University of St. Thomas - School of Law (MN)

The University of St. Thomas Law School is a private Catholic university in Minneapolis known for “instilling ethical values” and its “focus on practical work experience.” Students at the law school “think deeply about who they are and what their duties as a lawyer will look like.” One student describes the program’s approach: “We are expected to use our morals to guide us throughout our practice, and always keep service to others at the forefront.” Students appreciate that UST “strongly emphasizes experiential learning.” The standout feature of the law school is the Mentor Externship Program, which students say is “invaluable and allows for real-world connections and experiences.” The program, which pairs students with legal professionals for hands-on experience, is required for all three years. As one student explains, “From day one of school, you get meaningful exposure to actual practice, and your network expands instantly.”
The school fosters a close-knit academic environment. Professors here “enjoy getting to know students” and “class sizes are kept small.” The professors are “very insightful” and “willing to go out of their way to help students.” Students appreciate the practical nature of the curriculum, saying that the “course material is purposeful.” Beyond the classroom, “many of the professors at the school are very forthcoming about wanting to help us professionally as well.” Some students would like to see more diverse faculty members and for the school to place more emphasis on faculty DEI training. There's a mix of political viewpoints among students and faculty, though some students feel that the faculty tends to “lean conservative” while “most students are on the liberal side.” However, regardless of differences in ideology, “students are friendly with each other, and cross-aisle conversation is encouraged.”

There is a “very strong sense of community” at UST. The environment is “incredibly collegial, polite, and professional” and “very cooperative.” One student describes the atmosphere, saying, “It has been a very nurturing experience.” The “research facilities and resources are phenomenal.” The library has “ample private study rooms,” and the librarians are “friendly and incredibly helpful when students have research or writing questions.” The law school gets “a ton of natural light” and the “classrooms are designed in a way that encourages student engagement.” The school creates many opportunities to socialize. As one student explains, “St. Thomas has a firm 90-minute lunch window that allows students of all classes to mingle at club meetings and events.” There are “great lunchtime presentations” that cover “a wide variety of legal practices,” as well as social events including “Law Prom, kickball tournaments, [and] game nights.” The location in downtown Minneapolis makes it “easy to work at a firm part-time while in school,” and the Skyway System—a series of enclosed pedestrian bridges —helps make the city walkable even in Minnesota winters.