National Jurist - October 2007 - (Page 22) “Law school in general is so expensive these days and it doesn’t have to be,” said Dean Raymond Pierce. “Our law school clearly demonstrates that a quality legal education can be provided at an affordable price.” Pierce says the school tries to keep its tuition in check by setting spending priorities, like installing the latest technology in every classroom, ensuring students have stipends and providing opportunities in externships, clerkships and research foundations. Pierce says that North Carolina Central University School of Law additionally sets itself apart by requiring faculty to hold ★ office hours. Pierce said he believes this high level of instruction boosts the law school’s retention rate and shows the faculty’s commitment to student performance. The University of Alabama School of Law Small classes and a spacious building As the only public law school in its state, the University of Alabama School of Law is the top choice of many residents — not only do they receive low in-state tuition, but the school has one of the best employment rates around. More than 98 percent of its 2006 graduation class had jobs within nine months. It probably helps that there are graduates in 49 states and 11 countries, giving students a large, supportive network, said Claude Reeves, the law school’s senior assistant dean for admissions. Generous support from alumni, friends and the University allows the law school to offer additional programs and opportunities while maintaining tuition costs, Reeves noted. Residents pay about $9,700 and non-residents pay around $19,900 to attend the Tuscaloosa-based law school. “The University of Alabama strives to offer a top-rate education without charging its students unreasonable tuition,” Reeves said. “Our lower tuition provides students and graduates with options because they are not saddled with large amounts of student loan debt.” Staying modern and competitive is a high priority for the law school, which was founded in 1872. The 2006 academic year also saw the opening of a $15 million addition to the law school with more room for the clinical program and mock trial teams, study and meeting rooms, new offices, a cafe and additional classrooms. Georgia State University College of Law Underrated in Atlanta ★ Georgia State University’s College of Law is hoping the next five years will end its underdog status. Vault Inc. recently named it one of the nation’s “most underrated law schools” despite its reputation for having some of the most wellseasoned graduates around, said Dean Steven Kaminshine. The law school’s doors opened in 1982, and tuition is $6,300 for residents and $22,200 for non-residents. But it is its attention to relationships with the city, state and alumni that keeps the law school going. In fact, one alumnus just pledged $5 million to help build the proposed Georgia State University Professional Center. This new building will hold law and business classrooms. “We do an awful lot with a little,” Kaminshine said. “We put our money where we think it has the most impact on our students.” The law school encourages its faculty to be involved in the community, including the university, law profession and 22 THE NATIONAL JURIST October 2007 http://www.AlabamaLLM.com http://www.AlabamaLLM.com http://www.AlabamaLLM.com
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