments and compliance roles.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $85,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $60,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Minnesota Law Schools
Each of Minnesota’s law schools emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with numerous opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience through clinics, externships, and internships.
University of Minnesota Law School
- James H. Binger Center for New Americans: Provides students with the opportunity to work on immigration law cases, including asylum and deportation defense.
- Environmental Law Clinic: Students represent clients in cases involving environmental regulations, land use, and sustainability.
- Corporate Institute: Offers experiential learning opportunities in business law, including corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Health Law Clinic: Students gain practical experience working on healthcare-related legal issues, including regulatory compliance and patient rights.
- Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Clinic: Focuses on legal issues related to data protection, privacy regulations, and cybersecurity.
- Dispute Resolution Institute: Offers students hands-on experience in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
University of St. Thomas School of Law
- Community Justice Project: A legal clinic focused on social justice issues, where students work on cases related to civil rights, housing law, and criminal justice reform.
- Appellate Clinic: Students represent clients in appeals cases, working on legal briefs and oral arguments before appellate courts.
- Religious Liberty Clinic: Focuses on cases involving the intersection of law and religious freedoms, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Bar Passage Rates
Bar passage rates are a key indicator of how well a law school prepares its students for the bar exam. All Minnesota law schools provide bar preparation resources to help students succeed.
- University of Minnesota Law School: 91% bar passage rate.
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law: 75% bar passage rate.
- University of St. Thomas School of Law: 84% bar passage rate.
Tuition and Financial Aid
University of Minnesota Law School
- In-state tuition: Approximately $48,000 per year.
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $56,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: The law school offers need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and federal loan programs to help students cover tuition costs.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $46,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: Mitchell Hamline offers scholarships, need-based financial aid, and loan options for students.
University of St. Thomas School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $46,000 per year.
- Financial Aid: St. Thomas Law provides merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal loans to help students manage tuition and living expenses.
Career Services and Job Placement
Each law school in Minnesota offers robust career services to assist students with finding internships, externships, and full-time employment after graduation.
University of Minnesota Law School
- Employment Rate: Approximately 90% of graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation. The law school’s strong alumni network helps connect students to opportunities in law firms, government agencies, and corporations.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Employment Rate: About 85% of Mitchell Hamline graduates find employment within 10 months of graduation, particularly in Minnesota’s legal market, including roles in public service, small and mid-sized firms, and corporate legal departments.
University of St. Thomas School of Law
- Employment Rate: Around 88% of graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation, with many finding jobs in corporate compliance, legal firms, and public interest organizations in the Twin Cities.