Having to decide on what university to pursue your dream major is, undoubtedly, one of the hardest decisions to make. It is especially challenging for international students, as they’ll have to take into account not only tuition fees but also the living costs in a new country and everything else in between. What’s important is that you have now decided on the program you want to pursue—law—which means you have one less thing to worry about, and it will make deciding on an institution much easier. Why worry when Collegelearners answers your questions regarding Best Law Schools In New England, best law schools in New York, best law schools in the world & New England law school ranking.

Collegelearners will provide all answers you needed about Best Law Schools in New England, Best law schools in New York and Best law schools in Massachusetts.

Best Law Schools Program in New England

You may anticipate learning how to handle some of the most difficult—and frequently, it seems unsolvable—conflicts and challenges in contemporary morality as a law student. Law degrees are a great approach to prepare for a wide range of professional tasks, as well as for life in general, as they provide a framework for analyzing and understanding other nations and cultures.

Top Law Schools in New England

The top New England law schools are also among the best law schools in the United States. These law schools offer students numerous opportunities to pursue advanced studies in the field of law and interdisciplinary research in a variety of related fields as well.

Many of the programs that are highly rated share a couple of common characteristics. They are located at prominent research institutions, have high placement rates and typically offer students the most choices in terms of degree options.

1. Yale

Yale University’s law school is considered by many to be the best in the nation and, by extension, New England. Yale ranked at the top of U.S. News & World Report rankings and was likewise ranked at the top of the list by top-law-schools.com. Much smaller in size than Harvard, Yale’s program is considered one of the best law schools on the East Coast. It serves the educational needs of just under 700 law students each year. Although the number of students is less than half of those at Harvard, Yale offers the entire spate of law degree programs that are offered at Harvard. At the master’s degree level, Yale offers a Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) degree in addition to the LL.M. This is a program offered to those who are not lawyers, but want to pursue the possible relationship between their vocation and the legal system. Yale offers one of the widest varieties of joint-degree programs as well, allowing students to study disciplines like medicine or religion in conjunction with their legal studies.

2. Stanford University

Often in the Top 3 of law schools in the United States along with Harvard and Yale, Stanford University is ranked as 2nd in a recent U.S. News and World Report. Located in Silicon Valley, this esteemed law school has more than 90 part time and full-time faculty to instruct its more than 550 students who are striving toward a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

The prestigious law program trains students for a four-year as well as a doctorate degree. It offers four advanced legal degrees: Master of Laws, Masters of Studies in Law, Doctor of the Science of Law and Master of the Science of Law.

3. Harvard

Harvard University’s law program is among the best New England law schools, the United States and the world as well. Harvard is renowned for its various interdisciplinary degree programs in a variety of disciplines including law. Harvard’s law school prepares law students to serve in a wide variety of capacities, from business law to public service. The school serves the educational needs of over 1,900 law students each year. Harvard law students receive top consideration among employers; the school boasts a placement rate of 97.1 percent for students prior to graduation. Aside from the standard Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Harvard offers the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.). The LL.M. program offers students considerable flexibility, allowing them to design their own degree plan to meet their own career goals. Harvard J.D. students also have the option of pursuing joint-degree programs in conjunction with other schools within the university or through its ongoing partnerships with other Massachusetts schools. Harvard’s law program has been ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.

best law schools in massachusetts

We have created a 2020 ranking of the best colleges in Massachusetts that offer Law degrees to help you find a school that fits your needs. Each school’s ranking is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. In addition, you can view our entire list of all 9 Law schools located within Massachusetts. We also provide reviews, facts, and questions and answers for schools on our site and offer you access to get valuable information from colleges and universities today.

1	Harvard University	Cambridge, MA		Image by @sophie_studemannHarvard University offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a large private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 590 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 590 Doctoral degrees.	Based on 44 Reviews	Read more: Harvard University Reviews Get Admissions Info
2	Suffolk University	Boston, MA		Suffolk University offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a medium sized private university in a large city. In 2015, 464 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 464 Doctoral degrees.		Read more: Suffolk University Reviews
3	New England Law-Boston	Boston, MA		New England Law-Boston offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a private university in a large city. In 2015, 335 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 335 Doctoral degrees.		Read more: New England Law-Boston Reviews
4	Boston College	Chestnut Hill, MA		Boston College offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a large private university in a small city. In 2015, 247 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 247 Doctoral degrees.	Based on 16 Reviews	Read more: Boston College Reviews
5	Boston University	Boston, MA		Boston University offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 208 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 208 Doctoral degrees.	Based on 104 Reviews	Read more: Boston University Reviews
6	Northeastern University	Boston, MA		Northeastern University offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 171 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 171 Doctoral degrees.	Based on 48 Reviews	Read more: Northeastern University Reviews
7	Western New England University	Springfield, MA		Western New England University offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a medium sized private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 89 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 89 Doctoral degrees.		Read more: Western New England University Reviews
8	Massachusetts School of Law	Andover, MA		Massachusetts School of Law offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 108 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 108 Doctoral degrees.		Read more: Massachusetts School of Law Reviews Admissions Info
9	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth	North Dartmouth, MA		University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers 1 Law Degree program. It’s a medium sized public university in a mid sized suburb. In 2015, 64 students graduated in the study area of Law with students earning 64 Doctoral degrees.	Based on 8 Reviews	Read more: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Reviews

