“CSU Law is the best choice for students who want to be seen and treated as human beings instead of numbers, and respected in the legal community for the hard work and dedication to the practice of law that is fostered through mentorship and leadership opportunities.” - 2024 Graduate
“I truly love this school because it's full of solid, decent people. I can confidently tell any prospective student that CSU Law is a school that will look after them and truly turn you into a lawyer with practical skills and strong relationships with your peers….We are a gritty law school, and I feel prepared to work through any problems this profession throws at me. I hope I am able to support it in any way possible long into the future.” – 2024 Graduate
This is the time of year when talented students who we have admitted must decide whether to choose CSU|LAW. To their credit, many have choices because they have been admitted to more than one fine law school.
In our most recent US News national ranking, we again ranked as the top public law school in Northern Ohio and 3rd among public law schools in Ohio. Our 10-month, post-graduation employment rate was our third highest in the past 9 years and the median LSAT and GPA of our first year class increased at the same time the size of our first year class significantly increased. We were ranked in the top 100 in 5 specialty areas: Legal Writing, Health Care Law, Criminal Law, International Law, and Trial Advocacy. Intellectual Property came very close at 104.
But as I note every year, whether we rise or fall in the national rankings, rankings are but one measure of our law school’s success. As Albert Einstein noted, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” We must keep these annual rankings in perspective not only because some of the methodology is highly subjective and flawed, but also because there are very important assets that cannot be measured by rankings. There is no ranking of law schools that measures how much your law school cares about you personally and professionally and supports and advances your success, yet that is the single most important measure. On that measure, we continue to excel.
So I say to our prospective and admitted students, take your own measurements.
My positive feelings about our law school are deep and genuine, but I’m not the best spokesman for our law school. Our students and alumni are. This morning I’m sharing the words of some of our current students. The measurements I’m most proud of are their unfiltered words:
“When deciding which law school to go to, the most important factor to consider….is whether the law school will have your back. I have unexpectedly run into challenges outside of law school, but I feel restored at CSU Law despite law school being challenging. That is solely because of the unwavering support I receive from the Deans/Admin, staff, faculty, and students; without them, earning my legal education would not be possible.” - 2L Student
“Our robust alumni network speaks to the high quality of our College of Law, but draws most of its strength from the attitude of current students. We are here not to compete against, but to prop up one another. Cooperation is how we are managing this crucible, and why we will emerge with life-long bonds.” – 1L Student
“CSU Law has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion of being a lawyer, but also has gifted me a timeless gift: lifelong friends. Though I am in my first year of law school, I am confident that the friendships (and my study-buddies) that I have made during my first year, will be lifelong friendships. The student body is kind, welcoming and willing to help one another! You won't regret your choice.” – 1L student
“I have not only learned about business professionalism, legal writing, torts, contracts, and legal regulation. But I have learned about my peers, professors, faculty, and staff. I have learned that it is okay to not always agree with one another but to always "respect" one another and learn from them.” – 1L student
“I had a number of admits but I believe I made the right decision to come to CSU Law. The faculty are top notch, and the hybrid-online program is competitive and thorough. You get to come as you are, and you get to belong. I can't think of anything better.” 1L JD Online Student
“CSU|LAW's JD online program allows me to balance a career, my family, my hobbies, and my goals. Not only can I balance law school, but I also have a supportive faculty every step of the way and classmates who make the experience engaging each day.” – 1L JD Online Student
To our admitted students: as you consider your decision, please look at the big picture because you are making a long-term decision that affects the rest of your life - not just the next few months or years.
You’re one decision away from a completely different life.
Have a great day. Have a great week.
The views and opinions expressed in my Monday Morning Message are solely my own and do not reflect the views and opinions of the law school or the university.
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages
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My best,
Lee