Best Law Schools in Michigan

Updated: February 21, 2024
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When pursuing a legal education, choosing the right law school can make all the difference in shaping your career and future prospects. Michigan is home to a thriving legal landscape and a rich tradition of jurisprudence. Whether you aspire to become a skilled litigator, a corporate attorney, a public defender, or any other legal professional, Michigan offers a diverse array of law schools that cater to a wide range of interests and career goals.

In this blog from Bold.org, we'll explore the top law schools in the Great Lakes State, providing valuable insights and information to help you make an informed choice about where to embark on your legal journey.

A common concern for prospective law students is law school costs. It's no secret that law school tuition can be costly, and many future lawyers take tens of thousands of dollars in student debt to pay for their education. Scholarships for law school students are one resource that can help make law education more accessible and affordable.

To browse hundreds of available scholarships, create a free Bold.org profile today. And don't forget to check out our scholarship blog to learn more about the best law schools in Michigan!

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Best Law Schools in Michigan

University of Michigan Law School - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan Law School, often called Michigan Law, stands as one of the most prestigious and highly regarded law schools in the state of Michigan and on a national and international scale. Established in 1859, Michigan Law has consistently maintained its reputation for academic excellence and producing legal professionals who excel in various fields of law.

Michigan Law's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its renowned faculty, rigorous curriculum, and cutting-edge research initiatives. With a diverse range of courses and clinics, students at the University of Michigan Law can tailor their studies to their specific interests, whether it be environmental law, international human rights, or corporate law.

Furthermore, one of the key strengths of the University of Michigan Law School is its extensive and influential alumni network. Graduates of Michigan Law can be found in prominent positions across various sectors, including government offices, academia, top national law firms, and public interest law organizations. This network provides invaluable connections and opportunities for students, enhancing their career prospects upon graduation.

Michigan Law prides itself on its multidisciplinary approach to legal education. It encourages students to explore connections between law and other fields, such as business, technology, and public policy. This approach fosters a well-rounded understanding of the law's role in society and equips graduates with a unique perspective that is highly sought after by employers.

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Wayne State University School of Law - Detroit, Michigan

Wayne State University Law School is a cornerstone of legal education in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. As one of the oldest public law schools in the nation, Wayne Law has a rich history of providing accessible legal education and producing exceptional lawyers who make significant contributions to the legal profession.

Founded in 1927, Wayne Law has been committed to making legal education accessible to a diverse student body. The law school has a strong reputation for its inclusive admissions policies and efforts to increase diversity within the legal profession. This commitment extends to its numerous scholarships and financial aid programs, making it an attractive choice for students from various backgrounds.

Scholarships and financial aid programs from law schools like Wayne State University make law education accessible for all students interested in studying law! To learn more about law school scholarships, check out this exclusive blog post!

Located in the vibrant and culturally diverse city of Detroit, Wayne offers a unique advantage to its law students. The city's legal landscape provides numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including internships, externships, and judicial clerkships in various legal settings. Wayne Law students gain valuable experience and legal insights from this real-world practical legal training. Students also have the opportunity to engage in real cases by providing legal advocacy services to underrepresented communities.

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Michigan State University College of Law - East Lansing, Michigan

The Michigan State University College of Law, often referred to as MSU Law, stands as a distinguished institution within the Michigan legal community. Located in the vibrant city of East Lansing, MSU Law has a rich history of providing students with a comprehensive legal education, preparing them for successful careers in various facets of the legal profession.

One of the standout features of MSU Law is its diverse and dynamic curriculum. The law school offers a wide range of specialized courses and legal clinics that cater to students with different interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in environmental law, intellectual property law, criminal law, or corporate law, MSU Law provides a robust selection of academic offerings to suit various legal aspirations.

Moreover, MSU Law significantly emphasizes hands-on training and practical experience. The law school's legal clinics, externships, and internship programs offer students opportunities to apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings. This practical exposure equips MSU Law graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their legal careers.

MSU Law is at the forefront of legal research and innovation, with faculty members actively contributing to the advancement of legal scholarship and legal theory. The law school's various research centers and institutes focus on contemporary legal issues, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and exploration.

