
Cooley Law School was founded with an access mission and continues to welcome a wide range of students seeking a path into the legal profession.
The school emphasizes hands-on learning and bar preparation, with a curriculum that includes extensive skills courses, clinics, and externships focused on everyday lawyering for individuals and small businesses.
Graduates often build careers in solo and small-firm practice, criminal defense and prosecution, and family and consumer law across Michigan and neighboring states.
A median LSAT of 147 places Cooley Law School among the most competitive law schools. Applicants below 145 should consider retaking the exam or emphasizing other strong application components.
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of 47.59%. Applicants with scores near the median of 147 LSAT and 3.15 GPA have a strong chance of admission.
While there is no strict minimum, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 145. Applicants scoring below this number face significant challenges but may be considered if they have exceptionally strong soft factors or work experience.
Interview policies vary by year, but top-tier schools like Cooley Law School often use interviews (by invitation) to evaluate candidates holistically. Check the specific requirements in the Admissions section above.
75% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation. A significant portion (1%) go into BigLaw firms, while 3% secure federal clerkships.