University of Idaho College of Law

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Student Says - Academics
"Handwritten on my letter of acceptance were the words ‘We would love to have you in the Idaho family,'" beams a 1L at the University of Idaho College of Law. "I didn't think anything of it at the time, but it really does have that kind of feel here." "The low tuition is a bargain," and "The administration is kind, fair, and involved." Plus, "The Dean rocks." "There are a few profs here and there who obviously just want to do their research, and teaching is a bit of a dead weight for them, but they are definitely in the minority." Most "dedicated" professors at this "small public law school" are "unbelievably friendly and accessible" and "genuinely care about the students." The faculty "knows students by name by the end of their first year, even if you do not have a class with them." "I've never seen anything like it, quite frankly," says an impressed 1L. "Sure, one moment they're using the Socratic method to grill you in class," says a 2L, "but after class they take the time to discuss any topic with you." Some students complain that "practical legal skills, other than writing, seem to get short shrift." Others contend that there are "ample opportunities for pro bono work" and "other ways to allow students to get some practical experience before they graduate." "Many of these programs are student run, which I think is great," notes a 1L. "The externship, internship, clinic, and semester-in-practice programs are wonderful." U of I is the only law school in Idaho, "and its graduates are extremely well respected throughout the state and throughout the geographic region in general." "Because Idaho is a small state with a relatively small legal community, alumni are very actively involved at the law school." "During orientation, a group of us were eating lunch on the lawn outside the law school," explains a 1L. "A man approached us and asked to join us. Only after five minutes of casual conversation did he mention that he was the Attorney General for the state of Idaho." "There are quite a few job opportunities in the area surrounding Moscow," but "It is hard to get good placements" for jobs, internships, and externships because of the school's relatively remote location. "You pretty much have to live in Spokane or Boise for the summer to get a really well-paid job with valuable experience." The "somewhat old" and "small" law school facilities are "functional," but "could be more aesthetically pleasing." The administration is "working to improve aesthetics," and major renovations have just been completed. The study areas are "roomy and nice," and classrooms are "comfortable" and "very large." "There is a beautiful courtroom where the Idaho Supreme Court and Court of Appeals come twice a year and provide the students an opportunity to observe actual proceedings." The library is "pretty good for a small school."

Students Say - Campus Life
The administration "is striving to increase diversity," but it's not easy because U of I is "somewhat isolated by its location and lack of diversity in the general population." Students do run the gamut in terms of age. "I am enjoying my experience of returning to school as an older student," says a 2L. Also, "There is a sizeable Mormon population." Politically, the student population is "divided between extreme conservatives and extreme liberals," which "creates tension" occasionally. "This is a tremendously friendly law school." Students describe themselves as "cooperative and accepting." "The 1Ls, though competitive," demonstrate a "strong camaraderie." Cliques do tend to form, though, and gossip runs "rampant." Outside of class, there is "a lot of student involvement." "Because of the limited number of students [at the law school], there are countless opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities, legal aid clinics, positions in student groups, and for membership on administration committees." "About half of the students socialize on a regular basis," and there are "some pretty hard partiers." Moscow is "a fairly remote," "beautiful," rural hamlet "in northern Idaho," "closer to Seattle than Boise," and "two hours from a city of any size (Spokane, Washington)." Idaho boasts "many recreational opportunities." "If you love hiking, biking, skiing, and the outdoors, then it is heaven," counsels a 2L. "If you need constant activity and entertainment, U of I is not for you, but if you're serious about getting a good-quality, inexpensive education, you'll get both here." "The cost of living is affordable," and "There is a large food co-op" and "an impressive farmer's market." There are "great parks" and "many festivals" as well. It's "easy to walk anywhere." "There isn't an apartment in town that isn't five minutes from the school."