Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law

History-Mercer University was founded in 1833 in Penfield, GA, under the leadership of prominent Georgia Baptist leader Jesse Mercer. The University moved to Macon in 1871. The second-largest Baptist-affiliated educational institution in the world, Mercer is the only independent university of its size in the country that combines programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, continuing and professional studies, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, theology, music, and law. The Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country, founded in 1873. Woodruff Curriculum-Mercer law school's model curriculum focuses on ethics and practical skills. It was honored with the Gambrell Professionalism Award from the American Bar Association for its "depth and excellence" and "obvious commitment to professionalism." Faculty-32 full time and 33 adjunct faculty members come from the finest legal firms, government agencies, and law schools across the country. They have extensive practice experience and continue to be active in their specialties, ranging from prosecution to environmental law. Students-Total enrollment in the law school is a little over 400 students. The average age of students is 23 years old, but students in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s form part of the student body. Almost half the students are female and 20 percent of the entering Fall 2009 class are students of color. Student/Faculty Ratio-12:1 Class Size-First-year classes range from 25-75 students. After that, they may be as small as 8 for seminars and specialized elective courses. Campus-The law school is self-contained in a four-story reproduction of Independence Hall that sits atop Coleman Hill about a mile from the main Mercer University campus, overlooking downtown Macon. It is handicap accessible and students have 24-hour secure access to the building and law library.