Alexander Blewett III School Of Law: A Comprehensive Overview

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law, located in Missoula, Montana, is the state’s only law school and a cornerstone of legal education in the region. Established in 1911, it has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, public service, and community engagement. The school is named in honor of Alexander Blewett III, a distinguished Montana state senator and businessman.

Accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools, the Blewett School of Law maintains rigorous academic standards. It offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program designed to prepare students for diverse legal careers, along with a specialized Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law reflecting Montana’s unique landscape.

This comprehensive overview explores key aspects of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, including its acceptance rate, national ranking, academic strengths, and student opportunities. Whether you are a prospective applicant or simply researching law schools, this guide provides essential insights into what sets the Blewett School of Law apart.

Current Ranking And Reputation

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law has earned a well-deserved reputation for its academic excellence and commitment to providing high-quality legal education. Although specific rankings may vary from year to year, the law school consistently ranks among the top law schools in the nation.

The current Alexander Blewett III School of Law ranking is No. 99 (tie) out of 195 in Best Law Schools. Its commitment to experiential learning, rigorous curriculum, and dedicated faculty has contributed to its strong standing in legal academia.

Moreover, the law school’s graduates have been successful in various sectors of the legal profession, further enhancing its reputation. Alumni from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law have made notable contributions to the legal field, serving as judges, partners in law firms, public defenders, prosecutors, and leaders in government and non-profit organizations

Academic Programs And Faculty

Academic Programs at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law focus on a rigorous three-year J.D. program. Students study foundational subjects like torts, contracts, civil procedure, and constitutional law. They also specialize through certificates in Environmental Law, American Indian Law, or Conflict Resolution. Practical training is integrated via simulation-based courses, legal writing, and extensive clinical experiences in a variety of legal practice areas.

The faculty at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law brings strong academic credentials and real-world experience into the classroom. Professor Craig Cowie directs the Consumer Law & Protection Program and specializes in consumer rights. Professor Kekek Stark leads the Indian Law Clinic and is an expert in tribal legal systems. Faculty emphasize mentorship, critical analysis, and legal ethics, shaping students into thoughtful, practice-ready legal professionals.

Admissions

The admission process at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law is selective, attracting ambitious students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The school seeks individuals with strong analytical skills and a deep interest in law and justice. Each application is reviewed holistically to ensure candidates align with the institution’s mission and values, with emphasis placed on both academic performance and broader potential.

The school places emphasis on selecting candidates with competitive academic credentials. The LSAT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students range from 153 to 160, while the median LSAT score is 156. Similarly, undergraduate GPAs typically fall between 3.21 and 3.75, with a median GPA of 3.52. These metrics reflect the school’s commitment to enrolling students with the aptitude for legal excellence.

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law acceptance rate currently stands at 58.1%, making it a moderately competitive law school. With a student-faculty ratio of 9.1:1, the school fosters a close-knit academic environment. The admissions team prioritizes candidates who demonstrate legal acumen, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to their communities through legal practice.

Tuition And Financial Aid

Tuition fees at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law are determined by residency. For Montana residents, full-time tuition is $26,983, while non-residents pay $54,449 annually. In addition to tuition, estimated yearly costs include $22,354 for food and housing and $2,350 for books. These figures give prospective students a comprehensive view of the overall financial investment required.

The law school recognizes the financial challenges students may face and is committed to making legal education accessible. A range of scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs is available to qualified applicants. Merit-based and need-based awards support students throughout their J.D. journey, allowing them to focus on academic and professional growth without overwhelming financial stress.

When comparing the tuition fees of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law with similar institutions, the value becomes clear. The school combines affordability—especially for in-state students—with an education enriched by expert faculty, practical experience, and community-oriented values. This balance of cost and quality positions the program as a worthwhile investment for future legal professionals.

Campus And Facilities

Alexander Blewett III School of Law’s campus is located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, Montana, near the Clark Fork River and Mount Sentinel. The law school provides a scenic academic environment that combines natural surroundings with professional training. Its location offers students access to downtown Missoula, outdoor recreation, and a supportive legal and civic community.

The law school building includes modern classrooms, a fully equipped moot courtroom, clinical program offices, and collaborative learning spaces designed for experiential education. Students benefit from updated instructional technology and dedicated advocacy training areas. These facilities support small class sizes and hands-on learning, helping prepare graduates for courtroom practice, public service, and private legal careers.

The William J. Jameson Law Library spans approximately 20,060 square feet and serves as the school’s primary research facility. It houses extensive print collections, legal journals, and comprehensive digital databases. The library provides quiet study areas, group study rooms, and research assistance. Students also have access to broader university amenities, including dining services and recreational facilities.

Career Prospects And Bar Passage Rates

The law school prioritizes the career prospects of its graduates by fostering strong employer connections and emphasizing practical legal training. At the time of graduation, 88.5% of students are employed. Within ten months, 94.9% of graduates achieve full-credit outcomes across various legal sectors, including law firms, government, public interest, and judicial clerkships, demonstrating the program’s success in launching meaningful legal careers.

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law graduates continue to perform strongly on the Bar exam, with a first-time Bar passage rate of 85.9%. This exceeds the national average of 83.9% and reflects the school’s focused commitment to preparing students with a solid understanding of legal principles and analytical skills essential for passing the Bar.

The high Bar passage rates underscore the law school’s dedication to academic rigor and experiential learning. Through a curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with real-world practice, students graduate equipped to tackle the demands of the legal profession. This success reinforces the school’s reputation for producing capable, job-ready legal professionals.

Alumni And Networking Opportunities

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law boasts a distinguished alumni network that includes influential figures in the legal profession. Notable alumni include Alexander “Zander” Blewett III, a prominent personal injury attorney known for securing one of Montana’s largest settlements and for his philanthropic contributions to the law school, and Judge Russell Evans Smith, who served as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.

The law school actively fosters alumni engagement through various networking opportunities. The Career Development Office serves as a liaison among students, alumni, and employers, offering practical workshops, one-on-one counseling, and application reviews. Additionally, the school’s membership with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges provides students and faculty access to extensive educational resources and professional growth opportunities in juvenile and family law.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Alexander Blewett III School Of Law

1. What Rank Is Alexander Blewett III School Of Law?

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana is ranked No. 99 among Best Law Schools by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. This national ranking reflects the school’s dedication to academic rigor, practical legal education, and strong employment outcomes.

2. How Much Is Alexander Blewett III School Of Law?

The tuition at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law is $26,983 per year for in-state students and $54,449 for out-of-state students. Additional estimated expenses include $22,354 for food and housing and $2,350 for books, totaling a comprehensive annual cost of attendance.

Conclusion

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law continues to serve as Montana’s flagship legal institution, offering students a robust education rooted in theory and practice. With strong Bar passage rates, experiential learning, and accomplished faculty, it provides the tools for students to succeed in today’s complex legal environment while emphasizing public service and community impact.

Aspiring students looking for the best law school in Montana will find the Blewett School an excellent fit. Recognized nationally and ranked No. 99 by U.S. News & World Report, it combines academic rigor with a supportive learning atmosphere. Its proven track record of graduate success makes it a powerful launchpad for meaningful and impactful legal careers.

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