What is the University of Chicago Law School?

The University of Chicago Law School is the law school affiliated with the University of Chicago, a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a prominent institution for legal education in the United States.

When was the University of Chicago Law School established?

The University of Chicago Law School was established in 1902, making it one of the older law schools in the United States.

What was President William Rainey Harper's initial vision for the University of Chicago Law School?

President William Rainey Harper envisioned the law school as a means to improve democratic government, believing it could help ensure that the strongest individuals were placed in control of the country's business. His goal was to create a law school that would contribute to effective leadership and governance.

What advice did contemporaries give regarding the founding of the University of Chicago Law School?

Advisors suggested various approaches: one recommended training students as leaders of the bar and bench, emphasizing public and comparative law. Another advised focusing on social economics and statesmanship for lawyers, suggesting Harvard Law School had become too detached from practical legal leadership. Ernst Freund suggested an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating subjects like history and political science.

What was the initial condition set by Harvard Law School's Dean James Barr Ames for Joseph Henry Beale to serve as the first dean in Chicago?

Dean James Barr Ames granted Joseph Henry Beale a two-year leave of absence to serve as Chicago's first dean on the condition that the new law school would adopt ideals and methods similar to those of Harvard Law School. However, Ames also objected to the proposed curriculum's affiliation with social science departments and subjects outside the traditional first-year law curriculum.

How did Ernst Freund's influence shape the University of Chicago Law School's early curriculum?

Despite Dean Ames's conditions, President Harper hired Ernst Freund to teach property law. Freund's advocacy for an interdisciplinary approach influenced the law school's curriculum, integrating subjects beyond traditional legal studies.

Who were some of the founding faculty members of the University of Chicago Law School?

The founding faculty included Blewett Harrison Lee and Julian Mack, who previously taught at Northwestern University Law School; James Parker Hall, who taught at Stanford Law School; Clarke Butler Whittier, also from Stanford; Harry A. Bigelow from Boston University; and Ernst Freund.

When did the University of Chicago Law School officially open its doors?

The law school opened for classes on October 1, 1902, initially housed in the University Press Building.

Who funded the construction of the law school's first building, and who laid its cornerstone?

John D. Rockefeller funded the $250,000 construction cost for the law school's initial building, and U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt laid its cornerstone.

What was the initial student body size and the range of courses offered when the law school opened?

At its opening in 1902, the law school had 78 students (76 men and 2 women). It offered courses in contract law, torts, criminal law, property law, agency, and pleading, with electives in administrative law, corporations law, federal jurisdiction, Roman law, international law, and legal ethics.

What significant degree innovation did the University of Chicago Law School introduce?

The University of Chicago Law School invented the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which has since become the standard graduate degree for law students in the United States.

What were the admission requirements for the University of Chicago Law School in its early years?

In its early period, the law school was one of only five in the U.S. that required applicants to have completed a college degree as a prerequisite for admission.

How did the law school's library develop in its initial years?

The law school's library was established quickly and housed approximately 18,000 volumes of law reports shortly after its opening.

Who was the first woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School, and when did this occur?

Sophonisba Breckinridge was the first woman to graduate from the law school in 1904. This achievement was notable as it predated the graduation of women from Yale, Columbia, and Harvard Law Schools at that time.

What impact did World War I have on the law school's enrollment?

World War I caused a significant decline in enrollment. The student body dropped from 241 students in the spring of 1917 to just 46 by the fall of 1918.

Who was the first African-American graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, and what is named in his honor?

Earl B. Dickerson was the first African-American to graduate from the law school in 1920. The school's Black Law Students Association is named in his honor.

How did the law school foster interdisciplinary connections in the 1930s?

Under Dean Harry A. Bigelow, the law school expanded its curriculum to include classes in accounting, economics, and psychology, building on earlier interdisciplinary foundations. The law and economics movement began to influence the curriculum, with economics courses offered by Aaron Director and Henry Simons starting in 1933.

When was the University of Chicago Law Review established?

The first volume of the University of Chicago Law Review was published in 1933, establishing a key academic publication for the school.

