Quinnipiac University School of Law

Quinnipiac University School of Law

Quinnipiac University School of Law

275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06518
(203) 582-3400
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QUINNIPIAC LAW STUDENTS SAY…

Academics & Programs: Quinnipiac University School of Law is “a pretty, quaint, and intimate” “suburban” school with “nice and small” class sizes. At the same time, “The extracurricular opportunities are extraordinary” and students are afforded plenty of opportunities to gain “real-world experience.” “It’s possible to be a big fish in a small pond here and really amp up your resume,” says a 2L. “Nearly every student participates in some sort of practical course, clinic, or externship,” adds another 2L. “I’ve personally been able to do something practical every semester since my first year, and I know other students have had the same experience.” There are six areas of concentration including health law, intellectual property, and tax law. “There are also numerous competition teams,” and “Dispute resolution is a real strong point.” Naturally, smaller schools tend to have fewer courses, and Quinnipiac is no exception. Beyond the concentrations, “There are relatively few courses that are helpful outside of a general practice.”
Most students tell us that “the administration here is “receptive” and “visible.” “You will never get lost in the mix or stuck on hold for thirty minutes waiting to talk to financial aid.” The faculty is largely excellent except for a few “incredibly boring” “bad apples, like anywhere.” “Most professors are entertaining,” and they’re “highly dedicated to helping students achieve success.” Faculty members are also “approachable people, which can be hard to come by in law professor types.” “They are readily available and willing to help,” gushes a 1L. “The professors know you on a personal level and genuinely care about your success.” “Many of them have taken a personal interest in my goals for the future,” adds a 3L.
Quinnipiac has a steadily growing roster of helpful alums, and the school is nicely situated, close to New Haven and Hartford and not unreasonably far from both Boston and New York. Firms throughout Connecticut participate in on-campus interviews, and the headquarters of several gigantic conglomerates and financial institutions are located nearby, which leads to a lot of corporate positions. “Large firm jobs are hard to come by,” however. “Unless you are in the top five percent of the class,” advises a 2L, “don’t expect to even be considered for a high-paying big firm job for the summer or straight out of school.” Job prospects for students who want to work in Connecticut are solid, but the situation for students who want to work elsewhere is “insanely frustrating.” “Any job you might be interested in outside of the state, you have to find yourself,” though the Career Services office is trying to do more to help these students.
Campus Life/Facilities: The campus of the larger university here is “beautiful.” “Studying on the grass by the lake is the perfect environment in the spring.” A state park across the street lends an additional visual appeal. The law school building is newer, and it “takes great advantage of natural lighting.” The facilities are “set up very fluidly,” and they range from “pretty good” to “state-of-the-art.” Classrooms are “modern.” The library is “extremely comfortable,” and “It’s a great place for research.” Study carrels abound both in the library and around the building. “The building is breathtaking and a wonderful place to study,” says a 2L. “It is extremely accommodating of commuters,” at least once they overcome Quinnipiac’s “impossible” parking “nightmare.”
A couple dozen states are represented among the law students at Quinnipiac but the majority of students hail from the Northeast. Students describe themselves as “intelligent,” “decent, friendly human beings.” There’s a “rough” grading curve “that sometimes stinks,” but students are mutually respectful and “supportive” in spite of it. “My classmates are extremely helpful and generous with notes and time,” relates a 2L. “Our environment is comfortable and relaxed, which makes it easier to not only learn, but make friends.” “The student body is somewhat bifurcated between those who don’t realize that they aren’t living at a frat anymore and those who are actually serious about law school, though generally the serious students vastly outnumber the party students.”
If you do come to Quinnipiac seeking ribald fun, however, you’re unlikely to find much locally. “Hamden is beautifully boring and therefore the perfect place to go to law school,” but it doesn’t offer much in the way of interesting activities. “City slickers that need constant action, clubs that stay open ‘til 4:00 A.M., or any real nightclubs for that matter will not be satisfied,” cautions a 2L. A solid contingent of students frequently heads to nearby New Haven, where fairly lively urban fare is “certainly available.” When students need a taste of serious city life, they typically head to New York City or Boston.
* The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.