The incoming 2023 class began their law school journey with students arriving at the University of Miami School of Law from 35 states, 118 institutions, and 24 countries around the globe.
Miami Law received 4,194 applications for the 1L cohort and an additional 99 transfer applications – a testament to Miami Law's appeal. This resulted in welcoming over 450 new students as part of the J.D. program, LL.M. programs, and the S.J.D. program in early August.
Most Diverse, Highest Credentialed J.D. Class
Miami Law enrolled a talented student body representing a broad range of experiences. This year's class is the most diverse in Miami Law's history. Overall, 55% of the incoming class identified as a student of color—close to 200 future lawyers.
In addition, 74% of the class are first-generation law students, while 15% are first-generation college students. In addition, 65% speak one or more foreign languages. "These numbers genuinely reflect Miami Law's commitment to access and opportunity," said Associate Dean of Admissions, Enrollment Management & Financial Aid Katrin Hussmann Schroll.
The law school also welcomed several members of the military, as well as teachers, police officers, accountants, paralegals, engineers, athletes, film documentarians, professional musicians, and ballerinas.
It further boasts the highest credentialed class in Miami Law's history, beating out last year's numbers, with a median LSAT of 162, and a median undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.72.
LL.M. and S.J.D. Classes from Around the Globe
The University of Miami School of Law also welcomed impressive LL.M. classes in international law, international arbitration, maritime law, tax law, real property development, entertainment, arts and sports law, and estate planning.
The current 94 incoming LL.M. students and 3 S.J.D.s are from twenty-four countries, including Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.
The LL.M. and S.J.D. students began their journey at Miami Law with a week-long orientation program designed to prepare them to engage fully with the Law School community, inside the classroom and beyond. Orientation included presentations from faculty, staff, alumni, and current students. They participated in classes, workshops, and the HOPE Day of Service.
In addition to being fully trained as attorneys in their home countries, LL.M. and S.J.D. students bring a wealth of private sector, government, corporate, judiciary, and public interest experience. Many members of this year's LL.M. class are fluent in at least two languages, with many speaking more than two.
Chilean attorney and former pro soccer player Patricio Varela Laso is an incoming Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M student. He chose to attend Miami Law for many of the same reasons as his LL.M. classmates.
“It’s a hands-on program, focused on giving students actual experience in real-world scenarios, coupled with its outstanding professional and faculty network,” said Varela Laso. "It's definitely one of the strongest programs one could find worldwide to build the foundations of a successful legal career."
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