Earle Mack School of Law Rankings

The Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, represents a modern and forward-thinking approach to legal education in the 21st century. As the first law school to be founded by a major private research university in 30 years, it has distinguished itself by blending rigorous academic training with a strong focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary programs, and a commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving demands of the legal profession. The law school’s innovative curriculum, unique joint degree programs, and emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities have made it an attractive choice for students who are looking to build careers in a range of legal fields.

The Juris Doctor (JD) program at Drexel University’s Earle Mack School of Law has been specifically designed to prepare students for the challenges of modern legal practice. The curriculum integrates traditional legal education with a strong emphasis on practical skills, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary learning.

The JD-PhD Program in Law and Clinical Psychology

One of the most innovative and distinctive programs at the Earle Mack School of Law is its joint JD-PhD program in Law and Clinical Psychology, a unique offering that allows students to earn both a law degree and a PhD in clinical psychology in just seven years. This program is designed for students who are interested in the intersection of law and mental health, particularly in areas such as mental health law, juvenile justice, and forensic psychology.

Accreditation and Bar Exam Success

The Earle Mack School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), ensuring that its curriculum meets the rigorous standards set by the ABA for legal education. Accreditation by the ABA is essential for graduates who wish to sit for the bar exam and practice law in any of the 50 states.

Drexel’s law school has also demonstrated a strong track record of success in the Pennsylvania Bar Examination. In February 2011, the law school achieved the second-highest Pennsylvania Bar Exam passage rate of any law school in the state, with an impressive pass rate of 77.78%. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of Drexel’s curriculum and its emphasis on preparing students for the bar exam. It also reflects the law school’s commitment to student success and its ability to produce graduates who are ready to practice law competently and confidently.

Externship Opportunities and Career Placement

One of the standout features of the Earle Mack School of Law is its strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through externship opportunities. In the October 2011 issue of National Jurist magazine, the school was ranked among the Top 20 law schools in the U.S. for externship opportunities. The law school offers a wide range of externship placements with government agencies, public interest organizations, law firms, and corporate legal departments. These externships allow students to gain practical experience in real-world legal settings, making them more competitive in the job market upon graduation.

Drexel’s location in Philadelphia also provides students with access to a vibrant legal community, where they can network and gain valuable work experience. The law school has strong relationships with local and national employers, which enhances students’ prospects for post-graduation employment. In addition to externships, Drexel’s career services office provides students with resources for job search, resume building, interview preparation, and networking. This focus on practical experience and career development makes the Earle Mack School of Law an appealing choice for students who want to hit the ground running in their legal careers.

Rankings and National Reputation

The Earle Mack School of Law’s innovative curriculum, strong bar exam performance, and emphasis on experiential learning have helped it gain national recognition in various legal education rankings.

In the National Jurist Magazine's October 2011 rankings, the school was included among the Top 20 law schools for externship opportunities, reflecting its strong focus on providing students with valuable practical experiences during their legal education.

Additionally, Drexel Law has received recognition for its high performance on the Pennsylvania Bar Examination, with one of the highest passage rates among law schools in the state. This success speaks to the quality of the education and the preparation students receive to excel on one of the most important exams for aspiring lawyers.