	Average tuition	Student Teacher Ratio	Enrolled Students
Harvard University Cambridge, MA	5/5	14 : 1	29,652
Suffolk University Boston, MA	5/5	18 : 1	7,922
New England Law-Boston Boston, MA		15 : 1	688
Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA	5/5	15 : 1	14,354
Boston University Boston, MA	5/5	11 : 1	32,158
Northeastern University Boston, MA	5/5	15 : 1	19,940
Western New England University Springfield, MA	5/5	15 : 1	3,912
Massachusetts School of Law Andover, MA		15 : 1	363
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA	3/5	20 : 1	8,916

best law schools in boston

Everyone who pursues a law degree understands the importance of finding a reputable law school. A prestigious law school gives future lawyers the best chance of acquiring the outcome they desire: a stable career with a reputable firm or company. Undoubtedly, getting a law degree is challenging, but it carries a certain measure of respect. Needless to say, any prospective law school student wants to attend a law school that has not only a rigorous curriculum, but also a prestigious reputation. 

All of this brings us to our article today about law schools in Boston. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular cities to study law is, in fact, Boston, home to several excellent schools for the study of law. These schools represent a collection of institutions with incredible legal minds on faculty, alumni now working for the top law firms, and students who graduated from the best undergraduate schools worldwide.

List of Boston Law Schools and Their Ranking

3. New England School of Law 

The New England School of Law (NESL) is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. In 2021, the Princeton Review ranked NESL as #3 on the “Greatest Resources for Women” list. This ranking was based on a student survey asking whether, regardless of their gender, students felt they received equal treatment by other students and faculty members. NESL was ranked as one of the country’s top law schools for career outcomes, admissions selection, and academic challenge. 

NESL offers law students the chance to join an experiential learning program, allowing them to engage with faculty, practicing attorneys, judges, and internationally known prosecutors. This experience prepares NESL law graduates for a greater chance of landing their future law placement. 

Students can choose from programs such as Elder Law Clinics, Family Law Mediation Clinic, International Human Rights Clinics, and Real Estate Practicum. Clinics pair students from the School of Law to offer their legal assistance in a variety of areas to maximize education and personal interests.

2. Suffolk University Law School 

Located in downtown Boston, this private school was founded in 1906. Today, it’s the 3rd largest university in Boston. As New England’s fourth oldest university, Suffolk’s founding father’s goal was to provide a legal education for students who wanted to study but experienced racial and socio-economic discrimination. 

Because of Suffolk’s ideal downtown Boston location, students have the opportunity to participate in law internships and clinics throughout one of the east coast’s best cities. Suffolk additionally runs the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, offering fellowships for its law students. Besides internships, students at Suffolk can participate in the school’s moot court, legal clinics, and law publications. The law school offers programs to study abroad at Lund University in Sweden. This is where well-known Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg did her 1960s research for her book about Swedish Law.

The law professors at Suffolk represent legal scholars who still practice in major law firms, large corporations, district attorneys, legal departments, and public defenders. They have a reputation for being eager to mentor and advise their students. Ranking it among the schools for finding a job upon graduation, this law school boasts that 84% of its law students find a job within 10 months of graduating. 

1. Northeastern University School of Law 

A supreme law school, Northeastern’s bar pass rate for students in some years is as high as 90%, making it among the leading schools nationwide in this important statistic. 

While Northeastern excels in many areas of law, it is widely regarded among the top law schools in the country for Public Interest Law. Northeastern’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration, abbreviated as CPIAC, focuses on delivering legal and social justice solutions for their clientele. Additionally, Northeastern hosts a number of clinics in IP law, public health, immigrant protection, and more.

Experiential learning is at the heart of the Northeastern University Law School experience; every student who graduates from Northeastern must participate in a co-op program. The co-op is a signature program at Northeastern University for any major, where students must enroll in a full-time job for at least one semester while completing their studies. For law school students, this means greater experience when approaching the open job market upon graduation.

best law schools on the east coast

Law Schools	Graduates	Percent of Total
University of Maine School of Law	87	16%
Boston University School of Law	42	8%
Boston College Law School	40	7%
Suffolk University Law School	32	6%
Vermont Law School	26	5%
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law	25	5%
Harvard Law School	19	4%
Cornell University Law School	16	3%
Georgetown University Law Center	13	2%
Northeastern University School of Law	13	2%

The Best Law Schools in New York

1. Columbia University School of Law

• National Ranking: 4
• Bar Passage Rates: 98 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
• Acceptance Rate: 16.8 percent
• LSAT: 170 — 174
• Price: $69,916

Columbia has one of the best law programs in the country. Graduates from here move on to have some of the highest paying, most prestigious law jobs in the country. The small-sized private university has a class size of only 350 people.

