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America’s best law schools, according to u.s. news & world report.

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The Yale Law School retains its position as the nation's #1 law school, according to U.S. News and ... [+] World Report

U.S. News & World Report has released it most recent rankings of graduate programs in the United States. U.S. News Best Grad Schools f0r 2022 covers several areas of advanced study, including professional, doctoral and masters programs at U.S. institutions.

Rankings are provided for more than 2,000 separate programs in law, business, medicine, nursing, other health specialties, engineering, education, fine arts, library and information studies, public affairs, math and physical sciences, social sciences and humanities. The ranking factors that are used differ for the various areas, but subjective peer assessment is used for all disciplines, and in some cases, it is the sole indicator.

This year law schools are drawing particular interest, in part because after years in which the number of law-school applicants declined or was flat, the current cycle has seen a dramatic uptick in applications. Various explanations for this renewed interest have been offered, including changes in the administration of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), an improved job market for lawyers, and the number of high-profile social issues attracting national attention - running the gamut from social justice and immigration to criminal investigations, congressional hearings, and election law.

Whatever the reasons, going to law school is “in” again, and law school rankings convey high-stakes information for applicants, graduates and the schools themselves.

As with its other higher education rankings, U.S. News periodically revises its methodology, and it did so for this year’s law school rankings. In fact, in what became something of a controversy, the methodology was changed at least three times in the weeks prior to the official March 30 release.

According to Law.com , the embargoed version of the rankings provided to law schools on March 16 were reposted later that same day with a new version of the overall rankings that changed the positions of 35 schools. Much of the change apparently involved correcting mistakes and revising how certain factors were weighted. All the eleventh-hour fiddling does raise nagging questions about the process underlying the selection and quantification of the indicators.

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Here is a summary of the current methodology , which for most factors uses data from 2019 or 2020.

Quality (40%) is composed of two sources of expert opinion about the overall quality of the school: a) an assessment on a scale of 1-5 by academic peers such as law school deans, other law school administrators and recently tenured faculty (25%); and b) the judgements (also on the five-point scale) of legal professionals such as hiring partners of law firms and practicing attorneys and judges (15%).

Selectivity (21%) is a proxy for student excellence, made up of three indicators: a) combined median Law School Admission Test and Graduate Record Examination scores (11.25%); b) median undergraduate GPA (8.75); and c) acceptance rate (1%), which is the combined proportion of applicants to both the full- and part-time J.D. programs who were accepted for the 2020 entering class.

Placement Success (25.25%) is comprised of five indicators: a) employment rates for 2019 graduates 10 months after graduation (14%): employment rates at graduation (4%); c)   bar exam passage rate (2.25%); d) average debt incurred in obtaining a J.D at graduation (3%); and e) the percent of graduates incurring law school debt (2%).

Faculty, Law School and Library Resources (13.75%) is made up of a) instructional, library and student support service expenditures (9.75%); b) spending on other items including financial aid (1%); c) the ratio of law school students to law school faculty members (2%); and d) several different indicators of library resources and operations (1.75% in total).

The top 20 Law Schools (All of the law school rankings can be found here ,)

  • Yale University
  • Stanford University
  • Harvard University
  • Columbia University
  • University of Chicago
  • New York University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Virginia
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • Duke University
  • University of Michigan
  • Northwestern University
  • Cornell University
  • University of California - Los Angleles
  • Georgetown University
  • University of Texas
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Washington University (St. Louis)
  • University of Southern California
  • Boston University

The law school top-20 list is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. First, compared to U.S. News most recent ranking of national universities , which focuses on undergraduate education, public universities do slightly better in the law school rankings. Only one public university - UCLA - made the most recent top-20 national university list, while five public law schools are included in the top 20.

Second, outside of the top 20, the full rankings show more institutional shuffling among law schools from the prior year than is typically found for universities as a whole. Among the top 20, the top five spots remained the same as in 2021. In fact, law school rankings have had notorious stability at the top, where 14 schools maintain their positions (except for minor changes in exact order) year in and year out. This year proved an exception: Georgetown fell out of the top 14, and UCLA moved in.

The biggest changes this year among the top 20 schools were for Duke and Vanderbilt, which each moved up two places; while Northwestern dropped three positions.

But for law schools ranked between 21 and 100, several big re-orderings occurred. Most noteworthy were these six schools making double-digit jumps up in the rankings: Howard University (+16), University of Oregon (+16), University of Mississippi (+13), Drexel University (+12), Wayne State University (+11), and the University of Tennessee (+10). Double-digit declines occurred for Rutgers University (-15), the University of Kentucky (-11), the University of Nebraska (-11), and Loyola Marymount University (-10).

