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Choosing the right law school is foundational to beginning your career. You want a university that will push your limits as a student and set you up for success after school, as well. The bar examination is no joke, and getting a job in the field of law sometimes feels like an even tougher task.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, you need to figure out which law school you are planning on attending.
Top 7 Law Schools in Texas
There are many options in the state of Texas. We have narrowed it down to the top 7 law schools in Texas to assist you in finding the right school:
- University of Texas-Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Baylor University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Southern University
Each of these selections earned its spot because the law school provides a top of the line education. They’re all good schools and All-American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited. Learn more about each top-ranked Texas law school:
University of Texas Austin
- S. News Ranking: 15th
- Bar Passage Rates: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Average LSAT Score: 167
- Average GPA: 73
The University of Texas-Austin has one of the best law programs in the United States. They boast a bar passage rate of almost 95%. The education pushes you and requires you to put forth your best effort.
The University of Texas-Austin School of Law is also not an easy program to gain admittance. The university only accepts 22% of its applications. You will want to focus on your grades and SAT performance. You should also do some external research to figure out what is required for the application and make sure you submit before the annual deadline.
Southern Methodist University
- S. News Ranking: 45th
- Bar Passage Rate:12%
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 63
A private university with an incredible staff and campus, Southern Methodist University takes the second spot on our list.
The education is extremely refined and specific at this college. The professors are amicable and push students to perform their best. The law school has a staggering 94% bar passage rate, which is a good indication of its thorough preparation for the exam.
The Southern Methodist University School of Law is also not extremely selective. 42% of applicants get into this stellar program.
SMU also has some pretty incredible sports teams that will be around when you are looking for something to do in your free time. We know you won’t have much of it, but it’s still something to consider.
University of Houston
- S. News Ranking: 50th
- Bar Passage Rate:19%
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Average GPA: 54
The University of Houston has been one of the best law schools in the United States for many years. It is ranked number 50 by U.S. News & World Report. 63% of its graduating class obtained full-time, long-term jobs that were in the field of law.
The school has also been featured on the “Super Lawyers” list and has been covered by the National Law Journal more than once.
If you choose the University of Houston School of Law, you can expect an electric and demanding, yet fulfilling environment.
The school is moderately difficult to get into but does feature a 76% bar passage rate if you are one of the lucky few to gain admittance. There are less than 800 students in the program, which provides a low student to faculty ratio.
Baylor University
- S. News Ranking: 55th
- Bar Passage Rate:71%
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average LSAT Score: 160
- Average GPA: 53
Baylor University offers a unique study experience not commonly found at other schools, even in Texas. Baylor University operates on a quarter system rather than a semester structure.
Therefore, a student can start classes in spring, summer, or fall quarter. Then, in the winter quarter, students can focus on the four graduating classes required before receiving your diploma.
Another bonus of the law school is the amazing campus at Baylor University. The gorgeous campus has plenty of things to do, and is reasonably affordable for a private school.
Texas A&M University
- S. News Ranking: 111th
- Bar Passage Rate:4%
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Average GPA: 38
One of the biggest focuses of Texas A&M University and its School of Law is the hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to get real world experience to prepare for a career in law.
Programs like Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Alternative Dispute Resolution help students get a feel for what they will be dealing with in real-world situations.
The school offers in-state tuition assistance, and it averages around $32,000 in tuition and fees. It is not hard to see why Texas A&M University ranks among the best law schools in the state. It ranks 111th by U.S. News & World Report and reports an 81% passage rate on the bar exam.
Texas Tech University
- S. News Ranking: 123rd
- Bar Passage Rate: 87.12%
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Average GPA: 39
Texas Tech University has a selective law school that only accepts 55% of its applicants. While it is not ranked as high as some other law schools in Texas, the program still performs very well.
If you choose Texas Tech University, you aren’t making a mistake. The law school is not as expensive as some of the other programs on the list. The atmosphere of the university is also top-notch.
Additionally, residents of Texas can receive a wide range of financial assistance from grants and tuition aid. The student to faculty ratio at Texas Tech is favorable, with almost 18 students for every faculty member. As a result, if you are seeking more personable help and attention with your studies, we recommend the institution.
