1. What undergraduate major should I select if I want to attend law school?

Prior to entering law school, you must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. You may major in a subject of your choice. If you are interested in pre-law at UNM, please contact the pre-law advisor, and she can help you decide what major works best for you.

Contact Information

Ellen Grigsby, Pre-Law Advisor
Phone: 505-277-5233
Social Sciences Bldg Rm 2076
Email: egrigsby@unm.edu

If you have questions about the accreditation of your college or university, please contact the UNM Admissions Office at (505) 277-2446.

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2. Do you recommend any pre-law preparatory programs?

The American Indian Law Center offers a two-month summer program for Native American students called the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI).

The Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) offers a six-week summer program.

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3. What LSAT score do I need in order to be admitted?

The University of New Mexico School of Law does not employ presumptive cutoffs. All applications are reviewed and considered. Our median LSAT score is 156, and our median undergraduate GPA is 3.36.

The Admissions Committee considers a variety of factors when evaluating applications, including, but not limited to, the personal statement, letters of recommendation, work and life experience, and extracurricular activities, in addition to UGPA and LSAT score.

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4. If I take the LSAT more than once, will you average my scores?

Applicants who were disappointed with their first LSAT score may choose to re-take the test. If an applicant has taken the LSAT multiple times, the applicant’s Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) report will show all of the scores, as well as computing an average score for the applicant. The Admissions Committee will have the opportunity to see all scores for that applicant, and the high score will be used for reporting purposes.

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5. How do I apply for admission?

Detailed information about the law school application process, including the application, may be found on the Apply Now section.

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6. How can I get a fee waiver for the LSAT and the LSDAS?

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers fee waivers for the LSAT and LSDAS. Further information, including a fee waiver application form, may be found on the LSAC website.

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7. How can I get a fee waiver for my UNM School of Law application?

Application fee waivers are based on need. Individuals who have been granted an LSAC fee waiver will have their UNM School of Law application fee waived upon the law school's receipt of a copy of the LSAC waiver. Interested applicants who have not been granted an LSAC fee waiver must request a UNM fee waiver form from the Admissions Offices (admissions@law.unm.edu).

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8. How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?

Applicants who wish to apply for federal loans should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 1st, even if they have not yet received an admission decision. Limited need-based grant funding is available, as well. Interested students should complete the Need Access application no later than May 1st. No awards will be made until an individual has been admitted. Further information about the financial aid application process may be found on the Financial Aid section.

All first-year applicants will be considered for merit scholarships based on their application files. No additional paperwork is required.

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9. Do you offer incentives for Teach for America corps members?

Upon request from eligible Teach for America participants, University of New Mexico School of Law will offer a two-year deferral to admitted students who want to participate in the corps in the year in which their study was to commence. We will also grant an application fee waiver to any current Teach for America corps member who meets the law school’s eligibility requirements. Teach for America corps members and alumni will be considered for scholarships and tuition assistance.

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10. Do you offer a part-time program?

The UNM School of Law does not have a traditional part-time program.

However, the UNM School of Law does have a nontraditional Flexible Time Program. The Flexible Time Program is for students wanting a lightened class load. The Flexible Time Program is only available for a limited number of students, and students who want to be considered for the Flexible Time Program must indicate their interest when applying to the UNM School of Law.

Beginning in the Fall 2008 semester, first year students enrolled in the Flexible Time Program are required to take 10 credit hours (3-4 classes) per semester. After completion of their first year students in the Flexible Time Program may take a minimum of (8) eight credit hours per semester. Additionally, students enrolled in the Flexible Time Program are not bound by the “work rules.” The estimated time for completing a JD degree in the Flexible Time Program is five years.

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11. May I work while attending school?

Pursuant to a pilot project due for review in 2009, first-year law students may work, subject to the following restrictions:

1. Due to the intensity and importance of the first semester curriculum, UNM strongly recommends that students refrain from any employment during the first semester.
2. Students who decide to work during their first semester must attend a counseling session with Career & Student Services prior to the start of the second week of law school.
3. First-year law students may work no more than 15 hours per week, unless they are enrolled in the Flexible-Time Legal Education Program (FTLEP).

Second- and third-year law students may work no more than 20 hours per week, unless they are enrolled in the Flexible-Time Legal Education Program (FTLEP).

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12. How can I gain residency for tuition purposes?

Law students may petition for residency after residing in New Mexico for a period of twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the term for which residency is being sought and complying with specified overt acts that demonstrate intent to become a resident. The rules and regulations for establishing residency for tuition purposes are defined by state statutes.

The residency decision is based on the information contained in the application for admission. Details about residency for tuition purposes may be found on the UNM Office of the Registrar.

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13. Do you have certificate programs?

UNM School of Law offers certificates of specialization in Indian Law and Natural Resources Law. The Indian Law certificate program and the Natural Resources Law certificate program have detailed information.

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14. What clinical opportunities are available?

UNM School of Law has long been a leader in the area of clinical training, and its clinical program is considered one of the best in the country. All students are required to complete six credit hours of clinic prior to graduation. Clinics currently available include:

• Business and Tax Clinic
• The Community Lawyering Clinics
• The Law Practice Clinic, and
• The Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Students may also participate in law office, judicial, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) externships.

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15. Do you offer dual-degree programs?

We have three established dual-degree programs: JD/MPA in Public Administration, JD/MA in Latin American Studies, and JD/MBA. It is also possible to combine your JD with other graduate programs at UNM. You must be admitted to the law school and the graduate school separately. You will need to contact the graduate program for information about their requirements. The graduate school will accept six credit hours of law courses toward the graduate degree, and the law school will accept six credit hours of graduate courses toward the JD.

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16. Do you have an LLM program?

UNM School of Law does not offer the LLM. We only offer the degree of Juris Doctor (JD).

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17. Where do UNM School of Law graduates work?

Most of our graduates enter private practice at law firms (50%). The second largest group are those employed in government (16.5%). Other UNM law school graduates work as judicial clerks (9%), in public interest (12%), and in business and industry (5.5%). The majority (86%) choose to stay in the region, although others elect to work in large cities and small towns around the country and the world.

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18. Do you require students to own computers?

All law students are required to own portable (notebook or laptop) computers. For further information, including specifications, see the Required Laptop Program.