PreLaw Recognizes Washburn Law Among the Top Schools in the Nation in 3 Categories

In the Fall 2016 issue of preLaw magazine, Washburn Law was ranked among top laws schools in the nation in three categories: Best Value, Business and Corporate Law, and Taxation Law.

PreLaw gave Washburn Law an "A" ranking for the breadth and quality of its curricular offerings in business and corporate law, including the Small Business & Nonprofit Transactional Law Clinic; Business and Transactional Law Center; Business and Transactional Law Certificate; student groups; and externships. We were one of only 21 law schools in the nation to achieve an "A" rating or above in this category. The competition in this category is stiff considering that more schools offer concentrations in business and corporate law than any other specialty, according to preLaw. 

Ranking among the top 11 schools in the nation, Washburn Law’s taxation program received an "A-" ranking from preLaw. The program is enhanced by the Small Business & Nonprofit Transactional Law Clinic; Business and Transactional Law Center; Tax Law Certificate; student groups, and externships. Our students gain practical skills volunteering at the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic, where in 2016, more than 200 Topeka residents were assisted, which generated more than $300,000 in federal refunds and nearly $40,000 in state refunds.

Washburn Law received a "B+" ranking and was among the 58 mostly public law schools (four are private) who received preLaw’s Best Value Law School designation. The key factors preLaw used to select the Best Value were low school debt and high scores in employment success. Other consideration was given to tuition costs, bar passage success rates, and cost of living. Ultimately, the Best Value award seeks to honor schools that provide a good education, at an affordable cost, with graduates prepared to land jobs as lawyers.

"A top priority for Washburn Law is to help our students carry a minimal law school debt load," said Director of Admissions Preston Nicholson. "To achieve this, we offer a range of scholarships; in-state tuition for residents of Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas; and in-state tuition for active duty and veteran military who have received an honorable discharge, their spouses and dependents who qualify."  

According to Professional Development Office (PDO) Director Tammy King, the PDO partners with law students beginning in their first year of studies to ensure employment success.

"Students are counseled individually on job search techniques designed to help them achieve their specific legal career goals," King said. "Opportunities abound in Kansas’ capital city for students to put their developing legal skills to work for government agencies, nonprofits, and law firms, giving Washburn students an edge over students without access to such practical legal experience while in school."