2019 2019: UMass Law named one of the Best Schools for Practical Training

The school ranked second in Massachusetts for experiential learning according to preLaw Magazine

The University of Massachusetts School of Law was named one of the Best Schools for Practical Training by preLaw Magazine. Using data from the American Bar Association, preLaw ranked schools based on their practical-training offerings including clinics, externships, simulation classes, and/or pro bono work.

UMass Law ranked second in Massachusetts, finishing only behind Northeastern University. The School of Law received an overall grade of A-, which places it in the top 50 law schools in the country for hands-on learning offerings.

“At UMass Law, we strive to give our students real-life experiences that require them to actualize what they learn in the classroom,” said Eric Mitnick, Dean of UMass Law. “When our students graduate, they are prepared for a career in a legal setting due to their past participation in our many clinics and pro bono opportunities.”

Since its inception in 2010, UMass Law has placed great emphasis on opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in external settings. Every UMass Law student is required to perform 30 hours of pro bono service that has resulted in more than 120,000 hours of pro bono legal services to the community since 2010.

To bring together students and clients that need legal assistance, UMass Law houses legal clinics focused on community development, criminal prosecution, human rights, immigration, and tribal law. The university also operates Justice Bridge, a law practice incubator in New Bedford and Boston that matches recent law graduates with seasoned mentors to provide legal services to individuals who otherwise could not afford representation. Since 2014, Justice Bridge has served thousands of modest means clients in housing, family, and immigration cases.