The University of Idaho College of Law is a welcoming and affordable program for people of every background and offers ample opportunities for the beginning of a successful career in the field of law.
It is a three-year graduate program offered on both the Moscow and Boise University of Idaho campuses. The degree programs include a juris doctor degree, concurrent degrees and the 3+3 law degree program. The program offers four different areas in which a student can emphasize in. These include Business Law and Entrepreneurship Law, Intellectual Property and Technology Law Track, Native American Law and Natural Resources and Environmental Law.
The law program offers students a variety of ways to build their practical skills including things like clinics, competitions, externships, a pro bono program, magistrate judge research assistance, semester in practice, legislative research assistance programs and a trial advocacy program.
There are approximately 400 students enrolled in the program across both campuses. No matter what campus you study on, UI’s law program is one of the most affordable in the nation for both in-state and out-of-state students, being named a Best Value Law School by Prelaw Magazine.
UI’s program has a lower tuition and fees rate and offers an abundant amount of money in scholarships. It participates in the WRGP, short for Western Regional Graduate Program. This program grants students from specific states with the opportunity to pay resident tuition rather than out-of-state. For example, in the fall of 2022, over 90% of the students in the law program were awarded in-state tuition.
John Hoffman, originally from Lafayette, California, received his undergraduate degree at Boise State University and now is a 2L (second year) studying at the University of Idaho College of Law. He chose the University of Idaho for its community and the opportunities that it provides. Hoffman loves the environment of UI’s law program. It’s a smaller program with small classrooms, which gives him the opportunity to get to know classmates, comfortably approach professors and connect with others in the community. One of his favorite parts about the program is the fact that you don’t have to pick an area to emphasize in. You can test out different classes and subject areas to see what you like.
“Being a student at the University of Idaho College of Law has a special purpose. Idaho and a handful of other states only have one law school within them. You feel as if you’re carrying the torch for the future legal practice in that state.”
Law school is definitely a challenge. Vigorous studying with ample reading keeps students busy. “Students get cold-called, so you can’t get away with skimping on the reading,” said Hoffman.
Currently, Hoffman’s plans after graduation next year are up in the air. He’s thinking about going into estate planning, which entails assisting people in dealing with wills, trusts and estates. He’s hoping to make a law career for himself in Idaho, more specifically the Boise area. “I want to represent the people of Idaho,” said Hoffman.
“Being a student at the University of Idaho College of Law has a special purpose. Idaho and a handful of other states only have one law school within them,” Hoffman said. “You feel as if you’re carrying the torch for the future legal practice in that state.”