Law school rankings can be a great starting point when applying to law school but finding the right JD program means digging deeper. Whether you’re pursuing a degree from a T14 law school or looking for schools with flexible admissions, we’ve got you covered. This blog explores rankings that matter most to future law students, from schools with the highest acceptance rates to those welcoming applicants with lower GPAs or LSAT scores. It also highlights employment outcomes and bar passage rates, helping you find the right fit for your goals. Let’s make sure your decision passes the bar—literally and figuratively!
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Law School Rankings: Best Law Schools in the US
The following are the best law schools in the US based on key factors like acceptance rates, academic stats, and the bar exam pass rate.
Law School Rankings: Best Law Schools in Canada
The list below includes the best law schools in Canada, separated by province.
Top Law Schools in British Columbia
Top Law Schools in Ontario
- Queen’s University
- York University, Osgoode Hall Law School
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- Western University
- University of Windsor
- Lakehead University, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Top Law Schools in Quebec
- Université Laval – Baccalauréat en Droit
- McGill University – Faculty of Law
- Université de Montréal – Faculté de Droit
- Université du Québec – Faculté de Science Politique & Droit
- Université de Sherbrooke – Faculté de droit
Get into the law school of your dreams with these tips to help your law school application stand out!
Law School Rankings: Law Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rate
Law School Rankings: Canadian Law Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rate
Paying attention to law school acceptance rates is a smart and strategic choice. If you have a strong application, these schools offer a greater chance of admission, reducing the stress of an already competitive process. Accredited and recognized as providers of a quality law school education, these schools are an excellent option for students who have a lower GPA or LSAT score, or another weakness on their application.
By including these schools in your application strategy, you not only improve your chances of receiving an offer but also open doors to opportunities in the legal field. As you refine your law school personal statement, research the best law school extracurriculars, and compile a standout law school resume, applying to schools with high acceptance rates can help ensure you have solid options as you take the next step toward becoming a lawyer.
Looking for more information about law schools in Canada? Check out the easiest Canadian law schools to get into.
Law School Rankings: Law Schools That Accept Low GPAs
While a 3.0 GPA may be below the median for many top-tier law schools, several reputable institutions consider applicants with this academic profile, especially when complemented by strong LSAT scores, professional experience, unique personal backgrounds, and convincing law school letters of recommendation. It is possible to get into law school with a low GPA, and here are three law schools that accept students with a lower than average GPA:
1. Suffolk University Law School
Suffolk University Law School offers flexible programs, including full-time, part-time, hybrid online, and accelerated JD tracks. The median GPA for incoming students is around 3.55, with the 25th percentile at 3.33, indicating that applicants with a lower GPA have a viable chance, particularly if other aspects of their application are strong.
The school, located in Boston, Massachusetts, offers concentrations in intellectual property, international law, business law, health and biomedical law, legal innovation and technology, and trial and appellate advocacy. Suffolk's part-time evening program allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments, offering classes after 6 p.m.
2. University of Arkansas School of Law
The University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is known for its affordable tuition and strong agricultural and food law programs. The median GPA for admitted students is approximately 3.53, with the 25th percentile at 3.35, suggesting that applicants with a lower GPA may be considered, especially if they present high LSAT scores and other compelling qualifications.
The school has a full-time JD program with various clinics, including criminal defense, civil litigation, and transactional clinics, providing hands-on legal experience.
3. Elon University School of Law
Elon University School of Law offers an innovative curriculum emphasizing experiential learning, including a required residency-in-practice program. While specific GPA statistics may vary, Elon Law is known for a holistic admissions process that considers the entirety of an applicant's background, making it accessible to students with a low GPA, particularly when accompanied by strong LSAT scores and relevant experience.
This Greensboro, North Carolina, school emphasizes preparing graduates for practical legal work through experiential learning and tailored career development.
Law Schools That Accept Low GPAs in Canada
In Canada, there are a few schools with a lower GPA threshold including:
- University of Saskatchewan – 3.0
- University of British Columbia – 3.0
- University of New Brunswick – 3.7 on a 4.3 scale (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
- University of Windsor – 3.12
Law School Rankings: Law Schools That Accept a Low LSAT Score
There are some law schools that don’t require the LSAT, but not taking the test can limit the number of schools you are eligible to apply to. If you are stressed about getting a high LSAT score, rest assured that you don’t need to be in the 90th percentile to get into a great law school. Several institutions consider applicants with lower than average LSAT scores, especially when complemented by strong academic records, relevant experience, captivating law school personal statements, an intriguing law school diversity statement, and thorough law school interview preparation.
Here are three US law schools that accept students with a lower LSAT score:
1. Appalachian School of Law
Appalachian School of Law focuses on producing practice-ready lawyers for rural communities. With a median LSAT score of 146 and a 25th to 75th percentile range of 145 to 151, this Grundy, Virginia, school offers a supportive environment for students aiming to enter public service or small firm practice. The curriculum emphasizes community service and leadership, preparing graduates for the unique challenges of rural legal practice.
2. Southern University Law Center
Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides access to legal education for a diverse student body. The school has a history of accepting students with LSAT scores around 145, focusing on holistic admissions considering life experiences and potential for success. The Law Center offers programs in civil law (common in Louisiana) and common law, providing a comprehensive legal education.
