Washburn University School of Law Profile

Washburn University School of Law, established in 1903, is a distinguished public law school that stands as a prominent institution within the legal education community in the United States. Located on the main campus of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, it has earned a reputation for offering a quality legal education, as well as for providing opportunities to develop specialized expertise in various legal fields. Over the years, the school has contributed significantly to the field of legal education and has produced a number of influential alumni who have made lasting impacts in law, politics, business, and other sectors.

One of the cornerstones of Washburn University School of Law's history is its accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA). In 1923, it became one of the original group of law schools to receive this prestigious accreditation, which marked a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming one of the leading law schools in the region. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the legal profession have allowed it to maintain its standing as a respected institution for legal education. In addition to its ABA accreditation, Washburn Law has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) since 1905, further reinforcing its reputation within the legal academic community.

The school offers a variety of educational programs designed to meet the diverse interests and career goals of its students. One of the standout offerings is the dual JD-MBA program, which allows students to earn both a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This program is offered in collaboration with the Washburn University School of Business and is ideal for students who are interested in combining a career in law with expertise in business and management. By completing the JD-MBA program, graduates are well-equipped to handle complex legal and business matters, making them attractive candidates for careers in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Another notable dual-degree program at Washburn is the JD-MSW program, which allows students to earn a Juris Doctor degree alongside a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This program is designed for those who wish to integrate legal knowledge with a strong foundation in social work. Graduates of the JD-MSW program are prepared to serve in various legal and social service fields, where they can advocate for vulnerable populations and work on cases that intersect law and social policy, such as family law, child welfare, and social justice.

In addition to its dual-degree programs, Washburn University School of Law offers several certificate programs that allow students to specialize in specific areas of law. These programs are ideal for students who want to gain deeper expertise in particular legal fields or who wish to prepare for practice in specialized areas. Some of the certificate programs offered include Advocacy, Business and Transactional Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, International and Comparative Law, Natural Resources Law, and Tax Law. These certificates provide students with the opportunity to tailor their legal education to their specific interests and career aspirations, making them more competitive in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Washburn University School of Law is known for producing notable alumni who have excelled in a wide range of fields. Some of its most well-known alumni include Bob Dole, a former U.S. Senator and Republican Presidential candidate; Dennis Moore, a former U.S. Congressman; Kim Phillips, a successful attorney and entrepreneur; Bill Kurtis, a television journalist and host; Kay McFarland, a former Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court; Eric S. Rosen, a prominent judge on the Kansas Supreme Court; and Jim Slattery, a former U.S. Congressman. These individuals, along with many others, have contributed to the success and prominence of Washburn University School of Law by making substantial contributions to the legal profession and society as a whole.

The law school has consistently earned recognition for its academic quality and value. In the 2010 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools, Washburn University School of Law was ranked in the third tier for ABA-accredited law schools, underscoring its solid reputation within the legal education community. Additionally, Washburn was rated 31st overall in the National Jurist’s Best Value Law Schools list, a ranking that recognizes law schools for providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to offering an excellent legal education while keeping costs manageable for students.

Washburn University School of Law has also been recognized for its outstanding academic environment in the Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools 2010 edition, where it was listed under the outstanding category. This acknowledgment speaks to the overall strength of the program, which combines rigorous academic training with a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Moreover, Washburn has garnered attention in Law & Politics 2010 rankings, where it was placed 105th overall among ABA-approved law schools. While this ranking is reflective of the school’s competitive standing in the broader national legal education landscape, it also highlights the school’s strong regional presence and commitment to providing a well-rounded education for its students.

Washburn University School of Law has a particularly strong focus on providing its students with the tools they need to succeed in practice. One of its standout features is the Washburn Law Library, which is the largest law library in the state of Kansas and is frequently ranked as one of the top 20 law school libraries in the country. The law library serves as an invaluable resource for students, offering access to a vast collection of legal materials, research databases, and study spaces. In the National Jurist's comparison of law school libraries, Washburn Law’s library was ranked in the top twenty, a testament to the school’s commitment to providing its students with the resources they need to succeed in their studies and future careers.

The faculty at Washburn University School of Law is another key strength of the institution. The faculty members are highly regarded for their academic and practical expertise, and many have significant experience in the legal field. The faculty’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment ensures that students receive a high level of individualized attention and mentorship throughout their academic careers.