University of Colorado - School of Law

The University of Colorado's Law School is a public program dedicated to providing a solid legal education based on practical training and “a positive, growth-focused experience.” The school's amenities include a state-of-the-art LEED-certified law building, 3 research centers (such as the renowned Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment), 7 dual degree programs, and 9 legal clinics (including the Technology Law and Policy Clinic and one of the first American Indian Law clinics in the nation). Additionally, the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship “is at the forefront of entrepreneurialism, technology, and telecommunications” and is “a huge asset to the school.” These create “diverse course opportunities [that] can help you develop skills that you need if you're willing to branch out.” Amidst all of these options, students participate in 5 to 7 mandatory courses through the school's Externship Program, working under close supervision and instruction from an attorney or judge during that time. Similarly, they also sign the school's Public Service Pledge, committing to at least 50 hours of law-related public service work. These “opportunities in government work and clerkships are fantastic,” says a student. Plus, credit—and even sometimes funding—is available for students competing on Colorado Law's moot court or mock trial teams. Overall, the school has excelled at “putting together classes that mesh really well” with the goals and ideals of its students.

At the helm of these courses are professors who “clearly care about students …, even going so far as to video chat or talk on the phone when they are traveling and coming in on the weekends to meet with students.” They “do a great job of promoting interest in their respective fields,” and students cite feeling “comfortable to speak up in the classroom and engage in dialogue with each other and the professors.” While “classrooms vary in style, [they] tend to be cooperative learning environments with relatively high engagement.” Many “use very interactive class structures that include debates based on assigned roles.” In addition to the professors, the administration “is receptive to our complaints,” creating “a setting for incredible learning and growth.”

Being “a small school in a big legal market, the community here feels “incredibly warm and supportive,” and it features a “liberal nature … [that] is very clear and present.” Moreover, “the culture is congenial and respectful,” and “people are passionate and excited to do things both in and out of school.” This “well-balanced environment” is paired with an equally balanced range of student representation: “The administration has focused on recruiting students with varied backgrounds both in terms of ethnicity or sexual orientation and in terms of life experience.” And regardless of where students are from, many regularly engage “socially outside of school, whether it be happy hours, speaker series, or skiing and hiking.” Many are quick to point out that Boulder “has a lot to offer outdoorsy types,” but even those who aren't as active that “the view of the mountains is soothing.” For the more urban-inclined, “Denver is a booming metropolitan area just a short bus ride away from campus.” Back on campus, “the facilities are amazing,” and “the classrooms, library, and study rooms have always been kept clean and available for law students to utilize.” Additionally, the three-story law library is housed within the building, and “access to … non-print resources is top of the line.” One student explains, “I've never wanted to access a source and been unable to do so.” Overall, this collaborative culture means “everyone wants everyone else to do well,” and there is “a collegial atmosphere that lends itself more to intellectual curiosity than concern for grades.”