University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School Vs. Duke University School of Law: An In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to law schools in the United States, two of the most prestigious options are the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke University School of Law. Both institutions have a lot to offer aspiring lawyers, but they have some key differences as well. In this in-depth comparison, we'll take a close look at all aspects of both law schools to help you determine which one may be the better fit for you.

Overview of University of Michigan Law School and Duke University School of Law

Let's start with a broad overview of these two schools. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School, also known as the University of Michigan Law School, is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it is one of the oldest law schools in the country. It was founded in 1859 and has a long history of excellence in legal education. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justices George Sutherland and Frank Murphy, as well as Sarah Killgore Wertman, the first woman to be admitted to the Bar in the United States.

Duke University School of Law is located in Durham, North Carolina, and it is a newer institution, founded in 1924. Despite its relative youth, however, Duke Law has already established itself as one of the top law schools in the United States and boasts alumni such as President Richard Nixon and United States Solicitor General Kenneth Starr.

One of the key differences between these two law schools is their size. University of Michigan Law School has a larger student body of 959, while Duke Law has a smaller student body of 755 students. This can impact the overall experience for students, as smaller schools may offer more personalized attention and opportunities for networking, while larger schools may have a more vibrant student life.

Another factor to consider is the location of each school. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a college town with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong sense of community. Durham, North Carolina, is a mid-sized city with a growing economy and a diverse population. Both locations offer unique opportunities for students to engage with the local community and gain practical experience in the legal field.

Admissions Processes for University of Michigan Law School and Duke University School of Law

Both of these law schools, as members of the T14 law schools, have highly competitive admission processes. To apply to University of Michigan Law School, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and take the LSAT. The average LSAT score for admitted students is around 171 and its admission rate is 13.5%. Duke Law also requires a bachelor's degree and LSAT, and their average LSAT score is usually around 170, with an admission rate of 10.7%. However, both schools consider factors beyond just your academic and test performance when making admissions decisions. They also look at things like your personal statement, letters of recommendation, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

Differences in Curricula at UMich Law and Duke School of Law

Both law schools offer a wide range of courses covering virtually all areas of law. However, there are some differences in their curricula. University of Michigan Law School, for example, is known for its wide range of areas of focus. Its 22 areas of focus range from philosophy of law to human rights law to practicing in Detroit, allowing students to specialize in their unique passions. Duke Law, on the other hand, is known for strong criminal law and intellectual property law. Both schools offer significant opportunities for clinical legal education, which give students hands-on experience working with actual clients.

Unique Programs and Clinics at UMich-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke University School of Law

Both University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke Law have numerous unique programs that set them apart from other law schools. UMich's legal clinics allow students to take first-chair responsibilities for clients. Many of these clinics work in public interest and advocacy, such as human trafficking and child welfare, with opportunities for international work. UMich also offers a unique study abroad program in Geneva, where students can work alongside major international and nongovernmental organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

Duke Law also offers a variety of externships, through which students can work with nongovernmental organizations such as the ACLU of North Carolina, state and federal judges, and executive agencies. This includes the integrated Duke in DC fall semester externship in federal policymaking and regulation. Students can also enroll in a summer program, such as the one-month residential program Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law.

Law Journals Published by the Two Law Schools

Law journals are a key part of legal scholarship, and both University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke Law have their own highly regarded journals. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School publishes the Michigan Law Review, one of the oldest and most prestigious law journals in the country, alongside eight other journals. Duke Law publishes seven different law journals, including the Duke Law and Technology Review, which focuses on cutting-edge legal issues and the intersection of law and technology.

Faculty Comparison Between UMich Law School and Duke School of Law

One of the most important factors in choosing a law school is the faculty. Both University of Michigan Law School and Duke Law have highly distinguished faculties, with many professors who are experts in their fields. However, there are some differences between the two schools. University of Michigan Law School has 137 full-time faculty, while Duke has 101. UMich Law School also has a video series called Better Know a Professor in which law professors explain their teaching styles and legal areas of interest. Duke's faculty is more diverse, with 47.5% being women and 20.8% being people of color, compared to UMich's 36.5% and 17.5%, respectively. Both UMich and Duke pride themselves on strong relationships of collaboration and support between student and faculty.

Campus Life at UMich and Duke

Law school can be a challenging and stressful time, but both of these schools work to create a supportive environment for their students. University of Michigan Law School has a highly active student body, with many opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities. UMich Law alumni and faculty also note its collegial, supportive environment and emphasis on collaboration, which makes it stand out from the traditionally cutthroat campus cultures of many other top law schools. Duke Law also has a thriving and collaborative community, with a strong focus on public interest work and a high level of engagement between students and faculty. Both schools offer plenty of resources for students, including counseling services and career development support.

Student Body Diversity at Both Universities

Diversity and inclusion are important values for any institution, and both University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke Law have made significant efforts to create a welcoming and diverse community. Slightly more women make up the student body at Duke Law, but UMich Law School is more racially diverse. Both UMich and Duke have a thriving community of student organizations for marginalized students and also encourage students of all backgrounds to participate in public interest clinics serving local communities.

Cost of Attending University of Michigan Law School and Duke School of Law

Law school is an expensive investment, and it's important to consider the cost before making a decision. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School is a public institution, which means it typically has lower tuition rates than private schools. For the 2022-2023 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School is $66,808, while out-of-state tuition is $69,808. Duke Law, on the other hand, is a private university, and its tuition is therefore higher. For the 2022-2023 academic year, tuition at Duke Law is $72,632.

Job Prospects After Graduating from UMich Law Vs. Duke Law

Passing the bar exam is essential for becoming a practicing lawyer, and both University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke Law have a strong track record of preparing their graduates for this crucial milestone. According to recent data, the overall bar passage rate for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School graduates is around 95.5%, while the overall bar passage rate for Duke Law graduates is around 98%. While these numbers are impressive, it's worth noting that bar passage rates can vary significantly based on circumstances, such as the individual state bar's requirements.

Job prospects after graduation are an important consideration for anyone choosing a law school. Both University of Michigan Law School and Duke Law have strong reputations in the legal community, and their graduates are sought after by top law firms and corporations. However, there are some differences in the types of jobs their graduates tend to pursue. University of Michigan Law School has a strong focus on public interest law, and many graduates go on to work for non-profits, government agencies, and other public interest organizations. Duke Law, on the other hand, has strong connections to corporate law firms in DC and New York City, and many graduates go on to work in these areas.

Key Takeaways

• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Law School and Duke Law are both outstanding law schools with much to offer
• UMich Law School has a stronger emphasis on public interest law, while more Duke Law graduates go into corporate law
• When deciding which school is right for you, take into account your academic interests and career goals