Like it or not, law school rankings matter , probably more than those aimed at undergraduates or even for other types of graduate schools. Their prestige perpetuates itself. Major law firms prefer to hire from the top 14 schools, and so, of course, students want to go to one of them. Likewise, the most highly regarded law professors are drawn to these institutions, which sustains the self-fulfilling cycle. Even among local markets, the relative portion of the law school that recent graduates attended can be an important factor in their landing the most competitive jobs.

Michael T. Nietzel

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2024 Best Law Doctor's Degree Schools

Choosing a great law school for your doctor's degree, quality overall is important, average earnings, other factors we consider, more ways to rank law schools, best schools for doctorate students to study law in the united states, 25 top schools for a doctorate in law.

Students who graduate with their doctorate from the law program report average early career income of $56,355.

Rest of the Top Best Law Doctor's Degree Schools

Honorable mentions.

RankCollegeLocation
26 San Francisco, CA
27 Lansing, MI
28 Madison, WI
29 Chester, PA
30 Austin, TX
31 Dallas, TX
32 Knoxville, TN
33 Los Angeles, CA

Law by Region

Region

Other Rankings

Best overall in law, highest paid grads in law, best for veterans in law, most popular in law, most focused in law, best value in law, best for non-traditional students in law, best online in law, most popular online in law, law related rankings by major, law concentrations.

MajorAnnual Graduates
36,216

Majors Similar to Law

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
153
54
3

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

The Gradcafe

  • Majors & Careers
  • Online Grad School
  • Preparing For Grad School
  • Student Life

Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

Lisa Marlin

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University logo

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

  • Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
  • Duration:  3 years
  • Delivery: On-campus
  • Tuition: Fully funded
  • Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
  • Acceptance rate:  7%
  • Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University logo

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

  • Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
  • Credits: 44 units
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Tuition : $64,350 per year
  • Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate: 5%
  • Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

University of Chicago logo

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

  • Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Tuition : $7,647 per year
  • Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
  • Acceptance rate: 7%
  • Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

Columbia University logo

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

  • Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
  • Duration:  5-6 years
  • Tuition : $75,572 per year
  • Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
  • Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University logo

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

  • Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
  • Duration:  4 years
  • Delivery:  On-campus
  • Tuition : $67,720 per year
  • Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

University of Pennsylvania logo

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

  • Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
  • Acceptance rate: 9%
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

University of Arizona logo

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

  • Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
  • Duration:  3-5 years
  • Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
  • Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

University of Texas logo

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

  • Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
  • Credits: 75 semester credit hours
  • Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate: 79%
  • Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

Abraham Lincoln University logo

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

  • Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
  • Delivery: Online
  • Tuition : $10,100 per year
  • Acceptance rate: 90.3%
  • Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University logo

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

  • Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
  • Credits: 77 quarter credits
  • Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
  • Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
  • Acceptance rate: 100%
  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

  • Academic transcripts from previous studies
  • Personal essay and/or research proposal
  • Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

  • Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
  • Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
  • Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
  • Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
  • Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
  • Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

  • General Counsel ($170,183 )
  • Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
  • Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
  • Project Manager ( $76,264 )
  • Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

  • Communication
  • Presentation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Project Management
  • Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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  • 2024 Law School Rankings
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Best Law Schools

Our best law schools list is based on a combination of institutional and student survey data, with factors including career outcomes, admissions selectivity, and academic rigor, among others.    

Showing 1 - 25 of 168 results

Georgetown university - law center.

  • Washington, DC
  • 2,008 Full-Time Enrollment

Harvard University - Harvard Law School

  • Cambridge, MA
  • 1,737 Full-Time Enrollment

New York University - School of Law

  • New York, NY
  • 1,379 Full-Time Enrollment

American University - Washington College of Law

  • 1,315 Full-Time Enrollment

Fordham University - School of Law

  • 1,257 Full-Time Enrollment

Columbia University - School of Law

  • 1,234 Full-Time Enrollment

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - School of Law

  • 1,108 Full-Time Enrollment

New York Law School

  • 1,080 Full-Time Enrollment

Brooklyn Law School

Brooklyn Law School

  • Brooklyn, NY
  • 1,072 Full-Time Enrollment

South Texas College of Law - Law Program

  • Houston, TX
  • 1,051 Full-Time Enrollment

Suffolk University - Law School

  • 1,037 Full-Time Enrollment

University of Miami - School of Law

  • Coral Gables, FL
  • 1,026 Full-Time Enrollment

University of Michigan - Law School

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 1,024 Full-Time Enrollment

Loyola Marymount University - Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 1,021 Full-Time Enrollment

