Baylor University - School of Law

If you’re frothing to “get [inside] the courtroom immediately after law school,” Baylor University just might be the program for you. The school has a reputation for “crafting [great] trial lawyers” and its mandatory “practical skills [courses]...are legendary.” Many also note that Baylor’s “legal writing and research classes teach students not only to write, but also how to think.” Students truly “learn how to [draft] contracts, how to [compose] quality memos and briefs, how to fill out and file litigation documents, and everything in between.” In other words, they graduate “ready [to practice.]”

Of course, Baylor’s “small” size is a boon as well. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, you’ll quickly discover that “the administration, faculty, and staff are all very concerned with the student body.” Indeed, “they don’t spend all day closed away in their offices, but have an open-door policy and welcome students to come in and ask questions, learn, and practice together.”

Students do warn that the classes at Baylor are “tough” and “demanding.” While the “professors are the nicest people in the world...in the classroom, they are the Judge [and] [t]hey treat you as if you are an attorney representing your client.” One colorful student goes as far as saying, “Baylor Law is basically the beginning of Full Metal Jacket. A professor almost said verbatim, ‘Let me see your warface!’” Thankfully, the faculty maintains a “hands-on” approach and remains “invested in every single student.” They never hesitate to “go out of their way to help out.” And, most importantly, the law professors here actually “have personalities to boot!”

When it comes to employment, we’re told that “it’s not hard [to get jobs] in Texas.” After all, students boast that Baylor grads have the “highest” bar passage rate in the state. Plus, the program has “an excellent reputation.” Students also have access to “an outstanding alumni network” as well as “a career office that prepares you well and creates some great networking and job search opportunities.” Nevertheless, a handful of students caution that “you have to put the work in when it comes to internships and networking. Jobs won't just fall into your lap and they are very upfront about that.”

Baylor law students don’t beat around the proverbial bush; they admit that the school is “very competitive and you are up against colleagues who are talented, hard-working, and intelligent.” In fact, the vast majority “study for...hours” on a daily basis. Thankfully, despite the push for legal greatness, students report that their peers are still “very cooperative.” Almost “every [person] will go out of their way to help anyone else to the extent our honor code allows.” And, in the end, it’s easy to find a “wonderful group of colleagues and friends.”

With regards to life outside the classroom, some students grumble that hometown Waco “is excellent for studying and not much else.” However, others counter that “food and entertainment [options]” are slowly “developing,” thanks in part to HGTV’s Fixer Upper (which films in Waco). Of course, these future JDs are quite capable of making their own fun. As one student shares, “My friends and I go to trivia night every week, participate in law school IM games, have our own game nights, and go out for a drink or two on the weekends.” Plus, Baylor is “halfway between Austin and Dallas, two major cities with lots of jobs” and plenty of nightlife!