Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I attend law school in Louisiana which has that "different law" and still practice in another state?
A. Yes, yes, and yes. Even though Louisiana uses the "Civil Law Tradition" and the remainder of the country uses the "Common Law Tradition", Loyola has curriculums which instruct in the civil and common law traditions. If you choose the common law curriculum you will study only common law. If you choose the civil law tradition you will study a mixture of both common and civil law. The civil law division is a mixed division because several of the required courses are federal law courses (civil procedure, constitutional law, and evidence) and are therefore taught from a common law perspective. Criminal law and legal research and writing are also taught from a common law perspective in the civil law division. If you are in the common law division you may use some of your electives to earn a certificate in civil law studies. If you are a civil law student you may use some of your electives to earn a certificate in common law studies. Whichever curriculum you choose, your juris doctor degree from Loyola will allow you to practice in any of the 50 states.
Q. In what areas of law does Loyola specialize?
A. Loyola's major areas of specialization are international law, environmental law, and public interest law. Other areas of significant emphasis are corporate law, tax law, and admiralty. In addition, Loyola provides comprehensive instruction in all areas of law that appear on the bar exam.
Q. When is your application deadline?
A. Loyola is on a rolling application system which means we read and make offers of acceptance until the class is full. Applications may be sent as early as September 1 in the fall prior to the fall you wish to attend. Generally, if your application is complete in our office no later than February 1, the likelihood of space being available is very good.
Q. What LSAT score and undergraduate GPA is necessary to be admitted?
A. Generally speaking, not less than a 154 LSAT score and a 3.4 GPA (A higher LSAT can balance off a lower GPA and vice versa).
Q. Do I need to send a personal statement?
A. A personal statement is required. The personal statement is your opportunity to sell yourself beyond your LSAT and GPA. You should highlight all outstanding accomplishments and explain those less than stellar accomplishments. You should describe any hardships or obstacles that you have overcome and give evidence of your ability to succeed in law school which may not be obvious from your LSAT and GPA.
Q. Do letters of recommendation really help?
A. Letters of recommendation only help when they give a comprehensive description of the recommender's observations of the skills necessary to succeed in law school possessed by the applicant. Letters of recommendation generally do not turn a denial into an acceptance, but it could boost a wait list decision to an accept or a very close denial to a waitlist.
Q. How much does Loyola cost? Is there an in-state and out-of-state tuition?
A. Tuition for the 2009-2010 school year is $1,107 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Full-time freshmen take 31 hours at a cost of $34,317 and part-time freshmen take 21 hours at a cost of $23,247. Fees are about $1026 for the first year and $650 for the second and third.
Q. Is it possible to attend Loyola New Orleans and concentrate on one's studies when Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street are right next door?
A. Luckily Bourbon Street is not right next door and Mardi Gras occurs only once a year for about 2 weeks. So the answer is yes. We suggest you move to town early to experience some of the wonderfully unique aspects of New Orleans before school starts so you will be ready to concentrate on your law school studies once school starts. New Orleans has six 4-year colleges and universities, medical schools, dental schools and law schools in New Orleans where high quality work is accomplished.
Contact the Office of Law Admissions