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Over the past two decades, law school students have consistently rated their educational experiences highly. According to the Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE), nearly 80% of law students have described their experience as “good” or “excellent” since the survey’s inception in 2004. However, significant disparities in satisfaction persist, particularly among students of color.
The LSSSE, conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Postsecondary Research, recently released its 20th-anniversary report. The report reflects on changes in student diversity, debt, career aspirations, and overall satisfaction and paints a nuanced picture of the evolving law school experience and the remaining challenges.
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A More Diverse, Engaged, and Prepared Student Body
“Twenty years of data reveal that law students are more diverse, increasingly engaged, and better prepared than ever before,” said Meera Deo, a law professor at Southwestern and director of the LSSSE. Since 2004, more than 425,000 law students have participated in the survey, providing valuable insights into their educational journeys.
In 2004, 83% of law students were white. By 2024, that figure had decreased to 68%, signaling progress in diversifying the legal education pipeline. Additionally, the average age of law students has shifted. In 2004, only 1% of students were younger than 23, compared to 11% in 2024. This younger demographic reflects broader changes in the timing of career planning and entry into legal education.
Persistent Disparities in Student Satisfaction
Despite the increasing diversity in law schools, satisfaction rates among students of color remain lower than those of their white peers. In 2024, 84% of white students rated their law school experience as “good” or “excellent.” In contrast, only 67% of Black and 77% of Latino students expressed similar satisfaction levels.
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This gap has persisted over the survey’s 20-year history, even as institutions have worked to foster more inclusive environments. Law schools are grappling with addressing these disparities while balancing broader issues such as student well-being and mental health.
The Impact of Mental Health Challenges
One area of concern highlighted by the survey is the mental health of law students. Research indicates rising levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion among students. In the 2021 survey, 91% of students reported experiencing increased mental or emotional strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges, overall satisfaction has remained stable. In 2021, 78% of students still rated their law school experience as “good” or “excellent,” demonstrating resilience in the face of significant obstacles.
Student Debt: A Decade of Change
The cost of legal education remains a critical concern, though debt levels have shown slight improvement in recent years. In 2004, 18% of students anticipated graduating with $100,000 or more in debt. This figure climbed to 43% in 2014 before falling to 36% in 2024.
However, debt burdens vary significantly by race. In 2024, more than half of Black (51%) and Latino (53%) law students expected to graduate with $100,000 or more in educational loans, compared to 32% of white students. These disparities highlight ongoing inequities in access to affordable legal education.
Career Aspirations Remain Steady
Over the past two decades, law students’ career goals have remained consistent. About 53% of students plan to enter private practice after graduation, while 26% to 28% aim to work in government roles. Careers in public interest law remain less common, with approximately 6% of students expressing interest in this field.
Despite the changing landscape of the legal profession, these trends suggest that students continue to pursue traditional career paths in law.
A Resilient Legal Education System
“The biggest takeaway from these findings is that legal education remains strong, despite recent dramatic upheavals around us,” the LSSSE report concludes.
The past two decades have seen significant shifts in the composition and experiences of law students, but the core of legal education has remained resilient. As law schools strive to address ongoing challenges—including racial disparities, mental health concerns, and rising costs—they continue to prepare the next generation of attorneys for an evolving profession.
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