A new law school at the University of Texas at El Paso could become a reality with a projected cost of $20 million over the next decade, according to a feasibility study commissioned by state lawmakers. The proposal, which has been discussed locally for years, would fill a gap in the region, as El Paso is the largest city in Texas without a law school. Additionally, no law schools exist within a 250-mile radius, making it an underserved area in terms of legal education.
Currently, Texas is home to 10 American Bar Association-accredited law schools, but the state’s vast size and population of 30.5 million have left many regions, especially West Texas, in need of more legal professionals. UTEP President Heather Wilson emphasized the study’s findings, which suggest that a law school in El Paso would address this demand and be financially viable in the long term, provided there’s adequate funding.
The next step is securing financing through a mix of donations, endowments, and potential state support. The study also highlights the fact that while public law schools are becoming rarer in the U.S., with more closures than openings over the past decade, the time may be right for El Paso to break this trend.
The proposed law school would begin in 2030, with an initial cohort of 100 students. By 2037, it could achieve financial sustainability. However, its success would depend on the creation of a new facility, estimated to cost between $66 and $110 million. To ensure its long-term viability, the law school would prioritize affordability and bar passage rates, catering especially to local students who may otherwise be deterred by the prospect of leaving home to pursue legal studies.
Additionally, El Paso’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border presents an opportunity to attract students from across the border, though careful attention would need to be paid to the local legal market’s ability to absorb new graduates.
