Law Schools in Iowa

University of Iowa College of Law

The University of Iowa College of Law, located in Iowa City, Iowa, was established in 1865. It is the oldest law school in the state and is known for its rigorous academic programs, commitment to public service, and strong emphasis on practical training. The College of Law offers a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. The school is also renowned for its writing program, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The University of Iowa College of Law fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, attracting a diverse student body from across the country and around the world.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Ranked #28 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).

Number of Students

Approximately 400 students are enrolled in the JD program.

Degrees Offered

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 42%.

Average LSAT Score

Median LSAT score is 161.

5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are

1. Norman A. Erbe – Former Governor of Iowa.
2. Roxanne Conlin – Notable civil rights attorney and former U.S. Attorney.
3. Terry Branstad – Former Governor of Iowa and U.S. Ambassador to China.
4. David E. Bonior – Former U.S. Representative from Michigan.
5. Linda Upmeyer – First female Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives.

Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Iowa Supreme Court
2. Dorsey & Whitney LLP
3. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
4. Nyemaster Goode P.C.
5. Iowa Attorney General’s Office

Drake University Law School

Drake University Law School, located in Des Moines, Iowa, was established in 1865. It is one of the oldest law schools west of the Mississippi River and is known for its strong emphasis on practical training, public service, and experiential learning. The Law School offers a variety of specialized programs, including agricultural law, constitutional law, and health law. The school’s location in Des Moines provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the state government, courts, and numerous law firms and businesses. Drake Law fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and preparing them for successful legal careers.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Ranked #105 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).

Number of Students

Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the JD program.

Degrees Offered

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 55%.

Average LSAT Score

Median LSAT score is 155.

5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are

1. Terry E. Branstad – Former Governor of Iowa and U.S. Ambassador to China.
2. Neal Smith – Former U.S. Representative from Iowa.
3. David Young – Former U.S. Representative from Iowa.
4. Helen Thomas – Pioneering journalist and White House correspondent.
5. William H. Thompson – Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Iowa Supreme Court
2. BrownWinick Law Firm
3. Davis Brown Law Firm
4. Iowa Attorney General’s Office
5. U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa