Widener University School of Law Rankings

Widener University School of Law, originally founded in 1971 as the Delaware Law School and affiliated with Widener University in 1975, has established itself as a significant institution in legal education. With a reputation for producing skilled legal professionals and a commitment to public service, the school has continuously adapted to meet the needs of both the legal community and society at large. Offering a variety of degree programs, including several dual-degree options, and a robust set of certificate and graduate programs, Widener School of Law has carved a unique niche for itself, especially in fields like health law, public health, business law, and compliance.

Widener University School of Law offers a variety of degree programs designed to cater to the needs of a diverse student body and a rapidly changing legal landscape. At the core of its offerings is the Juris Doctor (JD) program, which provides the foundational legal education needed to practice law in the United States. The law school’s JD program is designed not only to equip students with the legal knowledge and analytical skills required for success in law but also to help them build practical, hands-on skills through various clinics, externships, and service learning opportunities.

In addition to the traditional JD program, Widener offers several dual-degree programs, allowing students to combine their legal education with other professional degrees.

Accreditation and Recognition

Widener University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), which ensures that the school meets the rigorous standards required for legal education in the United States. This accreditation is essential for students who wish to sit for the bar exam and practice law in the United States.

In addition to ABA accreditation, Widener University School of Law is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), a professional organization that promotes excellence in legal education and the academic community. Furthermore, the law school holds accreditation from the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) for the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) and the Society for Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE), enhancing its reputation in the fields of healthcare compliance and corporate ethics.

Rankings and National Recognition

Widener University School of Law has earned recognition in several national rankings, particularly in specialized areas of law such as health law and public interest law. In the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law School Rankings, Widener was classified as a "Second Tier" law school, indicating that it is considered one of the strong regional law schools in the United States. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to providing high-quality legal education while serving the needs of both local and national legal communities.

The 2009 edition of U.S. News America's Best Graduate Schools ranked Widener’s health law program among the top 10 in the nation, placing it at 9th. This distinction highlights the law school’s expertise and leadership in health law education, a field that is becoming increasingly important as healthcare policy and regulation continue to evolve in response to national and global challenges.

Widener School of Law has also been recognized by preLaw Magazine as one of the Best Law Schools for Public Interest, reflecting the school’s strong commitment to public service and preparing students for careers in public interest law. The school offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in public interest work through internships, clinics, and externships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other public sector entities.