Seattle University - School of Law

Seattle University “[offers] a great academic experience” while fostering “a challenging but supportive environment.” The “great faculty, tremendous core values, [and] excellent course selection,” are influenced by the school’s Jesuit tradition. This “mission of social justice” divides the opinions of students. Some praise it as “one of the greatest strengths of this school.” The school’s location in one of America’s hippest cities “affords many opportunities for externships and doing pro bono work.” Seattle offers many benefits, both socially and career-wise, to students. The school is very “connected to the local legal community.”
“The facilities are outstanding” at Seattle University, with a “bright and open” building that is “really nice, modern, and inviting.” The law school is “always a comfortable temperature,” has “excellent wireless access,” and features “plenty of places to study and plenty of plug ins for laptops.” There are “tons of places to meet in groups or hide to study alone,” especially in the library where you can even “eat and drink” while hitting the books. “The library staff [is] very accessible and helpful” and “even the custodial staff and the baristas are sweethearts.”
Academically, the most constantly praised program is easily the “top notch” “number one-ranked legal writing program.” “The legal writing program really shines and local employers take that into account when making hiring decisions,” a 1L explains. “It’s the only reason anyone that has a job after graduation got that job,” says a 3L. “One of the highlights really has to be the center for professional development,” and students also praise the law clinics. The “very passionate” professors “literally beg students to come to office hours.” Some do suggest professors can be “a mixed bag.” “The professors and deans are very accessible and willing to talk to/work with students to solve any problems,” and they work to ensure classes are “always a collaborative and encouraging but challenging environment.” A 2L elaborates: “The teaching focus is traditional with modern twists: how would this rule of evidence apply to text messages? Is opening an email an unlawful search? What free sources of research are available on the internet?” However, one 2L fears that “the theme of ‘social justice’ has overrun the theme of creating employable lawyers.” “I loved every class and for the first time in my educational career, I actually WANTED to do my homework!” one pleased student declares. The “very down to earth” administration also receives praise for being “more than capable of answering just about every question you could have.” Some students do think the administration should work to make “the night program more equal to the day program,” and in general the administration should “focus more on preparing students for employment following graduation.” A 2L sums up their experience thusly: “The entire focus of the program, from top to bottom, is: You CAN do this and you CAN be amazing at it.”

Seattle University “hosts frequent events both social and otherwise,” which fosters “camaraderie between students.” The student body is somewhat divided “between the day and evening students,” two groups that are “different and [do] not socialize with each other.” This may be exacerbated by the fact that “most of the school events, activities, and classes are geared towards day-students.” The school’s location “the midst of a great Seattle neighborhood” provide plenty of nightlife and off-campus activities. “Seattle is definitely gray and rainy, but that is part of the package,” and students enjoy “being located in such a progressive city.”