Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Montana
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 144 | University of Montana (Missoula, MT) Acceptance rate: 45.7% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 152-157 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.23-3.62 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $11,578 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $27,513 per year Enrollment (full-time): 252 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 76.6%
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All Law Schools in Montana
Montana has one law school that serves as the primary institution for legal education in the state. The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on practical training and public service. As the sole law school in the state, it plays a pivotal role in preparing lawyers for practice in Montana and beyond. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the University of Montana’s law school, covering its degree programs, admission requirements, and starting salaries for graduates.
1. Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana
Overview
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law, located in Missoula, Montana, is the only law school in the state. Established in 1911, it has a strong tradition of preparing lawyers for practice in rural and small-town settings, as well as for careers in public interest law, environmental law, and Indian law. The school emphasizes a hands-on approach to legal education, integrating practical skills with theoretical knowledge through clinics, externships, and internships. The law school is highly regarded for its focus on experiential learning and its deep ties to the legal community in Montana.
With a small student body, the school fosters close relationships between students and faculty, creating a supportive and personalized learning environment. The school’s location in Missoula also provides students with access to Montana’s stunning natural landscape, which influences its strength in environmental and natural resource law.
Degree Programs
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law offers a range of degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. The law school’s curriculum is rooted in providing a strong foundation in legal theory, while also emphasizing practical legal skills.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The primary degree offered by the law school, the J.D. program is a three-year curriculum that prepares students for legal practice. The program includes a first-year core curriculum that covers essential areas of law such as contracts, torts, property law, and constitutional law. In the second and third years, students can choose electives to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as environmental law, Indian law, and business law.
- Concentrations: Students in the J.D. program can choose from several areas of concentration, including:
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- Indian Law
- Business Law
- Concentrations: Students in the J.D. program can choose from several areas of concentration, including:
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law: The LL.M. program is a one-year advanced degree designed for U.S. and international lawyers who want to specialize in environmental and natural resource law. This program is particularly suited to those interested in legal issues related to conservation, public land management, and climate change.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): This dual degree program allows students to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Administration, combining legal studies with public administration training. It is ideal for students interested in careers in government, public service, or non-profit management.
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): Offered in collaboration with the University of Montana’s School of Business Administration, this program is designed for students who want to combine their legal education with business management skills, preparing them for leadership roles in corporate or business law.
Specializations and Focus Areas
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law offers students several opportunities to specialize in specific legal areas that are relevant to the region and the state. Key specializations include:
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law: Montana’s vast wilderness and natural resources make this an important area of focus for the law school. Students can take courses in environmental law, water law, public lands law, and energy law, gaining expertise in managing natural resources and addressing environmental challenges.
- Indian Law: Montana is home to several Native American tribes, and the law school has a strong focus on Indian law, offering students the chance to study tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and federal Indian law. The school has a close relationship with tribal communities, and students can participate in the Indian Law Clinic to gain practical experience.
- Public Interest and Rural Practice: Given Montana’s rural landscape, the school places a significant emphasis on preparing lawyers for practice in small-town and rural settings. Students interested in public interest law can work in legal aid, public defender offices, or non-profit organizations that serve low-income and underserved populations.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Alexander Blewett III School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for students who demonstrate strong academic abilities, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. The admissions process is holistic, taking into account various factors beyond GPA and LSAT scores.
- Average LSAT: 155
- Average GPA: 3.45
In addition to LSAT scores and GPA, other factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement that outlines their reasons for pursuing a legal education, career goals, and why they believe the University of Montana is the right fit for them. The statement should also highlight any public service experience or leadership roles.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic professors or professional mentors who can speak to the applicant’s intellectual abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume that highlights their work experience, leadership roles, internships, volunteer work, and any extracurricular activities that demonstrate their commitment to the legal profession and public service.
- Optional Diversity Statement: Applicants can submit an optional diversity statement if they feel their background, experiences, or perspectives would contribute to the diversity of the law school community.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law enjoy strong employment prospects, particularly within Montana and the surrounding region. Many graduates go on to work in small and mid-sized law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations that focus on public interest law, environmental law, and Indian law. The school’s focus on practical skills ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $65,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
While many graduates choose to remain in Montana, the law school’s reputation also allows graduates to find employment opportunities in neighboring states and across the country.
Experiential Learning Opportunities at Alexander Blewett III School of Law
One of the hallmarks of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law is its emphasis on experiential learning. The school offers students numerous opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience through clinics, externships, internships, and pro bono work. These programs are designed to help students develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.
Clinical Programs
The law school’s clinical programs are a central part of the curriculum, allowing students to represent real clients and work on real cases under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Key clinical programs include:
- Indian Law Clinic: This clinic allows students to work on legal issues affecting Native American communities, including tribal sovereignty, land disputes, and treaty rights. Students gain valuable experience working directly with tribal governments and communities.
- Land Use and Natural Resources Clinic: Students in this clinic work on environmental law cases involving public land management, conservation, and water rights. The clinic provides hands-on experience in addressing legal issues related to Montana’s natural resources.
- Criminal Defense Clinic: Students in this clinic represent indigent defendants in criminal cases, gaining experience in trial advocacy, legal research, and courtroom procedures.
Externship Program
The law school’s externship program allows students to work with judges, law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations throughout Montana and beyond. These externships give students practical legal experience in a variety of legal settings, helping them build professional networks and gain insight into different areas of law. Common externship placements include:
- Judicial Externships: Students have the opportunity to extern with state and federal judges, gaining firsthand experience in the judicial decision-making process and courtroom procedures.
- Government Externships: Students can extern with state agencies, such as the Montana Department of Natural Resources or the Attorney General’s Office, working on legal issues related to environmental regulation, public lands, and water law.
- Public Interest Externships: Students interested in public interest law can extern with legal aid organizations, public defender offices, and non-profit groups focused on serving low-income and underserved populations.
Pro Bono Program
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law has a strong commitment to public service, and students are encouraged to participate in the Pro Bono Program, which provides free legal services to individuals and organizations in need. Students can work on a wide range of pro bono cases, including family law, housing law, and civil rights issues. Participation in pro bono work allows students to give back to the community while developing important legal skills.
Bar Passage Rates
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law has a strong track record of preparing students for success on the bar exam. The school offers bar preparation courses and resources to help students pass the bar exam on their first attempt.
- Bar Passage Rate: Approximately 85% of graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt, with many taking the Montana Bar Exam or bar exams in neighboring states.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law offers affordable tuition rates compared to many other law schools in the country, particularly for in-state students. The law school also provides a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans, to help students manage the cost of their legal education.
- In-state tuition: Approximately $15,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $32,000 per year
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The law school offers merit-based scholarships to incoming students based on their academic performance, LSAT scores, and leadership potential. In addition to merit-based scholarships, the school provides need-based financial aid for students who demonstrate financial need. Other financial aid options include federal student loans and work-study opportunities.
Career Services and Job Placement
The law school’s Career Services Office provides students with a range of resources to help them secure internships, externships, and full-time employment after graduation. The office offers career counseling, resume reviews, mock interviews, and job placement assistance. The school also hosts networking events and job fairs where students can connect with potential employers.
- Employment Rate: Approximately 90% of graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation, with many finding jobs in law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations in Montana and the surrounding region.