The mention of the great state of Wyoming conjures up mental images of cowboys riding across vast prairies, the majestic Grand Teton Mountains, and the awe-inspiring Yellowstone National Park. The Cowboy State is known for its independent nature as well as for an off-beat sense of humor, perhaps best demonstrated by the mythical Jackalope.
If you're considering studying law in Wyoming, you'll find the choice of schools is limited to the University of Wyoming College of Law.
University of Wyoming College of Law
The University of Wyoming College of Law is located in Laramie, Wyoming, in the southeast corner of the state, close to the border of Colorado. The school boasts of small class sizes and individual attention, with an incoming class of about 90 students in 2021. It also has one of the lowest law school tuition rates in the country, around $18,000 a year for residents and $36,000 for those from out of state.
In addition to the core curriculum of law school studies, the school offers a number of law clinics to provide practical experience. These include clinics for Civil Legal Services, Defender Aid Program, and Energy Environmental and Natural Resources, to name a few. The school also has a Summer Trial Institute, which is a two-week intensive course where students work with practicing attorneys to prepare and bring a mock case to trial before a jury.
The school also offers three joint degree programs. It is possible to obtain a JD while obtaining a Master's in Environmental and Natural Resources, Business Administration, or Public Administration at the same time.
One of UW College of Law's most famous alums is trial lawyer Gerry Spence. Spence is a nationally recognized criminal trial lawyer who has won numerous high-profile cases, including the Karen Silkwood case, which was made into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Cher. Spence has served as a legal commentator on numerous television programs and was the legal consultant at NBC for the O.J. Simpson trial.
More Information About Choosing a Law School
Many factors go into your choice of a law school, including the cost, the curriculum offered, the location, the school ranking, and many personal considerations. FindLaw's Law Student section contains many articles that offer tips and advice as you select a school, settle into legal academic life, take the bar exam, and go on to your first job.