Every ABA-approved school provides sufficient basic training to qualify its graduates to take the bar exam in any state. It is advantageous, however, to attend a law school in the area where the applicant hopes to practice, in part to build profile contacts within the legal community in the area, and in part to become familiar with regional variations in the law.
There are more than 200 public and private law schools in the U.S. and Canada, each one unique in its mission, philosophy, criteria, and strengths.
Although there are resources that “rank” schools, rankings are rarely pertinent for applicants. Most importantly, there should be a good “match” between you and the school.
With over 200 ABA-approved law schools in the U.S. and Canada, each school has its own mission, strengths, and admissions criteria. Start by creating a broad list of schools that interest you, then narrow it based on your personal, academic, and professional goals.
Key Factors to Consider
- Bar Passage & Employment Outcomes: Examine how well a school prepares graduates for practice, particularly in your target region.
- Location: Attending a school near your desired practice area helps with networking, internships, and understanding local legal norms.
- Programs & Opportunities: Look for clinics, externships, internships, dual-degree options, or specialized programs that match your career interests.
- Cost & Financial Aid: Consider tuition, living expenses, scholarships, and ask whether schools offer transportation assistance for visits.
- Community & Fit: Evaluate school size, culture, diversity, and whether the environment supports your learning style.
Application Strategies
- Apply early and strategically, including a mix of reach, fit, and safety schools.
- Apply to schools in multiple regions to increase opportunities.
- Target schools where your LSAT and GPA are near or above the median for admitted students.
- Consider LSAT carefully: Avoid applying with LSAT <150; know that admission rates differ by score percentile.
- Complete optional essays or supplemental materials when available.
- Plan for application costs: anticipate a 3–4% annual increase.
Engaging with Schools & Student Support
- Visit campuses or attend virtual events to get a feel for the community.
- Speak with alumni, especially those from your home state or target region, to learn how the school supported their careers.
- Connect with local law class professors or community college advisors for guidance (“warm handoffs”).
- Social media and communication: Be mindful of your public profiles and written communications; schools may review these when considering applications.
Remember: The “best” law school is the one that fits your academic, professional, and personal goals, not necessarily the one with the highest ranking.