Advice and ratings on Ohio law schools use many statistics, such as employment prospects, median salary and tuition. Intangibles such as campus life, teaching methods and learning atmosphere may also form the basis of a law school evaluation.

Applicants to accredited law schools in Ohio should begin their search by first considering law schools located in their desired geographic area. They also should consider the top law schools in the state where they plan to practice. Applicants should then select the schools that are within their budget and meet their specific needs. There are three general sources for getting advice and ratings on Ohio law schools:

1. Blogs on a law school in Ohio. A credible blog or other type of social media may have posts from students, faculty and law school experts sharing their personal experiences with Ohio law schools.
   
2. Rating services of law schools. Recognized experts may provide ratings of law schools that offer exceptional educational opportunities.
3. Recognition for individual law schools. The best law schools earn awards, grants and other accolades for their programs.
   

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Get advice for Ohio law schools through blogs

Blogs contain posts from law students, professors or lawyers who have personal experience with various law schools. They can provide valuable insight and advice for choosing the best law schools in Ohio.

I recommend: The Cleveland Law Library Weblog provides posts that offer law school news, trends and advice to law students in Ohio. Law X.O provides specific advice for law students entering Ohio State University Law School. While the blog is geared to Ohio State University Law School students, it provides applicable advice for all law students in Ohio.

Study rankings of Ohio ABA law schools

Rankings for law schools in Ohio are an effective and credible source of advice and ratings. Each rating service should provide their methodology. Rankings typically consist of weighted factors, such as assessments of law professors, selectivity and placement rate.

I recommend: The TaxProf Blog specializes in news on tax law and provides rankings of law schools, including law schools in Ohio. Nancy Rapoport’s Blogspot offers insight into law school rankings, including Ohio law schools.

Look at Ohio law schools honored with awards

Awards and accolades can be an excellent way of identifying top tier law schools in Ohio. Law schools may receive awards for legal research, academic programs or specific papers. The best law schools also are awarded grants for their programs.

I recommend: The National Center for Adoption Law & Policy at Capital University Law School received a Congressional Angel in Adoption Award in 2008 in recognition of child advocacy. The University of Akron School of Law won the 2008 American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Regional Competition.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking highly rated Ohio law schools should use law school ratings to get a good overview of the schools. However, applicants should be more concerned with finding a law school that will meet their particular needs, rather than attending the highest ranked law school on a list. Law school students also may wish to consider attending Ohio law schools online. An online law school in Ohio may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.

There are so many jobs for people who hold a law degree in Ohio: From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Different law schools in Ohio have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.

When considering Ohio Law Schools, do the following:

1. Look into attending a public Ohio state law school. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.

2. See if perhaps private law schools in Ohio are right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.

3. Find Ohio ABA law schools. Attending an American Bar Association accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam. Note that no online law schools in Ohio are ABA accredited.

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Check out public Ohio law schools

Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.

I recommend: Find scholarships for law students attending the University of Akron. Determine which concentration area is right for you at University of Cincinnati. Adhere to the application requirements of Ohio State University Law School.

Consider going to a private Ohio law school

Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.

I recommend: Specialize in one of a number of different programs available at Capital Law School in Ohio. Look over the admission requirements and apply online to the Ohio Northern Law School.

Find reputable and accredited law schools in Ohio

The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you choose a better school. Ohio law schools with online classes only are not accredited by the ABA.

I recommend: Find accredited schools in Ohio at the American Bar Association. Find rankings for Ohio schools on Top-Law-Schools.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carefully compare Ohio law schools before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.

Ohio law schools pricing and costs is generally very expensive compared to other types of formal education. The bar exam that is taken after graduation from law school also requires additional expenses, such as the course review, exam registration, transportation and accommodations.

