Law Specialty Program Rankings

The US News 2006 ranking of top law schools by specialty highlighted Environmental Law as one of the critical areas of legal practice, with several universities across the United States offering exceptional programs in this field. In this ranking, Lewis and Clark Law School emerged as the top institution for Environmental Law, a recognition largely attributed to its robust curriculum, distinguished faculty, and strong commitment to environmental advocacy. Known for its extensive environmental law programs, Lewis and Clark has long been a leader in educating future lawyers in sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection.

Following Lewis and Clark, Vermont Law School ranked second. Vermont is known for its pioneering programs in environmental law, offering a combination of theoretical and practical experiences that prepare students for careers in environmental policy, public interest law, and advocacy. The school’s emphasis on environmental justice and its close proximity to major environmental organizations has made it a key player in the field.

In third place was Pace University School of Law, whose Environmental Law program has garnered respect for its focus on both environmental litigation and policy. Pace’s innovative programs have given it a reputation as a strong contender in environmental law education, with many of its graduates going on to work in top environmental law firms and government agencies.

Colorado Law School, ranked fourth, has a strong track record in environmental and natural resources law, aided by its location in a region known for its environmental focus. The school’s programs are highly regarded for their integration of public land management and resource policy, making it a leader in training students for careers in environmental law that require expertise in both policy and practice.

Ranked fifth, Tulane Law School has been at the forefront of environmental law, particularly in coastal and marine law. Tulane offers a unique focus on environmental justice, offering courses and opportunities that explore the intersection between law, policy, and environmental impacts. Its connections to the Gulf Coast region, an area facing environmental challenges, further solidify its reputation as a center for environmental law education.

In sixth place, University of Maryland School of Law offers a well-established program in environmental law, distinguished by its research opportunities, practical internships, and a deep commitment to environmental policy. Students at Maryland Law have access to leading scholars and professionals in the field, along with the resources to pursue impactful careers in environmental protection.

Stanford Law School, ranked seventh, is consistently recognized as a leading institution in various legal fields, and environmental law is no exception. The school offers a top-tier program focusing on environmental regulation, natural resource law, and sustainability. Its proximity to Silicon Valley also provides students with access to the intersection of law, business, and environmental technology, offering a unique dimension to the study of environmental law.

Oregon Law School, tied with Stanford in seventh place, is another institution known for its focus on environmental law, particularly in relation to natural resources, land use, and conservation. Its interdisciplinary approach draws on the region's environmental issues, providing students with real-world experiences and practical training.

Ranked ninth, Georgetown University Law Center also offers a highly regarded environmental law program, benefiting from the university’s access to policymakers, environmental organizations, and regulatory agencies. Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., allows students to engage with the federal government and influential environmental law bodies.

Finally, Duke University School of Law and George Washington University Law School, both tied for tenth, are also recognized for their strengths in environmental law. Duke’s program focuses on both domestic and international environmental challenges, while George Washington offers opportunities for students to engage in environmental litigation and policy-making.

These rankings reflect the increasing importance of environmental law as a specialty and the growing demand for legal expertise to address global environmental challenges. The top schools in this field provide rigorous academic programs, comprehensive research opportunities, and practical experience in areas such as climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. As environmental issues continue to dominate the global agenda, the demand for skilled legal professionals in this field is only expected to grow.

US News Ranking of Top US Law Schools by Specialty (Top 10 List):

Environmental Law:
1. Lewis and Clark
2. Vermont
3. Pace
4. Colorado
5. Tulane
6. Maryland
7. Stanford
    Oregon
9. Georgetown
10.Duke
    George Washington

International Law:
1. N.Y.U.
2. Columbia
3. Georgetown
    Harvard
5. American
    Yale
7. Michigan
8. Virginia
9. George Washington
10.Berkeley

Dispute Resolution:
1. Pepperdine
2. Missouri
3. Harvard
4. Ohio State
5. Hamline
6. Yeshiva
7. Penn State
   Willamette
9. Georgetown
   Northwestern

Intellectual Property:
1. Berkeley
2. Stanford
3. George Washington
4. Houston
5. Yeshiva
6. Franklin Pierce
7. Columbia
8. Duke
    N.Y.U.
10.Boston Univ

Tax Law:
1. N.Y.U.
2. Florida
3. Georgetown
4. Northwestern
5. Harvard
    U. Miami
7. Boston Univ.
    UCLA
9. Texas
    Yale

Source: US News & World Report 2006