rank 29 BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW 1, 2 mailing address 765 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215 main phone NA website www.bu.edu/law registrar s Phone 617-353-3115 admissions phone 617-353-3100 career services phone 617-353-3141 Overview 3-7 Boston University School of Law was founded in 1872 by a group of educators, lawyers, law teachers, and jurists. The faculty uses the Socratic teaching method; instead of lecturing to students, the school s professors encourage interactive dialogue during class. BU Law s curriculum offers more than 190 courses, 20 areas of legal study, and 17 study abroad programs. The school s clinical programs teach real-world skills under the close supervision of experienced professors and practitioners. Students can cross-register in other BU graduate schools, pursue dual degrees by combining law study with other BU graduate programs, or pursue combined JD/LLM degrees in either tax or banking and financial law on an accelerated basis. BU Law offers one of the widest selections of overseas study opportunities, in which students study the host country s legal system and culture. They live and work with international teachers, scholars, and fellow students. The school s career development office offers resources to law students and gives them advice to help them reach their career goals. The Pappas Law Library s collection of over 680,000 volumes and volume equivalents is a scholarly collection developed to meet the needs of the students and faculty at the Boston University School of Law. In addition to the law collections, Boston University law students have access and borrowing privileges at all Boston University libraries. Student-Faculty Ratio 8 12.7:1 Admission Criteria 9 LSAT GPA 25 th -75 th Percentile 162-167 3.52-3.83 Median* 166 3.75 306 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
The above LSAT and GPA data pertain to the 2012 entering class. *Medians have been calculated by averaging the 25th- and 75th-percentile values released by the law schools and have been rounded up to the nearest whole number for LSAT scores and to the nearest one-hundredth for GPAs. Admission Statistics Approximate number of applications 5,914 Number accepted 1,802 Percentage accepted 30.5% The above admission details are based on 2012 data. Class Ranking and Grades 10 The Registrar provides only the following information concerning class ranks. a. b. The Registrar informs the top five students who have completed the first year in each section of their section ranks and provides cutoffs for the top 10%, top 25%, and top 33.3% of each section. For each class, and with respect to both average earned during the most recent year and cumulative average, effective May 2011, the Registrar will inform the top 15 students, who have completed the second or third year, of their ranks and provide cutoffs for the top 10%, top 25%, and top 33.3% of the class. Boston University has a letter grading system. The numerical equivalents for letter grades are as follows: A+ 4.3 A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 C- 1.7 D 1.0 F 0.0 The minimum passing grade is D. Final grades are released to students by the registrar and not by the instructor; however, an instructor may change final grades to rectify arithmetical or mathematical errors. A faculty vote is required to change final grades. 307 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
If a graded seminar or course is taken by a student on a Credit/No Credit/Honors basis, the student must earn a C or better on the graded work in the course or seminar to pass. Grade Normalization (Curve) 11 For all courses and seminars with enrollments of 26 or more, the following grade distribution is mandatory: A+ 0-5% A+, A, A- 20-25% (A+ subject to 5% limitation above) B+ and above 40-60% (subject to limitations on A range above) B 10-50% (subject to limitations above and below) B- and below 10-30% (subject to limitations below on ranges C+ and below) C+ and above 5-10% D, F 0-5% For seminars and courses with enrollment of 25 or fewer students, the above distributions are not mandatory, but a median of B+ is recommended. Honors 12 Honor summa cum laude Top 1% magna cum laude Top 10% cum laude Edward F. Hennessey Distinguished Scholars (Third-Year Students) Edward F. Hennessey Scholars (Third-Year Students) Paul J. Liacos Distinguished Scholars (Second-Year Students) Paul J. Liacos Scholars (Second-Year Students) G. Joseph Tauro Distinguished Scholars (First-Year Students) G. Joseph Tauro Scholars (First-Year Students) Percentage of Class Receiving Top one-third Top 15 Students Top 10% Top 15 Students Top 10% Top 5 Students Top 10% 308 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
Awards 13 Awards American Law Outstanding Achievement Award Graduate Tax Program Academic Achievement Award Ernest M. Haddad Award A. John Serino Outstanding Graduate Banking and Financial Law Student Prize Dennis S. Aronowitz Award Faculty Award for Academic Accomplishment William L. and Lillian Berger Achievement Prizes Faculty Award for Community Service Peter Bennett Prize Spencer R. Koch Memorial Award Honorable Albert P. Pettoruto Memorial Award Melville M. Bigelow Scholarship Award Warren S. Gilford Humanity and Law Prize Alumni Academic Achievement Award Sylvia Beinecke Robinson Award Dr. John Ordronaux Prize Awarded for/to Excellence in academic achievement, honorable conduct and contributions to the class Highest cumulative average in the class of 2013 Best Graduate Tax Program student Overall performance, in terms of academic achievement and dedication to the highest standards of scholarship and service Academic Excellence in Banking and Financial Law, for the highest cumulative average in the class of 2013 Most scholarly progress in the third year Exemplary scholastic achievement Exceptional dedication to the ideals of community service Third-year JD law student receiving the highest grade point average for that year Outstanding contributions to achieving the goals of the Esdaile Alumni Center through alumni outreach Excellence in the field of Probate or Family Law Member of the graduating class who shows the greatest promise as scholar and teacher in law Humanitarian interest in law, primarily by taking a job in the public sector after graduation Highest cumulative average in the three-year program of law study Significant contribution to the life of the School of Law Exemplary academic performance and leadership: Journals 14 The Boston University Law Review, established in 1921, provides analysis and commentary on all areas of the law. Published five times per year, it contains articles contributed by law professors and practicing attorneys from all over the world, along with notes written by student members. The American Journal of Law & Medicine, published quarterly, is an interdisciplinary periodical containing professional articles, student notes and case comments, summaries of recent legislative and judicial 309 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
