Law Schools in Austin, TX with Degree Program Summaries

The Austin, TX, area has only one university that offers a law school. Learn about the degree programs, admission info and program requirements for this school to make an informed education decision.

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Law School in the Austin, TX, Area

Students in Austin who are interested in studying law have limited options in the local area. Austin offers just one university with a law school: The University of Texas at Austin. The university's School of Law offers a number of degrees for aspiring law students. Students at this law school can benefit from many training options, including the Advocacy Program, in which students participate in small group experiences and work with real juries.

University of Texas at Austin
Law Degrees Offered Doctor of Jurisprudence, Master of Laws, Dual J.D./M.A., Dual J.D./Ph.D.
Related Programs Offered Dual J.D./Master of Science, Dual J.D./Master of Business Administration, Dual J.D./Master of Global Policy Studies, Dual J.D./Master of Public Affairs
School Type 4-year, public
Total Enrollment (2011) 51,112*
Campus Setting Large city
Tuition & Fees for First-Year Law School Students (2012-2013) In-state, $33,162; out-of-state, $49,244**
Relevant Facilities Tarlton Law Library
Noteworthy Largest college in the University of Texas System
Distance from Downtown (Driving Time) 2.3 miles (9 minutes)

Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **University of Texas at Austin.

Programs at University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883, and the campus is known for its distinctive 27-floor tower that can be seen from nearly anywhere in Austin. UT Austin's School of Law opened when the university did in 1883, and it enrolls more than 1,200 students each year. The School of Law offers a number of degrees for law students, including several dual degree options. Students who wish to apply to the law school should possess a bachelor's degree, a GPA above 2.2, and a reportable LSAT score.

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)

The J.D. program can be completed in three years and requires 86 credit hours. The first-year curriculum contains the same courses for all students, introducing the foundations of several legal disciplines, such as constitutional, civil and criminal law. Second- and third-year students have greater flexibility to focus studies, research and projects in a specialized area, including litigation, international law or torts. Students can participate in internships in such areas as nonprofit, government and health law. The school also has 17 clinics, in which students can get real-world experience. Clinic options include the Actual Innocence Clinic and the Juvenile Justice Clinic.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

The LL.M. program is a 1-year program that allows students who already possess law degrees to pursue a specialty in one of five areas. Specializations include global energy, environmental law, and international arbitration; U.S. law; Latin American and international law; business; or intellectual property. A commonly required course for LL.M. students with a foreign law degree focuses on the fundamentals of American law. In the Latin American and international law specialization, students must be fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese.

Dual Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Arts (M.A.)

The School of Law offers three J.D./Master of Arts programs for those interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary law education. Students earn the J.D. and the master's degree simultaneously. Admission must be granted by both the School of Law and the master's-granting college at the university. The eligible M.A. programs are Middle Eastern studies; Russian, East European and Eurasian studies; and Latin American studies.

Dual Doctor of Jurisprudence and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

For students whose career plans involve academic work in law, government or philosophy, UT Austin offers the J.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program. Students enrolled in the 7-year program can be awarded fellowships and tuition waivers as incentives; they can also find teaching opportunities for financial support and classroom experience. Interested students should apply independently to the School of Law and the Ph.D. program in the philosophy department.

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