Plus, if you make it through the program, you have an 87% chance of passing the bar exam. We like those odds, and we think you will too.
Texas Southern University
- S. News Ranking: Unranked
- Bar Passage Rate:64%
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average LSAT Score: 143
- Average GPA: 11
The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school that is directly associated with Texas Southern University.
The education provided at the university is of extremely high quality, and one of the foundations of the program is the school library. The TMSL library is so big it spans two separate buildings and houses over 350,000 volumes of literature. “The Natural Jurist” ranked the library 31st out of nearly 200 different law libraries in the nation for resources, material, and special features.
If you plan on spending a good amount of your time in the library, then you need to consider Texas Southern University. 59% of the class of 2017 landed full-time law jobs right after graduation. Texas Southern University also features affordable tuition.
Which School is Right for Me?
All of the law schools we listed in Texas have terrific academic excellence and limitless opportunities. However, choosing the right school for you is not an easy choice with so many worthy considerations.
Our three personal favorites based on performance, acceptance, bar passage rate, and reasonable tuition are:
- University of Texas Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
Baylor University is also worthy based on its high bar passage rate. Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and Texas Southern University round out an impressive list of in-state law programs.
10 Best Law Schools in Texas in 2021
If you are a resident of the State of Texas and are interested in earning your law degree, there is good news for you: there are a lot of law schools to choose from. Earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree takes three years. Following graduation from law school, you can then take the bar exam in whichever state or states that you want to practice law in. Our list ranks these law school programs based on tuition, the success of graduates in the bar exam (firs-time takers), and several other factors. We hope this list helps you in your search for the law school that is right for you and your needs. Remember, our lists are designed to help, but only you can decide which is the best program for you.
10 Best Law Schools in Texas
1. University of Texas School of Law
The flagship institution of the University of Texas university system, the University of Texas School of Law is at the top of our list. Applicants, on average, have a 3.76 undergraduate GPA, and scored 168 on their LSAT examination. Graduates of the University of Texas School of Law practice law in six different countries, 41 states and the District of Columbia, and 137 different cities. Check out their website and see if UT-Austin is the right school for you.
Tuition: $32,010 per year
Bar Exam pass rate: 91%
2. University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center is consistently ranked as one of the best value law schools in Texas and in the country. The most recent incoming class averaged a 160 score on the LSAT and 3.57 GPA. The University of Houston is home to incredible faculty with decades of experience practicing different types of law for some of the nation’s top law firms. Offers several joint degree programs, several legal highly-renowned legal journals, and many professional development groups. Majority of students attend part-time. Look into the program at UH today and see if your career future leads to Houston.
Tuition: $33,181
Bar Exam pass rate: 85.71
3. Baylor Law School
Based in Waco, the Baylor Law School is an impressive program that we are honored to include our list. Students at Baylor Law School are drawn from 37 different states and countries, average a 156 LSAT score and a 3.53 median GPA. You can take courses in Intellectual Property, Estate Planning, Family Law, and Business Litigation, to name just a few. If you are looking for a quality law school in Texas, look no farther than Baylor! Check out their website today.
Tuition: $41,706
Bar Exam pass rate: 93.48%
4. Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University
If you live in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area or are just looking for a quality law school in Texas, then visit the website of the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The most recent admitted class averaged 162 on the LSAT and a 3.73 median GPA. Prominent alumni include Texas Supreme Court justices, members of the U.S. Congress, an ambassador, a governor, a U.S. attorney, foreign ministers and members of the highest courts worldwide, as well as partners at leading law firms and general counsels at major corporations such as Kimberly-Clark, Mark Cuban Companies, Omni Hotels, and Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. Become a World Changer in Business and Law at SMU.
Tuition: $50,986
Bar Exam pass rate: 88%
5. Texas Tech University School of Law
Excellent bar passage rates, strong postgraduate employment rates, competitive tuition, and affordable West Texas living means Texas Tech University School of Law students get more for their money. The Law School has an extensive, nationally recognized advocacy program, a robust clinical program serving indigent clients in the Lubbock area, 10 dual degree programs, a nationally recognized legal writing program, and two award-winning law journals. This fall the Law School welcomed an entering class with a median LSAT score of 156 and median GPA of 3.56.