What significant period of growth and expansion did the law school experience under Dean Edward Levi?

The law school underwent a period of profound growth and expansion under Dean Edward Levi, who was appointed in 1950. This era saw the addition of influential scholars and the development of key academic journals and programs.

Who was the first woman appointed to the law school faculty, and when did this occur?

Soia Mentschikoff was the first woman appointed to the law school faculty, joining in 1951.

What is the architectural significance of the University of Chicago Law School's current building?

The current law school building, which the school moved into in 1959, was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen. It is characterized by its quadrangle layout around a fountain, echoing the Gothic architecture of the university's main campus.

What role did Aaron Director play in the development of law and economics at the University of Chicago?

Aaron Director began offering economics courses in 1933 and later founded the Journal of Law and Economics in 1958. His work significantly contributed to the development and prominence of the law and economics movement at the university.

What is the Socratic Method as employed by the University of Chicago Law School?

The Socratic Method is a teaching technique used in lectures and seminars where professors call on students without notice, present hypotheticals, and continuously question them to test their understanding and assumptions. This method is facilitated by the school's low student-to-professor ratio.

How many legal clinics does the University of Chicago Law School offer?

The law school offers seven distinct legal clinics, providing students with practical legal experience for course credit under faculty supervision.

Name three of the academic centers or research institutes at the University of Chicago Law School.

Three academic centers at the law school are the Coase-Sandor Institute for Law and Economics, the Constitutional Law Institute, and the Center for Law, Philosophy, and Human Values.

What is the D'Angelo Law Library's capacity and collection size?

The D'Angelo Law Library can accommodate approximately 500 people for study and houses over 700,000 volumes, with about 6,000 added annually. It includes materials in over 25 languages and primary law from foreign countries and international organizations.

What were the median LSAT and GPA percentiles for the entering class of 2024?

For the entering class of 2024, the 25th and 75th LSAT percentiles were 169 and 175, respectively, with a median of 172. The corresponding undergraduate GPA percentiles were 3.82 (25th) and 3.98 (75th), with a median of 3.91.

How does the University of Chicago Law School's grading system work, and what is its median grade policy?

The law school uses a grading scale from 155 to 186. For classes with more than 10 students, professors are required to set the median grade at 177, ensuring a distribution where grades above 180 roughly balance those below 173.

What are the criteria for graduating 'with honors' at the University of Chicago Law School?

Students graduate 'with honors' by achieving a final average of 179, 'with high honors' for a final average of 180.5, and 'with highest honors' for a final average of 182. The latter is a rare achievement, typically awarded to only one student every few years.

Which academic journals are produced by the University of Chicago Law School?

The law school produces seven professional journals: the University of Chicago Law Review, the Chicago Journal of International Law, the University of Chicago Legal Forum, and the University of Chicago Business Law Review (all student-run), as well as the Supreme Court Review, the Journal of Law and Economics, and the Journal of Legal Studies (faculty-overseen).

What is the significance of the University of Chicago Law Review's citation ranking?

The University of Chicago Law Review is recognized as being among the top five most cited law reviews globally, indicating its significant influence in legal scholarship.

What is the Federalist Society, and what is its connection to the University of Chicago Law School?

The Federalist Society is a conservative and libertarian legal organization. A chapter was established at the University of Chicago Law School in 1982, along with chapters at Harvard and Yale Law Schools, with Justice Antonin Scalia, a former professor at Chicago, helping to organize the Chicago chapter.

How was the University of Chicago Law School ranked for overall employment outcomes in 2018?

In 2018, the law school was ranked first in the U.S. for overall employment outcomes by the National Law Journal and second for best career prospects by Forbes.

What percentage of the Class of 2019 secured full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation?

According to the law school's 2020 ABA-required disclosures, 98.5% of the Class of 2019 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation.

What was the median salary for University of Chicago Law School graduates in the Class of 2019?

The median salary for graduates in the Class of 2019 was $190,000, with 75% of graduates earning starting salaries of $190,000 or greater.

How does the University of Chicago Law School rank in placing graduates in large law firms?

