Illinois Institute of Technology - Chicago-Kent College of Law

The Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois University of Technology “does an excellent job of providing students with a strong understanding of the law in the core areas,” including torts, criminal law, contracts, civil procedure, and constitutional law. The school emphasizes “practical experience that allows for actual exposure to various areas of law,” including opportunities for externships and legal clinics. Chicago-Kent is also known in the law profession for its “outstanding” Legal Writing program,” which “teaches you everything from how to write an office memorandum to a persuasive appellate brief and a contract.” Students appreciate the variety of “courses on different and interesting topics.” As one student puts it, “I did not have time to take every class that sounded interesting, which is a good problem!” Professors here are “very focused on teaching” and “always offer help to anyone who needs it.” There are quite a few practicing lawyers and judges among the faculty, which many students appreciate for their “abundance of stories,” experience, and expertise. “I love that many professors are practitioners…in their field, such as judges, a former ICK prosecutor, or a lawyer with the IRS (as some examples),” shares one student. Overall, students say the environment is supportive, and “both students and faculty are down-to-earth, helpful, and collaborative.” The program’s academic rigor and professional network helps set students up for success after graduation. As one student says, the “courses were challenging, and I feel well prepared academically for the post-grad legal world.” Chicago-Kent is “strongly connected to the Chicago job market including big firms, regional medium-sized ones, and the public sector,” and students say “the accessibility of alumni to help with professional opportunities” is among the school’s greatest strengths.

The school’s West Loop location is a big plus for many students. Chicago’s West Loop is an area downtown that’s “right by many of the courthouses and largest law firms” and has plenty of “great food options.” In addition, the location is “really great for transportation,” as its close to two major commuter rail stations. Overall, the “facilities are great” and the law school’s building features “lots of good classrooms and study spaces.” Students also appreciate the library, saying the school’s “resources for researching are quite extensive and easy to use. If you run into issues with your research, the library staff is helpful.” When it comes to activities, Chicago-Kent’s Moot Court Honor Society and Trial Advocacy Program both give students the opportunity to compete nationally. There are also “lots of social opportunities” provided by the school; however, some part-time students say it can be hard to attend many events, as they “generally happen during the 9am-5pm workday.” The general consensus is that most students are “friendly and cooperative.” As one student notes, “While there is a mild amount of competitiveness, there is a large sense of community, especially within the 1L sections. We all help each other to achieve and push each other to accomplish our goals.”