What makes a law school the best in the USA? Is it the prestigious faculty, the innovative programs, or perhaps its global impact? Harvard Law School is widely regarded as the top law school in the United States and is known for producing leaders who shape global legal landscapes. It has the largest academic law library in the world as well. Here is the list of the top 10 best law schools in the US.
List of Top 10 Best Law Schools in the US
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Columbia University
- New York University
- University of California, Berkeley
- The University of Chicago
- Yale University
- Georgetown University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Duke University
1) Harvard University
One of the oldest and most prominent law schools in the US is Harvard Law School (HLS), which was founded in 1817. With more than 2 million volumes, it is the biggest academic law library in the world and is situated on a huge site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For advanced legal studies, HLS provides a three-year J.D. degree along with LL.M. and S.J.D. programs. The school is well-known for its demanding curriculum.
Out of hundreds of applications, the school accepts about 560 students per year, yielding a very selective acceptance rate of about 9.6%. Over 90% of HLS graduates pass the bar test on their first try, demonstrating their consistent dominance in the legal industry. Many of its alumni have shaped history, including U.S. presidents Barack Obama and Rutherford B. Hayes, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and John Roberts, and countless senators and corporate leaders.
HLS also encourages innovation with its legal clinics and programs like the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. Its graduates command some of the highest starting salaries in the legal industry, averaging $190,000 per year in private firms. With a robust network of over 39,000 alumni worldwide, Harvard Law School remains a powerhouse for aspiring legal minds aiming for excellence.
2) Stanford University
The Stanford Law School, situated in Stanford, California, is well known for emphasizing interdisciplinary study and innovation. It was founded in 1893 and is regularly rated as one of the best legal schools in the USA. About 180 students are enrolled in its J.D. program each year, making it one of the most prestigious universities with an acceptance rate of slightly less than 10%.
Students can study a variety of disciplines and take part in dual degree programs like J.D./MBA or J.D./Ph.D. because of the school’s unique quarter structure. It offers practical experience through its clinical programs, such as the Environmental Law Clinic and the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. Prominent academics including Pamela Karlan, a constitutional law expert, and former US Ambassador Michael McFaul are among the faculty at Stanford Law.
Alumni from Stanford Law have made significant impacts globally. Notable graduates include former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang, and Senator Cory Booker. The school’s proximity to Silicon Valley fosters strong connections with the tech industry, making it a hub for legal professionals specializing in technology law, intellectual property, and startup legal frameworks. With graduates earning median starting salaries of $205,000 in the private sector, Stanford Law School remains a top choice for aspiring lawyers aiming to shape the future.
3) Columbia University
One of the most prominent law schools in the world is Columbia Law School, which was established in 1858 and is situated in New York City. It is frequently ranked as one of the best law schools in the United States and is well-known for its emphasis on corporate law, international law, and human rights. With an acceptance rate of about 11%, the school enrolls 1,200 students in its J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. programs, all of whom are extremely accomplished and varied.
Due to Columbia’s central Manhattan location, students have unmatched access to financial institutions, international organizations, and large law firms. Besides offering more than 400 courses, the school offers hands-on legal experience through its clinical programs, which include the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic and the Human Rights Clinic. Columbia Law also boasts the world-renowned Center on Global Legal Transformation and the Parker School of Foreign and Comparative Law.
Its alumni network includes luminaries such as U.S. Presidents Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and billionaire philanthropist Harlan Fiske Stone. Columbia graduates excel in securing high-paying jobs, with a median starting salary of $215,000 in private law firms. With its rich history, academic rigor, and strategic location, Columbia Law School continues to shape leaders in the legal profession.
4) New York University
One of the most prominent law schools in the world and the oldest in New York City is the New York University School of Law (NYU Law), which was founded in 1835. NYU Law, which is situated in Greenwich Village, is well-known for its public interest, international, and tax law programs. Its tax law program is ranked #1 in the US regularly.