The average Ohio state law school student leaves school with more that $84,000 in debt, which is a major factor in the decision of many law students to seek employment with major law firms, rather than in the public or non-profit sectors. There are three general factors that affect the cost of an Ohio law school:

1. Tuition and other fees. Tuition can vary greatly between laws schools, and the tuition for an online law school in Ohio is usually much lower.
2. Additional expenses for law schools in Ohio. These costs for Ohio law schools primarily consist of living expenses, books and other school supplies. Law school also requires additional fees, such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) fee, the law school application fee and the subscription fee to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS).
   
3. Financial aid. Scholarships, grants and loans are common ways to reduce the costs for Ohio law schools.
   

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Compare annual tuitions on Ohio ABA law schools

The tuition for private Ohio law schools is often dramatically higher than it is for public law schools or Ohio law schools online. Tuition and other law school expenses are typically less expensive for residents of Ohio than for non-residents. The tuition and other fees for a year of law school in Ohio ranges from $18,000 to $32,000 for residents.

I recommend: The Capital University Law School charges a tuition of about $30,000 per year for full-time students and $20,000 for part-time students. The tuition for Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law is approximately $27,000 per year.

Determine the other costs of attending Ohio law schools

Living expenses tend to be determined more by geography than by the law school. Some law schools in Ohio may provide the average costs of living and other pricing information on housing, books, supplies and other miscellaneous law student expenses.

I recommend: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law estimates the expenses for law students to be at least $14,000 per year. The University of Akron School of Law lists living expenses of about $15,000 per year.

Save money on Ohio law schools with grants and scholarships

Financial aid, such as grants, loans and scholarships, is the most common way of reducing law school expenses. Federal loans like the Stafford and Perkins loans frequently have the lowest interest rates and are guaranteed by the United States government. Employment is also an option, but many law schools place limits on the number of hours per week a student may work while attending law school.

I recommend: The University of Toledo College of Law offers many scholarships that vary in amount and duration. The University of Dayton School of Law provides a variety of merit-based scholarships to about half of each entering law class.

Gaining acceptance into law school can be overwhelming. There is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), applications and financial aid forms and transcripts and letters of recommendation to obtain. When choosing a law school, you must inquire as to whether their program has American Bar Association accreditation.

Law students may choose from a variety of areas to concentrate their studies ranging from criminal law to labor and employment law as well as develop skills in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Law schools may offer Moot Court and Pro Bono programs to students that provide professional growth.

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American Bar Association

The American Bar Association (ABA) works to establish academic standards for law schools and develop ethical standards that its members must adhere to. When selecting a law school, verify that it has accreditation from the ABA, for graduation from an ABA accredited law school is a requirement for sitting for the state bar exam.

I recommend: For a list of ABA-accredited schools in Ohio, refer to the American Bar Association website.

Merit and need-based scholarships

Scholarships are an excellent source of funding for one's law school education because the student does not have to repay the money. Students that have high academic achievements may receive a merit-based scholarship. Other scholarships are based on financial need and are awarded to students based on their demonstrated financial need.

I recommend: Refer to the University of Akron School of Law for information on scholarships for students.

Labor and employment law

Labor and employment law involves cases pertaining to affirmative action and sexual harassment in the workplace. Law students interested in this area of law take classes related to Labor Law, Employment Law, Civil Rights, Sex-based Discrimination and Workers' and Unemployment Compensation.

I recommend: For more information on labor and employment law, refer to the Capital University Law School website.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution involves measures such as mediation and negotiation between parties to reach a resolution to their situation and avoid going to trial.

I recommend: Refer to The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law for more information on Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Moot Court programs and competitions

Moot Court programs and competitions present law students with a fictitious case in which they have the opportunity to research, prepare briefs and argue their case before members in the legal community. Benefits of participating in Moot Court programs and competitions include developing experience in researching and preparing briefs, pleading cases before judges and networking with others in the legal profession.

I recommend: For information on Moot Court programs and competitions, refer to the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Pro Bono Programs

Pro Bono is the act of donating their time and legal expertise to others. Pro Bono work can involve assisting Legal Aid and Public Defender programs.

I recommend: For more information on Pro Bono Programs, refer to the Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law website.