Choosing the right law school is a pivotal decision, and we’re eager to show you why Richmond Law is an excellent place to begin your legal journey. As you explore your options, below are a few standout reasons why Richmond Law should be at the top of your list.
At Richmond Law, we pride ourselves on maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 5 to 1. This means our professors are not only accessible but also deeply invested in your success. From mentorship to tailored guidance, you’ll benefit from a learning environment where individualized attention isn’t just a promise—it’s a priority.
From orientation to graduation, Katy supports Richmond Law students with all things related to student life. With a passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive law school environment, she counsels students on personal matters, supervises student organizations, coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities, and develops programming to promote well-being. Katy has been at Richmond Law since 2017. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and earned a master’s of Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond.
“My mission as the director of student affairs is to empower Richmond Law students with the resources, support, and guidance needed to thrive both academically and personally. Our office is committed to fostering an environment of belonging where every student feels valued, heard, and equipped to achieve their fullest potential.”
Every student is assigned a faculty mentor upon entry to Richmond Law. Faculty mentors support you in your journey from law student to legal professional. Many students maintain contact with their assigned faculty mentor throughout their law school career. Others form a mentoring relationship with a faculty member with whom they have established a close professional bond. However created, a strong mentor relationship with a faculty member can be a very positive experience in law school. Mentors can encourage self-reflection and self-direction, offer guidance and feedback, provide context for your academic and professional experiences, and model professional behavior and values.
As part of the Professional Identity Formation (PIF) course, 1L students are required to meet at least once with their faculty mentor in the fall and spring semesters. These meetings provide opportunities for students to assess both their successes and challenges as they adjust to law school, identify areas for growth, and find resources to maximize their experience in law school.
Every first-year small section is assigned a Student Section Mentor (SSM). SSMs are second and third-year law students who serve as knowledgeable guides for new students and provide access to people, resources, and information. SSMs encourage a sense of community between students in their section and focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging at Richmond Law. You can expect to hear from your SSM throughout the year with reminders about resources that may help you.
Peer Mentors are second and third year law students who offer guidance and connect incoming students to helpful resources during their first year of law school. Each incoming student is matched with a Peer Mentor at orientation. You can ask your Peer Mentor about their own law school experience and share questions or concerns about your own. Both Peer Mentors and Student Section Mentors can provide student-focused insights about how to achieve success and happiness as a first-year law student.
The Career Development Office (CDO) will help you explore your professional interests and define and achieve your career goals. The CDO supports students by conducting advising sessions, developing and implementing programs to increase your knowledge of career paths and refine your employment search skills, and facilitating alumni and employer connections.
As an entering student, you will be paired with a career advisor early during your first semester. Your career advisor, who is your primary CDO contact, is available to help you develop an employment search strategy, prepare application documents, practice interviews, build a networking plan, and direct you to various employment search resources. As you will work with your advisor throughout your time at the law school, your advisor will be able to provide feedback tailored to your unique situation. You should participate in an initial meeting with your career advisor no later than mid-October. Thereafter, 8 you may schedule a meeting with your career advisor at any time. Regular meetings and email checkins are encouraged.
The Professional Identity Formation (PIF) program at Richmond Law equips students with the tools for professional growth, goal-setting, and well-being, while emphasizing diversity, equity, and the duty to promote justice. Starting with a first-year course, PIF introduces students to the intentional development of their professional identity, but the process extends far beyond the classroom—it's a continuous journey integrated throughout your entire law school experience, encouraging you to seize growth opportunities in courses, clinics, volunteer work, and real-world challenges.
At Richmond Law, we take seriously our commitment to ensure you enjoy a rewarding educational experience and graduate with the tools you need to create a successful and fulfilling legal practice. In line with this mission, we support your professional formation by offering:
The Princeton Review selects colleges for the guidebook based on academic offerings. The ranking lists are based entirely on student surveys.
Richmond Law offers a wealth of practical experiences designed to prepare you for a dynamic legal career. With numerous externships, four in-house clinics, and unique placement opportunities, you’ll gain the real-world skills that employers value.
24% of 1L students worked as judicial interns (nationally) during summer 2023.
100% of Richmond Law 1Ls are guaranteed summer fellowships. The total funding for summer fellowships was $507,269 in 2024.
Richmond Law operates four in-house clinics, in which students work on real legal matters for real clients, under the supervision of law school faculty members. The clinics offer an invaluable capstone experience for upper-level students as they transition from learning the law to practicing the law, allowing them to represent clients in a wide variety of matters—disability rights, trademark registration, wrongful conviction, and more.
The Jeanette Lipman Children’s Defense Clinic is a litigation-oriented clinic that focuses primarily on the needs of indigent children who are before the court on delinquency or immigration matters and post-conviction challenges for individuals originally sentenced to prison when they were minors.
