The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1391
(614) 292-8810
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Rankings:
TippingTheScales (2013): NR
U.S. News (2013): 36
AboveTheLaw (2013): 46

OHIO STATE LAW STUDENTS SAY…

Academics & Programs: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is a “kinder, gentler law school,” which “supports creativity.” “Through career workshops each week, setting students up with legal professionals as private mentors, and a wide breadth of clinics to satisfy each particular taste, OSU invests in its students. And their offerings keep expanding!” The new Entrepreneurial Business Clinic should ease any student fears arising from a perceived lack of focus on corporate law and “fill the one gap Moritz had.” OSU advocates pro bono work, and plenty of clinics allow students to gain practical experience in the legal world. Students love this “hands-on” approach. Additionally, there is a strong criminal law program, and “The alternative dispute resolution program is one of the best in the nation.” The legal writing program is also outstanding. Students praise the law school’s “connection with the university as a whole.” The school offers various joint degree programs, including a master’s of public policy that can be completed “for free and in no additional time.”
Students couldn’t be happier with their classroom experience, and professors seem to love what they do. “Almost every professor I’ve had has been engaging, brilliant, and enthusiastic,” says one student. Students agree there’s an endless supply of “fantastic educators.” Professors are “leaders in their research fields,” and “great citizens,” who give openly of their time and “have a real passion for instructing.” “It’s common to see faculty at student events and around the law school.” They’re “excellent facilitators of class conversation” and create a “friendly environment.” “I had no idea how strong the faculty would be,” one student proclaims. “I have yet to find a professor, who does not go above and beyond to meet with students and share insight.”
The resources at OSU are “focused on student access.” The administration doesn’t “hesitate to interact with the students to give them advice or even just to have casual conversation.” Also, “We are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from downtown Columbus, home of the Ohio Statehouse, Ohio Supreme Court, and many other courts, organizations, and firms.” This is very helpful in acquiring externship opportunities and jobs within the community.
Although there are “increasing career outreach opportunities through Career Services,” some worry that outside the state of Ohio resources might be “limited.” There’s a strong “network of alumni,” and even though some students did stress their concern over finding jobs out of state, one student offers, “Even if you don’t plan to stay in Ohio, OSU has great regional ties throughout the Midwest and a strong national reputation.” Another student says the alumni and the Columbus legal community believe in the school’s mission and will continue to help out when they can. Still students emphasize concern over the lack of east coast firms coming to campus to recruit.
Campus Life/Facilities: Students mention the “primarily left-leaning” nature of the faculty and student body. While some love this aspect, others disputed it as fact. Whichever way the pendulum might swing, at OSU “a strong current of tolerance pervades.” In the classroom and outside it, all views are expressed and accepted.
Facilities and technology are a worry at OSU. Both are described as “surprisingly lacking.” However, they “just finished remodeling the student union and the main library,” and one student admits, “The facilities have gotten much better this year.”
OSU School of Law is referred to as both “supportive” and “surprisingly congenial,” and a school in which “people will always share their notes.” “While we acknowledge the curve as a fact of life, we have a strong sense of camaraderie.” Some students believe competition exists, but that it “does not overshadow a great law school experience.” Another student has “never really felt a competitive spirit among the students here.”
Age at the law school ranges from those just out of undergrad to older students, many of whom “are married and have children.” “The law school is literally right next to the center of campus social life.” Most students agree its location is convenient. “Directly across the street is the brand new Ohio Union, twenty restaurants and bars, a concert venue, movie theaters, coffee shops, and more.” There are a multitude of places for students to relax and gather before and after class. To further foster a sense of community, “Every weekday at noon, there are no classes and an impressive amount of group and club events, guest speaker presentations, debates, and other special events happen every day.”
* The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.