University of Baltimore in Maryland Law Schools
University of Baltimore School of Law
1. Overview and History
The University of Baltimore School of Law was established in 1925 to provide legal education primarily to working adults in the Baltimore area.
The school began as an evening program to increase access for students who worked full-time, and later expanded to include full-time day programs.
It became part of the University of Baltimore, a public institution, in 1975, which reflects its mission to serve the local community and the state of Maryland.
The law school’s mission emphasizes practical training, public service, and inclusion—focusing on producing lawyers who will work within Maryland’s courts and communities.
2. Location and Facilities
The school is located in downtown Baltimore in the John and Frances Angelos Law Center, a modern building opened in 2013.
The law center is designed to foster learning through modern classrooms, moot courtrooms, extensive law libraries, and dedicated clinic spaces.
Its proximity to Maryland state courts and government institutions allows students practical exposure to the Maryland legal system.
3. Academic Programs
The school offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in several formats:
Full-time day program
Part-time evening program (especially designed for working professionals)
Hybrid evening program combining online and in-person classes
It also offers LL.M. degrees primarily focused on U.S. law for internationally trained lawyers, as well as certificates in areas like tax and estate planning.
Joint degrees (such as J.D./M.B.A.) allow students to combine legal studies with business or public administration.
The curriculum includes foundational Maryland law topics such as Maryland civil procedure, real property law, and state constitutional law alongside national legal principles.
4. Experiential Learning and Clinics
The school runs a range of clinical programs, where students represent real clients under supervision. Clinics include:
Family law clinic
Criminal defense clinic
Community development clinic
Veterans law clinic
These clinics serve low-income Maryland residents and provide students with hands-on experience applying Maryland law in actual cases.
Clinical programs emphasize ethical practice, client communication, and familiarity with Maryland’s court rules and procedures.
5. Case Law within Maryland Context
UBalt Law teaches Maryland case law relevant to its students’ practice in the state, such as landmark Maryland Court of Appeals decisions that shape state legal doctrines.
For example, Murray v. Pearson (1936) is a foundational Maryland case related to equal access to legal education (as mentioned previously), showcasing the state’s role in advancing justice.
Students study Maryland-specific precedents in areas such as property disputes, contract interpretation, and criminal law that define how Maryland courts apply statutory and common law.
The school emphasizes understanding the Maryland Rules of Procedure that govern litigation in state courts.
6. Bar Preparation and Employment
UBalt Law prepares students specifically for the Maryland Bar Exam, with programs tailored to Maryland’s exam content, including Maryland’s unique state laws.
The school has strong connections with Maryland courts, law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations, helping students secure clerkships and jobs in Maryland.
Graduates predominantly work within Maryland’s legal system, fulfilling roles as trial lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders, and judges.
7. Mission and Community Focus
The law school’s mission includes serving Baltimore and Maryland’s diverse population by:
Providing legal education accessible to working adults and underrepresented groups
Emphasizing public service and justice in Maryland communities
Offering pro bono opportunities and encouraging students to engage in public interest work within the state
Summary
The University of Baltimore School of Law is a public Maryland law school focused on providing accessible, practical legal education rooted in Maryland law and serving the local community. Its programs, clinics, and curriculum are tailored to prepare students for careers within Maryland’s legal system, emphasizing hands-on experience with Maryland state courts, legal procedures, and statutes.
Its legacy is strongly tied to Maryland’s legal history and public service, including key cases like Murray v. Pearson which set important precedents for access to legal education within the state.
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