With a bar exam pass rate approaching 98%, you’re also almost guaranteed to pass the bar if you study here and apply yourself. But of course, thanks to the school’s reputation, they can be picky about who they accept.

If you want a good chance of getting admitted, you’ll have to hit a minimum of 170 on your LSATs. Even if you do, it’s still difficult: the school’s acceptance rate is only 16.8 percent. So, do your best to get your application in early and study hard. The school will also consider extracurricular activities. Before applying you should try to gain relevant work experience, and explore volunteering possibilities as well. While it’s expensive, it’s one of the best law educations you can get nationwide.

2. New York University School of Law

• National Ranking: 6
• Bar Passage Rate: 97.5 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $180,000
• Acceptance Rate: 23.6 percent
• LSAT: 167 — 172
• Price: $66,422

This private university is located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan. It is relatively large for a law school with a student body of around 1700. The school is quite tough to get into, but it’s a smidge easier by acceptance rate than admissions for Columbia or Cornell. Curriculum here is incredibly intensive, though and students here do need to work hard.

While there’s an active social scene at this school, the workloads prevent too much hedonistic behavior. NYU law school is another historic campus — the school started in 1831. With a fantastic bar passage rate and stellar post-grad salaries, the price is expensive but justifiable, although you’ll need to have your application well in order to be successful.

3. Cornell Law School

• National Ranking: 13
• Bar Passage Rate: 95.9 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $64,228 to $180,000
• Acceptance Rate: 21.1 percent
• LSAT: 164 — 168
• Price: $65,541

This selective private university is one of the top 15 in the country. They’re very particular when it comes to who enters the program. You have to perform well academically and demonstrate that you can maintain balance in your life.

Acceptance is difficult to achieve — only about 1 in 5 applicants make the grade. That’s a good thing, though, because this is not an option for slackers. If you’re willing to work hard, you’ll get an excellent start for your law career. And more important than curriculum is the network that the school provides. Alumni are very active and usually happy to mentor new graduates. The college campus is beautiful, with historic buildings to inspire you.

With just over 600 JD students, Cornell University is considered small to mid-sized. The cost to attend the school is above average, but with a good LSAT score, financial aid is available to students.

4. Fordham University School of Law

• National Ranking: 27
• Bar Passage Rate: 92.3 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,250 to $180,000
• Acceptance Rate: 25.9 percent
• LSAT: 161 — 166
• Price: $60,406

This private Catholic school has offered outstanding education since 1841 and draws on traditional Jesuit values. These values emphasize respect, hard work, and morality. Graduates of Fordham can expect similar salaries to the top schools on this list.

But while the quality of the education you’ll get is top-tier, entrance is slightly more relaxed in terms of LSAT scores. That said, you’ll need to have a stellar academic background and application to gain entrance. There’s a fair amount of competition for the top spots here.

5. Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

• National Ranking: 53
• Bar Passage Rate: 85.6 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $60,000 to $70,000
• Acceptance Rate: 40.3 percent
• LSAT: 157 — 162
• Price: $60,610

The Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University is a private law school with a relatively large student body, featuring about 1000 students. The bar passage rate is a little lower than higher-tier options, probably correlated with the more relaxed admissions requirements.

But as long as you achieve an LSAT score of 157 or more, you’ve got a good chance of getting in. The competition for entry is average, so you’ve got a good shot at getting in compared to schools in the top 50. Campus life is active, and the law school represents a significant part of the student body, but the focus is definitely on academics.

Although it’s officially a Jewish school, the student population isn’t particularly religious. While here isn’t any religious influence on curriculum, but there is strong support for the Jewish community here. While tuition is quite high for a school outside of the top 50, this school offers more financial assistance for students than any reviewed in this state so far.

6. St. John’s University School of Law

• National Ranking: 74
• Bar Passage Rate: 88.6 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $62,500 to $79,000
• Acceptance Rate: 41.9 percent
• LSAT: 153 — 160
• Price: $59,480

As the name suggests, this is a Catholic school. It’s privately run and has an excellent reputation, as it’s well in the top 100 law schools in America.

A significant advantage here is that it is relatively easy to get accepted. LSAT scores required are lower than is the case for most top institutions. There is relatively average competition for entry, but there’s a very small pool of applicants: only 247 students attend the institution, less than 100 per class year.

The school is in Queens, a borough of New York City. The school is expensively priced, a side effect of being in the Big Apple, but networking effects from being in the city can help with job projects post-graduation. Financial aid programs are available.