University of Illinois Chicago - School of Law (UIC Law)

  • Chicago, IL
  • 991 Full-Time Enrollment

The University of Texas at Austin - School of Law

  • 985 Full-Time Enrollment

University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley Law

  • Berkeley, CA
  • 983 Full-Time Enrollment

University of Florida - Levin College of Law

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 969 Full-Time Enrollment

University of California, Los Angeles - UCLA School of Law

  • 955 Full-Time Enrollment

Cardozo School of Law - Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

  • 933 Full-Time Enrollment

University of Virginia - School of Law

  • Charlottesville, VA
  • 923 Full-Time Enrollment

Santa Clara University - School of Law

  • Santa Clara, CA
  • 880 Full-Time Enrollment

Emory University - School of Law

  • Atlanta, GA
  • 864 Full-Time Enrollment

Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 812 Full-Time Enrollment

Southwestern Law School

  • 805 Full-Time Enrollment

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Doctoral Programs

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Best universities for law degrees 2024

Find the best universities for law degrees using  times higher education ’s world university rankings 2024 data.

Law

Top 10 universities in the world for law 2024

Scroll down for the full list of best universities in the world for law degrees

Law rank 2024 Law rank 2023 UniversityCountry/region
1 6  United States
2 1  United States
3 3  United Kingdom
=4 12  United States
=4 2  United States
6 13  United States
7 4  United Kingdom
8 =7  Australia
9 10  United States
10 5  United States

A law degree is the first step on a number of career paths – including a career as a solicitor, a barrister or a judge. Many universities around the world provide law degrees, so it can be difficult to choose the best one for you.

Free graduate employability course

Develop the skills top employers want while you study and get a digital certificate to boost your CV!

It's important to consider how much help a university can provide to help students find work experience , professional networks and their eventual career path.

Times Higher Education has ranked the top universities for law degrees . Harvard University in the US takes first place, followed by Stanford University . A fifth of the universities in the law ranking are located in the US.

The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are the only UK universities in the top 10. There are 53 UK universities in the ranking in total.

The University of Toronto , in joint 21st place, is the highest-ranked Canadian university. Sixteen other Canadian universities feature in the ranking.

Times Higher Education ’s subject rankings are based on the same 18 performance indicators used in the overall World University Rankings 2024 . However, the methodology is carefully recalibrated for each subject, with the weightings changed to suit the individual fields. The full methodology for law can be found here .

Scroll down for a comprehensive guide to what you can do with a law degree, and the top universities in the subject.

What can you do with a law degree?

Top 5 universities for law degrees

=4.  new york university.

New York University ’s School of Law was established in 1835. There are a number of graduate programmes available, as well as LLM dual degrees with other schools, including the National University of Singapore .

The School of Law offers the JD for undergraduate students. Also offered are dual JD degrees in various fields such as taxation, international law, economics, history, philosophy or politics and French studies.

=4.  Columbia University

Columbia Law School was founded in 1858.

The school offers a range of programmes include the JD degree, the LLM programme, and the JSD programme. It also offers dual and joint degrees.

The programmes at the university cover a range of study areas including criminal justice , environment and energy, law and philosophy and constitutional law, among many others.

3.  University of Cambridge

The Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge offers six degree options at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Master’s courses include an MPhil in criminology, an MPhil in criminological research, a diploma in legal studies and a diploma in international law.

The Squire Law Library at the University of Cambridge is one of the three largest legal collections in the UK, with almost 180,000 volumes. The collection is strongest in British law, but it contains collections on legal systems across the world including the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. There are also smaller collections relating to other countries.

Best universities for law degrees in Australia Best universities for law degrees in Canada Best universities for law degrees in the UK Best universities for law degrees in the US

2.  Stanford University

Stanford Law School is known for having one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios in the US, at 7.3:1. Students can choose from 280 different courses to specialise in the area that interests them.

Law courses at Stanford begin with an overview in the first year covering criminal law, contracts, tort, and legal research and writing.

The Robert Crown Law Library at Stanford holds about 500,000 books.

Stanford law students run more than 50 student organisations, including the law and wine society, Stanford Law Students for Gender Violence Prevention, Women in Politics, and the Black Law Students Association. There are also 12 legal journals affiliated with the law school.

1.  Harvard University

Harvard Law School offers wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The school has a range of resources and workshops to help students plan their careers in the legal field and experience various aspects of the profession while still studying. These include a spotlight on judicial clerkships, networking opportunities and career advising for both the private and public sector.

