Founded in 1846, the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is the fifth oldest law school in the nation. Founded after Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis, a former Supreme Court Justice, the school adopted many of his beliefs, including the belief law students should engage in public service before being allowed to graduate. That tradition continues today. Initially, the school was named the Law Department of the University of Louisville. For many decades, the faculty included just three professors. As far back as 1870, the law school attempted to facilitate those wishing to attend law school but who also had full time jobs. Classes then were typically held in the late afternoon or evening hours. In 1909, U of L officially adopted the Harvard casebook method of teaching.
In more recent days, the school sought to ensure a complete educational experience. To this end, students are encouraged to further their knowledge via law clinics and moot court teams. Many compete on a national level. As mentioned, law students are still required to participate in law-related public service efforts to the tune of thirty hours.
U of L offers six dual degree programs for students. They may earn an MBA, MSW, MA (Humanities), M.Div or an MA in political science. In recent years, an MUP was offered in urban planning. It's interesting to note the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law is one of only thirteen law schools in the nation that includes Supreme Court repositories. The law school's library houses more than 400,000 volumes.
The University of Louisville School of Law publishes the University of Louisville Law Review, the Journal of Law and Education as well as the Journal of Animal and Environmental Law.
As mentioned, the school was named once again the number three most affordable law school in the nation. Even as tuitions continue to increase elsewhere, this law school has found the perfect balance between quality educational opportunities and affordable solutions to see it through. Currently, tuition for resident students is $15,600 while non-resident students pay $30,140. Room and board for both resident and non-resident law students is $8,442. All prices are per semester.
The law school is located in Louisville, Kentucky, amidst a stunning array of flowering trees and grassy hills. The school's website offers a virtual tour, and of course, potential students can schedule an in-person tour year round. For more information, visit the University of Louisville website at Louisville.edu.