7. SUNY Buffalo Law School

• National Ranking: 99
• Bar Passage Rate: 77.5 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $54,000 to $62,500
• Acceptance Rate: 57.9 percent
• LSAT: 150 — 156
• Price: $27,964

This law school sneaks in the top 100 by rankings with a reputation that’s well above average. The campus is large, with a total of around 19,500 students, but the law school itself is small with under 500 Juris Doctor candidates. This helps with a high student to staff ratio of 5.5 students to one staff member.

Gaining entry is relatively simple because of the scores required. The bottom 25 percent of students admitted have a score under 150, which represents the 40th percentile of test scores. Just get your application in early because they still reject over approximately 500 candidates per year.

The average cost of education here is reasonable, well below average for a law school in the top 100. The school also offers need-based financial aid programs.

8. Syracuse University College of Law

• National Ranking: 111
• Bar Passage Rate: 91.4 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $50,750 to $65,000
• Acceptance Rate: 52.1 percent
• LSAT: 152 — 156
• Price: $51,422

Experts and graduates alike highly recommend this small private institution in Syracuse. It’s class size is miniscule: 230, meaning it’s still quite competitive to get into the school. That said, it’s easier than trying to get into Columbia or Cornell, but it’s definitely not a sure thing. A strong LSAT is still required to gain admission.

That the school has a high bar passage rate despite its lower admission requirements speaks volumes about the quality of education there. While the undergraduate program has a party reputation and an emphasis on sports, the law school is very different and those who don’t hit the books hard won’t find success here.

While tuition is above average for a school of this caliber, the school offers financial aid. Post-grad salaries speak to the competition for starting positions among graduates in New York, but diligent students can work their way up, although there are more abundant, less competitive positions in places like Albany and Buffalo than in New York City.

9. Albany Law School of Union University

• Ranking: 118
• Bar Passage Rates: 70.6 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $59,000 to $73,000
• Acceptance Rate: 54.6 percent
• LSAT Range: 151 — 156
• Price: $47,450

If you’re looking for more individualized attention, this school could be a good fit. There is a total of around 2,200 students on the whole campus and 372 in the law school. While the acceptance rate is just over 50%, admissions are competitive, so it’s important to take your application and test scores seriously if you hope to gain admission.

Albany is a private school with above-average tuition. Many students do qualify for student aid. Private sector salaries are relatively high for a school outside of the top 100, and public position placement is high as well with relatively strong salaries. That has more to do with the staff support network outside of academics: a career center helps place graduates.

10. Hofstra University Maurice A. Dean School of Law

• National Ranking: 160
• Bar Passage Rate: 68.2 percent
• Post-Graduation Salaries: $61,000 to $70,000
• Acceptance Rate: 48.1 percent
• LSAT: 148 — 155
• Price: $59,214

At first glance, the bar passage rate for Hofstra University looks pretty low. It looks even worse when you compare it to the others on this list. So, how did Hofstra squeeze its way into the top ten? Well, at the end of the day, it’s a pretty good school. It’s selective, admitting under 50% of applicants and post-graduation salaries are higher than many higher-ranked institutions.

The lower ranking could be related to the lower scores required to gain admission. But what made us include it here is that the school puts a lot of emphasis on the practical aspects of the law. And, if you plan to practice law, this emphasis on real-world experience is a significant advantage. It helps with career placement as well, with 81% of students employed within 10 months of graduation.

Is the school up to the standards of Columbia or Cornell? No, not really. But, at the same time, not everyone can get into those top schools. Overall, you’re getting a good education. The school is of a large size with around 820 students. Over 100 professors mean that the student to staff ratio is bar none.

The tuition is pretty steep, but if you’re willing to work, you’ll get your money’s worth. The faculty are very supportive of students who are eager to work hard, and the bar passage rate, while not incredible, is about average for the state as a whole.

Best Law Schools in Massachusetts

1. Harvard Law School

In terms of continuous operation, Harvard Law School is the oldest law school in the U.S. It has been at the forefront of influencing America’s legal curriculum, especially in realms such as civil procedure, criminal law, torts, and property law.

Harvard is ranked as the second-best law school in the U.S. by the U.S. News & World Report. It is also recognized by Vault Top 25 as the 2nd best law school in the country.

As one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, securing admission to Harvard is quite an uphill task. The school has an acceptance rate of 18%, meaning less than a quarter of applicants make it for consideration.

The median GPA for Harvard 2018 applications was 3.86, while the LSAT was 173 out of a possible 180. These high GPA and LSAT scores only serve to cement Harvard Law’s status as one of the leading and most influential law schools.

Harvard provides on-campus and graduate housing as well as law-specific housing. The student to faculty ratio stands at 12:1, which allows for quality, individualized attention. Harvard Law’s bar passage rate in 2018 stood at 95.3%, while 97% of graduates secured employment within the first ten months after graduation—unbelievable!

2. Boston College Law School

Boston College (B.C.) Law School is located in Newton, Massachusetts, and is regarded as one of the finest law schools in Massachusetts. B.C. Law specializes in social justice, public interest, and human rights law.

