Georgia is an exciting place to attend law school, whatever your interests. The state has been an important commercial and cultural hub since its establishment as one of the original 13 colonies. In addition to the state's influence on fashion and music, Georgia is also the corporate home of iconic American companies such as Coca-Cola, UPS, and Home Depot. The following article offers some observations about Georgia's law schools.
How Many Law Schools Does Georgia Have?
The state has five ABA-accredited law schools. Three are located in 'Hotlanta,' which can mean access to internship and employment opportunities as well as the city's cultural scene.
But studying in a big city can also mean higher living expenses and a faster-paced environment that may not appeal to all students, so the schools located elsewhere in the state shouldn't be ignored.
Atlanta Law Schools
Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the world and has a nightlife and art scene admired worldwide. These law schools are all located in Georgia's most populous city:
Emory University School of Law -- Emory University ranks within the top 25 law schools nationally and is the highest-rated of Georgia's law schools. The school is more than a century old and provides a wide selection of degree options.
Georgia State University College of Law -- Georgia State University's College of Law has considerably lower tuition than other options in Atlanta for legal study, and its position on the U.S. News & World Reports list of top law schools, while lower than Emory's, is entirely respectable. Georgia State has been widely recognized as the best value in the state, though this has resulted in particularly competitive admissions.
Atlanta's John Marshall Law School -- Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) emphasizes its experiential learning program, offering legal clinics, externships, and field placements for students who prefer to learn through practice.
Other Georgia Law Schools
Georgia is larger than just Atlanta, and many may prefer to study without the metropolis's many distractions. These schools are located in smaller cities or Georgia's gorgeous countryside:
University of Georgia School of Law -- Established at nearly the same moment as the University of Georgia, the school offers a bustling collegiate atmosphere away from the hustle of the city in Athens, a college town in the north-central portion of the state.
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law -- Mercer University had the first ABA-accredited law school in the state. The school is located in the southern part of the state in Macon.
Planning for Law School
Choosing a school is just the first of several important decisions you'll make in completing your education and getting a start in your career as a lawyer. Along the way, you'll want tips for succeeding in your courses, preparing for the bar exam, and choosing a satisfying practice area. FindLaw's Law Students section includes articles to help you find the right answers to these and other important questions.