The school also hosts the visiting scholar/visiting researcher programme, which accommodates a small number of legal scholars and researchers from around the world who are engaged in major research projects.

Best universities for business and economics Best universities for clinical, pre-clinical and health Best universities for computer science Best universities for engineering and technology Best universities for life sciences Best universities for physical sciences Best universities for social sciences Best universities for education degrees Best universities for arts and humanities Best universities for psychology degrees

Top universities for law degrees 2024

Click each institution to view its World University Rankings 2024 profile

Law rank 2024 Law rank 2023 UniversityCountry/region
1 6  United States
2 1  United States
3 3  United Kingdom
=4 12  United States
=4 2  United States
6 13  United States
7 4  United Kingdom
8 =7  Australia
9 10  United States
10 5  United States
11 9  Singapore
12 11  United Kingdom
13 15  United Kingdom
14 =7  United Kingdom
15 31  United States
16 14  Belgium
17 29  Netherlands
18 =21  Netherlands
19 23  Netherlands
20 30  Netherlands
=21 18  Australia
=21 =34  United States
=21 16  Canada
24 28  United States
25 26  Germany
26 25  United States
27 19  United Kingdom
28 =21  United States
=29 24  Hong Kong
=29 17  Canada
31 32  Germany
32 20  Australia
33 33  China
34 39  Italy
35 27  United States
36 =36  United States
37 =34  Canada
38 50  Sweden
39 49  United States
40 38  Australia
41 57  Austria
42 45  Germany
=43 63  United Kingdom
=43 =64  Norway
=45 =47  Hong Kong
=45 51  Hong Kong
=45 46  Denmark
=45 40  United Kingdom
49 =47  United Kingdom
50 86  United Kingdom
51 43  Switzerland
52 56  Finland
53 =90  United States
54 93  United States
55 59  Belgium
56 74  United States
57 151–175  Germany
58 71  Canada
59 55  United Kingdom
=60 42  United Kingdom
=60 54  Netherlands
62 101–125  United States
63 52  United States
64 41  Australia
=65 79  Germany
=65 70  France
=65 78  South Africa
=68 68  Luxembourg
=68 77  United States
70 62  Italy
71 =98  China
=72 69  Belgium
=72 101–125  Ireland
=74 82  Netherlands
=74 72  Australia
=74 =64  United Kingdom
=77 53  Germany
=77 NR  Belgium
79 =87  United States
80 44  United States
81 =60  Israel
82 94  United States
83 101–125  United Kingdom
=84 NR  Germany
=84 101–125  Switzerland
86 58  United States
87 =83  Netherlands
88 =60  Canada
89 =64  United Kingdom
=90 =83  United States
=90 =98  , USUnited States
92 126–150  Spain
93 =95  United Kingdom
=94 NR  United Kingdom
=94 101–125  Israel
96 126–150  Canada
97 =90  Sweden
98 85  Spain
99 =75  United Kingdom
100 81  Canada
101–125 =87  Australia
101–125 100  Canada
101–125 126–150  Belgium
101–125 126–150  Belgium
101–125 73  United Kingdom
101–125 176–200  Portugal
101–125 151–175  United Kingdom
101–125 101–125  Germany
101–125 176–200  United States
101–125 =75  United Kingdom
101–125 151–175  Switzerland
101–125 101–125  United Kingdom
101–125 201–250  United States
101–125 101–125  France
101–125 176–200  Australia
101–125 97  Brazil
101–125 201–250  United States
101–125 101–125  Sweden
101–125 151–175  Australia
101–125 =95  Australia
101–125 126–150  United States
101–125 126–150  Ireland
101–125 101–125  Sweden
101–125 80  Australia
101–125 101–125  China
126–150 101–125  New Zealand
126–150 126–150  Spain
126-150126-150 United Kingdom
126–150 =90  Canada
126–150 151–175  South Africa
126–150 151–175  United Kingdom
126–150 126–150  Spain
126–150 101–125  United States
126–150 101–125  United Kingdom
126–150 126–150  United States
126–150 151–175  Germany
126–150 201–250  Poland
126–150 NR  Malaysia
126–150 89  United Kingdom
126–150 101–125  United States
126–150 101–125  Spain
126–150 176–200  United States
126–150 201–250  Canada
126–150 101–125  Canada
126–150 151–175  Italy
126–150 176–200  South Africa
126–150 176–200  Italy
126–150 126–150  Canada
126–150 101–125  Netherlands
126–150 126–150  United Kingdom
151–175 101–125  Denmark
151–175 151–175  Colombia
151–175 126–150  United States
151–175 151–175  Spain
151–175 201–250  United States
151–175 176–200  United States
151–175 101–125  Australia
151–175 151–175  United States
151–175 101–125  Ireland
151–175 176–200  Australia
151–175 201–250  Canada
151–175 176–200  United Kingdom
151–175 126–150  Macao
151–175 126–150  Australia
151–175 126–150  United States
151–175 201–250  United States
151–175 176–200  United States
151–175 151–175  United States
151–175 126–150  United Kingdom
151–175 176–200  United Kingdom
151–175 101–125  United Kingdom
151–175 126–150  United Kingdom
151–175 67  United Kingdom
151–175 126–150  Italy
151–175 176–200  Australia
151–175 201–250  United States
176–200 151–175  United Kingdom
176–200 NR  Switzerland
176–200 151–175  United States
176–200 251+  Czech Republic
176–200 151–175  Australia
176–200 151–175  United States
176–200 151–175  United States
176–200 151–175  Australia
176–200 176–200  Italy
176–200 151–175  Portugal
176–200 101–125  United Kingdom
176–200 NR  Australia
176–200 201–250  Portugal
176–200 176–200  New Zealand
176–200 151–175  France
176–200 201–250  United States
176–200 201–250  United Kingdom
176–200 176–200  United States
176–200 176–200  United Kingdom
176–200 151–175  United Kingdom
176–200 201–250  Spain
176–200 101–125  New Zealand
176–200 126–150  Canada
176–200 201–250  South Africa