Through the Institute for Actual Innocence, Richmond Law students take a leading role in screening, investigating, and litigating felony cases in which there is credible evidence of the convicted person’s innocence.
As a teaching law firm sponsored by the University of Richmond School of Law, the Intellectual Property & Transactional Law Clinic provides business transaction and intellectual property legal services to start-ups, small businesses, non-profit organizations, individual makers and creators.
The Access to Justice Clinic provides legal services to clients with limited incomes in civil matters, including housing, public benefits, family, and education law cases. Under the supervision of Professor Cassie Powell, student attorneys work to advance the rights of people experiencing poverty before local courts and administrative agencies.
The academic experience at Richmond Law is both broad and deep. In several areas, we’re proud to offer specialties or concentrations of study for students who want to focus in particular fields of academics. These centers, institutes, and programs also engage academics and the local community in important issues and conversations, and promote awareness in their respective fields of study.
The Robert R. Merhige Jr. Center for Environmental Studies at the University of Richmond School of Law engages in research, instruction, and public outreach on energy and environmental issues in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
The Richmond Law & Business Forum is a co-curricular program at the University of Richmond School of Law that helps students learn about the practice of business law and connect with business lawyers.
The mission of the Intellectual Property Institute at the University of Richmond School of Law is to maintain a dynamic and respected center for the study of contemporary intellectual property issues, to increase curricular and other learning opportunities available to law students interested in intellectual property law, and to encourage widespread awareness and understanding of the role that intellectual property plays in fostering a creative and innovative culture.
The Richmond Criminal Justice Forum (RCJF) is a new co-curricular program at the University of Richmond School of Law created for the purpose of inspiring and equipping students to pursue fulfilling careers in the criminal justice field.
At Richmond Law, you’ll be surrounded by an environment that inspires. The University of Richmond was ranked the #1 Most Beautiful Campus in America by Princeton Review, and it’s easy to see why. Our meticulously landscaped grounds, iconic collegiate gothic architecture, and serene lake views create a stunning backdrop for your legal education. This is more than just a place to study—it’s a place where you’ll feel energized and motivated every day.
We strive to cultivate and model a community marked by inclusivity and concern for others and the greater good. Creating a diverse and accessible learning environment in which our students can thrive is a top priority—not only because it creates a better educational experience, but because it makes for better lawyers. We are dedicated to preparing our students to become the kinds of lawyers who can not only navigate a multicultural world, but who also value diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own work and lives.
Our Law building has also recently undergone an extensive renovation, enhancing both functionality and accessibility. These improvements have created modern, student-centered spaces designed to support your learning experience and provide an ideal environment for collaboration and innovation.
Nestled in Virginia’s capital, Richmond offers more than just proximity to major legal markets—it’s a gateway to an exceptional quality of life. The city is a legal hub, with a higher concentration of courts than almost any other U.S. city, providing ample opportunities for internships and networking. Beyond the courtroom, Richmond is known for its award-winning restaurants, fascinating museums, and scenic outdoor trails along the James River. It’s a city where you can immerse yourself in both your legal studies and a rich cultural experience.
Richmond, Virginia offers a rich blend of history and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re strolling through scenic parks, exploring the riverfront, or enjoying outdoor festivals, Richmond provides plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. The city’s James River Park System is a true gem, featuring hiking and biking trails, rock climbing spots, and river access for kayaking or tubing. Richmond’s outdoor attractions offer something for everyone, from quiet garden walks to thrilling adventure activities.
Top Outdoor Attractions in Richmond, VA:
Local activities + resources for mobility-challenged Richmonders
Richmond, Virginia, is a hotspot for food lovers and festival-goers alike, boasting a diverse culinary scene and a calendar packed with vibrant, iconic events. From Southern comfort food to global cuisine, Richmond’s restaurant culture offers flavors to suit every palate. You can explore everything from local farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries and food trucks that capture the city’s creative spirit. But the fun doesn’t stop at the table—Richmond’s food culture comes alive throughout the year with festivals celebrating everything from craft beer to street art, making it a city where good food and good times are always on the menu.
Richmond, Virginia is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a wide variety of museums and sightseeing opportunities that cater to all interests. From art and history to science and architecture, Richmond’s museums provide a deep dive into the city’s heritage and beyond. Whether you’re exploring world-class art collections, learning about Civil War history, or marveling at historical landmarks, there’s no shortage of places to discover. Richmond’s vibrant arts scene and rich history ensure there’s something for everyone to explore.
Local activities + resources for mobility-challenged Richmonders
Every single person I’ve met at Richmond Law has been really nice and excited about the school, from alumni to current students to faculty and staff. The dynamic here fits my personality. You hear about other law schools being cutthroat—I never got that vibe from Richmond Law, so that’s a huge reason why I wanted to come here.
