William Mitchell College of Law Profile

William Mitchell College of Law (WMCL) is a distinguished private law school located in St. Paul, Minnesota, that has provided legal education for decades. Founded with a mission to offer accessible and quality legal education, the school has developed a reputation for its rigorous academic programs and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the legal profession. With a history dating back to 1900, WMCL has long been a staple in legal education in the United States, and its enduring legacy reflects the high standard of legal instruction it provides.

One of the key attributes of William Mitchell College of Law is its accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA), which it has held since 1938. This accreditation places the law school among the recognized institutions of higher legal learning in the country, ensuring that its curriculum, faculty, and facilities meet the high standards set by the ABA. As a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), WMCL has continued to demonstrate its commitment to providing legal education that aligns with national standards. Moreover, the school is recognized by the United States Department of Higher Education and licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, further affirming its credibility as a respected educational institution.

WMCL offers both full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, catering to the diverse needs of students who may be balancing other commitments with their pursuit of a legal education. The full-time J.D. program is structured to be completed over three years, while the part-time J.D. program is designed for working professionals or those with other obligations, allowing them to complete their studies over four years. This flexibility makes William Mitchell a viable option for a wide range of students, from those looking to enter the legal profession immediately to those seeking to further their careers while pursuing a law degree. This adaptable approach to legal education reflects the school’s recognition that students have various professional, financial, and personal circumstances that must be considered when making their educational choices.

Another notable feature of WMCL is its strong emphasis on practical legal training, which is reflected in the school’s highly regarded programs in legal writing and clinical training. William Mitchell has consistently ranked well for its excellence in these areas, with the 2008 U.S. News & World Report ranking its legal writing program at 26th and its clinical training program at 29th. These rankings underscore the school’s focus on equipping students with the skills they will need in real-world legal practice. The college's clinical programs give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working with actual clients under the supervision of experienced faculty members. These clinical programs cover a wide array of practice areas, including criminal law, family law, immigration law, and civil rights law, ensuring that students can engage with the legal profession in a meaningful and impactful way before they even graduate.

Additionally, WMCL’s strong public interest programs have earned national recognition. In 2008, the National Jurist ranked William Mitchell’s public interest programs 12th in the country. This ranking highlights the school’s commitment to producing lawyers who are not only skilled in their craft but are also dedicated to serving the public good. Students at WMCL have opportunities to work with a variety of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups, gaining invaluable experience in social justice, environmental law, and other fields that focus on making a positive impact on society.

William Mitchell College of Law has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal and public sectors. One of the most famous alumni is Warren E. Burger, who served as the 15th Chief Justice of the United States. His legacy as a jurist and his time as Chief Justice have cemented his place as one of the most prominent figures in American legal history. Other distinguished alumni include Douglas Amdahl, the former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Elmer A. Benson, a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Minnesota, and James T. Harrison, a former Justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Additionally, alumni such as Dewey W. Johnson, a former U.S. Congressman, and Thomas D. Schall, a former U.S. Senator, have contributed significantly to public service and governance. These notable individuals represent the diverse paths William Mitchell graduates have taken, showing the broad impact of the school’s education.

William Mitchell College of Law also offers merit-based scholarships to its students. All applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships at the time of their application, meaning that no separate application is necessary. This merit scholarship program helps make legal education more accessible to students with strong academic records, and it is an integral part of the school’s mission to support students in their academic and professional pursuits.

In terms of rankings, William Mitchell has consistently performed well in a variety of areas. In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report, the school was ranked 24th among part-time law schools, which speaks to the strength of its part-time J.D. program. This ranking places William Mitchell among the top law schools in the country in terms of offering flexible legal education that allows students to balance professional and personal commitments. Furthermore, in 2007, Vault ranked William Mitchell as one of the seven "Most Underrated Law Schools" in the Midwest, recognizing the school’s high academic quality despite its relative obscurity in national rankings. Additionally, the school has been consistently ranked in the third tier of law schools, further solidifying its position as a respected institution within the legal education community.

Despite its third-tier ranking among 184 law schools, William Mitchell College of Law has garnered significant attention for its excellent programs in legal writing and clinical training. These strengths have helped it build a reputation for producing practice-ready lawyers who are equipped to handle a variety of legal challenges. The school’s focus on practical skills training, combined with its commitment to public service and its strong alumni network, has made it a valuable institution for students interested in both private practice and public service careers.