Tuition: $26,932
Texas Bar Exam Pass Rate: 88.10%
6. Texas A&M University School of Law
The campus of Texas A&M University School of Law is located in Dallas-Ft Worth rather than in College Station, the home campus for the University. The distinguished faculty include a MacArthur Fellow as well as dozens of experienced teachers and attorneys. You will learn inside and outside of the classroom when you study at Texas A&M. Upon graduation, you will enter the job market being part of more than a half-million person strong alumni network. Take your first step in becoming part of the Aggie Nation and check out their website today.
Tuition: $31,254
Bar Exam pass rate: 90.32%
7. Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
Not only is the School of Law at Texas Southern University named after the legendary Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, it also continues to be one of the best law schools in Texas. 73% of students at TSU are Texas residents, with incoming students averaging a 149 on their LSAT and earning a 3.24 undergraduate GPA. For close to 70 years, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law has been educating some of the best lawyers in the state of Texas, check out their website today.
Tuition: $16,446
Bar Exam pass rate: 60%
8. St. Mary’s University School of Law
Based out of historic San Antonio, St Mary’s University School of Law can help you on your way to become an attorney. First year students averaged a 151 LSAT score and 3.2 undergraduate GPA. St Mary’s is the only Catholic law school in the entire state. If you are looking for a graduate school with world-class faculty and a dynamic alumni network then check out St Mary’s.
Tuition: $38,900
Bar Exam pass rate: 70.8%
9. University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law
Another fantastic law school located in Dallas-Ft. Worth! The University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law offers a high-quality education at an affordable price. Incoming students average 151 on their LSAT and earned a 3.1 GPA during their undergraduate careers. Students can participate in an amazing mentor program that pairs you with a UNT attorney. Check out the UNT website to see if you have what it takes to be a graduate of their law school.
Tuition: $8,748
Bar Exam pass rate: 60%
10. South Texas College of Law
The South Texas College of Law is located in Houston and can set you up for a long and distinguished career in law. Student LSAT scores ranged from 2.81 to 3.42 and GPAs went from 151-155. There a total of 980 law students studying at STC School of Law and we can see why! If you live in Houston or the greater area, South Texas College of Law may be the right place for you to land.
Tuition: $34,050
Bar Exam pass rate: 77%
10 BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS IN TEXAS
Texas, known to many as the Lone Star State, is the second-largest and second-highest populated state in America, which makes it a prime location for criminal justice careers. Texas is located in the Southern Central part of the United States, bordering Mexico, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana. With 26.1 million people living there, the population of Texas continues to grow on a yearly basis. If you are looking for criminal justice jobs in the state, living near major cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin is a good idea. There are many great colleges near these cities, along with cheap student housing options.
Students who complete their criminal justice degrees from a four year college are likely to be equipped with great written, creative thinking, and quantitative skills. These students understand the nature of crimes, and develop skills to help them assess human emotions and motives. That is the criminal justice degree opens the door to so many job opportunities. Criminal justice jobs include jail wardens, police officers, detectives, coroners, corrections officers, and environmental conservation officers. Depending on your interests, there are so many options available to you after you get your degree.
RANKING THE BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS IN TEXAS
To rank the best criminal justice schools in Texas, Criminal Justice Degree Hub editors focused on trusted, accredited institutions in the Lone Star State that are known for quality and value. Programs are ranked according to factors including cost, reputation, and comprehensiveness, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. ST. EDWARDS UNIVERSITY
Saint Edwards University offers the best criminal justice programs in Texas to students who are wanting to move from a Bachelor to PhD degree program. The advanced skills offered by these programs provide all of the necessary skills and abilities that a student will need when they take on the job of their dreams. Going from a Bachelor to PhD will take time and dedication. Each student who completes their degree program will be able to move forward with their careers with the confidence and security they need.
