Vault's Top 25 Law Schools

Vault has released a ranking of the Top 25 law schools based on a survey of "nearly 400 hiring partners, hiring committee members, associate interviewers and recruiting professionals across the country on which law schools best prepare their graduates to achieve in the firm environment".

According to Vault's rankings, Stanford University holds the top spot, followed by the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, New York University (NYU), the University of Virginia, and the University of Chicago.

1. Stanford University

Stanford Law School, ranked No. 1 in Vault's 2022 survey, has long been regarded as one of the premier law schools in the world. Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford offers a unique environment for aspiring lawyers. The school’s close proximity to the tech hub has allowed it to carve out a niche in technology and intellectual property law, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge legal work. However, Stanford is also known for its strong traditional legal program, which covers various fields such as corporate law, constitutional law, and international law.

Stanford’s interdisciplinary approach to legal education allows students to take courses in other departments such as business, economics, and engineering. This helps prepare students to handle complex legal issues that require expertise beyond just law. Stanford Law’s small class sizes and close-knit community foster an environment of collaboration, and its faculty includes leading scholars in various legal fields. This focus on academic excellence, combined with a commitment to real-world training through clinics, externships, and internships, ensures that Stanford graduates are well-prepared to succeed in law firms.

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan Law School, ranked No. 2 in the Vault rankings, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in legal education. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the law school boasts a diverse and academically rigorous curriculum that covers all major areas of law, including corporate law, civil rights law, and environmental law. Michigan’s focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical training equips its students with the skills necessary to thrive in law firms.

One of Michigan Law’s defining features is its strong alumni network, which spans across the globe. Michigan graduates are highly regarded in the legal profession, and the school’s connections with major law firms ensure that its students are well-positioned for high-profile job placements. The school is particularly known for its corporate law program, as well as its strength in public interest law, providing students with a well-rounded education that enables them to excel in both private and public sector legal careers. Michigan also offers a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on learning, including a robust set of legal clinics, externships, and a competitive moot court program.

3. New York University

New York University School of Law (NYU Law), ranked No. 3 in the Vault survey, is widely regarded as one of the best law schools in the country, especially for students aiming to work in corporate law. Located in the heart of New York City, NYU Law offers unparalleled access to a broad spectrum of legal opportunities, from top-tier law firms to multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

NYU’s program is known for its strengths in areas such as corporate law, tax law, and intellectual property law. The school is also highly regarded for its graduate tax program, which has been ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for several years. In addition to its academic excellence, NYU Law offers its students access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including moot court, law reviews, and specialized clinics. The school's location in New York City also provides students with opportunities to intern at prestigious law firms and work on high-profile cases. The strong ties between NYU and the New York legal community help students secure top positions after graduation.

4. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia School of Law, ranked No. 4 in Vault’s 2022 rankings, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the country. Founded in 1819, UVA Law has a long tradition of academic excellence, and it is known for producing graduates who go on to lead prominent careers in law firms, the judiciary, and government. The school’s reputation for rigorous academic training is complemented by a strong commitment to public service and social justice, which has made UVA Law a top choice for students interested in using their legal education for the public good.

UVA’s corporate law program is one of the strongest in the nation, and the school also offers robust programs in criminal law, intellectual property, and environmental law. UVA Law’s distinguished faculty includes leading scholars in a wide range of fields, and the school’s small class sizes foster a collaborative learning environment. UVA’s legal clinics and externships provide students with valuable hands-on experience, helping them build the practical skills necessary to succeed in law firms and other legal settings.

5. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Law School, tied for 5th place in the Vault rankings, is known for its unique approach to legal education, which emphasizes intellectual rigor and the study of law as an academic discipline. Chicago Law is particularly well-regarded for its strengths in constitutional law, law and economics, and corporate law. The school’s faculty includes some of the most influential legal scholars in the world, and the law school is home to many leaders in the field of legal theory.

Chicago Law’s commitment to intellectual excellence is complemented by its strong practical training programs, including legal clinics, externships, and opportunities for international legal work. The school’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies allows students to explore connections between law, economics, political science, and other fields, preparing them to tackle complex legal issues that require a broad understanding of the world. Chicago Law’s alumni network is extensive and includes a number of prominent judges, law firm partners, and government officials.

The law schools from the following institutions are listed in the top 25:

1. Stanford Univ
2. U of Michigan - Ann Arbor
3. New York Univ
4. U of Virginia
5. U of Chicago
6. Harvard
7. Columbia
8. U of California, Berkeley - Boalt Hall
9. Northwestern Univ
10. Yale
11. Vanderbilt Univ
12. Duke Univ
13. U of Pennsylvania
14. Indiana U - Bloomington
15. Cornell U
16. U of Minnesota - Twin Cities
17. Georgetown U Law Center
18. U of California, Los Angeles
19. U of Iowa College of Law
20. George Washington U
21. Boston U
22. Uni of Texas at Austin
23. Uni of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
24. Emory Uni
25. Uni of Wisconsin

Source: Vault 2008 Top 25 Law Schools