Editor’s note:  As part of our  THE statement on Ukraine  published on 2 March 2022, Russian universities have been given less prominence in our rankings. Russian universities that met the criteria for this ranking are not displayed in the table above.

This table was updated in December 2023 to retroactively include  Birkbeck, University of London  based on their provided data submission.  More information on the university's inclusion can be found here

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15 Ohio State graduate programs ranked in top 10 by U.S. News & World Report

Three specialties are rated nation’s best.

According to the U.S. News & World Report   2020 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools , The Ohio State University offers a vast array of top graduate and professional programs, with 15 ranked in the top 10 and three ranked best in the nation.

Top-10 graduate and professional programs include legal dispute resolution (1), student counseling/personnel services (1), technical/vocational education (1), veterinary medicine (4), business supply chain/logistics (6), clinical nurse leader (7), health care management (7), nursing master’s (8), education curriculum/instruction (8), elementary teacher education (9), secondary teacher education, (9), biological/agricultural engineering (9), business production/operations (9), accounting (10) and public management and leadership (10).

Ohio State has a graduate and professional enrollment of more than 14,000 students in 94 doctoral and 97 master’s programs.

“As a top public research university, graduate education is at the core of what we do,” said executive vice president and provost Bruce McPheron. “This recognition of our outstanding graduate programs reflects the excellence and tremendous depth and breadth of Ohio State’s graduate educational offerings.”

U.S. News’ rankings of graduate and professional programs cover just a small portion of the programs offered at Ohio State. This year, in addition to annual rankings in business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing, the magazine offers new rankings for programs in public affairs and selected health specialties including veterinary medicine, health care management, social work and public health. The magazine also ranks programs in the sciences (last in 2018) , social sciences and humanities (last in 2017), fine arts (last in 2016), selected health specialties (last in 2016) and many other areas every several years.

Below are details from U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 rankings of Ohio State graduate programs, by category.

