National Jurist - October 2007 - (Page 23) ★ state legislature. That includes the school’s career services department, which makes a concentrated effort to link students with practicing attorneys, Kaminshine said. “Atlanta is an extended laboratory for this law school,” Kaminshine said. Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School BYU degree a latter day bargain How’s this for a great return on investment — a Brigham Young University law school student who also is a member of its affiliated church can attend this toprated institution for only $8,200 in annual tuition and expect to earn an average salary of nearly $77,000. The law school’s relationship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a boon for students, said Dean Kevin Worthen. Students not only enjoy a faith-based education, but they also benefit from the support the church gives the law school. Its generous endowment from alumni and others allows the school to subsidize the costs for every student. This has made this Provo, Utah-based law school affordable for the masses, especially if they are LDS members. Non-member students pay about $16,400 in tuition for this private law school. The Church founded the law school in 1973 to support the University’s overall mission — the full realization of human potential. The law school’s student body is unique for many reasons, Worthen said. Students tend to be a year or two older than most law school students, largely because they have engaged in some form of religious missions or public service during their undergraduate years. As a result of these missions — which tend to be overseas — more than 75 percent of the student body speak a second language fluently. This fluency, in addition to the school’s high admission standards, is one reason recruiters seek out Clark’s graduates, Worthen said. Founded in 1928, the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law has long paid the bills on its basic infrastructure, said Dean Charles Nelson. “We’re able to keep our tuition at a modest level,” Nelson said. Indeed, students at this private law school pay $22,000 for both resident and non-resident full-time tuition. Its typical first-year class has about 100 or so students. Based in Montgomery, Ala., the low cost of living is another reason students find their law degree more affordable than most, Nelson said. Although the law school does not enjoy any sizable endowments, he said it has managed its bud- get in such a way that it ensures students receive the best education. “What we’re trying to do is create strong, practicing lawyers,” Nelson said. “Our curriculum is very focused on preparing student for practice. They don’t come out with a lot of fluff courses.” Nelson credits the law school’s tight focus for its high bar passage rate. The department believes strongly in the adage, “It’s not who you know, it’s who you take the opportunity to meet,” he said. ■ Karen Dybis is a freelance reporter based in Detroit, Mich. Start the next phase of your legal career in Houston An LL.M. degree from the University of Houston Law Center instantly distinguishes you as a true “master of laws” within your chosen specialty. We offer exceptional strengths in a number of areas, including: • Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Law • Health Law • Intellectual Property & Information Law • International Law • Tax Law We have an outstanding faculty and nationally recognized specialty programs. With its affordable cost of living, Houston can be the perfect location to earn a highly respected LL.M. degree that will further your legal career. For more information about our LL.M. program, please visit our web site at www.law.uh.edu/llm, or contact us via email at llm@uh.edu. Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law 80 years young and thriving Perhaps one of the best things about approaching your 80th birthday is looking back and enjoying where you came from. October 2007 THE NATIONAL JURIST 23 ★ UH is an EEO/AA institution. http://www.law.uh.edu/llm http://www.law.uh.edu/llm
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