10 Best Law Schools in America

In 2008, The Princeton Review published its rankings of the best law schools in the United States, focusing on various factors that contribute to a law school’s overall academic environment. One particular category that stood out was the ranking of law schools based on the competitiveness of their student bodies. According to this ranking, Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School emerged as the top contender, followed by Baylor University School of Law in second place. These schools were recognized for their rigorous admission processes and the high caliber of students they attract.

Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School stood at the top of the list due to its combination of strong academic programs and a highly competitive admissions process. The school is known for its commitment to fostering a rigorous academic environment where students are encouraged to push their intellectual boundaries. With a strong religious affiliation, the university attracts students who are not only academically capable but who also share the institution’s values and mission. This creates a student body that is driven, competitive, and deeply invested in their education.

Baylor University School of Law, ranked second in the Princeton Review ranking, similarly emphasizes a competitive academic atmosphere. Baylor’s law program is known for its intense curriculum, practical legal training, and small class sizes. The law school places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the realities of the legal profession, and its graduates are highly regarded for their legal acumen and professional readiness. The highly competitive nature of its admissions process ensures that only the best students gain entry, and this creates an atmosphere of intellectual rigor and personal achievement.

Following closely behind in third place was Whittier College School of Law, which, like BYU and Baylor, is known for attracting highly motivated and competitive students. The school’s emphasis on practical legal education, combined with a robust curriculum, ensures that its students are prepared for the competitive nature of the legal field. Whittier College fosters an environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and professionally, creating an atmosphere that is both challenging and supportive.

St. Thomas University School of Law, ranked fourth, is another example of a law school that attracts top-tier students. The law school offers a unique blend of competitive academics and a commitment to public service, giving students the opportunity to engage in real-world legal work while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This combination of academic excellence and hands-on experience makes St. Thomas University a highly competitive school, where students are motivated to perform at their best.

Other law schools that made the Princeton Review’s list include Roger Williams University School of Law (ranked fifth), Thomas M. Cooley Law School (ranked sixth), and St. John’s University School of Law (ranked seventh). These schools, though perhaps less well-known than some of the more prestigious institutions, have built strong reputations for their competitive student bodies and rigorous academic programs. Their students are often highly driven and focused on achieving success in the legal profession.

Albany Law School of Union University and Ohio Northern University’s Claude W. Pettit College of Law also made the list, ranked eighth and ninth respectively. Both institutions have established themselves as competitive law schools by offering strong programs in legal education, combined with a selective admissions process. These schools attract students who are not only academically capable but who are also motivated to succeed in the competitive legal field.

Lastly, St. Mary’s University School of Law rounded out the Princeton Review’s top ten most competitive law schools. Like the other institutions listed, St. Mary’s is known for its rigorous academic program and highly competitive student body. The law school provides a supportive yet challenging environment where students are encouraged to strive for excellence in all aspects of their legal education.Best Law Schools Rankings - Most Competitive Students (2008)

1 Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School

2 Baylor University School of Law

3 Whittier College School of Law

4 St. Thomas University School of Law

5 Roger Williams University School of Law

6 Thomas M. Cooley Law School Law Program

7 St. John’s Univy School of Law

8 Albany Law School of Union Univ Law Program

9 Ohio Northern Univ Claude W. Pettit College of Law

10 St. Mary’s Univ School of Law


Best Law Schools Rankings - Best Classroom Experience (2008)

1 Loyola Law School

2 Duke Univ School of Law

3 Stanford Law School

4 Vanderbilt Univ School of Law

5 Boston Univ School of Law

6 Uni of Chicago Law School

7 Chapman Uni School of Law

8 Uni of Michigan Law School

9 Georgetown Uni Law Center

10 Northwestern Uni School of Law

Source: Princeton Review