developments, and book reviews in the area of health law and policy. It specializes in medical and legal topics, exploring both traditional health law issues and less conventional issues such as bioethics. The journal is published jointly with the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics. The Review of Banking & Financial Law, founded in 1982, is a scholarly journal of banking and financial law. It contains professional articles by academics and practicing lawyers, as well as student notes and comments on topics ranging from banking law and regulation to commercial law, bankruptcy, and administrative and constitutional law. The Boston University International Law Journal was established in 1980 to provide a forum for student interests and scholarship in the field of international law. It strives to publish groundbreaking and even controversial professional articles and student-written notes analyzing the most current issues of public and private international law, foreign and comparative law, and trade law. The journal is published twice per year. The Journal of Science & Technology Law carries on BU Law s long-standing tradition as a leader in offering intellectual property law programs. A biannual journal, it provides practical scholarship regarding the intersection of science, technology, and the law. Its subject matter encompasses biotechnology, computers, communications, intellectual property, the Internet, technology transfer, and business for science and technology-based companies. The Public Interest Law Journal, founded in 1990, is a nonpartisan publication dedicated to the academic discussion of legal issues in the public interest. It focuses on constitutional law, criminal law, family law, legal ethics, environmental issues, education law, and civil rights law and is particularly interested in submissions that combine theory and practical application. Notes written by students on public issues are also published. Moot Court 15-18 Boston University School of Law s commitment to practical legal education is reflected in its moot court programs, which have been an integral part of its offerings since the late 1870s. Every year, teams of students represent BU Law at moot court and other competitions around the country. All first-year students begin honing their advocacy skills by participating in the J. Newton Esdaile Appellate Moot Court Program, a required component of the first-year curriculum. Second-year students may pursue more rigorous advocacy training through the law school s two intramural competitions: the Edward C. Stone Appellate Competition and the Homer Albers Prize Moot Court Competition. These are open to all second-year students. Final arguments for the Albers Competition have been held before eminent jurists. Third-year students who participated in Stone during their second year are eligible for membership on BU Law-sponsored intermural moot court teams. BU Law sponsors several intramural moot court teams, including the national moot court team, national Appellate Advocacy team, National First Amendment moot court team, Jessup international Law moot court team, Oxford International Intellectual Property moot, the Sutherland Cup Competition, and John J. Gibbons Criminal Law moot court team. 310 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
19, 20 Clinical Programs Boston University School of Law s clinical programs let students apply the legal theories they have learned in the classroom to real-life legal practice. Representing actual clients in real cases from initial interview to final courtroom summation, students have the rare opportunity to practice law while receiving close supervision and support from highly qualified faculty. Students at BU Law may choose from clinical programs in criminal law, civil litigation, and legislative services. Litigation Clinics The following programs offer the chance to work under the close supervision of clinical professors experienced in litigation matters, representing real clients in real cases. The cases have been specially chosen to provide students with the greatest possibility of client contact and courtroom experience. In the Civil Litigation Program, students acquire legal skills while representing indigent clients in civil matters. Working out of the offices of Greater Boston Legal Services in downtown Boston, students are assigned cases concerning such issues as housing, employment, family and disability, asylum & human rights, and employment rights. These programs are either full-year or semester-long. Students represent lowincome clients in all phases of litigation under the supervision of full-time clinical faculty. Students participate in one of three program areas: The Housing, Employment, Family & Disability Clinic (full-year program) The Immigration Rights Clinic (full-year program) The Employment Rights Clinic (semester-long program) In the Criminal Clinical Program (full-year program), students conduct investigations, participate in plea bargaining, try cases and make sentencing arguments, all under faculty supervision. After a semester of training and supporting senior members of the clinic, students lead their own cases during their second semester of participation. During this semester, students choose to act as prosecutor, an adult defender, or a juvenile defender. The Immigration Detention Clinic covers issues of detention in the immigration context. Students visit local detention centers to provide intake and assistance to individuals in immigration custody. In the Human Trafficking Clinic, clinic students provide a variety of legal services, including direct representation of non-citizens trafficked into the US, advocacy for trafficking survivors, and community education and training. Students in the Wrongful Convictions Clinic screen applications from prisoners claiming innocence. Students scrutinize transcripts, forensic evidence, motions and appeals, and report to the New England Innocent Project. In Civil Rights of Non-Citizens in the Immigration Process, students have the opportunity to work on real cases challenging the violation of non-citizens civil rights in the current environment of increased immigration enforcement. 311 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
