The great state of Maine, located in the northeast corner of the United States, is known for its forests and rugged coastline. Land of lighthouses and lobsters. If access to fresh Maine lobster appeals to you while attending law school, there is only one place to go, the University of Maine School of Law.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a law school. These factors include the cost of the education, the curriculum offered, the location, the school ranking, and many personal considerations.
This article provides an overview of what you can expect from attending law school in Maine.
University of Maine School of Law
The University of Maine School of Law is located in Portland, a charming seaside city about a hundred miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and 200 miles south of the Canadian border. Portland is the largest city in Maine, with a population of about 68,000. The school recently moved to brand-new facilities in downtown Portland.
Maine Law is one of the smallest law schools in the country, with less than 100 students enrolled in the Class of 2024. They pride themselves on being a close-knit community of students, alumni, and faculty.
In addition to the usual assortment of politicians and lawyers that most law schools count as alums, Maine Law boasts famed Baltimore Orioles' sports announcer Gary Thorne and mystery writer Julia Spencer-Fleming.
The Maine Bar Association has a commitment to diversity and is credited with licensing the first African American lawyer, Macon Bolling Allen, to practice law in the United States in 1844. In keeping with those traditions, Maine Law's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force aims to further enhance the school's diversity initiatives.
Students at Maine Law can enhance their education by choosing one of the school's unique certificate programs, such as Information Privacy Law or Environmental and Oceans Law. Those interested in maritime law can also get involved with Maine Law's Ocean & Coastal Law Journal.
Tuition at Maine Law is about $23,000 a year for residents, making it one of the most affordable law schools in the country. Canadian citizens also qualify for resident tuition—students from out-of-state pay around $36,000 annually.
Tips for Law School and Beyond
FindLaw's Law Students section contains many articles that offer tips and advice as you select a school, settle into law student life, take the bar exam, and go on to your first job. Check the Law Student section site often as you make your journey.