Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Description
1. Introduction
Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) is the American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school of Texas Southern University, a historic public university in Houston, Texas. TMSL has a long tradition of training lawyers and leaders, particularly from diverse communities. It offers professional legal education with a focus on public service, civil rights, and leadership.
2. Important Details & Highlights
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law |
| Parent University | Texas Southern University (Public HBCU) |
| Established | 1946 |
| Location | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Accreditation | ABA-Accredited |
| Programs Offered | Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
| Student Body | Approx. 551 students |
| Ranking (USNWR 2025) | 178-195 nationally |
| Bar Pass Rate (Texas) | 75.91% (Texas Bar 2024) |
| Main Campus Address | 3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX 77004, USA |
Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law Snapshots
Institution Type
Thurgood Marshall School of Law is the public, state-supported institution under Texas Southern University founded in 1947.
American Bar Association Approval
Thurgood Marshall School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.
Institutional Accreditation
Texas Southern University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Memberships
1: Member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS)
Location
Houston, Texas
1: Strategic Houston Legal Market
2: Proximity to Diverse Law Firms, Energy Capital & Massive Court System.
3: Availability of Federal and State courts, Public Interest Opportunities, Corporate Hub, Governmental agencies, Tech Offices & more
Practical Exposure
1: Interdisciplinary extensive experiential learning opportunities
2: Legal Clinics and Practicum Courses
3: Judicial/ Civil/ Criminal Externships
4: Pro-Bono initiatives
5: Simulation-based courses like Advocacy programs & trials, Mediation, M&A, International legal experiences and More.
Legal Research Areas
1: Criminal Justice Policy
2: Legal & Social Policy
3: Juvenile Justice
4: Property Preservation
5: International & Immigration Law and More
Employment Reputation
Approximately 73.17% Class of 2025 – employed 10 months after graduation.
Student Population
The School’s international environment makes it a preferred destination for aspiring lawyers, judges, academics, public servants, and legal researchers.
International Student Community
Thurgood Marshall School of Law attracts students and Legal Professionals from India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East & more.
Alumni Network
Thurgood Marshall School of Law alumni works as
1:U.S. Federal & District Court Justices
2: Cabinet Members & Representativese
3: Attorneys
4: Legal Scholars
5: Advocates & Litigators
6: Business Executives & Partners at Leading Law Firms
Commitment to Public Service
Beyond academic excellence, Thurgood Marshall School of Law maintains a longstanding commitment to public service, access to justice, human rights, and global legal development. Through real-world legal issues affecting societies, governments, businesses, and communities around the world.
Official Sources:
Texas Southern University Official Website
Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law Official Website
About Thurgood Marshall School of Law
American Bar Association (ABA Approved Law Schools)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. Law Programs & English Language Requirements
Note: TMSL offers professional law degrees, not integrated Indian-style five-year LL.B. programs. The available degrees align with U.S. legal education (J.D. and specialized LL.M.).
| Program | Duration | Key Focus / Notes | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | 3 years (full-time) | Professional law degree; prepares students for U.S. bar exams. | TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo if English not first language (see language scores below) |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Immigration & Naturalization Law | 1–2 years (FT/PT) | Specialized LL.M. focusing on immigration law; first of its kind nationally. | TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo if applicable |
English Language Test Requirements (International Applicants):
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 85 (Writing ≥24; Reading & Listening ≥15)
IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (preference for no section below 6.5)
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 110 total
4. Entrance Exam
| Exam Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | Required for J.D. admissions; score submitted via LSAC CAS. |
| None (LL.M.) | LL.M. applicants are not required to submit LSAT, though if taken, it may be included. |
5. Top 5 Reasons to Choose TMSL
Historic & Diverse HBCU Law School: Strong tradition of educating African-American, Hispanic, and diverse legal professionals.
ABA-Accredited J.D. & Unique LL.M.: Offers a full J.D. program and a specialized LL.M. in Immigration & Naturalization Law — a rare academic niche.
Strategic Urban Location: Houston’s legal, governmental, and business opportunities benefit students seeking internships and employment.
Commitment to Public Service & Diversity: A core mission to prepare lawyers committed to public interest and underserved communities.
Employment & Bar Preparation Focus: Programs emphasize bar readiness and career development support.
6. Grade & Ranking
| Ranking / Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (2025) | Ranked 178-195 nationally (bottom tier among ABA law schools) |
| Bar Passage Rate | 63.45% (all jurisdictions, 2023); 75.91% (Texas Bar 2024) |
| Median LSAT (Entering Class) | 150 (25th-75th: 148-152) |
| Acceptance Rate | 35.6% |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Required / Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed LSAC CAS application | Required for JD applicants |
| LSAT score report | Required for JD |
| Official undergraduate transcripts | Required |
| Resume / Curriculum Vitae | Required |
| Personal statement | Required |
| Letters of recommendation | Required |
| Writing sample | Required for JD |
| English proficiency scores | TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo if applicable |
| LL.M. degrees | JD/LL.B. (for LL.M.) with transcripts |
8. How to Apply for Admission
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review Program Requirements (JD or LL.M.) |
| 2 | Register with LSAC (for JD & CAS processing) |
| 3 | Complete Online Application |
| 4 | Submit Supporting Documents (Transcripts, Resume, Personal Statement) |
| 5 | Submit Test Scores (LSAT for JD; TOEFL/IELTS for international) |
| 6 | Pay Application & CAS Fees |
| 7 | Await Decision (Rolling admissions) |
| 8 | Accept Offer & Complete Enrollment |
Tips: Apply early (applications open Sept 1; priority for scholarships is advised).
9. Contact Details – Law Department
| Office / Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Thurgood Marshall School of Law – Main Office | 📞 Phone: +1 713-313-4455 |
| ✉️ Email: Use admissions portal or official contacts via tsulaw.edu | |
| Law School Address | 📍 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004, USA |
| Official Website | https://www.tsulaw.edu |
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