National Ranking Released

Michigan State University College of Law is positioned at number 80, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” Michigan State Law’s Intellectual Property, Information & Communications Law (IPIC) program joined the list of the nation’s top intellectual property law programs, with a number 20 ranking within its specialty category.

Law College building

Dean Joan W. Howarth is pleased by MSU Law’s ranking. Though quick to point out that the ranking offers a very limited measure of the quality of any law school’s academic program, Howarth recognizes that prospective students and employers alike form impressions of the Law College as a result of it.

“Our students, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff have many reasons to be proud of MSU Law’s accomplishments,” Howarth said. “Notwithstanding its shortcomings, it is gratifying that this ranking reflects some of the many positive qualities of our program.”

In 2012, the Law College introduced a host of new initiatives in response to emerging trends and globalization. “Our access to the vast resources of Michigan State University affords us a certain level of agility to constantly assess and innovate in response to new realities and opportunities,” said Howarth.

The following exemplify the recent growth and development of legal education at MSU Law:

18 highly regarded legal experts and scholars have joined the faculty in the past four years
National student successes in moot court competitions and high ranking among student-run journals
Robust applicant pool with applications and selectivity rate consistently exceeding peer averages
Record contributions from alumni and supporters
Expanded clinical programs to a total of 11 clinics, including the new Intellectual Property Start-Up Project; Investor Advocacy Clinic; and Urban Food, Farm, and Agriculture Practicum
Focus on law and technology, including expanded curriculum; ReInvent Law Laboratory, a unique program to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship in the delivery of legal services; ReInvent Law conferences in London, Dubai, and Silicon Valley; and the ReInvent Law Start-Up Competition
New academic centers, including the Frank J. Kelley Institute of Ethics & the Legal Profession and the Lori E. Talsky Center for Human Rights of Women and Children

“We are proud to be leading advancements in legal education and pleased that MSU Law graduates continue to be well-prepared to succeed in rewarding jobs throughout the country, despite today’s challenging economic climate,” said Howarth.

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