preLaw - Back to School 2007 - (Page 28) the purpose of improving its rankings,” Pierce said. “You can spend a lot of money on classes and other items not related to the creation of lawyers. I’d rather put my money on the students.” Pierce says that North Carolina Central University School of Law additionally sets itself apart by requiring faculty to hold office hours. The law school also shares faculty with nearby Duke and the University of North Carolina through its intercollegiate relationships with those schools. 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. Creating opportunities for students outside the classroom is another faculty priority, Pierce said. Professors and staff actively seek out summer-employment positions for students. Students also have access to jobs in the nearby state capitol of Raleigh, where students can work on Capital Hill or for a variety of public-interest groups in the area. It also boasts one of the largest law clinic programs in the state. “We believe our student body as well as our academic excellence makes us a dynamic, interesting place to be,” Pierce said. The University of Alabama School of Law Small classes and a spacious building ★ The University of Alabama School of Law student-faculty ratio is a low 11 to 1. 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 average entering class is about 170. “The University of Alabama strives to offer a top-rate education without charging its students unreasonable tuition,” Reeves said. “Our lower tuition provides students VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Exceptional Legal Research and Writing. Enduring Core Competencies. Truly Personal Manner of Teaching and Learning. Law as a Calling. 656 S. Greenwich St. | Wesemann Hall | Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 www.valpo.edu/law | valpolaw@valpo.edu | 888-VALPOLAW Valparaiso University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top universities. 28 preLaw http://www.valpo.edu/law http://www.valpo.edu/law
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