US Law School Ranking - Yale ranked Top nationally

Yale Law School remained the top-ranked law school in the nation in the 2016 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This prestigious institution has a long history of academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and influential alumni who play vital roles in shaping legal thought and policy both domestically and internationally. Yale's commitment to fostering an environment that encourages critical analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public service helps maintain its position at the forefront of legal education. The school’s emphasis on a flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests, which has contributed to its consistently high reputation. The rigorous academic program, paired with its strong commitment to student support and a robust public service ethos, makes Yale Law School a benchmark for quality and influence in legal education.

Notable Advances and Challenges in Law School Rankings

Temple University: In 2016, Temple Law School made a significant leap in the U.S. News rankings, reaching 52nd place among the nation’s law schools. This marked Temple’s highest ranking to date and reflects its growing reputation for academic excellence. The school’s rise can be attributed to improvements in key areas such as faculty quality, student satisfaction, and post-graduate employment outcomes. Temple’s legal programs, particularly in the areas of trial advocacy and legal writing, are highly regarded and have likely contributed to its enhanced standing. This climb signifies Temple’s dedication to increasing its national visibility and appeal to prospective students who are seeking a well-rounded legal education.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): The UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law experienced a noteworthy jump in the 2016 rankings, moving up 16 spots to achieve its highest-ever ranking at 67th place among the nation’s accredited law schools. This leap highlights the school’s commitment to academic growth and the strengthening of its specialty programs. Notably, the Boyd School of Law maintained its position in the top 10 for its legal writing and dispute resolution programs, demonstrating its excellence in these areas. The recognition of UNLV’s strength in practical and specialized training is an essential factor for prospective students who value a curriculum that equips them with the skills needed to excel in various legal sectors. This upward movement signifies that the school’s focus on providing experiential learning opportunities and fostering student engagement has been successful in enhancing its reputation.

University of Hawai‘i: The University of Hawai‘i Law School was ranked 82nd among the top 149 law schools in the United States in the 2016 U.S. News rankings. This position placed it in a tie with several other schools, including the University of Oregon, the University of Cincinnati, St. John’s University in New York, and the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Although ranked in the lower tier of the top 100, the University of Hawai‘i Law School’s placement highlights its consistent efforts to provide a quality legal education. The school has a unique advantage due to its geographic location, attracting students interested in the legal and cultural dynamics of the Pacific region. Its focus on areas like environmental law and Native Hawaiian law reflects a specialized curriculum that appeals to students with interests in these important fields.

Louisiana State University (LSU): The LSU Law Center experienced a decrease in its 2016 ranking, falling to 94th place among the nation’s public and private law schools. This marked a significant drop from its previous year’s ranking of 72nd. While this setback may raise concerns, LSU Law’s position in the top 100 indicates that it continues to be recognized as a valuable provider of legal education. The decline in its ranking could be attributed to factors such as changes in faculty resources, shifts in admissions selectivity, or variations in post-graduate employment statistics. However, it’s important to note that being in the top 100 still places LSU Law among the respected law schools in the nation, particularly in the southern region where it holds a strong reputation for providing accessible and quality legal education.