It is ABA-accredited and is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The U.S. News & World Report, in 2018, ranked B.C. Law as the 30th best law school in the U.S.

The title of a prestigious law school, as you must be aware, comes at the price of competitive applications. The school had an acceptance rate of 46% in 2018, meaning it rejected over half of its total applications.

In 2018, the median LSAT was 162, while the median GPA stood at 3.56, which points out the highly competitive nature of the institution. With a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, B.C. law students are well-placed to benefit from individualized professor attention.

Impressively, 92% of its 2018 graduates obtained well-paying jobs (average of $70,000) within the first ten months after graduating. The bar passage rate, as expected of a world-class institution, stood at 90% in 2018.

3. Boston University Law School

Boston University (B.U.) Law School opened in 1872 and is among the best-rated U.S. law schools. The U.S. News & World Report, in its 2018 list of top law schools, rated Boston University as the 20th most prestigious law school in the country.

As expected, B.U. Law is ABA-accredited and a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The prestigious nature of B.U. Law only serves to make it less receptive to applications. In 2018, the school’s acceptance rate stood at a paltry 38%.

The Median LSAT was 163 in 2018, while the median GPA was 3.67 in the same year. This means that your scores must be high for you to secure a spot in this prestigious law school.

B.U. Law has a friendly student to faculty ratio of 15:1, which allows students to receive individualized attention from faculty members. The school provides both graduate and on-campus housing. However, no law-specific housing services are offered.

The school has a high bar passage rate of 92.8%, which is well above the state average of 81.9%. On top of the impressive bar passage rate, 89% of 2018 graduates obtained jobs within the first ten months after graduation.

4. New England School of Law

Located in Boston, the New England School of Law (NESL) has been active since its opening in 1908. The school is ABA accredited and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

NESL had an acceptance rate of 81% in 2018, which was among the friendliest acceptance rates in Massachusetts. The median GPA for 2018 applicants stood at 3.14, while the median LSAT was 147.

The school has a student to faculty ratio of 30:1, which is among the highest in the state. The school does not provide on-campus housing or graduate housing. Law-specific housing services are also not provided.

The 2018 bar passage rate was 77%, which is just 5% lesser than the state average. 83% of 2018 graduates secured jobs within the first ten months after graduating.

5. Suffolk Law School

Suffolk University Law School is located in Boston and has been operational since 1906. The school is ABA-accredited and has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools for over half a century.

The school has an acceptance rate of 70%, which means qualified applicants have high chances of admission. The Median LSAT in 2018 was 150, while the median GPA stood at 3.23. The school does not provide any form of housing solutions to its students.

The student to faculty ratio, however, is impressive as it stands at 17:1. In regard to bar-passage rate, the school recorded an average of 75.8%, a figure which is only 7% below the state average. 84% of graduates secured jobs in the first ten months after graduating.

best law schools in the world

We’ve broken down the overall best law schools in the world by their distinguishing characteristics. It’s important to point out that you will have better access to top local law firms, jobs, and a more extensive alumni network in the city you attended school. Beyond networking and employability, the country you choose to study in will have a significant impact on your potential earnings as a lawyer. Take a look at the variations in average starting salary for lawyers across the world. Learn more in our blog on how to become a lawyer.

So, what is the best law school in the world? Keep reading to find out.

11. University of Melbourne (Melbourne Law School)

Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	ATAR Requirements	Weighted Average Mark	Average LSAT	Application deadline
AUD$128,320 total course fee	99.8%	75% from an Undergraduate degree	158 (Not required for 2022 intake)	October 7th 2021

About Melbourne Law School

Founded in 1857, Melbourne Law School is the oldest and best law school in Australia. Each year, the school admits approximately 300 students. The program teaches law through an international lens and focuses on globalization. All of the classes are capped at 60 students or less, allowing for a more intimate learning environment. The school offers more than 150 subjects each year. After students receive their JD, they can pursue LL.M, Ph.D., and LL.D degrees.

Fun fact, unlike other law schools in this list, The University of Melbourne doesn’t consider personal statements, interviews, references, work experience, and extracurriculars in the admission process.

Is it for you?

Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in the world. Their JD program allows you to pursue legal progression in all Australian jurisdictions and many overseas. It’s a well-regarded university where students can study a range of law professions. The school also provides JD students with access to career services, mentor programs, workshops, and mock interviews.

For undergraduate entry, you must complete an undergraduate in a discipline other than law. You could pursue a bachelor’s in agriculture, arts, biomedicine, commerce, design, science, or any other program available at the university. When you study for an undergraduate degree followed by the JD, you’ll graduate with a higher-level qualification than a double degree. For more information about their undergraduate and graduate admissions requirements, check out their admissions page.

