Choosing a law school in Maryland is an either/or proposition. There are only two American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools to choose from, both located in Baltimore. The differences between the two schools are subtle but important, not unlike the difference between crab cakes and coddies. But you'll have to look beyond the proverbial Bay Seasoning and consider your needs and goals to choose the right law school.
The following article provides an overview of Maryland law schools to help you determine which school is right for you.
University of Baltimore School of Law
University of Baltimore School of Law is the larger of the two Maryland law schools and has produced many of the state's judges, state's attorneys, and public defenders. It is also former Vice President Spiro Agnew's Alma Mater.
Many University of Baltimore graduates remain in practice in Maryland, and programs focused on criminal law and other areas of litigation suggest that the school is a good destination for someone looking to practice law in a courtroom.
University of Maryland School of Law
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is the second-oldest law school in the United States. The school's health care law, clinical training, and part-time programs are all highly regarded. It is also listed among the top 50 law schools in the country according to U.S. News & World Report's annual law school rankings. As a result, post-graduation employment figures for the University of Maryland School of Law are somewhat better than the University of Baltimore's.
Many of the University of Maryland's graduates practice in neighboring Washington, D.C., and the school's many policy-focused programs and clinics suggest that the school is a good destination for someone interested in pursuing a career in politics or policy.
Resident tuition at both schools is around $34,000 a year for full-time students, so the decision really comes down to what you want to do after law school.
More Advice for Law School Success
Once you've chosen the right Maryland law school for you, you'll need to move on to the next set of challenges in your journey to a successful legal career. You'll want advice on how to get admitted, how to study for classes and exams, how to choose elective courses or specialization, and how to get an internship. There are articles and links to helpful information throughout the FindLaw Law Students section that can help you find the answer to these and other important questions.