Francis King Carey School of Law in Maryland Law Schools
Francis King Carey School of Law in Maryland
1. Overview
The Francis King Carey School of Law is the law school of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
Established in 1816, it is one of the oldest law schools in the United States.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, it serves as a key institution for legal education in the state.
Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), allowing graduates to sit for the Maryland Bar and other state bars nationwide.
2. Name and Legacy
Renamed in honor of Francis King Carey, a prominent Maryland attorney and philanthropist, in 2011.
The school has a rich tradition of public service and commitment to social justice.
It is known for its focus on clinical education, legal ethics, and public interest law.
3. Academic Programs
Offers the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Provides joint degree programs, such as JD/Master of Public Health (MPH) and JD/Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Known for strong clinical programs — students gain hands-on experience through clinics in areas such as:
Civil advocacy
Elder law
Family law
Innocence project
Mediation and conflict resolution
Offers a variety of specialized courses including health law, environmental law, and intellectual property.
4. Reputation and Ranking
The Carey School of Law is well-regarded regionally and nationally for:
Its emphasis on practical legal training.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Producing lawyers who work in public service, government, and private practice in Maryland and beyond.
Though it may not always be in the very top tier of national law school rankings, it has a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic legal community.
5. Maryland Legal Education Context
Other notable law schools in Maryland include:
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (UMB)
University of Baltimore School of Law
Carey School of Law benefits from proximity to Maryland’s courts and government agencies in Baltimore and Annapolis, offering excellent externship and employment opportunities.
6. Legal Influence and Case Law Context
While there may not be landmark cases about the law school itself, its faculty and alumni have contributed to important Maryland and U.S. jurisprudence. The school’s focus on public interest law is reflected in cases and legal debates involving:
Civil Rights and Equal Protection: Maryland courts and federal courts in Maryland have dealt with significant civil rights cases influenced by scholarly work from Carey Law professors.
Health Law and Bioethics: Given Maryland’s medical research prominence, Carey Law’s faculty contribute to cases shaping health law policies, including patient rights and bioethics.
Environmental Law: Maryland’s environmental regulations have been shaped in part by litigation and scholarship involving Carey Law experts.
7. Notable Alumni
Alumni include judges, legislators, and government officials who have served at the state and federal levels.
Graduates have also taken leadership roles in law firms, public interest organizations, and academia.
8. Clinical and Experiential Learning
The school emphasizes "learning by doing".
Clinics such as the Child Advocacy Clinic, Civil Advocacy Clinic, and Consumer Protection Clinic allow students to represent real clients under supervision.
These programs prepare graduates for effective legal practice immediately upon graduation.
9. Conclusion
The Francis King Carey School of Law is a cornerstone of Maryland’s legal education system, combining a historic legacy with a modern emphasis on practical skills and public service. It plays a vital role in preparing competent, ethical lawyers who contribute meaningfully to Maryland’s legal landscape and beyond.
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