10. National University of Singapore (NUS Law)

Singapore

NUS Law School Admissions Overview

Tuition (International Students)	LLB Requirements	JD/LLM Requirements	English Test	Application deadline
LLB: S$27,050 per annum JD: ~S$30,000 per annum LLM: S$35,650 per annum	IB: Overall good IB Score and Minimum 5 for SL/HL English A A Levels: Overall A with at least B in H1 General Paper or good pass in H2 Knowledge & Inquiry	Any university degree with Cum Laude or Second Class Upper Honours degree or its equivalent. Law graduates from a civil law country can apply to the 2 year JD programme or LLM.	TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.0	20 November – 4 December

About National University of Singapore Faculty of Law

The National University of Singapore Faculty of Law (NUS Law) is the best law school in Asia Pacific. Established in 1956, it’s Singapore’s oldest law school. NUS Law offers undergraduate students a four-year LL.B. programme that includes two years of compulsory modules and two years of electives. Their graduate law programs include JD, LLM, and Ph.D. Admission typically requires a bachelor’s degree in law. All shortlisted candidates are also required to complete an interview and a written test which typically takes places between February and March.

Fun fact, NUS Law School has exchange programs with New York University, Boston University, Erasmus University, King’s College London, University of Melbourne, and University of Toronto open to students on the four year LLB programme. NYU exchange programme is also open to students on the three Year JD programme.

Is it for you?

Singapore is a safe, multicultural city that’s well-connected, easily accessible, and has great weather. NUS Law fees are more affordable than comparable law schools, but the city is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The university has a global reputation for academic excellence with ample networking opportunities due to the abundance of multinational companies located nearby. Check out this page for information about LLB entry requirements and this page for JD entry requirements.

9. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley Law)

Berkeley, California

UC Berkeley Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
CA Residents: USD$56,944 per annum Non CA Residents: USD$64,066 per annum	LSAT, personal statement, resume, university transcripts, and 2-4 recommendation letters	~3.7	~167	Regular: February 15 Early: November 15

About Berkeley Law

Founded in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley’s vision is that the university would “contribute even more than California’s gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations.”

Ranking 9th on our list, Berkeley Law is a leading law school located within one of the world’s greatest universities. It’s one of 14 schools and colleges at the University of Berkeley and provides premier teaching in legal theory, practices, and doctrine. Through research and service, they seek to engage students and improve government, business, and society. If they choose, students can focus their studies on one particular interest and develop a specialty. This is unusual for law schools and one thing that sets Berkeley Law apart from the rest.

Is it for you?

The city of Berkeley is one of the most vibrant and inclusive cities in the world. Located just outside San Francisco, Berkeley is known for its eclectic restaurants, backyard artists, coffee shops and culture, and unique specialty stores.

Berkeley students are as eclectic as their surroundings and intensely motivated to make a difference in the world. While Berkeley Law’s curriculum is notoriously difficult, professors and students work together, offering encouragement and support. This environment helps students grow both intellectually and personally. Berkeley also has its own unique grading system. Berkeley Law is also committed to providing affordable access to students from all backgrounds and communities. Learn more about JD admissions at UC Berkeley.

8. New York University (NYU School of Law)

New York City, New York

NYU School of Law JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
USD$70,400 per annum	LSAT/GRE, undergraduate transcript, resume, personal statement, and 2 recommendation letters	3.82	170	Regular: February 15 Early: November 15

About NYU School of Law

NYU is the oldest university in New York City. Established in 1835, they offers JD, LLM, and JSD degrees. Rated best overall law faculty in the United States, NYU Law also has the highest number of judges at international courts of justice and an impressive number of Nobel laureates. Since its inception, they have redefined legal education, ensuring graduates are ready for careers in law.

Is it for you?

NYU Law is a leader in international and tax law and offers 300 courses in 16 areas of study. Located in New York City, law students have access to countless networking opportunities and internships. NYU Law is a leader in international law and offers study abroad programs in Buenos Aires and Paris. NYU is a private university, so you should expect to pay higher tuition. Additionally, New York housing is notoriously expensive. For more information on how to get into NYU Law School, visit their admissions page.

7. Columbia University (Columbia Law School)

New York City, New York

Columbia Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
USD$78,671 per annum	LSAT/GRE, post-secondary institutions transcripts, a dean’s appraisal/certification, personal statement, and 2 recommendation letters	3.82	172	Regular: February 15 Early: November 15

About Columbia Law

Columbia Law is a leader in legal education and corporate law, boasting graduates from 199 different countries. Graduates are ready for the world and have limitless opportunities to further their professional, personal, and intellectual growth. Established in 1858, Columbia Law focuses on experiential learning that includes clinics, externships, and hands-on, real-world experiences with real-world impact. The Law curriculum is rigorous and innovative. Columbia Law adds new courses in emerging subjects and offers dual and joint degrees with Columbia University.

Columbia Law also publishes the “Columbia Law Review,” the third most cited law journal in the world. U.S. presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt graduated from Columbia. Columbia Law’s graduates have gone on to become U.S. Supreme Court justices, CEOs, executives, and more. They serve as mentors and valuable resources for current law students.

