The Prestigious Thurgood Marshall School Of Law

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law! Since 1947, this school has been where great ideas and leaders grow. It is a proud part of Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a super lawyer or just want to know what law school is like?

Let’s step into Thurgood Marshall School of Law, one of the best law schools in Texas, where every hallway buzzes with future heroes of justice, and every classroom is a door to exciting legal adventures! It’s not just a law school; it’s a place that celebrates different backgrounds and helps students reach their dreams.

Location And Facilities

Address And Contact Information

Thurgood Marshall School of Law is at 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004. The school’s phone number is 713.313.4455, and its website is https://www.tsulaw.edu/.

Campus Environment And Surrounding Area

Thurgood Marshall School of Law is right where many lawyers work in Houston, so students can visit courts and law offices easily. There are also yummy places to eat, cool stores, and fun places to see near the school. The school is lively, with new classrooms and places to learn and work together. There are big spaces for studying and for school events. There’s also a pretty outdoor space, a place to exercise, and a big library full of law books and stuff to help students learn.

Noteworthy Facilities

In addition to its general academic and student support facilities, Thurgood Marshall School of Law boasts several noteworthy facilities that enhance the learning experience for its students. These include:

• The Lawyering Skills Center: This state-of-the-art facility provides students with hands-on training in essential lawyering skills, such as client counseling, negotiation, and trial advocacy.
• The Moot Courtroom: This fully equipped courtroom allows students to practice their oral argument skills in a realistic setting.
• The Technology Lounge: This open-access space provides students access to computers, printers, and other technology resources to support their studies and research.
• The Wellness Room: This dedicated space provides students with a quiet and comfortable place to relax, de-stress, and recharge.

Academic Excellence

Thurgood Marshall School of Law is like a big, fancy school for lawyers. It has a lot of classes and programs to help you learn everything you need to know about the law.

Programs Offered

Thurgood Marshall School of Law offers strong programs. They aim to give students the skills to excel in their legal careers. The curriculum strikes a balance between theory and practice. It ensures that graduates are ready for the complexities of the legal profession.

JD Program

The Juris Doctor (JD) program is the cornerstone of TMSL’s offerings. This three-year program will teach core legal principles, analytical reasoning, and ethics. It will provide a strong foundation in these areas. Students can join clinics, internships, and moot court competitions. These will give them hands-on experience and improve their advocacy skills.

Joint Degree Programs

TMSL offers joint degree programs with other Texas Southern University units. These programs let students combine their legal education with expertise in related fields. This boosts their versatility and job prospects. Joint degrees are great for those keen on public policy, business, or health law.

Dual Degrees

TMSL offers dual degree programs in addition to joint degrees. They let students earn a Juris Doctor and another graduate degree simultaneously. These programs target those seeking interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. They cater to diverse career paths in government, academia, or niche legal practices.

Tuition And Financial Aid

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) aims to provide a top legal education. It also wants to help students achieve their goals without undue debt. TMSL offers various tuition plans, scholarships, and work-study options. They make law school affordable for students from diverse financial backgrounds.

Tuition Costs

TMSL has lower tuition than most law schools, especially for in-state students. As a public institution, the school offers reduced tuition for Texas residents. The tuition is $21,885, which is lower compared to many other law schools, making legal education more affordable for students.

Scholarships And Grants Offered

TMSL offers merit and need-based scholarships to help students with education costs. Scholarships like the Dean’s Merit and Diversity Leadership Grants reward high achievement and leadership—the school partners with outside groups to fund grants and scholarships for underrepresented groups in law. A few more include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and external scholarships from affiliated organizations.​

Work-Study Opportunities

TMSL offers strong work-study programs for students. They can earn money and gain valuable experience. Campus jobs are available. They include roles in admin offices, legal clinics, and research departments. They help students pay for school and build skills for their legal careers.

Specialized Centers And Institutes

Thurgood Marshall School of Law also has many special centers and institutes that focus on different areas of law. These centers and institutes offer classes, workshops, and other events to help you learn more about a particular area of law.

