More Applicants, Fewer Seats: What the Law School Surge Means for Kansas City’s Legal Market
There’s a surge happening in the legal education world—and it’s hitting close to home. Law schools across the country have seen a rise in applications, but two schools in our backyard—UMKC and KU—are experiencing some of the most notable jumps. As a legal recruiter based in Kansas City, I believe this trend will directly shape the future of law firms in our region.
The Numbers Are In
UMKC School of Law has seen a 20% increase in applicants this year alone.
The University of Kansas School of Law (KU) has experienced a 70% increase in applications over the last three years.
These numbers are impressive, but here’s the twist: neither school is increasing the size of its incoming class.
UMKC’s 1L class remains around 130–140 students, and KU’s class size sits at about 115 students. In other words, law school isn’t just more popular—it’s more competitive. With rising LSAT scores and GPA thresholds, these schools are becoming more selective, resulting in a stronger, more competitive pool of future attorneys.
What This Means for Kansas City Law Firms
This surge is a double-edged sword:
Pros:
Higher-Caliber Talent: The students being admitted are more qualified than ever. That means better-trained, more capable attorneys entering the workforce.
Local Talent Pipeline: More aspiring lawyers are choosing to stay local for school, which could mean a deeper talent pool for Kansas City firms over the next 3–5 years.
Challenges:
Increased Competition to Hire: Just because there are more law students doesn’t mean they’ll all stay in KC after graduation. Firms will need to offer compelling reasons—mentorship, growth, flexibility—to attract them.
Pressure on Mid-Level Roles: If firms aren't thoughtful in developing junior talent, they may find a future bottleneck at the associate level down the line.
For Law Students and New Grads
You’re entering a highly competitive profession, but that doesn’t mean you’re just another resume. Law firms are placing more emphasis than ever on emotional intelligence, writing ability, client service mindset, and team fit. Don’t just focus on your academic credentials—develop your professional presence, seek mentorship, and build relationships.
For Law Firms and Hiring Managers
This isn’t just a numbers game. Yes, the pipeline is growing, but the firms that win in this new era will be those that invest in people—not just in recruitment, but in retention, onboarding, training, and growth.
If you're wondering how to tap into this new class of legal talent—or how to stand out in a saturated market—that’s where I come in.
Let’s Talk Strategy
At PrimeTalent, we don’t just fill roles. We help law firms think about growth holistically—matching talent to culture, ambition to opportunity. Whether you're hiring your first associate or building out a full practice group, I can help you align your hiring strategy with what's next in the Kansas City legal market.