The law school ranks first in the U.S. according to the National Law Journal for placing the highest percentage of recent graduates in law firms with 100 or more lawyers. For the Class of 2019, 50.2% of graduates secured positions at such firms.

What was the law school's first-time bar pass rate mentioned in the source?

The source states the law school had the highest first-time bar pass rate in the United States, at 98.9%.

How does the University of Chicago Law School rank in terms of alumni clerking for federal judges?

In 2023, University of Chicago Law School alumni comprised the third-highest percentage of recent graduates clerking for federal judges, following Stanford and Yale Law Schools.

What is the law school's placement rate for Supreme Court clerkships?

Data compiled over 12 years indicates the law school has the third-highest gross and per capita placement of alumni in Supreme Court clerkships among all law schools since 1882. Specifically, between 1992 and 2017, it placed 88 alumni in these prestigious positions.

How does the University of Chicago Law School rank among U.S. law schools according to major publications?

The law school is consistently ranked among the top U.S. law schools (T14). Recent rankings include third by U.S. News & World Report (2022, 2023), fourth globally by Times Higher Education (2021), and first by Above the Law (2021).

What is the significance of the University of Chicago Law School's campus building design?

The law school building, designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1959, is architecturally significant. It was renovated in 2008, with efforts made to preserve most of Saarinen's original modernist structure, which was notable at a time when many such buildings faced demolition.

Who are some of the most cited legal scholars who have been faculty members at the University of Chicago Law School?

Notable faculty members include Cass Sunstein, Richard Posner, and Richard Epstein, all recognized as among the most-cited legal scholars of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Other prominent faculty include U.S. President Barack Obama and Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, and Elena Kagan.

Name three notable former faculty members who later served on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Three notable former faculty members who later served on the U.S. Supreme Court are Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, and Elena Kagan.

Which U.S. President taught at the University of Chicago Law School before entering politics?

Barack Obama, who later became the 44th President of the United States, taught at the law school between 1992 and 2004, focusing on constitutional law, racism and the law, and voting rights.

What are the University of Chicago Law School's primary degree programs?

The law school offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, along with advanced degrees such as the Master of Laws (LL.M. or M.C.L.), Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.).

What joint degree programs are available at the University of Chicago Law School?

The J.D. degree can be combined with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Booth School of Business, a Master of Arts (A.M.) in international relations, a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the Harris School, or a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the Divinity School.

What is the significance of the 'Chicago Principles' in relation to the university?

The 'Chicago Principles' refer to a set of guidelines adopted by the University of Chicago concerning freedom of speech and expression on campus. While not exclusively a law school initiative, they reflect the university's broader commitment to open discourse.

Who founded the Journal of Law and Economics, and in what year?

Aaron Director founded the Journal of Law and Economics in 1958, establishing a key publication for the burgeoning field of law and economics.

What is the D'Angelo Law Library's role within the university's library system?

The D'Angelo Law Library is an integral part of the larger University of Chicago library system, providing specialized legal resources and study spaces.

How many student-run groups are active at the law school?

There are approximately 60 student-run groups at the law school, operating under the umbrella of the Law Students Association.

University Of Chicago Law School Wiki: The Crucible of Jurisprudence: UChicago Law's Legacy of Legal Thought

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Foundational History

Genesis and Vision

Established in 1902, the University of Chicago Law School was founded with President William Rainey Harper's vision to enhance democratic governance. Early influences suggested a curriculum balancing rigorous legal doctrine with social sciences, public law, and comparative studies, moving beyond the prevailing casebook method.

Early Collaborations

Initial guidance came from Harvard Law School, with Dean James Barr Ames influencing the early structure. However, Chicago's distinct approach, incorporating interdisciplinary studies influenced by scholars like Ernst Freund, quickly set it apart. The school admitted both men and women on equal terms from its inception.

Foundational Period

Opening in 1902 with 78 students, the school pioneered the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and required a college degree for admission. It fostered strong ties with the Chicago bar and integrated social sciences into its curriculum, establishing a reputation for academic rigor comparable to established institutions.