Is it for you?

Columbia Law has long-standing relationships with employers around the world, including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and social justice organizations. They offer counseling, peer mentoring, and a mock interview program. Located in New York City, the Columbia Law community participates in activities on and off-campus. They offer a supported environment where you can deepen your understanding and appreciation for law and life.

When assessing applications, Columbia law takes a holistic approach. Instead of only focusing on grades and test scores, they also focus on how students will contribute to their community. Columbia believes diversity of all kinds enriches their community, so they seek people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. For more information about their application and decision process, visit their admissions page.

6. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE Department of Law)

London, UK

LSE Law Admissions Overview

Tuition	LLB Requirements	LLM Requirements	Application deadline
LLB UK Students: £9,250 per year LLB International students: £22,430 per year LLM UK students: £17,328 LLM International students: £25,224	A Levels: A*AA IB: 38 points overall, with 766 for HL LNAT and Personal statement required	Undergraduate degree in law (LLB or equivalent) Transcripts, statement of academic purpose, two academic references, and CV also required	LLB: 26 January

About LSE Law

LSE Law is a vibrant and inclusive community of world-class students, staff, and alumni committed to bringing an international and interdisciplinary outlook to teaching and research. Established in 1895, the LSE Law Department seeks to understand the causes of things. They pioneered the study of banking, taxation, labor, family, and welfare law.

Today, the department is one of the best in the world. They offer LLB, LLM, Executive LLM, MSc Law and Accounting degrees. Additionally, they offer a double degree program with the Columbia Law School LLB/JD program.

Is it for you?

AT LSE Law, you can study law as an undergraduate. They offer a three-year LLB degree, and then you can take the LPC (legal practice course) after your LLB. The LLM program teaches law from various traditions and jurisdictions, so you can practice law in any jurisdiction. It also offers many specializations. 

While LSE Law doesn’t ask for a specific subject combination for law, they look for evidence of academic excellence, scholarly potential, and curiosity. Reading and research are important in this degree, and students are expected to have a high level of literacy with evidence of this through their post-16 subjects. For more information about admissions to LSE Law, visit their admissions page.

5. Stanford University (Stanford Law School)

Stanford, California

Stanford Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
USD$64,350 per annum	LSAT/GRE, university transcripts, resume, personal statement, optional diversity/short essays and 2 recommendation letters	3.89	171	Regular: February Early: December

About Stanford Law School

Established in 1893, Stanford Law School has the smallest student body in the top 10 universities, enrolling only 180 students each year. They boast a 4.4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 98.91% bar passage. Stanford Law is one of the most research-oriented universities in the world, specializing in practical clinical education with a global perspective.

Unlike many top law schools in the world, Stanford emphasizes student collaboration more than independent learning. Classroom competition and academic pressure lead to teamwork and intellectual stimulation.

Stanford offers many options, including creating your own joint degree and picking your own courses.

Is it for you?

Stanford University is located in the famous Silicon Valley, home to some of the world’s most renowned tech companies. Bustling with campus culture and charm, Stanford students enjoy small class sizes and the tight-knit community. Students also love the pleasant Bay Area weather and the proximity to San Francisco’s famed landmarks. There’s no shortage of internships and networking opportunities in this bustling tech-centric area. If you’re interested in Stanford Law’s application process, visit their admissions page.

4. Yale University (Yale Law School)

New Haven, Connecticut

Yale Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
USD$67,108 per annum	LSAT/GRE, university transcripts, resume, personal statement, optional Addenda diversity statement, 2 recommendation letters, and a Dean’s Certification (must provide after being accepted)	3.94	173	Regular: February 15

About Yale Law

Yale Law is one of the most selective law schools in the world. Established in 1824, it has been a top-ranked law school since the U.S. News & World Report magazine began publishing its law school rankings in the 1980s. Yale Law Journal continues to be one of the most highly cited legal publications in the United States.

Yale Law boasts dozens of famous graduates, including 19 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, former U.S. presidents Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. World leader alumni include Karl Carstens, the fifth president of Germany, Jose P. Laurel, the third president of the Republic of the Philippines, and Peter Mutharika, the immediate former president of Malawi.

Is it for you?

Yale’s diverse student body comes from 123 countries around the world. Known for its scholarly orientation, many Yale graduates choose careers in academia and are encouraged to spend a few years in government service. Yale Law also doesn’t use a traditional grading system. The first year, first semester students are graded on a Credit/No Credit system and an Honors/Pass/Low Pass/Fail system for their remaining years at Yale.

Students are drawn to Yale’s location because its New Haven, Connecticut campus has a low-key vibe, but it’s close enough to New York City that networking and career opportunities abound. Are you interested in learning more about their admissions requirements? Check out their page.

