Marquette University Law School
1215 W. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
(414) 288-6767
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Rankings:
TippingTheScales (2013): NR
U.S. News (2013): 94
AboveTheLaw (2013): NR
MARQUETTE LAW STUDENTS SAY…
Academics & Programs: The Law School at Wisconsin’s Marquette University is a supportive environment where “students are interested in each other’s success.” The school encourages students to realize that their fellow students will be future colleagues and urges them to learn to respect each other with that fact in mind early on. This mindset is upheld by both students and faculty, making sure that the entire institution functions as “a cohesive unit.” First year law students have no trouble scheduling their required courses because all 1Ls have their classes scheduled for them. Though this negates the stress of not getting a needed class, some students see it as “scheduling nightmare.” After their first year though, students have an abundance of options within a vast variety of specializations in smaller classes. “Dean Kearney wants to make sure we learn the law, not the latest in pop sociology,” says a student. Administration is known to be extraordinarily helpful. “Even if you’re not talking to the right person, they’ll get you there.” With a new law building introduced in 2010, the school is constantly working to stay current, offering the most cutting-edge legal education. “The Administration goes above and beyond for their students! Any problem or need can be brought to them and with ease they solve the issue. No red tape, no jumping through hoops, they are simply the best!” says a 3L. The legal writing program is particularly popular on campus. “In clerkship after clerkship, the research and writing skills I gained in class have been complimented,” says a student.
Sports Law is another celebrated program at Marquette. Professors are lauded as “very knowledgeable, thought-provoking, and engaging,” as well as “unforgettably intelligent and witty.” The faculty is made up of individuals hailing from top universities and successful legal careers, yet still manage to “allow students room to debate legal issues in a cordial, professional manner.” “It is amazing how a two-second question might turn into an hour discussion outside of class,” says a 2L. “The professors have usually written many books on the subjects they’re teaching” reveals a 2L. “Mostly the professors are caring and helpful. They are very open and one can learn a lot other than the subjects that they teach by spending time outside class talking to them,” says a 3L. “I am continuously impressed with the knowledge, intelligence, and enthusiasm that the professors demonstrate in lecture as well as in individual student/professor relationships.”
Marquette prides itself on offering a “flexible evening program” and being “very accommodating to part-time students.” Many classes are offered at night to accommodate “full-time work schedules and family lives.” The school’s Milwaukee location affords the school’s career services center to provide “many opportunities to obtain practical experience through internships and clinic work in the legal community,” making it possible for students to get hands-on training throughout their academic career. “The extensive clinical, internship, and externship program run by Professor Hammer offers a great opportunity to get practice in a wide variety of subject areas while building a network of attorneys. The faculty is also extremely accessible,” says a 3L. “Especially the Academic Success Program, which provides 1Ls with access to 2Ls and 3Ls for study assistance,” reflects a 1L. The school continues supporting its students past graduation with its state bar exam exemption program, which allows graduates to begin their career without having to take the nationwide exam. The program is one of two of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. “My school is in a community with lawyers who care about the law school. Students get numerous chances to interact with, work with, and learn from the lawyers in the city and around the state,” says a 3L.
Campus Life/Facilities: “The new building is an amazing environment. It offers comfortable study space, a workout gym, and plenty of light,” says a 3L. “The law school classrooms are like walking onto the bridge of a starship; projectors and screens hidden in the ceilings (check out this website for a review of the best projectors under $500); automated lights, microphones, and blinds; touchscreens that control the entire room. It is the ultimate joining of cutting edge technology and media integration with the age-old study of law,” a 2L chimes in. “There is a surplus of outlets, bathrooms, and study rooms. The library is an open, flowing concept Milwaukee itself is laid back and promotes the campus’ communal spirit. There are an abundance of social activities on campus to make up for what the surrounding neighborhoods lack. Students enjoy student-faculty basketball games, intramural sports, or the “Malpractice Ball, Brewers games, Bucks games, and various NCAA Division I sports [games].” Thursday night is known as the Bar Review, “where most students go out to the same bar and blow off steam” and “relax and get ready to study for the weekend.”
Because of the large part-time program there is a wide variety of ages within the student body. Older students that maintain full time jobs and families commute to and from campus, causing a small divide between themselves and the younger students. Students say, though the overall feeling is inclusive, “students can be a little clique-y.” Marquette Law students are quick to let you know, however, that you won’t find any cutthroat competitive streaks here. “I feel like I’m in the third round of ‘American Idol.’ Everyone is watching their own back, and everyone else’s,” says a student. “I broke my leg and had to miss two days. I had four sets of notes for each class in my e-mail inbox without soliciting them from anybody,” says a 2L. Most students feel like the campus community here is small, which can sometimes give off “a high school-like feeling—everyone knows everyone else, who they are, and likely some detail of their life.” Depending on what a person wants, that could be a good or bad thing.
* The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.