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University of Detroit Mercy School of Law - Detroit, Michigan

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, located in the heart of Detroit, is a venerable institution renowned for its commitment to legal education, social justice, and community engagement. With a rich history spanning over a century, this law school has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the legal profession and society.

Founded in 1912, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law strongly emphasizes social justice and ethics in legal education. Its programs and initiatives reflect a deep commitment to addressing the pressing legal issues facing underserved communities. Students at Mercy Law are encouraged to use their legal skills to positively impact society.

The University of Detroit Mercy Law School offers specialized programs catering to various legal interests, including programs in intellectual property law, family law, immigration services, and more. These focused areas of study allow law students at Mercy to delve deep into their chosen fields and gain specialized legal expertise.

Mercy Law has a strong ethos of public service. The law school encourages students to participate in pro bono work, volunteer programs, and clinics that serve the community. This commitment to public service instills in students a sense of social responsibility and the importance of using their legal skills to promote justice. Combined with top-notch clinical programs, Mercy Law students gain wide exposure to various areas of the legal field.

Merit-based scholarships on Bold.org can help supplement any financial aid or scholarships provided by institutions.

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Western Michigan University Cooley Law School - Lansing, Michigan

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, often referred to simply as Cooley Law School, stands out as a prominent institution within the Michigan legal landscape. With multiple campuses and a commitment to providing accessible legal education, Cooley Law School has established itself as a respected choice for aspiring lawyers in Michigan.

Cooley Law School was founded in 1972 with a mission to make legal education accessible to a diverse range of students. The Michigan Law School's inclusive admissions policies, flexible scheduling, and various campus locations make it an attractive option for law school students seeking a legal education while accommodating various life circumstances.

One of Cooley Law School's distinguishing features is its multiple campus locations, including Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Tampa Bay, Florida. These diverse settings offer Cooley Law students various options for their legal education. Each campus provides a unique learning environment and access to different legal markets.

Furthermore, Cooley Law School encourages law students to engage with the community through pro bono work, volunteer initiatives, and outreach programs. This commitment to community engagement instills a sense of social responsibility and prepares law students to make meaningful contributions to society through the practice of law.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Law Schools in Michigan

Which law school is the best law school in Michigan?

The state of Michigan has five law school programs that the American Board Association accredits. Of these five law schools, the University of Michigan is ranked as the highest-ranking university in Michigan and the 10th highest-ranking university in the United States. However, the best law school for each student depends on their career goals, learning style, and areas of interest within the field of law. Be sure to research law schools in Michigan as you build your school list for applying to law school.

What LSAT score do I need to get into Michigan law schools?

Top law schools in Michigan have competitive admissions and usually require candidates to score 167 or higher on the LSAT. Students at the best law schools in Michigan may have average LSAT scores of 177 or higher.

How expensive is tuition at the best law schools in Michigan?

The average tuition for law schools in Michigan is around $45,000-$50,000 for the 2023-2024 school year. Applying for law school scholarships on Bold.org can help reduce the cost of law school tuition so you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about finances.

Now that you understand which law schools are the best schools in Michigan, you're ready to start building your law school list! Don't forget to create a free Bold.org profile to apply for scholarships as you continue your law school admissions journey.

Nicole Kim
Student Finance and College Prep Researcher

About Nicole

Nicole is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn, New York, who specializes in science and health writing, social justice issues, and nonprofit writing. Nicole graduated from Brown University with Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Ethnic Studies, receiving Honors in Ethnic Studies for her senior thesis on contemporary poet Ocean Vuong. During her time at Brown, Nicole served as a staff writer and section editor for The College Hill Independent (“The Indy”), New England’s largest alt-weekly publication. Notably, their contributions to the publication include news pieces analyzing complex social justice issues. 

Her piece Imagining Indigenous Futures: The Fight to Save the West Berkeley Shellmound received the Barbara Banks Brodsky Prize in Real World Writing from the Department of English. Nicole is also an experienced writing instructor, having served as a Writing Fellow at Brown University for three years, and is trained in anti-racist and accessible pedagogies of teaching writing. She currently works as a writing tutor and executive function coach with ConnectToLearn Tutors.

Nicole is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

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