Here are a few examples of the specialized centers and institutes at Thurgood Marshall School of Law:

• The Center for Race, Justice, and Public Policy: This center helps people fight for racial justice.
• The Institute for Law and Technology: This institute helps people understand how law and technology work together.
• The Center for Children and Youth Law: This center helps children and young people who are in trouble with the law.

These specialized centers and institutes can help you learn more about a particular area of law, and they can also help you connect with other lawyers and experts in that field.

Rankings And Accolades

National And Regional Rankings

Recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report for 2024 place the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in the 178-196 range out of 196 law schools nationwide, situating it in the bottom approximately 9.2% of all law schools.

Notable Achievements In Legal Education

Thurgood Marshall School of Law has been recognized for its innovative teaching methods and its commitment to public service. The school has been awarded the American Bar Association’s Medal for Distinguished Legal Education for its “exemplary contributions to legal education.”

Recognition In Specific Practice Areas

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law has earned praise in several fields of law. This reflects its strong programs and its alumni’s real-world success.

Civil Rights Law

TMSL, a law school named for civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall, excels in civil rights law. The curriculum includes courses and clinics. They address systemic inequalities and advocate for marginalized groups. Graduates often lead the fight for social justice. They champion causes that align with Marshall’s legacy.

Environmental Law

TMSL is known for its work on environmental justice. It addresses issues that harm minority and low-income communities. The school’s programs focus on environmental policies and social equity. They equip students to tackle urgent ecological and public health issues.

Health Law

TMSL excels in health law. Its courses cover complex healthcare policies, access, and ethics. Students are ready to face legal challenges in healthcare. They will help reform it to ensure everyone can access medical services fairly.

Intellectual Property Law

The school’s IP law programs prepare students for cutting-edge issues. TMSL teaches future lawyers to protect intellectual assets and boost the economy. Its courses cover copyright, trademark, and patent law.

Tax Law

TMSL’s tax law curriculum aims to give students a deep understanding of tax codes and regulations. They are complex. Graduates often work in tax litigation, policy, and compliance. They help create fair and efficient tax systems.

Admissions And Acceptance Rate

Selectivity And Competitive Admissions Process

The acceptance rate for Thurgood Marshall School of Law is approximately 35.6% for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. This means that about 36 out of every 100 applicants are offered admission. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law selects students through a competitive process. This method ensures that those who join are ready to meet the challenges of a rigorous legal education. The school looks for individuals who promise to become skilled lawyers and leaders. Each application gets a thorough review. This process ensures that all aspects of a candidate’s qualifications receive attention.

Admission Requirements And Criteria

To apply to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, candidates need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree. They must also take the LSAT, a standardized test for law school admission. The school looks at LSAT scores, academic records, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. These elements help the admissions team assess a candidate’s potential. The school values diverse experiences and backgrounds. They encourage applications from all who aspire to excel in the legal profession.

Demographics Of The Student Body

The student body at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law is diverse. It reflects the school’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. Students come from various backgrounds, bringing many experiences to the classroom. This diversity enriches the learning environment. It prepares students for a global legal market. Among the reputed law schools, this school takes pride in training lawyers representing a wide range of communities. This approach aligns with the school’s mission of fostering leaders in the legal field.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Experiential Learning Opportunities

At Thurgood Marshall School of Law, students dive into real-world legal challenges. This hands-on approach ensures they learn by doing. Classes here focus on practical skills. Students work on actual cases and solve real legal problems. This method helps them understand the law better and prepares them for future careers.

Moot Court And Mock Trial Programs

The school’s moot court and mock trial programs stand out. Students take part in simulated court proceedings. They play roles as lawyers, argue cases, and present evidence. This experience is key. It teaches them about courtroom tactics and sharpens their public speaking skills. They learn to think fast and argue effectively.

