FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Answered

• How much does it cost to attend BSL?
  Tuition and fees are subject to change every year. Please see tuition and fees page for most current rates.
• What are the application deadlines?
  Fall Application Deadline – July 1
  Spring Application Deadline – November 1
• What does the student & technology fee cover?
  These fees cover access to Westlaw, CALI lessons, and maintenance of all things IT-related.
• When do classes meet?
  – Weeknight classes meet from 6:00 – 8:45 pm, Monday through Friday.
  
  – Saturday classes meet in four class periods: 1st period 9:00 am – 11:45 am, 2nd period 12:30 pm – 3:15 pm, 3rd period 3:30 pm – 6:15 pm, and 4th period 6:30 pm – 9:15 pm.
  
  
• Are student loans or loan deferments available?
  We are unable to participate in federal student aid programs or loan deferments since we are not accredited.
• Does BSL participate in any veteran education programs?
  Since we are an unaccredited school, we are not able to participate in veteran education programs.
• Does BSL have scholarships available for entering students (First Year or “1L” students)?
  No. BSL has a limited endowment and has chosen to create scholarships for 2L and above students based on academic performance and, in certain instances, financial need.
• How many terms is BSL open for classes each year?
  BSL operates on a year-round basis, scheduling three terms of equal length every year (fall, spring, and summer). All students must attend all three terms unless circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent year-round attendance.
• How many courses may you schedule each term?
  In most cases, BSL students must schedule no more and no less than three courses each term. At the discretion of the Assistant Dean, a student may be allowed to take two courses during a term, or four to five with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
  
• Is BSL accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)?
  No, BSL is not accredited by the ABA, nor do we anticipate applying to the ABA for future ABA accreditation.
  
  However, pursuant to state law, BSL graduates are allowed to sit for the Alabama State Bar attorney licensing examination and, upon successful completion, may practice law before all federal, state, and municipal courts or administrative bodies in Alabama.
• What is the effect of attending a non-ABA school?
  Attending a law school not accredited by the ABA may restrict the portability of your degree/license to practice law in other states.
  
  We recommend you contact the state bar association in the secondary state of interest if you are considering practicing law in a state other than Alabama. A jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction list of bar licensing requirements may be found here: https://www.ncbex.org/publications/bar-admissions-guide/
• How many students are currently enrolled at BSL?
  Approximately 365 students are currently taking classes toward their Juris Doctor degree at BSL.
• What is the average class size at BSL?
  BSL class sizes range from 75 to 6 students, with the average class size around 40 students. Classes with fewer than six students are rarely allowed.
• When may a student enter into BSL’s juris doctor program?
  Students may begin attending classes in either the spring or the fall. However, students beginning in the spring must attend the weeknight program, as BSL is unable to offer 1L appropriate classes on Saturday during the spring term. Students beginning in spring who wish to attend Saturday classes may switch to the Saturday program when appropriate, but it generally takes 4 or 5 terms before the available Saturday classes and the student’s progress correspond.
• What is required to complete an application?
  To complete an application, an applicant must:
  
  1) Submit the online application.
  
  2) Pay the required application fee online.
  
  3) Order official transcripts from each college and/or university attended.
  
  4) Write and submit a personal statement not to exceed two (2) pages.
  
  5) Submit an updated resume listing all past employers and positions held.
  
  6) Submit two (2) letters of recommendation.
  
  All documents except transcripts must be received by BSL by the published deadline. If an applicant has attended graduate school, those transcripts must also be submitted.
  
  At least one of the applicant’s transcripts must indicate the award of a baccalaureate degree (B.S., B.S., Ed., etc.). Associate degrees (A.A., A.S.) or post-graduate level degrees (M.A., M.S., M.Ed., etc.) are generally not acceptable to the Alabama State Bar for law school admission.
  
  (If you have taken the LSAT and are currently registered with LSDAS, the applicant is not required to forward individual official transcripts. We will contact LSDAS for copies of your LSAT scores and LSDAS documents.)
• Does BSL require the LSAT and is there a set score?
  The LSAT is not required and we do not set a minimum score for most applicants at BSL. However, if your undergraduate GPA is below 2.75 you may find it beneficial to take the LSAT and participate in the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
  
  NOTICE: If your undergraduate baccalaureate degree was earned from a college or university foreign to the United States you must participate in both the LSAT and CAS. Please see www.lsac.org for more information concerning the LSAT and CAS programs, test dates and required fees.
• What other factors influence admission decisions?
  Admissions decisions are made on a case by case basis. Other influencing factors may include school(s) attended, work experience, etc.
• What is the minimum GPA requirement to remain in school?
  Any student who fails to maintain a 2.25 GPA after a minimum of two terms is placed on Academic Warning status, after which the student is allowed two terms to achieve a GPA higher than 2.25. Those who do not achieve the minimum 2.25 GPA after being placed on Academic Warning status may not be allowed to enroll for the following term.
• Who are the professors at BSL?
  Meet our professors here.
• Does BSL make accommodations pursuant to ADA (American Disability Act)?
  Yes, BSL makes reasonable accommodations with proper diagnosis and documentation provided to school administrators by the affected student. The required special accommodations application is found here student forms/.
  
  For specific accommodation policies, please contact the Assistant Dean at sgarrett@bsol.com.
• What is BSL’s absentee policy?
  A student may not miss more than three (3) class meetings per subject, per term.
  
  BSL treats all absences equally and does not differentiate between what some would describe as excused or unexcused absences or the reason for the absence.
  
  **If a student misses four (4) or more class meetings, the student becomes ineligible to sit for the final exam, will receive a grade of “F/A” (failure due to excessive absences), and must repeat the course.
• What is the dress code for students at BSL?
  Anything from business casual to casual is allowed.
• Is there parking available?
  Yes.
  
  There are two close-by parking lots (one surface lot and one parking deck) plus nearby street parking.
• May I tour the school before I apply?
  If you are interested in attending Birmingham School of Law, we welcome you to tour the campus. BSL hosts an open house for prospective students bi-monthly.