The DePaul University College of Law is among the nation’s most outstanding law schools, according to a recent survey by the Princeton Review . DePaul was cited by the New York-based education services company as a place where students studying to be lawyers can still have a life outside of the classroom. The results were published in Princeton Review’s 2007 edition of its “Best 170 Law Schools.”

The ranking was based on a survey of 17,000 students attending 170 law schools profiled in the book and on institutional data provided by the schools. It asked students 80 questions about themselves, their career plans and their school’s academics, student body and campus life. The “Best 170 Law Schools” has 11 ranking lists of top 10 schools in categories from best academics to best for career prospects.

DePaul was recognized for its friendly and knowledgeable faculty. In the survey, students described faculty members as having a “certain flair that keeps students engaged and stimulated.” Students also praised the College of Law’s nationally recognized intellectual property and health law programs and the spirit of public service that their DePaul education instills in them and their fellow classmates.

The College of Law was also a student favorite because of its location in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. Students reported that the law school’s convenient location allowed them to plug into DePaul’s alumni network, that includes 12,000 living alumni, because many College of Law graduates work in the scores of law firms and the federal and state courthouses that are, in many cases, just steps away from the law school.

The downtown location also provides an atmosphere where students can balance the rigors of law school with a healthy mix of social activity, according to the survey. DePaul is “a good place for people who want to be a lawyer and still have a life,” remarked one student. Another student added that DePaul is a place where students are dedicated to their studies and where “the camaraderie is great.”

While the Princeton Review survey does help illustrate the law school experience at DePaul, it is just one tool that students should use to decide which law school best suits their needs, according to Glen Weissenberger, dean of the College of Law.

“The student feedback and assessments in this survey can offer some insight into the College of Law both, inside and outside the classroom,” said Weissinberger. “However students should consider them with other factors when looking for the best law school fit. Students should evaluate their individual needs when choosing a law program. A students’ unique goals should be considered along with the distinct personality and attributes of an institution, and rankings and surveys to help students make the most informed decisions when choosing a law school.”

Established in 1912, the College of Law enrolled 1,095 students during the 2006-07 academic year. The law faculty consists of some 53 full-time and an estimated 103 part-time lawyers, who are scholars, international affairs experts or accomplished corporate, civil and public interest attorneys.