US News Rankings - Law School

In the U.S. News & World Report Law School rankings 2009, Yale Law School stands at the top, maintaining its position as the best law school in the United States, followed closely by Harvard Law School and Stanford Law School, both tied for second place. The rankings also highlight strong performances from several other elite institutions, including Columbia Law School, New York University School of Law (NYU), and UC Berkeley School of Law, rounding out the top ten law schools.

1. Yale Law School

Yale Law School, consistently ranked at the top of the U.S. News rankings, is renowned for its intellectual rigor, emphasis on public service, and commitment to producing future leaders in law and government. Yale’s unique approach to legal education is centered around a highly personalized and flexible curriculum. Instead of a traditional lecture-based teaching model, Yale Law School emphasizes small, seminar-style classes and encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to tailor their education to their individual interests. This approach has helped Yale produce influential scholars, lawyers, judges, and policymakers.

Yale’s faculty is considered one of the strongest in the world, with many professors being leaders in their respective fields of law. Furthermore, the school has a prestigious reputation for producing graduates who go on to hold influential positions in both the public and private sectors. The school’s strong focus on public service and constitutional law, along with its extensive financial aid programs, ensures that students have access to the resources and training necessary to excel in their legal careers.

2. Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School, tied for second place in the 2009 rankings, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. Founded in 1817, Harvard Law has built a long legacy of excellence and remains a leader in legal education. Known for its rigorous curriculum, vast resources, and unparalleled alumni network, Harvard Law continues to attract the brightest students from around the world.

The law school offers a comprehensive education that spans a broad array of legal disciplines, including constitutional law, international law, corporate law, and criminal law. Harvard Law School also prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to explore connections between law and other fields such as business, economics, and social sciences. Many of the nation’s top legal professionals, including U.S. Supreme Court justices, corporate executives, and government officials, have graduated from Harvard Law, further cementing the school’s influential role in shaping the future of law and policy.

2. Stanford Law School

Stanford Law School, also tied for second place in the 2009 rankings, is widely regarded for its innovative approach to legal education and its emphasis on technology, business, and law. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford Law provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the tech industry, offering specialized programs in intellectual property law, technology law, and entrepreneurship. This proximity to the world’s leading tech companies has made Stanford Law a hub for those interested in the intersection of law and technology.

Stanford Law’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and its small, close-knit community allow students to form strong relationships with their professors and peers. The school offers a highly flexible curriculum, enabling students to focus on their individual areas of interest while also gaining a strong foundation in traditional legal disciplines. Stanford’s emphasis on public service and social justice further enhances its reputation as a leading institution for legal education, producing graduates who go on to make significant contributions in both the public and private sectors.

4. Columbia Law School

Columbia Law School, ranked 4th in the 2009 U.S. News rankings, is known for its global outlook and academic rigor. Located in New York City, Columbia Law offers students access to an unparalleled network of legal professionals, including top law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. The school’s faculty includes some of the foremost legal scholars in the world, and its curriculum reflects a commitment to both traditional legal studies and emerging fields such as international law, human rights, and business law.

Columbia Law also stands out for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education, allowing students to take courses in business, economics, and other fields to complement their legal studies. The school’s reputation in corporate law, in particular, has made it a top choice for students interested in pursuing careers in law firms and multinational corporations. Columbia’s robust legal clinic program and focus on experiential learning also provide students with valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience while still in school.

5. New York University School of Law

New York University School of Law (NYU Law), ranked 5th in the 2009 rankings, is one of the most respected law schools in the United States. NYU Law is known for its commitment to both public interest law and corporate law, making it a versatile institution that prepares students for a wide range of legal careers. The law school is particularly renowned for its graduate tax program, which has been consistently ranked as the best in the nation. Additionally, NYU Law offers a variety of joint degree programs and is committed to providing students with a comprehensive legal education that includes both theoretical and practical training.

The school’s location in New York City, a global hub for law, finance, and culture, offers students access to an extraordinary array of internship opportunities and legal resources. NYU Law also prides itself on its diverse student body and its emphasis on global legal studies, offering programs and opportunities for students to engage with legal systems and practices around the world.

6. UC Berkeley School of Law

UC Berkeley School of Law, ranked 6th in the 2009 rankings, is recognized for its commitment to social justice and public interest law. The law school is known for its innovative curriculum, which combines rigorous academic training with practical skills and experiential learning. UC Berkeley Law is particularly strong in environmental law, human rights law, and intellectual property law, making it a top choice for students interested in these areas of practice.

Berkeley Law is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, which provides students with access to numerous legal opportunities, including those in the tech industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The school’s diverse faculty, emphasis on public service, and focus on interdisciplinary studies ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors.

7. University of Chicago Law School

The University of Chicago Law School, ranked 7th in the 2009 rankings, is known for its intellectual rigor and emphasis on legal scholarship. Chicago Law is particularly strong in the areas of constitutional law, law and economics, and corporate law. The law school’s distinctive approach to legal education emphasizes the study of law as an academic discipline and encourages students to think critically about the role of law in society.

Chicago Law’s faculty is composed of leading scholars and practitioners in various fields of law, and its strong alumni network provides students with opportunities to engage in a wide range of legal careers. The school’s commitment to interdisciplinary studies allows students to take courses in economics, political science, and other fields that complement their legal education.

7. University of Pennsylvania Law School

The University of Pennsylvania Law School (UPenn), also ranked 7th in the 2009 U.S. News rankings, is known for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education. UPenn Law offers a variety of joint degree programs and allows students to explore connections between law and other fields such as business, medicine, and engineering. The law school’s diverse student body and faculty create a rich academic environment that fosters collaboration and intellectual growth.

UPenn Law is particularly strong in business law, health law, and intellectual property law, and its location in Philadelphia provides students with access to numerous legal opportunities in government, business, and nonprofit sectors. The school’s commitment to public service and global legal studies further enhances its reputation as a leading law school. Law School Rankings 2009

Law Schools
1 Yale
2 Harvard
2 Stanford
4 Columbia
5 NYU
6 UC Berkeley
7 UChicago
7 UPenn
9 Northwestern
9 U of Michigan Ann Arbor
9 UVA
12 Cornell
12 Duke
14 Georgetown
15 Vanderbilt
16 UCLA
16 UT Austin
18 USC
19 Washington University in St Louis
20 GWU

Law Specialties - Health
1 St Louis University
2 U of Houston
3 U of Maryland
4 Case Western
4 Seton Hall University

Law Specialties - International
1 NYU
2 Columbia
3 Harvard
4 Georgetown
5 American
5 Yale

Source: US News 2009