U.S. News & World Report released this year’s law school rankings on March 14. UT College of Law climbed eight spots over last year, ranking 57th of the 205 accredited law schools and 31st among public schools.
Dean Melanie Wilson issued the following statement:
Dear College of Law Friends,
This morning U.S. News & World Report announced the latest law school rankings. The University of Tennessee College of Law climbed eight spots over last year, ranking 57th of the 205 accredited law schools and 31st among public schools.
These rankings, of course, do not measure every important aspect of a quality legal education or outstanding law school, but the factors influencing the rankings reflect values important to faculty, prospective and current students, alumni, and other members of our community. Chief among these values is attracting smart and dedicated students; securing meaningful employment for our graduates; offering small, interactive classes; ensuring high bar passage rates; and maintaining a reputation for excellent teaching and scholarship.
I am gratified that this year’s ranking demonstrates our steadfast commitment over the past twelve months to increase the support we provide our graduates as they seek employment and begin their professional careers. Our overall ranking improved because the credentials of our entering students; bar passage rates compared to statewide percentages; and reputation ratings from lawyers, judges, and academic peers held steady, while we increased our energy, efforts, and measurable results in employment outcomes, both at graduation and 10 months after. Our at-graduation rate increased almost 10%, and we improved our 10-month employment percentage another 6.5 points.
At UT Law, we value excellence in all that we do, and we put our students first. These priorities are reflected in this year’s improved ranking. We will not rest on our current successes, however. We will continue to work together as a faculty and law school community to achieve much more, and to continue our climb in the rankings.
If you have questions about the latest rankings or anything else, please call me at (865) 974-2521, or email me at mdwilson@utk.edu.
Go Vols!!!!
Melanie Wilson
Dean