New UC Law, Thomas More pipeline program transitions students to law school sooner

The University of Cincinnati College of Law and Thomas More University have partnered to create a pipeline program for highly motivated and qualified students interested in pursuing a legal career while completing their undergraduate degrees. Under the new 3+3 accelerated dual degree program, Thomas More students can earn both a BA and JD in just six years, saving time and money. And, they will be able to enter the legal workforce one year sooner. Representatives from both institutions will memorialize the agreement at a signing ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at the law school. All are invited to attend.

“This collaboration with Thomas More University accelerates opportunities for top students,” said Cincinnati Law Dean Verna L. Williams. “This partnership represents our commitment to increasing access to legal education. We look forward to creating more opportunities with other universities. We’re especially pleased to join forces with Thomas More on such an exciting initiative.”

A Thomas More student interested in admission to Cincinnati Law through the 3+3 program will declare their interest during their first year of undergraduate education. The student will work closely with an academic advisor to ensure they complete all general education requirements and coursework for their major during their first three years of study. During their junior year, the student will apply to Cincinnati Law and will be eligible for Cincinnati Law scholarships. If accepted, the student will matriculate to the law school during their fourth year, and the credits earned during that year will complete the student’s Thomas More degree while counting toward the law degree. 

“Thomas More University is proud to have the opportunity to partner with Cincinnati Law to further support our students’ opportunities within this area of study,” said Thomas More University President Joseph L.Chillo. “This 3+3 program gives students a chance to access the quality, faith-based education Thomas More provides while getting a head start on pursuing their graduate degree through the Cincinnati’s College of Law. This collaboration exhibits our continued commitment to providing students access to leverage the incredible resources within our region so that they can go on to lead lives of purpose and service as our community’s next great lawyers.”

The partnership between Thomas More and Cincinnati Law is a natural fit, epitomized by Thomas More and Cincinnati Law graduate Wilbert Ziegler. In fact, Ziegler was instrumental in its development.   

“Having received an excellent education from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, which has served me so well over my 60 years of law practice, I wanted to give to the students of Thomas More University an increased opportunity to obtain the same quality of education,” said Ziegler. 

Both schools offer small class sizes, blending theory with practical experience. And because both Thomas More and Cincinnati Law are located in the tristate area, students can take advantage of in-state tuition and remain close to a community they already know and love.

In addition to the Thomas More partnership, Cincinnati Law has a 3+3 program for undergraduates with eligible majors at the University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences and with Mount St. Joseph University.

Founded in 1833, the University of Cincinnati College of Law has the distinction of being the first law school west of the Alleghenies. From humble beginnings 175 years ago in a room above Timothy Walker’s law offices to its home today in Clifton (OH), Cincinnati Law has been on the leading edge of legal education. Thousands of lawyers have graduated from the law school, and about one-third practice in the Greater Cincinnati community, working in all areas of the law. For more information about the College of Law, visit www.law.uc.edu. 

Thomas More University provides students with something much more than job training. Graduates are prepared for any career. But they leave prepared for much more. They are exposed to the very best thought, literature, art, and music. They learn to harness the power of human reason to solve problems and discover truth. Most importantly, they have the chance to begin to become the person they were created to be. This is the power of the liberal arts in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at Thomas More University. Our students come here looking for more. And that’s exactly what we offer. Here our students take that opportunity and…Make It More. Learn more at thomasmore.edu.