Interdisciplinary Growth

Under Deans like Harry A. Bigelow and later Edward H. Levi, the school embraced an interdisciplinary approach. The 1930s saw the formal integration of law and economics, with scholars like Aaron Director joining the faculty. This era solidified Chicago's distinctive intellectual tradition.

Academic Excellence

Curriculum and Pedagogy

The University of Chicago Law School offers Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) degrees. It uniquely employs the Socratic Method, fostering critical thinking through rigorous questioning and a low student-to-professor ratio.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Students can pursue joint degrees with programs like the MBA (Booth School of Business), Public Policy (Harris School), and Divinity, reflecting the school's commitment to interdisciplinary legal education. This approach integrates legal study with broader societal and economic contexts.

Research and Centers

The school hosts six dedicated research centers, including the Coase-Sandor Institute for Law and Economics and the Center for Law, Philosophy, and Human Values. These centers facilitate specialized research and host academic discourse across various legal fields.

Practical Legal Training

Clinical Offerings

The law school provides seven distinct legal clinics, allowing students to gain practical experience under faculty supervision. These include the Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, the Exoneration Project Clinic, and specialized clinics focusing on environmental law, civil rights, and criminal justice.

Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic (various projects)
Exoneration Project Clinic
Innovation Clinic
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship
Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic
Kirkland & Ellis Corporate Lab Clinic

Academic Hubs

Centers for Study

The University of Chicago Law School fosters specialized academic inquiry through several key centers, promoting research and dialogue in critical areas of law and policy.

Coase-Sandor Institute for Law and Economics
Constitutional Law Institute
Malyi Center for the Study of Institutional and Legal Integrity
Center for Comparative Constitutionalism
Center for Law, Philosophy, and Human Values
Center on Law and Finance

The D'Angelo Law Library

Resources and Facilities

The D'Angelo Law Library, renovated in 2006, houses over 700,000 volumes in more than 25 languages. It provides extensive study spaces, advanced technological resources, and access to international legal materials, supporting the rigorous academic environment.

Admissions Profile

Selectivity and Metrics

The law school is highly selective, typically enrolling around 175 students from thousands of applicants. For the entering class of 2024, median LSAT scores were 172 and median GPAs were 3.91, reflecting a highly accomplished applicant pool.

Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, was approximately $93,414 for the 2017-18 academic year, underscoring the significant investment required for legal education at this institution.

Grading System

Precision and Integrity

UChicago Law employs a unique grading scale (155-186), with mandated medians and grade distributions designed to maintain academic integrity and minimize grade inflation. Honors like "Highest Honors" are awarded for exceptional academic achievement.

Scholarly Output

Leading Journals

The law school publishes seven academic journals, including the highly cited University of Chicago Law Review and specialized publications like the Journal of Law and Economics and the Supreme Court Review.

University of Chicago Law Review
Chicago Journal of International Law
University of Chicago Legal Forum
University of Chicago Business Law Review
Supreme Court Review
Journal of Law and Economics
Journal of Legal Studies

Influential Figures

Faculty Luminaries

The faculty comprises leading scholars and former practitioners, including Nobel laureates, Supreme Court Justices (past and present faculty), and highly cited academics across diverse legal fields. Notable figures include Cass Sunstein, Richard Posner, and Martha Nussbaum.

Daniel Abebe (Constitutional Law)
Douglas Baird (Bankruptcy Law)
Tom Ginsburg (International Law)
Brian Leiter (Legal Philosophy)
Martha Nussbaum (Philosophy, Ethics)
Eric Posner (International Law)
Richard A. Posner (Antitrust, Law & Economics)
Geoffrey R. Stone (First Amendment)
David A. Strauss (Constitutional Law)
Diane P. Wood (Appellate Judge)

Notable Alumni

Alumni achievements span the highest levels of judiciary, government, academia, and business. Notable graduates include U.S. President Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia, John Paul Stevens, and Elena Kagan, numerous federal judges, Attorneys General, and leaders in global business and NGOs.