About 400 J.D. students are accepted to NYU Law each year, with an acceptance rate of about 15%. More than 300 courses and specialty LL.M. programs, including those in International Legal Studies and Environmental Law, are part of the school’s extensive curriculum. Practical legal instruction is offered by the school’s clinical programs, such as the Immigrant Rights Clinic and the Brennan Center for Justice.
NYU Law boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including former FBI Director Robert Mueller, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Its graduates are highly sought after, with median starting salaries of $215,000 in private practice. The school’s location in Manhattan ensures unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to the global legal market, solidifying its reputation as a top destination for aspiring lawyers.
5) University of California, Berkeley
One of the best public law schools in the US is the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, or Berkeley Law. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area and founded in 1894, it is well-known for its courses on social justice, environmental law, and intellectual property. Berkeley Law has an admittance rate of about 17% and is regularly ranked in the top 10 law schools in the country.
The school offers LL.M. and J.S.D. degrees for advanced and international scholars, and it enrolls about 300 students in its J.D. program each year. Berkeley Law’s distinctive grading scheme, which substitutes a pass, honors, and high honors scale for conventional letter grades, encourages teamwork in the classroom. Its clinics, such as the Environmental Law Clinic and the Policy Advocacy Clinic, give students practical legal experience on pressing societal issues.
Berkeley Law’s alumni include notable figures like former Chief Justice of California Ronald M. George, tech leader Eric Schmidt, and U.S. Representative Barbara Lee. Its graduates command impressive starting salaries, with private sector median earnings of $200,000. Nestled near Silicon Valley, Berkeley Law offers unparalleled opportunities in tech law, making it a hub for innovation-driven legal education.
6) The University of Chicago
One of the most prominent law schools in the country, the University of Chicago Law School was established in 1902 and is renowned for its emphasis on multidisciplinary studies and intellectual rigor. The school, which enrolls about 190 students per year and offers a demanding J.D. program with an acceptance rate of about 13%, is situated in Hyde Park, Chicago. Additionally, it offers dual degree choices such as the J.D./MBA, LL.M., and J.S.D.
The Law and Economics movement, which incorporates economic concepts into legal research, was started by UChicago Law and is well known for its pioneering work. With a bar clearance record of over 98%, it is regularly ranked as one of the best law schools in the United States. Students can gain practical legal experience through its clinical programs, such as the Exoneration Project Clinic and the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic. The school’s unique quarter system allows for a fast-paced, comprehensive education.
Distinguished alumni include Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, former U.S. Attorney General Edward Levi, and billionaire entrepreneur Joe Mansueto. UChicago Law graduates are highly sought after, with median private sector starting salaries of $215,000. Known for its small class sizes, dynamic discussions, and focus on critical thinking, the University of Chicago Law School remains a leader in shaping future legal scholars and practitioners.
7) Yale University
Many people consider Yale Legal School, which is situated in New Haven, Connecticut, to be the most prominent legal school in the country. It was founded in 1824 and is renowned for its small class numbers, selectivity, and unmatched academic achievement. It is the most selective law school in the US, with an annual enrollment of roughly 200 J.D. students and an acceptance rate of 6.9%%.
Yale’s distinctive honors, pass, low pass, and fail grading scheme reflects the university’s emphasis on teamwork over rivalry. Among the many clinics the institution provides is the groundbreaking Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization. With its many programs and centers, including the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, Yale also sets the standard for legal studies.
The school’s alumni include a remarkable list of influential leaders, including U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Yale Law graduates enjoy a bar passage rate of over 99% and command high median starting salaries of $215,000 in the private sector. Renowned for shaping thought leaders, Yale Law continues to set the gold standard for legal education worldwide.
8) Georgetown University
One of the best legal schools in the US is Georgetown University Legal Center, which was founded in 1870 and is situated in Washington, D.C. Georgetown, which is well-known for its robust constitutional law, international law, and tax law departments, provides students with unmatched access to the center of American governance due to its proximity to the Supreme Court, federal agencies, and Capitol Hill.
