University of Illinois Chicago - School of Law (UIC Law)

Located in Chicago, The John Marshall Law School is a relatively large, independent law school with options for both daytime and evening programs. The intellectual property program is strong, and the writing program is one of the school’s greatest strengths and a cornerstone of the practice-ready curriculum, which ensures that “when the students are ready to practice, they can hit the ground running.” “Everyone really works with you to make sure you understand what you are doing,” says a student. John Marshall provides work study opportunities for students to get paid for legal work in any nonprofit or government agency, and a variety of clinical internship/externship opportunities “geared towards teaching students the practical skills needed to successfully practice law in a variety of settings.”
In addition to the “really quite strong” academics, the faculty comprises “very knowledgeable professors who have considerable real world experience that benefits their ability to relate material to students.” Professors are “very welcoming when you come to see them” and “they enjoy working through issues with students.” As one might expect from a school designed for students at all points of their careers, the incredibly flexible school “is willing to accommodate each student’s individual academic interests/goals.” The law librarians and staff are also “extremely helpful.” “Although there are more required courses than other law schools, at the end of the day they are valuable and allow a student to explore the type of attorney they want to be,” says a 2L. “There are no undeserved grades awarded at our school and it prompts each of us students to give our best performance.”
The school has “extensive resources” including the writing center, and a helpful alumni network “practicing in just about every area of law you can think of” that aids the Career Services Office in getting students into jobs. “If you plan on working in the northern Illinois region, you should strongly consider attending JMLS,” says a student of the school’s mainly regional reputation. Many students say that “at times the school could be more organized” and “information could be distributed to students in a more timely manner, so things aren’t so rushed.” Still, “the school really cares about the students, and it shows.” “I have always felt that every single employee at JMLS is rooting for me to thrive professionally and personally,” says a 1L.

About half of the students are full-time students who tend to be more “outgoing” and make friends with one another; the other half is composed of commuters who, “though friendly people, have to spend more time elsewhere.” Many see this diversity of the student population as “the school’s greatest strength” and “school pride is always fostered and witnessed each day.” Student organizations are very active and “there are always ways to get involved and social gatherings.”
The law school has been undergoing “almost constant renovation over the last few years so the school facilities are very new,” and the campus’s location in the heart of Chicago’s loop means you are only a short walk away from various courts, government offices, and private firms. “You can see the 7th Circuit federal building from the classrooms, the Cook County circuit building is down the street, and the City of Chicago offices are right there as well…the Chicago Bar Association is next door.”