Judiciary: Lord Chief Justice of England, President of the Supreme Court of Israel, numerous U.S. Circuit Judges.
Government: U.S. Presidents, Attorneys General, Secretaries of the Interior, FBI Directors, U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives.
Academia: Presidents of Princeton, Deans of Harvard, Stanford, Yale Law Schools.
Business: CEOs of major corporations, founders of leading law firms (Kirkland & Ellis, Baker McKenzie), leaders in finance.
Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom, Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars.

Reputation and Rankings

Consistent High Performance

Consistently ranked among the top law schools globally, UChicago Law is recognized for its scholarly impact, career prospects, and academic rigor. It is a perennial member of the prestigious "T14" law schools.

U.S. News & World Report: Consistently ranked in the top 3-5 nationally.
Scholarly Impact: Ranked second in the U.S. by Gregory Sisk et al. (2021).
Career Prospects: Ranked first by National Law Journal and second by Forbes.
Graduate Earnings: Ranked third nationally by Forbes.
Faculty & Classroom Experience: Ranked first for professors and classroom experience by Princeton Review (2023).

Campus Environment

Architectural Significance

The law school is housed in an Eero Saarinen-designed building, opened in 1959, situated across the Midway Plaisance. The structure, featuring classrooms, faculty offices, and the D'Angelo Law Library, surrounds a central quadrangle and fountain, blending modernist design with Gothic context.

Modernization

Expansions in 1987 and 1998 added significant office and library space, including the Arthur Kane Center for Clinical Legal Education. A major renovation in 2008 preserved Saarinen's original design while updating facilities.

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References

Paul D. Carrington, "The Missionary Diocese of Chicago", 44 Journal of Legal Education 467 (1994)

Frank L. Ellsworth, Law on the Midway: The Founding of the University of Chicago Law School 33 (Chicago, 1977)

Giselle Roberts and Melissa Walker (eds.), Southern Women in the Progressive Era: A Reader (2019)

[1], About the Law Review.

Building a Future on a Strong Foundation | University of Chicago Law School. Law.uchicago.edu. Retrieved on August 15, 2013.

Saarinen's Law School Wasn't Razed - WSJ.com. Online.wsj.com (October 8, 2008). Retrieved on 2013-08-15.

A full list of references for this article are available at the University of Chicago Law School Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been synthesized by an AI based on publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

This is not professional academic or legal advice. Users should consult official University of Chicago Law School resources and qualified professionals for definitive information. The AI and its creators are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.

The Crucible of Jurisprudence

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Foundational History 📜

🏛️ Genesis and Vision

🤝 Early Collaborations

⚖️ Foundational Period

💡 Interdisciplinary Growth

Academic Excellence 🎓

📚 Curriculum and Pedagogy

🔗 Interdisciplinary Programs

🔬 Research and Centers

Practical Legal Training ⚖️

🧑‍⚖️ Clinical Offerings

Academic Hubs 🌐

📈 Centers for Study

The D'Angelo Law Library 📖

📚 Resources and Facilities

Admissions Profile 📝

📊 Selectivity and Metrics

💰 Cost of Attendance

Grading System 💯

📈 Precision and Integrity

Scholarly Output 📰

📜 Leading Journals

Influential Figures 👥

🧑‍🏫 Faculty Luminaries

⭐ Notable Alumni

Reputation and Rankings 🏆

🥇 Consistent High Performance

Campus Environment 🌳

🏛️ Architectural Significance

🔄 Modernization

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundational History

Genesis and Vision

Early Collaborations

Foundational Period

Interdisciplinary Growth

Academic Excellence

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Interdisciplinary Programs

Research and Centers

Practical Legal Training

Clinical Offerings

Academic Hubs

Centers for Study

The D'Angelo Law Library

Resources and Facilities

Admissions Profile

Selectivity and Metrics

Cost of Attendance

Grading System

Precision and Integrity

Scholarly Output

Leading Journals

Influential Figures

Faculty Luminaries

Notable Alumni

Reputation and Rankings

Consistent High Performance

Campus Environment

Architectural Significance

Modernization

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice