The state of Georgia has an abundance of law schools that are both nationally and regionally renowned. Whether you want to practice in Atlanta, the capital, or in one of the many suburban cities, there is a school with a program for you. So while considering the Georgia Bar Association, first look for a great law school.Here’s a quick look at some of the best.
Top Law Schools in Metro Atlanta Area:
Georgia State University College of Law – One of the top-ranked law schools in Georgia (and all over), this downtown Atlanta school provides excellent preparation for working professionals who wish to start their careers as soon as possible upon graduation. More than 20% of students are employed full time before graduation!
Emory University School of Law – This prestigious university boasts strong job placement rates and guarantees that its graduates will be able to practice anywhere in the United States. As a result, Emory’s law students tend to keep excellent connections and networks with lawyers and judges across the country throughout their careers.
University of Georgia School of Law – The UGA SotLaw is one of the most recognized law schools both inside and outside of Georgia, thanks to its graduates’ strong performance on state bar examinations and achievements as practicing attorneys (former Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas G. Woodall once attended this same alma mater).
Georgia Institute of Technology College of Law – This unique program is designed specifically for those who want to continue working while studying towards a degree; it even offers flexible scheduling! Students attend class six times per year over a span of just 12 months. This school also boasts a relatively low tuition rate, making it an excellent choice for those who want to save money while pursuing legal education.
Top Law Schools Around Georgia:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law – UNC’s program is designed so that students can pursue their JD and MBA degrees in seven years instead of eight because the two programs overlap during the first year.
William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law – The only public law school in Virginia, this prestigious institution has been educating judges, legislators, and lawyers since 1779–and many alumni have gone on to achieve great success within the legal profession. In fact, law firms hire William & Mary graduates more than all other Virginia schools combined.
University of South Carolina School of Law – This school is one of the best in the nation for both environmental and tax law; students can even specialize in these fields after completing their first year of required courses. Its location in Columbia makes it an excellent choice for those who want to practice in either North or South Carolina (at least, once they transfer after successfully passing the bar exam).
Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center – Located on a campus that sits beside the Mississippi River, this school offers world-class training through its unique curricula with LSU’s own law clinic and internationally recognized programs like its foreign exchange program (students may study abroad in places such as France and Mexico) and externship opportunities.
University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law – This school’s downtown Louisville location makes it perfect for those who want to work within the state after graduation, but its strong track record in national bar exams and job placements has given future lawyers a very promising start to their careers.
Tulane University Law School – Another top-ranked law school that specializes in tax law, Tulane provides excellent training through small classes and lots of one-on-one attention. It also offers students the chance to specialize in specific areas like international law or intellectual property (which is essential if you’re hoping to begin your career as a patent lawyer), with many graduates receiving high starting salaries upon graduation!
All these schools offer a great legal education in a safe and affordable environment, making them excellent choices if you’re looking to join the Georgia Bar Association after graduation.
Georgia Board of Bar Examiners – The GBOBE is responsible for licensing all attorneys who want to practice within the state of Georgia. In order to qualify for this exam, you’ll need an official transcript from your law school that shows that you’ve completed your required courses and at least three semesters of study (including summer sessions). You must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam and submit information about your personal background via a character and fitness questionnaire. If you plan on practicing in federal court, additional steps may be necessary; however, these requirements vary depending on which courts you wish to join. In general, these requirements can be found online through the Office of Bar Admissions–just make sure you meet all the minimum requirements before you submit your application!