Saint Edwards University, a Holy Cross university that carries a national ranking, is able to provide students with top of the line course work and faculty members who have solid reputations in their professional careers. Students can choose from either online courses or on-campus classes. Either way, the coursework is second to none allowing faculty members to provide students with the most positive learning environment possible.
Programs: Bachelor to Phd
2. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Sam Houston State University provides some of the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Students who are enrolling in school to advance from a Bachelor to a PhD degree program. Advanced degree programs teach a variety of skills that allow graduates to move into higher-ranking/paying positions. It also gives graduates the knowledge they need to teach others in their field proper field skills and tactics they will need to evaluate evidence and solve crimes. Students who pursue a Bachelor to PhD degree program, are committed to making the most of their career at any cost.
Sam Houston State University is well-known around Texas and the surrounding states as one of the most advanced schools. By offering the best criminal justice programs in Texas, the university ensured that each student had access to the highest-quality curriculum and the most supportive faculty members. When a student graduates with their degree, they can rest assured that they are ready to take on any opportunity that comes there way.
Programs: Bachelor to PhD
3. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – COMMERCE
Texas A&M University – Commerce has many of the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Pursuing a Bachelor to PhD degree program requires a steadfast commitment. Students are able to learn about criminal justice occupations that require managerial and supervisory skills. They are taught concepts and protocols they will need to continue to advance, even though they have been working within their field. Bachelor to PhD degree programs includes tools and resources that give graduates a competitive edge when it comes to applying for those higher-paying jobs.
Texas A&M University is known all over the country for its strong educational commitment and dedication to its students. Professionals in the criminal justice field offer insight that was gained through years of working in the field. Students can also count on both the support and encouragement they receive from the faculty members and professors alike. After graduation, they are able to face any career challenges that come their way.
Programs: Bachelor to PhD
4. HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University provides the best criminal justice programs in Texas to students who want to work in the courts, as law enforcement officers, or in any form of legal environment. With a Bachelor to PhD degree program, students are given the skills they need to work at any level, including international or domestic. Ethical, sociological, and psychological concepts are studied giving each student the insight they need to work in a very diverse environment. Criminal justice degree programs are able to prepare students for any profession that falls within that specific field of study.
Howard Payne University is another Texas university that provides degree programs that are recommended for both their educational merit as well as their ability to provide much-needed skills. The university staff works diligently to ensure every student receives the support and guidance they need to navigate through the fast-paced and sometimes complex field of criminal justice. From a Bachelor to PhD, every student is given the attention and consideration they need to gain the advantage they need to further their careers.
Programs: Bachelor to PhD
5. TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Texas A&M International University offers several online criminal justice Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that are considered to be some of the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Students from all over the world can enroll in online classes and receive an education that offers valuable tools and skills that each student will need to move forward along their individual career path. Graduates who leave the college with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree are able to accept almost any opportunity that is offered to them.
Texas A&M International University is world-renowned for its quality educational programs and state of the art online learning platform. Online students receive all of the attention and direction they need to graduate with confidence. The valuable resources offered by the school make it easy for the graduate to navigate through obstacles and continue to take on any challenge they face. With all of these benefits at their disposal, students can work and learn at the same time at one of the most prestigious schools in the United States.
Programs: Bachelor and Master’s
6. TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Texas Christian University is known for having the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Both Bachelor and Master’s degree programs offer students the required skills needed for most criminal justice career paths. Whether students choose law enforcement, criminology, paralegal, or working with the courts, each specialization includes detailed and concise coursework that prepares the students for working in a fast-paced and extremely strict environment. Pursuing a Bachelor or Master’s degree program in criminal justice can open many doors for students who excel in their studies.
Texas Christian University offers a curriculum that is both well-rounded and thorough. The school has gone to great lengths to find faculty members and professors who are fully dedicated to its students. Professors take whatever measures are needed to ensure students understand their coursework and have the resources they need to thrive once they graduate and enter the workforce.