Clinical Programs And Legal Aid Services

Thurgood Marshall School of Law also offers clinical programs. In these, students give legal aid to people who need it. They work under the guidance of experienced lawyers. This gives them a chance to help real clients. They learn about different legal areas and gain valuable work experience. It’s not just about learning law. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives.

Career Opportunities And Alumni Network

Employment Statistics And Placement Rates

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is good at helping its students find jobs. After they finish school, almost all of them get jobs where they can use what they learned. In 2024, 73% of students who graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law were employed 10 months after graduation. Most of these jobs were in positions where they could work as lawyers for a long time. The school works hard to ensure students find good jobs when they graduate.

Strong And Influential Alumni Base

Thurgood Marshall School of Law has a distinguished alumni network that includes judges, lawyers, politicians, and civic leaders. These alumni are actively involved in helping the school. They talk to the students and help them learn how to do great things. They also help students find jobs.

These friends who graduated before are like helpers for new students. They show them how to meet people who can give them jobs. They are very proud of their school and want to help new lawyers be great. Because the school is so good at helping students get jobs and because the friends who used to go to this school help a lot, it’s a perfect place for kids who want to be lawyers when they grow up.

Campus Life And Extracurricular Activities

Student Organizations And Clubs

Thurgood Marshall School of Law has over 50 clubs and organizations. These clubs and organizations are a great way to meet new people, learn about different areas of law, and get involved in your community.

• Legal Organizations: These clubs and organizations are for students who are interested in learning about different areas of law. For example, there is a club for students who are interested in environmental law.
• Public Interest Law Organizations: These clubs and organizations are for students who want to help people. For example, there is a club for students who want to help people who are poor or who have been treated unfairly by the law.
• Moot Court and Mock Trial Teams: These teams compete against other law schools in moot court and mock trial competitions. Moot court is like a debate, and mock trial is like a trial.
• Social and Cultural Organizations: These clubs and organizations are for students who want to meet new people from different backgrounds. For example, there is a club for students who are interested in international law.

Events, Competitions, And Conferences

The school has lots of events and contests all year. These are fun ways to learn more about being a lawyer, meet new friends, and help your town.

• Guest Talks: Special guests who know a lot about law come to talk. This is a great way to learn new things from people who work as lawyers.
• Court Contests: Some contests are like real court cases or big debates. Kids from our school try to win against other schools.
• Learning Workshops: There are special days to learn a lot about different law topics.
• Graduate Parties: These parties are for meeting people who have finished school here. They can tell you about jobs and give you advice.

Student Support Services And Resources

Thurgood Marshall School of Law has a lot of resources to help students succeed. These resources include:

• Academic Advising: Academic advisors can help students with their classes and coursework.
• Career Services: Career Services can help students with resumes, job searches, and interviews.
• Wellness and Counseling Services: Wellness and counseling services can help students with personal and emotional concerns.
• Dean of Students Office: The Dean of Students Office can help students with non-academic issues, such as housing and student organizations.

FAQs

1. Is Thurgood Marshall School of Law part of Texas Southern University?

Yes, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) is part of Texas Southern University, a historically Black university in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1947, TMSL is recognized for its commitment to legal excellence, diversity, and social justice, preparing graduates for impactful careers.

2. What Is The GPA For Thurgood Marshall School Of Law?

The GPA you need for Thurgood Marshall School of Law is usually about 2.72-3.61. But remember, they look at more than just your GPA when you apply. They want to see all the great things you can do!

3. Are Online Courses Available At Thurgood Marshall School Of Law?

Thurgood Marshall School of Law offers a primarily in-person Juris Doctor (JD) program, but Texas Southern University does provide some online graduate-level courses. The law school does not offer extensive online courses for its JD program. Check directly with the school for updates.

Conclusion

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is a special place for learning to be a lawyer. It’s full of friendly people and has many clubs and events that make learning fun. Students get lots of help to do well in school and find jobs as lawyers after they graduate. It’s a school that cares about making sure all kinds of students can become great lawyers!