3. University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law

Cambridge, UK

Cambridge Faculty of Law Admissions Overview

Tuition	BA Tripos Degree in Law Requirements	LLM Requirements	MCL Requirements	Application deadline
LLB UK Students: £9,250 per year LLB International students: £22,227 per year LLM UK students: £17,148 LLM International: £32,214 MCL all students: £33,738	A Levels: A*AA IB: 40-42 points overall, with 776 for HL Personal statement, Academic references, and Cambridge Law Test required. Successful applications will require an interview	First Class degree in Law from a UK university of its equivalent from an overseas instiution. Transcripts, academic references, CV, and proof of English language ability required.	Top 5-10% in their Law degree. Extra weight for courses related to corporate law. Transcripts, academic references, CV, and proof of English language ability required.	BA Law: 15 October LLM: 3 December MCL: 7 January

About Cambridge University, Faculty of Law

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge initially focused on civil law (the law of ancient Rome) and the Canon law of the Church. The Regius Professorship of Civil Law was founded by Henry VIII in 1540. As one of the world’s oldest law schools, it’s known for its cutting-edge legal research in international law and criminology.

Cambridge University is home to the Cambridge University Law Society, the largest student-run law society in the UK and among the largest in the world. This organization founded the Cambridge Law Journal in 1921, and the publication is now the longest-running university law journal in the United Kingdom.

Is it for you?

Cambridge offers a number of law degrees, including the BA Tripos, an undergraduate degree that gives students a thorough grounding in the principles of law from an academic rather than vocational perspective. Graduate degrees include a Masters of Law (LLM), Masters in Corporate Law (MCL), and a Doctorate in Law (Ph.D.).

Those who wish to pursue law in the United States should note that the BA Tripos in Law is not equivalent to the JD. Completing this degree will not prepare you for passing the bar in the US as it is primarily an English Law degree. While you cannot practice law in the United States with an LLM either, Harvard has a joint LLM/JD program with Cambridge that gives you a degree from both schools in three and a half years.

Cambridge students come from over 147 different countries. Known for promoting collaboration between academia and business, this globally diverse university collaborates with colleagues throughout the world and has partnerships in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Cambridge students enjoy a vibrant city life that includes restaurants, concerts, pubs, museums, and shops. The city is also surrounded by green spaces and parks where students can walk or bike to everything the city has to offer.

2. University of Oxford, Faculty of Law

Oxford, UK

Oxford Faculty of Law Admissions Overview

Tuition	BA Jur Requirements	BCL/MJur Requirements	Application deadline
BA Jur UK Students: £9,250 per year BA Jur International students: £28,370 per year BCL/MJur UK Students: £24,450 per year BCL/MJur International Students: £36,930 per year	A Levels: AAA IB: 38 points overall, with 666 for HL Personal statement, Academic references, and LNAT required. Successful applications will require an interview	First Class undergraduate honours degree in Law from a UK university of its equivalent from an overseas institution. Transcripts, academic references, letter of recommendation CV, and proof of English language ability required.	BA Law: 15 October LLM: 3 December

About Oxford Law

Oxford University is considered one of the best universities in the world. Founded in 1096, this prestigious school has taught law for more than 800 years. They began offering a degree in English law (BA in Jurisprudence) in the 1870s. The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) became a master’s level degree in the 20th century, and by the 1970s, Oxford developed a large graduate program in law. Today, Oxford has two main master’s programs; the BCL, designed for students from a common law background, and a Magister Juris (MJur), designed for students from a civil law background. The BCL is considered “the most highly regarded taught masters-level qualification in the common law world.”

Oxford’s program is the only graduate law program in the world that is taught through a combination of seminars, tutorials, and lectures, giving you a closer connection to your professors and classmates. As a student in the Oxford Law degree program, you’re encouraged to read from primary sources, think critically, and develop your own views about the what, why, and how of law. Oxford Law graduates can practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Is it for you?

Oxford offers a unique learning experience based around conversations. These “personalized tutorials” occur between two or three students and their tutor, who’s an expert on that subject. It gives students a chance to explore a subject at length and receive feedback on their work. Courses also include seminars, lectures, labs, and language classes.

Oxford has a diverse student body from countries around the world. While academic standards are extremely high and the workload is demanding, Oxford offers a close-knit community that celebrates diversity and promotes change.

1. Harvard University (Harvard Law School)

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard Law School JD Admissions Overview

Tuition	Application Requirements	Average GPA	Average LSAT	Application deadline
USD$67,720 per annum	LSAT/GRE, university transcripts, resume, personal statement, optional statement, 2 recommendation letters, and interview may be required.	3.88	173	March 1

About Harvard Law

Established in 1817, Harvard University is the oldest law school in the United States and the best law school in the world. The prestigious school has one of the largest student bodies and large class sizes. They offer a three-year JD program that leads to an initial law degree, a one-year advanced degree (LLM) for students who have their first law degree, and an SJD (doctoral of juridical science). This advanced law degree is designed for aspiring legal academics pursuing independent study, research, and writing. Notable Harvard Law School graduates include Barack and Michelle Obama and eight sitting US senators.