Think Ready. Think Cooley.
Join our story of transformation, of people and of impact. In a world that needs minds ready to navigate the legal landscapes of tomorrow, emerge from law school confident and future-ready.
EARN YOUR J.D.Join our story of transformation, of people and of impact. In a world that needs minds ready to navigate the legal landscapes of tomorrow, emerge from law school confident and future-ready.
EARN YOUR J.D.
We'll prepare you to become a lawyer who thinks critically, communicates effectively, and navigates complex legal landscapes with confidence.
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We equip you with the necessary skills to be legal professionals through various hands-on learning opportunities.
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You can earn a 10 to 100% tuition scholarship. Law school scholarships also extend beyond those offered by admissions.
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Join our diverse law school community that will enrich your law school experience with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
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LANSING, Mich. – On Oct. 22, Cooley Law School hosted the National Legal Mentoring Consortium’s virtual conference, “The New Era of Legal Mentoring,” where President and Dean James McGrath spoke on “The New Law School Admissions Landscape: Impacts on Diversity, Access, and Legal Mentoring.” Speakers at the event addressed the impact of significant efforts aimed at law schools and their student populations as to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the American Bar Association’s ability to continue accrediting law schools, and how mentoring leaders can respond to those efforts and prepare for the shifting makeup of the professional population. “The demand for a legal education has never been higher, but the guardrails around diversity have never been weaker,” McGrath said during the conference. “We have more people knocking on the door than ever and fewer rules requiring anyone to open it wider.” In the 2026 law school admissions cycle, McGrath noted there were 82,000 people nationwide who applied to law school – nearly an 8% increase since 2025; and 27% increase since 2024. “The surge in applicants is not the same as the surge in access,” he said. “Cooley has always had an access mission. But when applications rise, the selective schools get more selective. The median LSATs tend to climb up and the applicants squeezed out first are going to be the first-generation working adults and career changers. So where do the qualified, but not elite applicants go when the pool tightens? They turn to schools with access missions and that’s exactly the reason why Cooley was founded back in 1972.”

Isabel Zagazeta is a 3L J.D. candidate and Dean’s Fellow at Cooley Law School in Tampa, Florida. Originally from Canada, she earned her undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University before moving to Florida to study law at Cooley. She has earned book awards, served on Law Review, mentored incoming students, and was part of Cooley’s Moot Court team that recently won first place at the 2026 Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition. With a passion for legal writing and healthcare compliance, Isabel is building a strong foundation for a future in law at Cooley.

Recent Cooley Law School graduate Morgan Prybys is turning a longtime dream of becoming a lawyer into a career focused on helping others. Prybys, who began her professional journey working in security before becoming a paralegal, was recently recognized with the Cooley Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award at the law school’s Honors Convocation. The award recognized her academic journey, involvement and commitment to supporting those around her. During her time at Cooley, Prybys was involved with several student organizations and served as a teaching assistant. She also gained hands-on experience through Cooley’s SixtyPlus ElderLaw Clinic, building on her interest in estate planning and elder law. Her legal interests also include compliance, an area in which she earned a Certificate of Merit. Her journey from doubting whether law school was possible to earning her J.D. and receiving recognition for her accomplishments reflects the persistence and growth that shaped her legal education. Read more about Morgan Prybys and her journey in the Legal News.
Located in Michigan’s capital city, the Lansing campus places you at the center of the state’s legal community. Just steps from the Michigan Supreme Court, federal and local courts, government offices, and law firms, students have exceptional opportunities for internships, networking, and hands-on learning. The campus features modern courtrooms, a comprehensive law library, collaborative study spaces, and convenient access to downtown restaurants, parks, festivals, and walking trails.
Located just minutes from downtown, the Tampa campus offers a modern learning environment with courtroom classrooms, a comprehensive law library, free on-site parking, and a supportive campus community.
Beyond the classroom, students enjoy easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, professional sports, cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment, while studying in one of the nation’s fastest-growing legal and business markets.
With life and work obligations, you may wonder, how hard is law school? At Cooley, you can find the right balance while earning your degree from an ABA-accredited law school, recognized as one of the best law schools for practical training and most improved in employment. Study in Michigan or Florida, attend full- or part-time, take evening or weekend classes, or opt for our 24-month accelerated program.
Join a learning experience characterized by a rigorous, real-world focus and the opportunity to mold your classes around your needs as you obtain your J.D. degree.