  • College of Education and Human Ecology : ranked best in Ohio and 26 nationally out of 392 graduate education programs. The specialty programs in vocational/technical education and student counseling and personnel services ranked 1, curriculum/instruction ranked 8, elementary teacher education and secondary teacher education ranked 9, educational administration/supervision and educational psychology ranked 11 and higher education administration ranked 12.  
  • Fisher College of Business: ranked best in Ohio and 31 nationally among 475 institutions with MBA programs. The specialty program in supply chain/logistics ranked 6, production/operations ranked 9, accounting ranked 10, the part-time MBA program ranked 14, finance ranked 25 and management ranked 26.  
  • College of Engineering : ranked best in Ohio and 27 nationally out of 214 engineering programs that grant doctoral degrees. The specialty program in industrial/manufacturing systems engineering and nuclear engineering ranked 13, materials engineering ranked 14 and aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering ranked 17.  
  • College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: under engineering programs, biological/agricultural engineering ranked 9.
  • Moritz College of Law: ranked best in Ohio and 34 in the nation out of 192 accredited law schools. The specialty program in dispute resolution is ranked 1.
  • College of Medicine: ranked 30 among all research medical schools and 39 in primary care training among 185 accredited medical schools. Specialty programs in pediatrics ranked 21 and obstetrics and gynecology ranked 23.  
  • College of Veterinary Medicine ranked 4 out of 28 accredited veterinary schools
  • College of Public Health – health care management ranked 7 and public health ranked 23 out of 177 accredited schools and programs of public health
  • College of Social Work  ranked 13 out of 262 accredited master of social work programs
  • College of Nursing : U.S. News surveyed 584 nursing schools with master’s or doctoral programs . The clinical nurse leader program ranked 7, nursing master’s graduate program ranked 8, doctor of nursing practice ranked 19, family nursing ranked 11 and adult/gerontology, acute care ranked 13.  
  • Glenn College of Public Affairs : ranked best in Ohio and 14 nationally out of 285 master’s programs in public affairs and administration. The specialty program in public management and leadership ranked 10, nonprofit management ranked 12 and public policy analysis ranked 25.

A number of Ohio State programs earned high marks in previous years and the magazine reprints rankings from previous years in some fields.

Ohio State News

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Seattle U Law ranks among top law schools for scholarly impact

Exterior of the Sullivan Hall building on the Seattle University campus with American flag on a flagpole blowing in the wind

A recently published academic paper has named Seattle University School of Law as the top-ranked Pacific Northwest law school for faculty impact, and places it in the top third of all law schools nationally. At #52, Seattle U Law is also the second-ranked Jesuit Catholic law school in the West. 

“Scholarly Impact of Law School Faculties in 2024,” by Gregory C. Sisk of the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minnesota, calculates “the mean and the median of total law journal citations over the past five years to the work of tenured faculty members,” according to an abstract.

“I am thrilled but not surprised with this result. It confirms that our faculty are making an outsized impact by producing groundbreaking and thought-provoking scholarship about a range of topics that add to our collective understanding of the law,” said Dean Anthony E. Varona. “Our law students benefit from having access to this tremendous knowledge base in their classrooms as well.”

In 2023, the  Forward Looking Academic Impact Rankings for U.S. Law Schools (FLAIR ), developed by Emory University School of Law Professor Matthew Sag, also ranked Seattle U Law the top law school in the Pacific Northwest and among the top 25% nationally. This is the first time Seattle U Law has appeared in Sisk’s rankings since 2012.

The law school counts several scholarly powerhouses among its faculty.

Credited as a founder of critical race theory, Distinguished Professor Richard Delgado has been recognized as the eighth most-cited legal scholar in U.S. history. During a four-year period, he had the greatest number of published articles in top law reviews of any scholar in the country.

From 2018 to 2021, Research Professor Jean Stefancic was in the top 10% of authors by all-time downloads on Social Science Research Network (SSRN) and has been among the top-cited scholars in critical theories of law.

Other notable faculty members who have been frequently cited include:

  • Brooke D. Coleman, who has published widely on civil procedure and gender issues and the law
  • Margaret Chon, who has written articles on intellectual property and technology
  • Angela P. Harris researches and writes regularly on topics including critical legal theory, law and political economy, and climate justice
  • Professor John B. Kirkwood is a prolific scholar of antitrust law who has received several awards for his work
  • Charles R.T. O’Kelley has published widely on corporate law and governance and directs the Berle Center for Corporations, Law, and Society
  • Eduardo Peñalver, Seattle University’s president and a faculty member who is an expert in property law
  • Sara Rankin, an expert on homeless rights who directs the law school’s Homeless Rights Advocacy Project
  • Andrew Siegel, a constitutional law expert and scholar
  • Dean Spade, an expert in transgender law, poverty law, and social movements
  • Steven Bender, who has written extensively on racial and social justice.

"It is extraordinary to work at a school whose faculty members are so influential in their spheres of scholarship. They are not just central to the national conversation – in so many cases, they actually started it,” said Professor Deborah Ahrens, vice dean for Intellectual Life, who publishes widely on topics related to criminal law.

Minnesota Law

Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Robert G. Schiefelbein ’56

Robert G. Schiefelbein ’56, retired District Court judge, passed away on August 15, at age 92. He was an Edina, Minnesota, native and was a graduate of St. Thomas Academy and the University of Minnesota. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1956. After law school, he served two years in the Army Center Intelligence Headquarters in Germany. He then practiced law for 22 years.

