Applications to W&M Law Surge by 26%
“This surge in law school applications reflects the strong reputation that William & Mary enjoys throughout the nation,” said Law School Dean Davison M. Douglas. “Despite this increase, our admission staff gave each application very careful attention. My hat is off to them for a truly herculean effort.”
The Law School received applications for its J.D. program from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 72 foreign countries.
According to recent data compiled by the Law School Admission Council, only 17% of the accredited law schools in the United States experienced an application increase this year of more than 20%. About 30% of the nation’s accredited law schools had a drop in applications. Overall, the number of law school applicants increased this year by 3%, and, as those applicants generally applied to more law schools, there was a 7% increase in total applications nationwide.
“The staff always works hard,” said Associate Dean for Admission Faye F. Shealy, “but we did not expect an increase of 26%.” The number of applications, she added, reflects the outstanding legal education offered at the Law School and the national repute enjoyed by its stellar faculty.
“We would like to thank the entire W&M community,” Shealy said. “Everyone contributed to the success of our admission program this year: our new dean, Davison M. Douglas, our alumni ambassadors, our student ambassadors and tour guides, and our faculty who welcomed visitors and their families to our classrooms and halls. Also our admissions team, who worked amazingly hard and delivered everything on-time.”
“Dean Shealy is one of the top law school admission deans in the country,” said Neal E. Wixson, Assistant Dean for Admission. “Her leadership and experience were instrumental in achieving these results.”