Programs: Bachelor and Master’s
7. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Texas State University offers students the best criminal justice programs in Texas when it comes to Bachelor and Master’s degrees. Students who enroll can pursue careers in forensics, law enforcement, crime scene investigation, and many different jobs in the legal field. No matter what specialization they choose, students obtain all of the necessary skills and abilities they will need to be effective in whatever career path they choose. With a Bachelor or Master’s degree, graduates are able to advance to the highest level as quickly as possible so they can achieve the success they desire.
Texas State University has been providing excellence in education to its students for over 115 years. Graduates who enroll in the criminal justice program have access to processors and other faculty members when they need them the most. Every student receives the attention they need to feel valued and accepted as part of a winning team. When they leave the school, they take with them a strong sense of self that enables them to apply for criminal justice positions with confidence.
Programs: Bachelor and Master’s
8. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Each degree program can be specialized to provide the required skills needed for whatever career path a student chooses to follow. Graduates have the chance to pursue additional learning opportunities that will allow them to gain valuable experience that they can choose when they find a job they like. Earning a Bachelor or Master’s degree in criminal justice will give students the incentive to try for the higher-paying jobs in the career field of their choice.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers both scholarships and internships to students who enroll in its Bachelor and Master’s degree programs. The school’s curriculum has been designed to provide all of the knowledge and tools a student needs to effectively complete the tasks that are required for their position. Each faculty member is a professional with many years of hands-on experience. Both work together to provide students with learning opportunities that they won’t find anywhere else.
Programs: Bachelor and Master’s
9. ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Abilene Christian University provides the best criminal justice programs in Texas. Bachelor degree programs are available for students who are interested in becoming a paralegal, crime scene investigator, forensics specialist, or criminologist. Students earn abilities and skills that are specific to their chosen career field. Those who pursue a career in this field must be very detail-oriented and highly organized. A Bachelor degree in criminal justice from a top-rated college is the first step in building their career.
At Abilene Christian University, faculty members push their students to excel. Since its inception, the university has offered degree programs that are highly focused, providing students with not only the ability but also the confidence to perform their duties. The professionalism of their instructors is an inspiration for them to try their hardest to always put their best effort into everything they do.
Programs: Bachelor
10. TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY
Tarleton State University gives students an opportunity to pursue the best criminal justice degrees in Texas. Bachelor degree programs offer advanced skills to help crime scene investigators, paralegals, and other professionals compete for the highest paying jobs that carry the most responsibility. Students enjoy resources that allow them to learn beyond the college and gain valuable experience they will need as they venture out into the fast-paced world of criminal justice. A Bachelor degree is the key to opening those doors.
Tarleton State University is a Texas university that has a solid reputation for excellence. Professionals who have worked in the criminal justice field provide both knowledge and insight to students who want to follow a similar path. The university staff are continually striving to maintain the most up to date and complete curriculums in the industry.
Programs: Bachelor
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOL IN TEXAS?
If you are seeking the best criminal justice schools in Texas, there are many things to consider. Given that there are at least 120 criminal justice schools in the state of Texas, there are lots of things to consider when you are choosing the best school for you. Some of which, are the following:
- Create a Shortlist: Given that there are so many criminal justice colleges in Texas, you need to create a shortlist of your top schools before you investigate them.
- Cost: One of the top things to consider how much the school costs. No matter how great the school may be, it won’t matter if you cannot afford it. Therefore, you will want to research the costs of the college before you apply to it.
- Decide Your Professional Goals: Another important thing to consider when you are searching for the best schools for criminal justice in Texas is what your professional goals are. Different colleges specialize in different things, therefore, deciding your professional goals is very important when you are deciding which colleges you are most interested in.
- Location: Also, given that Texas is such a massive state, you must pay close attention to the location. If you choose a criminal justice school that is too far from your home, you will either be stuck driving for a lengthy time daily or you will need to relocate to be closer to the school.
- Investigate Career Connections: Another important thing you need to consider when you are searching for the best school for criminal justice in Texas is investigating the career center at the school and what it can offer you. In particular, many colleges have career centers that work closely with certain companies, which can allow you special consideration when you are ready to search for a job.
- Compromise: You may not be able to find a college that offers everything you need. Therefore, you must be able to prioritize and compromise, in terms of what you need most out of your college.