In 1982, Schiefelbein was appointed judge for Hennepin County District Court and served in the Fourth Judicial District for 15 years where he earned a reputation for his honesty, integrity, diligence, fairness, and intelligence. He led a successful career as an arbitrator and mediator for over 20 years after leaving the bench. He was highly regarded by the legal community and was chosen to mitigate a variety of legal matters and earned a “Best Lawyers in Minnesota” designation in 2013 in Alternative Dispute Resolution. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean, three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Robert Schiefelbein

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law phd program ranking

Kamala Harris Would Only Be the Second Lawyer-President With a Non-T-14 Law Degree

UC Law SF Dean David Faigman said legal education is “a hallmark of American presidents,” noting that 27 of the nation's 45 past presidents were previously lawyers.

August 15, 2024 at 06:55 PM

5 minute read

Legal Education

Samson Amore

Samson Amore

Share with email, thank you for sharing, what you need to know.

  • If elected, Kamala Harris would be only the second lawyer-president to earn a law degree from a non-T-14 law school.
  • Current President Joe Biden was the first lawyer-president to break from tradition.
  • 27 U.S. presidents have been lawyers, but only a handful have obtained law degrees at all.

If Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is elected in November, the Oakland, California, native would be only the second lawyer-president to hold a law degree from a university that is not considered a top-14 law school in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings .

After graduating from Howard University, a historically black college in the Washington, D.C., area, with dual degrees in economics and political science in 1986, Harris went on to earn her law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law (which was renamed last year to the University of California College of Law, San Francisco) in 1989.

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IMAGES

  1. Law PhD Research Proposal Sample

    law phd program ranking

  2. PhD in Law (L.L.D): Specializations, Universities & Scope

    law phd program ranking

  3. 2021 USNews Law School Rankings

    law phd program ranking

  4. PhD Program Rankings: Which PhD Programs Are The Best?

    law phd program ranking

  5. Evaluating The 2022 Us News Law School Rankings On Its Own Terms

    law phd program ranking

  6. PhD in Law

    law phd program ranking

COMMENTS

  1. 2024 Best Law Schools

    Here are the 2024 Best Law Schools. Stanford University. Yale University. University of Chicago. Duke University. Harvard University. University of Pennsylvania (Carey) University of Virginia ...

  2. Best Constitutional Law Programs in America

    Here are the Best Constitutional Law Programs. Harvard University. University of Chicago. Stanford University. Yale University. New York University. University of California, Berkeley. Columbia ...

  3. U.S. News Ranks the Best Law and Medical Schools for 2023-2024

    May 11, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. U.S. News Ranks Law, Medical Programs. More. U.S. News officially released its 2023-2024 Best Graduate School rankings in law and medicine today. Yale and Stanford now ...

  4. 2023-2024 Top Law Graduate Programs

    Chapel Hill, NC ·. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ·. Graduate School. ·. 2 reviews. Niche User: UNC Chapel Hill is an excellent law school, with engaging and friendly professors. They have the highest NC bar passage rate in the state, and they have a strong focus on public service and pro bono.

  5. QS World University Rankings for Law & Legal Studies 2024

    Harvard University continues to be the best university in the world for studying law, achieving a perfect score in three of the four indicators used to compile the ranking. All of the top nine in this year's ranking are unchanged, with the University of Melbourne rising one place to take 10th. Register for free site membership to access direct ...

  6. America's Best Law Schools, According To U.S. News & World ...

    The top 20 Law Schools (All of the law school rankings can be found here ,) Yale University. Stanford University. Harvard University. Columbia University. University of Chicago. New York ...

  7. Best Law Schools 2024

    The Best Law Schools 2024 Is Here. We surveyed 18,400 students and administrators at 168 law schools so we can tell you which schools have the best career prospects, the best quality of life, and more. Find out if your dream law school made one of our 14 unique ranking lists. See the complete list of our 168 Best Law Schools, or view the list ...

  8. 2024 Best Law Doctor's Degree Schools

    2. University of California - Berkeley. Berkeley, CA. 327 Annual Graduates. Any student who is interested in a doctor's degree in law has to take a look at University of California - Berkeley. Located in the midsize city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population.

  9. Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

    This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy. Courses: International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates. Duration: 3-5 years. Delivery: On-campus. Tuition and fees: $26,000 per year.

  10. Significant Shake-up Among 2023 US News Law School Rankings ...

    NEWS. Significant Shake-up Among 2023 US News Law School Rankings as Harvard Drops Out of Top 3. U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings.

