UMKC College of Legislation ranked at #21 for trial advocacy and #22 for authorized writing and is the one legislation college from Missouri or Kansas to have a top-25 rating in these vital areas. Specialty rankings are primarily based on peer evaluation surveys from college who educate in that space.
“UMKC’s legal writing program continues to have a national impact because our faculty are passionate about student success and matching theory with practical skills,” stated Brad Desnoyer, scientific professor and president-elect of the Authorized Writing Institute. “Our legal writing faculty set high expectations for our students and then give them the skills they need to meet those expectations.”
In 2024, the UMKC Legislation Mock Trial program was ranked #11 out of practically 250 legislation faculties throughout the nation, recognizing outcomes and efficiency in powerful competitions. In 2025, the UMKC Legislation mock trial staff took first place within the inaugural Nationwide Army Trial Competitors.
“The success of UMKC’s trial advocacy program is driven by the relentless commitment of its students and professors,” stated L. Michaelle Tobin, scientific professor of legislation. “Our faculty are deeply invested in developing the advocacy skills that prepare students to lead in the legal profession. In turn, our students’ hard work and dedication produce exceptional skill, professionalism and results.”
School, employees and college students aren’t the one ones enthusiastic about this recognition. UMKC College of Legislation alumni enthusiastically help the varsity and are glad to see what they’ve lengthy identified – it’s a true gem within the Kansas Metropolis authorized neighborhood.
“While alumni have known that UMKC School of Law graduates are well-prepared to join the legal profession, they have expressed so much enthusiasm in seeing our law school rise to the Top 100,” stated Marie Dispenza, senior director of improvement on the UMKC College of Legislation and government director of the UMKC Legislation Basis. “That enthusiasm has shown through stronger engagement, increased donations and a growing sense of pride knowing that a well-respected law school reflects not only the students attending now but also the talented alumni who came before them.”
“The UMKC School of Law has long been a place of opportunity and excellence,” stated Grace Martinez (J.D. ’18). “Being named a Top 100 law school for the second year in a row reflects the strength of our faculty, the dedication of our students and the meaningful impact our graduates continue to make in Kansas City and beyond.”
Whereas the UMKC College of Legislation is thrilled on the rating, they know nicely that the standard of the scholar expertise can’t be proven by numbers alone.
“In the more than 20 years I’ve been part of the UMKC Law community, our students have always been passionate, intelligent and justice-driven and our faculty and staff are top-notch,” stated Mikah Thompson, affiliate dean & Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Legislation in City Affairs. “That has never changed. I’m very proud that we’re a Top 100 law school, but our value to the legal community can’t be fully captured by any ranking. The quality of the legal education we offer and the lawyers we produce has always been outstanding.”
UMKC College of Legislation is a Prime 100 Legislation College