Ohio Northern University Claude Pettit College of Law, commonly referred to as ONU Law, is a private, non-profit law school located in Ada, Ohio. It is the law school of Ohio Northern University, and the second oldest law school in Ohio, founded in 1885. The college is centered in Tilton Hall, a modern building that houses all law classes and the Taggart Law Library. The College of Law is located on the East-North-East side of the tree-lined Ohio Northern University campus. It is currently ranked the #136 best law school by US News.
History
Founded in 1885, the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law is the second oldest of the nine Ohio law schools and a founding member of the Ohio League of Law Schools. As such, it is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. It was named in honor of Claude W. Pettit, a judge and former dean of the college. ONU Law has been fully accredited by the American Bar Association since 1948 and a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1965.
Academics
The ONU College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. In 2019, the law school was ranked 136 by the U.S. News & World Report.
Curriculum
ONU law students can choose from nine specialized tracks, 12 guaranteed clinical and externship placements and more than 100+ course options while also expanding their experience by studying abroad, participating in Law Review, accepting research and teaching assistantships, participating in pro bono programs or taking an active role in Moot Court.ONU Law is regarded for its ability to blend legal theory with practical training.
Bar Passage Rate
ONU's bar passage rate for first-time takers of the July 2019 Ohio Bar Examination was 100%, while its bar passage rate for first-time takers in any jurisdiction in 2019 was 84.44%. For the July 2018 bar exam, ONU had a bar passage rate of 70.6%. For the July 2017 bar exam, ONU had a bar passage rate of 86.7%.
ONU Law is home to the Democratic Governance and Rule of Law LL.M. program. The program, founded in 2006, is a subsidized one-year program of study designed for lawyers practicing in the public or non-profit sector. It is open to those whose first law degree was earned from a law school outside the U.S. as well as American lawyers interested in pursuing careers in the international development field. Upon completion of the LL.M., foreign students are required to commit to 2 years further public service upon return to their home countries. The unique curricular scope of the program covers topics relevant to lawyers, judges and public officials in transitioning states, including a strong focus on rule of law reforms. The LL.M. program was cut by the University in response for a need to lower costs. The final class of LL.M. students will graduate in May 2020, with the program ending following their graduation.
Post-graduation employment
According to ONU Law's official ABA-required disclosures, 81% of the 2018 graduating class was employed in full-time professional positions 10 months after graduation. Positions were in various size law firms, federal and local judicial clerkships, public interest, government, higher education, and businesses. The National Law Journal lists ONU Law has having one of the highest percentage of alumni, 38.1%, which are underemployed.
Costs
The cost of tuition at ONU Law for the 2019–20 academic year is $29,260.
Notable alumni
ONU Law alumni have gone on to become federal and state judges in 15 states, and to serve in the United States Senate and a Presidential cabinet. The Governor of Ohio is an alumnus. Notable alumni include:
Simeon D. Fess, class of 1894; dean of ONU Law from 1896–1900; served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio and in the U.S. Senate from Ohio for twelve years.