HOW IS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOB MARKET IN TEXAS?
If you are interested in entering into the criminal justice field in Texas, you are in great company. The state has a robust criminal justice job market, that is comprised of the following three branches:
- Law Enforcement: If you are interested in entering into the law enforcement field in Texas, you can find positions such as police officer (which presently has a career outlook of 16%) or a private detective or investigator (which has a career outlook of 18%).
- The Courts: If you are seeking Texas criminal justice jobs in the courts, you can consider jobs such as paralegal (which presently has a career outlook of 22%), or a prosecutor (which presently has a career outlook of 15%).
- Corrections: If you are looking for criminal justice jobs in texas in the field of corrections, you can consider careers such as correctional officers (which presently has a job outlook of -1%) or probation officer (which has a career outlook of 15%).
Either way, when you are deciding which job or career path you wish to take, you should consider the many factors of the position. For instance, career paths such as law enforcement require the ability to be able to interact with and negotiate with law-breakers on the daily places. Additionally, if you are interested in a career as a paralegal, you will be required to conduct accurate research, fill out a variety of documents, etc. Lastly, if you wish to work as a correctional officer, you will be required to be comfortable working in or around the jail/prison setting on a regular basis.
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN TEXAS?
Searching for the best criminal justice salary in Texas can be challenging. However, in terms of some of the highest paying criminal justice jobs in Texas, you may want to take on a position such as a prosecutor, which pays an average of $127,550 annually. Moreover, taking a career as a behavior analyst will earn you an estimated average of $63,000 – $89,000 a year. Alternatively, working in a position such as senior attorney of criminal justice reform can earn you an estimated $76,000-$84,000 per year. Additionally, working as a custom border protection officer can earn you anywhere between $35,000 to $100,000 per year.
Top Law Schools In 2021
- Harvard University is the best law school in the world this year
- The United States contains the highest number of law schools in this year’s ranking, with 50 law programs on offer
- This is closely followed by the United Kingdom with 37 law schools
The recently released QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 features 320 of the top higher education institutions to study law.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on four indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and published work of a scientist or scholar). You can find more details about the methodology behind the subject rankings here.
| Top 10 Law Schools in the WorldBased on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 | ||
| Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
| 1 | Harvard University | United States |
| 2 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 3 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 4 | Yale University | United States |
| 5 | Stanford University | United States |
| 6 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | United Kingdom |
| 7 | Columbia University | United States |
| 8 | New York University (NYU) | United States |
| 9 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States |
| 10 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore |
Top law schools in the US and Canada
With 50 of the world’s top law schools located in the US and 12 in Canada, an impressive 18 North American universities make it into the global top 50 for law this year.
The best university in the world for law is Harvard University in the US, retaining the title for the sixth consecutive year and scoring particularly highly in the employer reputation indicator. Harvard Law’s graduates are highly sought after by employers in law firms, businesses, government and non-profit organisations. The university awards several Public Service Fellowships each year to help graduates pursue careers in public services.
Canada’s highest ranked law school, the University of Toronto (joint 17th) rises three places this year and earns its highest score in the academic reputation indicator. The University of Toronto’s law school professors are leading experts in their field and the school’s law programs are incredibly diverse, allowing students to tailor their study to meet their individual needs and ambitions.
Top law schools in Europe
Europe is the most well-represented region globally for law schools, with 148 ranked programs, including 13 in the global top 50 and three in the global top 10.
The United Kingdom has an impressive 37 law schools in the ranking, the most of any country in Europe, with eight of these featuring in the global top 50. Amongst them is University of Oxford, the top law school in Europe, ranking 2nd globally. The University of Oxford states its aim is to help law students analyse complex information, construct arguments and write with precision and clarity. This is reflected in its high score for academic reputation.
KU Leuven’s law school in Belgium ranks at joint 35th globally this year, placing amongst the six universities offering law courses in Belgium. Founded in 1425, KU Levin’s Faculty of Law is the largest in Belgium, emphasising an international and comparative approach to law.