3. North Carolina Central University School of Law
You will find the NCCU School of Law in Durham, North Carolina, and this law school is committed to public service and meeting the needs of underrepresented communities. The school accepts students with LSAT scores in the mid-140s, emphasizing a holistic review process. NCCU offers day and evening programs, accommodating non-traditional students and working professionals.
Law Schools That Accept a Low LSAT Score in Canada
The following Canadian law schools have the lowest median LSAT scores for admitted students:
A great law school optional essay can help offset a low GPA or LSAT score!
Law School Rankings: JD Programs with Highest First-Time Bar Passing Rate
Based on the latest available ABA bar passage data, here are the top 10 US law schools with the highest first-time bar passage rates:
JD Programs in Canada with Highest First-Time Bar Passing Rate
In Canada, the bar exam passing rate is available by province, since each has its own jurisdictions.
Law Schools in BC - 94.1% Bar Pass Rate
Law Schools in Ontario - 90% Bar Pass Rate
Law Schools in Quebec - 80 to 85% Bar Pass Rate
The bar passage rate is one of the most critical indicators of a law school's ability to prepare its students for a successful legal career.
A high bar passage rate signals that the school offers a rigorous academic program combined with the right resources, such as targeted bar exam preparation courses, supportive faculty, and practical learning opportunities. It also reflects a strong commitment to helping students learn the law and apply it effectively under pressure. Prestigious schools like Yale Law School, Stanford Law, and Harvard Law School have a long-standing track record of high first-time bar passage rates, which is one factor that contributes to their esteemed reputation.
For prospective law students, a school's bar passage rate can offer peace of mind, knowing they’ll have the tools and support they need to clear this critical hurdle on the path to becoming a practicing attorney.
Law School Rankings: Employment Rates After Graduation
Here is the most current ABA data for employment rates after graduation:
- Georgetown University - 100.00%
- Harvard University - 98.77%
- George Washington University - 98.37%
- New York University - 98.13%
- Columbia University - 97.89%
- University of Chicago - 97.53%
- University of Virginia - 97.21%
- Stanford University - 96.87%
- Yale University - 96.45%
- University of Michigan - 96.02%
Employment Rates After Graduation for JD Programs in Canada
Overall, the employment rate for graduates of Canadian law schools trends high. Here are the three law schools in Canada with high reported employment rates after graduation:
- University of British Columbia – 99%
- Thompson Rivers University – 97% to 99%
- Queen’s University – 95.2%
Law school rankings come in many forms, but one of the most practical for prospective students is based on employment rates after graduation. This type of ranking provides a clear picture of how well a school prepares its graduates for the job market and connects them to meaningful legal careers. By focusing on rankings that emphasize career outcomes, you can make a more informed decision about which law school will best support your goals and help you thrive in the competitive legal field.
FAQs
1. WHAT ARE THE TOP RANKING LAW SCHOOLS IN THE US?
The top three law schools in the United States are consistently Yale Law School, Stanford Law School, and Harvard Law School. These schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, exceptional faculty, and outstanding career outcomes.
2. HOW MUCH DO LAW SCHOOL RANKINGS IMPACT JOB PROSPECTS AFTER GRADUATION?
Law school rankings can impact job prospects, especially in competitive legal markets. Graduates from top-ranked schools often have access to larger networks, prestigious internships, and higher-paying job opportunities. However, personal performance, internships, and bar passage rates are also critical factors.
3. WHICH LAW SCHOOLS ARE THE MOST AFFORDABLE WITH GOOD RANKINGS?
Public law schools, such as the University of North Carolina or the University of Georgia, often provide strong rankings and lower tuition, especially for in-state students. Additionally, schools like the University of Arkansas and the University of Montana are known for affordability and solid regional reputations.
4. WHAT FACTORS BESIDES RANKINGS SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LAW SCHOOL?
While rankings are important, prospective students should also consider factors such as bar passage rates, employment outcomes, location, cost of attendance, clinical opportunities, specializations offered, and the school's culture and support resources.
5. ARE THERE LAW SCHOOLS THAT DON’T REQUIRE THE LSAT FOR ADMISSION?
Yes, there are some law schools that do not require the LSAT. Examples include Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
6. HOW DO ONLINE OR HYBRID JD PROGRAMS RANK COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL LAW SCHOOLS?
Online law school programs are gaining recognition and are now included in some ranking lists. While they may not yet rival top-ranked traditional programs like Yale or Stanford, they offer flexibility for working professionals. They are evaluated based on factors like bar passage rates, faculty quality, and employment outcomes.
7. DO LAW SCHOOLS SPECIALIZE IN CERTAIN TYPES OF LAW?
Yes, many law schools are known for specific strengths. For example, NYU School of Law is renowned for tax law, Stanford for technology law, and Vermont Law School for environmental law. Researching these specializations can help align your education with career goals.
8. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN T14 LAW SCHOOLS AND REGIONAL LAW SCHOOLS?
T14 law schools (the top 14 schools in rankings) are recognized nationally and often lead to job opportunities nationwide. Regional law schools tend to have strong reputations and networks within specific geographic areas, making them excellent choices for students who plan to practice locally.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
Disclaimer: Although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
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