Legislative Programs The law school boasts several great options for students wishing to explore the intriguing world of the legislative process. These are: In the Africa i-parliaments Clinic, students draft bill language and produce high-quality research reports supporting the African Parliamentary Knowledge Network (APKN), which helps to build the capacity of African parliaments to draft and enact more effective legislation. The American Legislative Practice is the most comprehensive program for learning about the law-making process. Either through its in-house clinic or through an externship at the Massachusetts State House, students work on projects typically handled by the legal and research staff of a legislative committee. The Legislative Policy & Drafting Clinic is a drafting-intensive clinic where students draft legislation for legislators, administrative agencies and public interest groups. Placement Facts 21 Starting Salaries (2011 Graduates Employed Full-Time) Private sector (25 th -75 th percentile) $70,750 - $160,000 Private sector - median $132,500 Public service - median $52,500 Employment Details Graduates known to be employed at graduation 44.0% Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation Areas of Legal Practice Graduates Employed In Percentage Law Firms 39.5% Business and Industry 12.2% Government 15.1% Judicial Clerkships 11.3% Public Interest Organizations 14.7% Academia 7.1% Unknown 0% 57.5% 312 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
Externships/Internships 22-24 Externships Externship program consists of a weekly seminar and a field experience at a non-profit, public interest, or government organization. The majority of its programs are part-time: students work 12-20 hrs/week (earning 3-5 credits) at the field placement. BU Law also offers one full-time program, the Semester-in-Practice Program, for out-of-area placements. The Semester-in-Practice Program offers four options: Human Rights Externship (Geneva) - Through the Human Rights Externship, students may spend a semester working in Geneva at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Government Lawyering in Washington, DC - Students in the Government Lawyering Externship may spend a semester working at a government office in Washington. Death Penalty Externship - Students participating in the Death Penalty Externship may work at the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. Independent Proposal Externship (local and away placements) - Under this fourth option, students may develop their own proposal for a full-time externship. BU Law also offers five part-time externship programs. Each program accommodates 10-16 students. Externship Program Offerings Each program is offered fall and spring, unless otherwise noted. These are: Affordable Housing Externship Program Community Courts - (spring only) Government Lawyering Externship Program - (fall only) Health Law Externship Program Independent Proposal Externship Judicial Externship Program Legal Externship Program Internships Legislative Internship Program Interns with senators and representatives at the Massachusetts State House, have the opportunity to draft legislation, evaluate testimony and participate in planning meetings with legislators and staff. They also observe legislative strategy sessions and negotiations, research questions of law and fact for proposed legislation and attend floor debates and committee meetings. 313 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
Student Organizations 25 American Constitution Society Art Law Society Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) Black Law Student Association Boston University School of Law American Civil Liberties Union Business Law Society China Law Society Communication, Entertainment, and Sports Law Association Education and School Law Association Environmental and Energy Law Association Federalist Society Health Law Association Human Rights Law Society Immigration Law and Policy Society Intellectual Property Law Society International Law Society J. Reuben Clark Law Society Jewish Law Student Association Latin American Law Student Association Law Christian Fellowship Law Students for Reproductive Justice Legal Follies Middle Eastern & South Asian Law Students Association Muslim Law Students Association National Lawyers Guild National Security Law Society Native American Law Students Association & Peoples OutLaw OWLS (Older Wiser Law Students) Phi Alpha Delta Public Interest Project Running Club Scotch Club Shelter Legal Services Softball Student Government Association Women s Law Association 314 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools
References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. http://www.bu.edu/law/directory/ http://www.bu.edu/law/directory/departments.shtml#a1 http://www.bu.edu/law/about/history.html http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/experience/learning http://www.bu.edu/law/about/index.html http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/jd/abroad/index.html http://www.bu.edu/lawlibrary/collections/index.html http://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/boston-university-03073 http://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/boston-university-03073/admissions http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/academic/advising/documents/handbook2012-2013.pdf pg 38, 39 http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/academic/advising/documents/handbook2012-2013.pdf pg 38, 39 http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/academic/advising/documents/handbook2012-2013.pdf pg 14, 28 http://www.bu.edu/law/events/commencement/recap2013.shtml#awards http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/jd/journals/ http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/legal-writing/ http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/appellate-advocacy/stone.shtml http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/legal-writing/upperclass.shtml http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/appellate-advocacy/boards.shtml http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/clinics/ http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/clinics/clinicsabout.html http://premium.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/boston-university-03073/career-prospects http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/clinics/externship-programs/ http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/programs/clinics/externship-programs/semester-in-practice/index.shtml http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/jd/clinics/legislative/american.shtml http://www.bu.edu/law/prospective/experience/life/studentorganizations.shtml 315 The 2014 BCG Attorney Search Guide to America s Top 50 Law Schools