France’s Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne enters the top 20 worldwide this year, rising five places. The law school boasts a growing international presence, with links to universities around the world and is largely recognised as one of the most distinguished centres of education and research in Europe. It places amongst the nine French law schools in the rankings.
Elsewhere in Europe, Germany features two law schools in the global top 50: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (39th) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (41st).
The Netherlands is also home to two universities in the top 50, with Leiden University in 24th place, and the University of Amsterdam in joint 35th.
Top law schools in Asia
There are 52 Asian law schools in the rankings this year, with seven schools making it into the global top 50.
Mainland China is the most well-represented region in Asia in the law school rankings, with 15 programs featured. Two of these programs are in the world top 50, with Tsinghua University in 27th and Peking University in 28th place. Both of these universities are incredibly research intensive and have produced many prominent legal scholars, judges and lawyers .
Asia’s highest ranked law school is the National University of Singapore (NUS) rising two places to 10th this year. The school’s law program earns a high score across the indicators which perhaps can be credited to its broad curriculum, which, in addition to the core areas of law, allows students to choose electives ranging from Asian legal studies to banking and finance. NUS ranks amongst two other law schools in Singapore.
Japan has one school in the global top 50 with The University of Tokyo in joint 21st place. At the University of Tokyo, law is taught together with political science, with students studying the administrative, legislative and judicial branches of the government from a range of angles. A further eight Japanese schools feature in the overall rankings.
South Korea has six programs in the law rankings, with one entrant in the global top 50 – Seoul National University (SNU) in 33rd place. Hong Kong has three programs in the law rankings, with two making it into the top 50: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) in joint 21st place and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 48th place.
Top law schools in Australia and New Zealand
A total of 24 law programs in Australia (20) and New Zealand (four) feature in the subject rankings, with six Australian programs making it into the global top 50.
Australia’s highest-ranked law program can be found at The University of Melbourne, in joint 11th place. Over the past year this law school has been focusing on the legal, ethical and policy challenges of COVID-19 and now offers teaching about the relevant strands of law used during the pandemic and the public health strategies that are employed during a global health crisis.
Other notable Australian universities include: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (13th), The University of Sydney (14th), the Australian National University (ANU) (joint 17th), Monash University (40th) and The University of Queensland (UQ) (43rd).
New Zealand’s highest entrant this year is The University of Auckland, in 54th place. New Zealand’s second best law school, Victoria University of Wellington (joint 65th) performs particularly well for the research citations per paper indicator, reflecting the high quality of the research done at the university.
Top law schools in Latin America
Latin America has a significant presence in the law rankings this year, with 25 programs included. Four Latin American programs are in the top 50 globally.
Mexico’s Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is the highest ranked university in Latin America this year in 34th after rising seven places. UNAM’s law school produces high-level legal research aimed at solving current national and international problems and is home to one of the largest law libraries in Latin America. It is one of two Mexican universities featured in the law school rankings in 2021.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is the second highest-ranked in the region, and one of six of Chile’s universities featured this year. The university’s law school has been teaching students for 125 years and challenges its students to learn and develop abilities from a comprehensive standpoint, encouraging reflection, critical analysis and active participation in the legal and social debate on a global scale.
Argentina and Brazil each have one entry in this year’s top 50, including Argentina’s Universidad de Buenos Aires, which rises three places this year to rank 44th and Brazil’s Universidade de São Paulo (USP) (joint 46th). Colombia’s six law programs featured this year include Universidad de Los Andes Colombia, ranked 45th in the world.
Top law schools in Africa and the Middle East
Five African schools are featured in the law rankings, with four of these in South Africa and one in Egypt. The highest ranked school is the University of Cape Town, at 101-150. Also worth a mention is Egypt’s Cairo University (251-250) which earns the highest score for employer reputation in the region.
Only two countries in the Middle East are represented in the law school rankings – Israel and Saudi Arabia, with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv University performing the highest, both placing at 101-150.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem has taught the majority of the recipients of the prestigious Israel Prize in Law and Criminology and many of Israel’s past and present Supreme Court Justices attended the law school.
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