Princeton Review Law School Rankings

In 2008, The Princeton Review released its ranking of the "Best Quality of Life" among law schools in the United States, recognizing the institutions that offer a supportive and enriching environment for law students beyond the classroom.

According to this ranking, Chapman University School of Law, University of St. Thomas School of Law, Stanford University Law School, Vanderbilt University School of Law, and University of Virginia School of Law were identified as having the best quality of life for law students.

1. Chapman University School of Law

Chapman University School of Law, located in Orange, California, earned the top spot in The Princeton Review’s 2008 ranking for "Best Quality of Life." Chapman has long been known for its warm, welcoming environment and its close-knit community. With its relatively smaller student body compared to larger law schools, Chapman fosters a more intimate and collaborative atmosphere, where students can engage closely with professors and peers. The law school’s modern campus facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, study areas, and student lounges, contribute to a positive student experience, allowing law students to thrive academically while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Beyond academics, Chapman University Law School places a strong emphasis on student well-being. The campus offers numerous student services, including counseling, career guidance, and wellness programs that contribute to a supportive and balanced lifestyle. Furthermore, the location in Southern California provides students with access to a vibrant city, a favorable climate, and countless recreational activities. The quality of life at Chapman extends beyond just the classroom experience, ensuring that students can enjoy a fulfilling law school experience both professionally and personally.

2. University of St. Thomas School of Law

Ranked second in The Princeton Review's 2008 list, the University of St. Thomas School of Law, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is recognized for its strong focus on creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere for its students. St. Thomas Law offers a diverse and collaborative environment that emphasizes not only academic rigor but also community engagement and well-being. The school’s commitment to providing a balanced law school experience is evident in the wide range of student services available, such as academic support, career counseling, and mental health resources.

Students at the University of St. Thomas Law benefit from a well-rounded approach to legal education, which includes opportunities for extracurricular activities, networking, and leadership development. The school also has a strong commitment to public service and social justice, which contributes to the overall sense of fulfillment that students experience during their time there. The beautiful campus, located along the banks of the Mississippi River, provides a picturesque setting for law students, further enhancing their quality of life during their studies.

3. Stanford University Law School

Stanford University Law School, ranked third in The Princeton Review's 2008 survey, is known not only for its outstanding academic reputation but also for its focus on the well-being of its students. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford Law offers a unique combination of cutting-edge legal education and an exceptional campus environment. The school provides a world-class academic experience, attracting top faculty and offering a comprehensive curriculum. However, Stanford Law is also recognized for its emphasis on work-life balance, offering various wellness programs, recreational facilities, and community-building activities that help students manage the intense workload.

Stanford’s picturesque campus, with its lush greenery and sunny California climate, provides students with an ideal environment to pursue their studies while enjoying a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The student body at Stanford is diverse, with students from all over the world, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The strong sense of community and collaborative spirit fostered at Stanford Law contributes to its ranking as one of the best law schools for quality of life.

4. Vanderbilt University School of Law

Vanderbilt University School of Law, located in Nashville, Tennessee, ranked fourth in the 2008 Princeton Review survey. Vanderbilt Law is known for its rigorous academic curriculum as well as its commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment for its students. The law school is housed in a beautiful and modern campus, offering ample study spaces, comfortable lounges, and a variety of student services designed to enhance both academic success and personal well-being.

One of the distinguishing features of Vanderbilt Law is its close-knit community. The faculty is known for being accessible and approachable, offering personalized attention to students. Additionally, the law school promotes a collaborative atmosphere where students are encouraged to work together and support one another. Nashville, often referred to as the "Music City," offers a vibrant cultural scene with a range of music, dining, and entertainment options, making it an appealing place for law students to live and study. Vanderbilt’s emphasis on student happiness and success, combined with its strong academic reputation, makes it a top contender in terms of quality of life.

5. University of Virginia School of Law

Ranked fifth in The Princeton Review’s 2008 survey, the University of Virginia School of Law (UVA) is widely regarded as one of the top law schools in the United States, known for its academic excellence and its rich tradition of producing successful graduates. UVA Law is located in the historic city of Charlottesville, Virginia, and its campus exudes a sense of intellectual prestige and tradition. The law school prides itself on creating a supportive and vibrant community where students not only excel academically but also develop strong professional networks.

UVA Law students benefit from a wide range of student organizations, extracurricular activities, and community service opportunities, all of which contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling law school experience. The university’s campus offers numerous amenities, including beautiful grounds, modern facilities, and access to outdoor activities, which help students manage the stress and pressures associated with law school. UVA also offers a collaborative and collegial atmosphere, with students working together to support one another throughout their academic journey. With its combination of academic excellence, community engagement, and a strong sense of tradition, UVA Law offers an exceptional quality of life for its students.

Ranking of Best Law Schools - Best Quality of Life (2008):

1 Chapman University School of Law

2 University of St. Thomas School of Law

3 Stanford University Law School

4 Vanderbilt University School of Law

5 University of Virginia School of Law

6 University of Colorado at Boulder School of Law

7 Regent University School of Law

8 University of Oregon School of Law

9 Samford Univ Cumberland School of Law

10 Northwestern Univ School of Law


Ranking of Best Law Schools - Best Environment for Minority Students (2008):

1 Howard Univ School of Law

2 St. Thomas Univ School of Law

3 Univ of Hawaii at Manoa School of Law

4 Florida International Univ College of Law

5 Univ of Southern California Law School

6 Northwestern Univ School of Law

7 American Uni Washington College of Law

8 Santa Clara Uni School of Law

9 Southern Uni and Agricultural and Mechanical College Law Center

10 Uni of the District of Columbia School of Law

Source: Princeton Review