Which Law School is the Best?
Law school rankings can be confusing for those interested in legal education; it’s essential to carefully assess both their curriculum and student opportunities as well as their graduates’ career outcomes before making your choice.
Brooklyn University Law School in New York City provides its students with unparalleled learning experiences. The institution pioneered clinical programs to assist its graduates become better lawyers.
Cornell University School of Law
Cornell Law School is recognized worldwide as a premier law school. Offering advanced degrees such as the Master of Studies in Legal Studies (MSLS), Doctor of Laws (JSD), dual degree programs and clinic courses that give students hands-on experience solving real world legal problems; advocacy training can also be found here along with business law regulation conflict resolution general practice public law and technology and law specialization options.
Cornell Law School admits its applications through an intensely competitive admissions process, employing traditional criteria such as undergraduate academic performance and LSAT scores alongside non-quantifiable elements like extracurricular activities, work experience and recommendations. Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation as well as their personal statement for consideration; Cornell University accepts addenda that can explain societal or economic factors that might negatively impact admission prospects.
Cornell Law School stands out with its extensive international opportunities, from internships and externships to pro bono programs that give students hands-on experience working for actual clients. Cornell’s curriculum alone makes for an exceptional learning experience, yet these additional offerings give Cornell Law School an extra edge.
Cornell Law, established in Ithaca, New York is an Ivy League law school affiliated with the Association of American Universities that offers four law degrees: Juris Doctorate, LLM and Master of Laws in Legal Studies. Cornell is widely respected for both teaching and research as well as clinical programs and diversity initiatives.
University of California-Berkeley School of Law
The University of California-Berkeley School of Law is widely renowned as one of the finest law schools worldwide. Its graduates are widely esteemed and respected among legal employers and clients. This is due to their focus on practical law education with hands-on experience as well as bar passage preparation and employment post graduation – making this school an excellent option for students aspiring to a career as a New York lawyer.
In recent years, this law school has earned national distinction in multiple categories, such as employer reputation and legal skills. Its professors boast diverse legal backgrounds and have published extensively within their field. Furthermore, there are a wide array of academic programs offered at this law school which enable students to tailor their curriculum according to individual interest. Furthermore, pioneering special curricular programs exist in intellectual property law and energy and clean technology law.
Berkeley Law School boasts a diverse student body. Students come from many universities with diverse undergraduate degree backgrounds; there are Fulbright scholars as well as former professional baseball players among its ranks. Furthermore, Berkeley is considered a highly selective law school with an exceptionally low acceptance rate.
Although not as widely-renowned as some other top law schools, the University of California-Berkeley School Of Law still boasts an outstanding reputation. Alumni include many federal judges, cabinet members, state attorneys general and civil rights and political leaders such as Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren and Equal Justice Society founder Pauli Murray. Furthermore, its clinical programs give students an immersive legal education.
University of Michigan School of Law
University of Michigan School of Law is one of the premier law schools in the country, boasting nearly one century of education for its students. Graduates have gone on to become lawyers, judges, professors and even politicians – including Valerie Jarrett (former adviser to President Barack Obama) and Heather Gerken (Dean of Yale Law School). Furthermore, this renowned law school also offers study abroad programs including semesters in Amsterdam; Japan’s Waseda Law School; and Germany’s Bucerius Law School as well as paid externships at these top institutions!
The University of Michigan School of Law offers specializations in areas including environmental law, international and comparative law, criminal law and clinical programs such as its renowned criminal law clinic. Furthermore, this institution boasts the only one-year LLM degree program accredited by the American Bar Association that caters specifically to international lawyers seeking a deeper knowledge of American legal systems or pursuing areas of specialization or conducting advanced legal research.
The University of Michigan School of Law can be found in Ann Arbor, an idyllic college town centered around its academic and athletic programs. It boasts an impressive new building featuring modern features that is home to approachable faculty who offer friendly service; however, tuition can be prohibitively costly; job placement may prove challenging after graduation.
University of Pennsylvania School of Law
This law school features a strong emphasis on inter-disciplinary research. Students are encouraged to explore new ideas, take risks and be creative when making their decisions. In addition, there is an extensive curriculum with numerous degree programs offered and a medium-size student body which works seamlessly within its university environment.
The law school faculty is dedicated to creating legal leaders who will tackle today’s most important legal issues, with its students being prepared for careers in law or other disciplines, while maintaining an inclusive and diverse community environment.
Students of this school have the chance to engage in real-life legal cases at the Gittis Center for Clinical Legal Studies, helping them gain an enriched knowledge of law while experiencing its practical applications. It offers programs in civil practice, criminal defense, the Detkin Intellectual Property and Technology Legal Clinic, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary child advocacy legislative mediation and transnational law – offering a rounded education.
Penn is one of the country’s premier law schools, boasting a median LSAT score of 171 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.90 for its students. Furthermore, they offer an array of courses at its graduate sister schools for added flexibility.
This law school boasts an expensive tuition and is widely considered one of the premier institutions in the country, boasting excellent job placement rates for graduates and highly acclaimed faculty. However, its bar passage rate may be lower than other schools due to lower admission requirements; nonetheless it remains an excellent choice for anyone interested in legal careers.
University of Texas School of Law
UT Law boasts an impressive alumni list, which includes 35 former clerks of the Supreme Court. Furthermore, this school boasts an exceptional salary-to-debt ratio with graduates typically starting their careers earning an average starting salary of $155,000 while carrying only $86,312 of debt upon graduating. Furthermore, its curriculum emphasizes practical experiences through various clinical programs and externships offered at UT Law; students can also join over 40 student organizations on campus to stay connected to campus life while making friends.
The University of Texas School of Law boasts an illustrious past and is widely considered to be one of the premier law schools worldwide. Established as part of UT in 1883 with two professors and 52 students housed in Old Main’s basement, since then its three building facility has grown exponentially, now housing over 250,000 square feet in three buildings; its Tarlton Law Library houses one of the nation’s largest academic law libraries that houses an expansive collection of legal resources.
Texas Law University is well known for encouraging civil dialogue and thoughtful debate of contentious ideas. They were one of the first universities to introduce moot court, an interactive mock trial program which allows students to practice trial skills necessary for future careers.
Although less renowned than some of our other law schools on our list, this law school provides a distinctive educational experience and vibrant community atmosphere. With small classes that foster more intimate interactions between professors and students, as well as an alumni mentor program which links up over 300 alumni/mentors; plus this school is highly selective with only 42% of applicants being accepted!
