Order of the Coif: Rating, Review and Requirements

What is the history of the Order of the Coif?

It originated in the twelfth century as a head covering for men and became part of the ecclesiastic and legal headgear, lasting until the sixteenth century. For a long period of time, English judges were selected only from the order. The Order of the Coif honor society was formed in 1912 as a national organization.

What are the requirements to be in the Order of the Coif?

 The exact induction process varies by law school, but students are generally notified of their membership after the final class ranks at their schools are announced. A new member receives a certificate of membership, a badge of membership for wear during academic ceremonies, a Coif key, and in some cases an actual coif or a representation of one.

The basic requirement for membership is ranking in the top 10% of a member school's graduating class. If a member law school graduates fewer than 30 students, it may induct its top three students. A school can decide not to allow an otherwise eligible student to receive the honor, and may impose additional requirements for membership beyond the organization's national requirement of being in the top 10% of the class.

 What are the key benefits of being a member of the Order of the Coif? 

 According to the organization's constitution, "The purpose of The Order is to encourage excellence in legal education by fostering a spirit of careful study, recognizing those who as law students attained a high grade of scholarship, and honoring those who as lawyers, judges and teachers attained high distinction for their scholarly or professional accomplishments."

 Based on the information, here is our review:

 Our first observation is: that this society is set up for law students, and is recognized by professionals in that field (lawyers, judges and teachers). 

Our second observation was: that the basic requirement for membership is ranking in the top 10% of a member school's graduating class, which can heavily influence the number of members per school.

Our third observation was: that this society didn’t have much information readily available to the public, though it seems they provide more information to members after they are inducted.