The institution provides LL.M. and S.J.D. degrees and enrolls about 560 students a year in its J.D. program, with an acceptance rate of about 12%. Georgetown Law stands out for its broad curriculum, which includes more than 500 courses and a range of combined degree opportunities. Its clinics, like the Center for Applied Legal Studies and the Appellate Litigation Clinic, give students practical legal experience.
Notable alumni include FBI Director Christopher Wray, former U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, and business executive Ted Leonsis. Georgetown graduates are highly sought after in the legal field, with median starting salaries of $215,000 in private practice. The school’s commitment to public service, global legal education, and its location in the nation’s capital make Georgetown Law an ideal destination for students aspiring to influence law and policy on a global scale.
9) University of Pennsylvania
One of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the US is the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, which was established in 1850 and is based in Philadelphia. Penn Law, which is well-known for emphasizing multidisciplinary education, encourages students to pursue cross-disciplinary courses with other highly regarded institutions at the university, including the School of Social Policy & Practice and the Wharton School of Business.
About 250 J.D. students are enrolled at Penn Law each year, with an acceptance rate of about 14%. With more than 100 electives and a wide range of dual degree and certificate programs, the school provides a demanding curriculum. Its clinics, such as the Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic and the Civil Practice Clinic, give students real-world, hands-on exposure. Penn Law is also home to the Biddle Law Library, one of the most extensive legal libraries in the nation.
Prominent alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Owen Roberts, Senator Arlen Specter, and billionaire businessman Donald Trump. Penn Law graduates are highly successful in the job market, with 99% employment rates and median starting salaries of $215,000 in the private sector. The school’s focus on academic excellence, leadership, and innovation makes it a top choice for aspiring legal professionals.
10) Duke University
Located in Durham, North Carolina, and established in 1868, Duke University School of Law is frequently listed as one of the best law schools in the country. Duke Law, renowned for its robust programs in commercial law, environmental law, and intellectual property, provides a demanding academic environment and is praised for encouraging a collaborative, student-centered atmosphere.
About 200 students are admitted to Duke Law’s J.D. program each year, with an acceptance rate of about 16%. The school provides combined degree programs including the J.D./MBA and J.D./LL.M. in international and comparative law, and its curriculum combines traditional legal education with cutting-edge courses like those in global and comparative law. Duke’s clinical programs, such as the Community Enterprise Clinic and the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, allow students to gain valuable hands-on legal experience.
Duke Law’s alumni network includes influential figures such as U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, as well as top executives and partners in law firms worldwide. Duke Law graduates have a high bar passage rate and median starting salaries of $200,000 in the private sector. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, practical training, and leadership in the legal field makes Duke Law an attractive option for prospective lawyers.
Conclusion
The best law schools in the USA, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia, offer unparalleled academic rigor, access to influential alumni, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. These prestigious institutions not only provide exceptional legal education but also cultivate a network that extends globally, empowering graduates to become leaders in law, business, government, and beyond.
By attending one of these top law schools, students gain exposure to cutting-edge legal scholarship, hands-on experience, and invaluable connections that pave the way for a successful and impactful career in law. Choosing the right law school is the first step toward shaping your future.
FAQs
What Is the #1 Law School in America?
Harvard Law School is ranked #1 in the USA. It has a 7% acceptance rate. Harvard graduates earn a median starting salary of $215,000
What Is the Hardest Law School to Get Into in the US?
Yale Law School is the hardest to get into. It has an acceptance rate of just 6.9%. Yale is known for its rigorous admissions process.
What GPA Do You Need for Law School in the USA?
A GPA of 3.7 or higher is competitive for top law schools. Some schools may accept lower GPAs with strong LSAT scores. The average GPA for Harvard Law is 3.9.
What Type of Lawyer Makes the Most Money in the USA?
Corporate lawyers make the most money. Their median salary is around $200,000 to $250,000. Lawyers at major law firms can earn more with experience.
