Best Law Schools in America

Institutions such as Harvard Law School, Cornell Law School, University of Chicago Law School, Columbia Law School, and UC Berkeley School of Law are often recognized as the best law schools in America, as ranked by major publications such as U.S. News & World Report. These schools are known for their academic rigor, exceptional faculty, and influence in the legal profession.

Harvard Law School, established in 1817, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and influential law schools in the world. Offering a range of degree programs including the Juris Doctor (J.D.), Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), and the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program, Harvard provides a comprehensive and rigorous education in the law. It consistently ranks among the top law schools in the United States, and in 2009, it was ranked 2nd in the nation for its expertise in Dispute Resolution, 3rd for International Law, and 6th for Tax Law by U.S. News & World Report. Harvard’s long history of excellence in legal education is reflected in its distinguished faculty, many of whom are leading scholars in their respective fields, and its commitment to providing students with opportunities for practical experience through internships, clinics, and its vast alumni network. Among its most notable alumni is Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States, whose time at Harvard Law School shaped his legal and political career. Harvard Law's alumni network is vast and influential, providing students with invaluable career opportunities and mentorship in the legal field.

Cornell Law School, part of the prestigious Ivy League, is another top law school that has consistently ranked highly for its academic programs and faculty. Cornell is particularly known for its small student-to-faculty ratio, one of the lowest among the 184 American Bar Association-accredited law schools in the United States. This ratio enables students to enjoy personalized attention and mentorship from professors, which enhances the overall learning experience. Cornell’s LL.M. program, ranked 1st in the 2008 AUAP rankings, is highly regarded for its focus on preparing students for international legal careers. The school’s academic offerings are diverse, with strong programs in corporate law, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. The school’s rigorous admissions process ensures that its students are among the best and brightest, and its small class size fosters a tight-knit, collegial environment. Cornell Law also benefits from the broader resources of the Ivy League, offering students access to a wealth of academic, professional, and extracurricular opportunities. The school’s extensive alumni network spans across the globe, providing graduates with unparalleled access to top legal positions in law firms, government agencies, and corporations.

The University of Chicago Law School is another institution that consistently ranks among the top law schools in the country. Known for its strong intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary approach to legal education, Chicago Law has earned its place as one of the best. It has been ranked in the top 3 law schools for Best Career Prospects by The Princeton Review in 2008 and 2nd on a list of “Top 15 Schools From Which the Most Prestigious Law Firms Hire New Lawyers” according to Brian Leiter’s Law School Rankings. Chicago Law is known for its focus on legal theory and its commitment to providing students with a robust education in the fundamentals of law while also encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. The school is particularly renowned for its programs in corporate law, constitutional law, and law and economics. Students are encouraged to think deeply about the law’s role in society and the ways in which legal principles intersect with broader societal issues. Chicago Law’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with its strong focus on practical legal training, ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for success in both the public and private sectors.

Columbia Law School is another top law school that has earned a place among the best in the nation. Columbia Law’s reputation is bolstered by its commitment to innovation and international outreach. In 2006, it pioneered the first-ever American Bar Association (ABA)-approved student study abroad programs with two prestigious law schools in mainland China, helping to bridge the gap between American and Chinese legal education and offering students a unique global perspective on the law. Columbia Law consistently ranks among the top law schools in the country, and it has earned particular distinction in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, and international law. It was ranked 1st in the National Law Journal’s inaugural ranking of law schools, underscoring its academic excellence and its ability to attract top-tier faculty and students. Columbia is also known for its strong connections to major law firms, particularly in New York, making it an ideal choice for students looking to pursue careers in corporate law. The school’s location in one of the world’s major legal hubs, combined with its extensive alumni network, offers students invaluable career opportunities and a vast range of professional connections.

The University of California, Berkeley School of Law, often referred to as Berkeley Law, is another highly selective and influential law school in the United States. Berkeley Law has earned a reputation for being one of the most selective law schools in the country, admitting only a small percentage of its large pool of applicants. Berkeley Law stands out particularly in the field of intellectual property law, having been ranked No. 1 in this specialty by U.S. News & World Report in 2009. The school also has strong programs in environmental law, civil liberties, and public interest law, offering a diverse range of opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in a variety of legal fields. Berkeley Law’s commitment to social justice and public service is reflected in its curriculum, which emphasizes the role of law in addressing societal challenges. The school is known for its collaborative environment, where students and faculty work together on a range of legal issues. With its location in the heart of the tech industry in California, Berkeley Law provides students with unparalleled access to cutting-edge legal issues in intellectual property and technology law. The school’s strong academic programs, top-tier faculty, and commitment to public service make it a top choice for law students seeking a comprehensive and impactful legal education.

Top 10 US Law Schools (America's Best Graduate Schools 2010):
1 Yale University
2 Harvard University
3 Stanford University
4 Columbia University
5 New York University
6 University of California--Berkeley
6 University of Chicago
8 University of Pennsylvania
9 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
10 Duke University
10 Northwestern University
10 University of Virginia

Source: US News & World Report