  11. 2023-2024 Top US Law Graduate Programs

    University of Dayton ·. Graduate School. ·. 10 reviews. Master's Student: The best part of my experience in the law school program with a focus on government context and procurement was the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks and practices relevant to government operations and procurement processes.

  12. World University Rankings 2024 by subject: law

    The law subject table uses the same trusted and rigorous performance indicators as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, but the methodology has been recalibrated to suit the discipline. This year's table includes 329 universities, up from 290 last year. View the World University Rankings 2024 by subject: law methodology Harvard University climbs five

  13. 2024 Best Law Schools

    These are the best law schools that can set the tone for your learning experience, career path and future. READ MORE. # 1. Stanford University. Stanford, CA. # 1. Yale University.

  14. Best Law Schools

    Best Law Schools. Our best law schools list is based on a combination of institutional and student survey data, with factors including career outcomes, admissions selectivity, and academic rigor, among others. This unranked list appears in alphabetical order. For more information on our ranking lists and selection process, our methodology.

  15. Best universities in the US for law degrees 2024

    10. 24. Duke University. North Carolina. There are a number of world-renowned law schools in the US, making the country one of the top places to go to if you wish to study for a law degree. Students who complete a course of study at a law school in the US will graduate with a juris doctor (JD) degree.

  16. U.S. News Ranks 8 USD School of Law Specialty Programs in Top 25% Rankings

    SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2021) - The U.S. News and World Report selected eight University of San Diego (USD) School of Law specialty programs for their top 25% of the 2022 Best Graduate Programs rankings.The programs are Intellectual Property, Constitutional Law, Tax, Business and Corporate Law, Criminal Law, International Law and Contracts, and the Part-Time program.

  17. Doctoral Programs

    Ph.D. Berkeley Law's Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program offers a unique interdisciplinary graduate program leading to Ph.D. degrees for students interested in the scholarly study of legal ideas and institutions, policy analysis and applied research, and other areas. Learn more here.

  18. Best universities for law degrees 2024

    10. The University of Chicago. United States. 10. 5. Yale University. United States. A law degree is the first step on a number of career paths - including a career as a solicitor, a barrister or a judge. Many universities around the world provide law degrees, so it can be difficult to choose the best one for you.

  19. 15 Ohio State graduate programs ranked in top 10 by U.S. News & World

    Moritz College of Law: ranked best in Ohio and 34 in the nation out of 192 accredited law schools. The specialty program in dispute resolution is ranked 1. ... The clinical nurse leader program ranked 7, nursing master's graduate program ranked 8, doctor of nursing practice ranked 19, family nursing ranked 11 and adult/gerontology, acute care ...

  20. Best Criminal Law Programs in America

    Here are the Best Criminal Law Programs. New York University. Harvard University. Stanford University. University of California, Berkeley. Georgetown University. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor ...

  21. Seattle U Law ranks among top law schools for scholarly impact

    In 2023, the Forward Looking Academic Impact Rankings for U.S. Law Schools (FLAIR), developed by Emory University School of Law Professor Matthew Sag, also ranked Seattle U Law the top law school in the Pacific Northwest and among the top 25% nationally. This is the first time Seattle U Law has appeared in Sisk's rankings since 2012.

  22. 2023-2024 Top Intellectual Property Law Graduate Programs

    Graduate School. ·. 4 reviews. Doctoral Student: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law is a law school located in New York City. Cardozo Law is part of Yeshiva University and is situated in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, providing students with access to legal, cultural, and professional opportunities in one of the world's major legal and financial ...

  23. Vermont Law and Graduate School

    Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) is a private law and public policy graduate school in South ... (ELC) began in 1978 with eight master's degree students. As noted, the ELC's program is consistently top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. [25] The ELC confers both the Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) and Master of Laws in ...

  24. U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

    Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business ...

  25. Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Robert G. Schiefelbein '56

    Robert G. Schiefelbein '56, retired District Court judge, passed away on August 15, at age 92. He was an Edina, Minnesota, native and was a graduate of St. Thomas Academy and the University of Minnesota. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1956. After law school, he served two years in the Army Center Intelligence Headquarters in Germany.

  26. Kamala Harris Would Only Be the Second Lawyer-President With ...

    UC Law SF ranked No. 82 in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The program has a 30.9% acceptance rate and enrolled 1,125 students last year. Faigman said that he welcomed the incoming 1L class on ...

  27. 2024 Best Graduate Schools

    Best Education Schools. Educators may find it necessary to earn a graduate degree to meet their career goals. # 1. Teachers College, Columbia University. # 1. University of Wisconsin--Madison. # 3 ...