Best Law Schools (US News Best Graduate Schools)

The 2013 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Graduate Schools" report offered valuable insight into the state of legal education in the United States, showcasing the evolving rankings of the country's most prestigious law schools. As the report highlighted, Yale University remains the top law school in the nation, followed by Stanford University in second place and Harvard University in third. These institutions have long been recognized as leaders in legal education, offering robust academic programs, world-class faculty, and unrivaled career opportunities. Yet, while the top three law schools have remained largely unchanged, the rankings of other law schools demonstrate the dynamic nature of legal education in the U.S. The University of Washington School of Law, Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Fordham University School of Law, and the University of Tulsa College of Law are among those that have made significant upward strides in the 2013 rankings, reflecting both the growth of their academic programs and their increasing influence in the legal field.

Yale University, as in previous years, maintained its position as the top law school in the United States, according to the U.S. News 2013 rankings. Yale has long been a prestigious institution, and its reputation as the leading law school is underpinned by its rigorous academic environment, its unique approach to legal education, and its impressive alumni network. Yale’s program is known for emphasizing interdisciplinary study, critical thinking, and a deep engagement with the theoretical aspects of law. Students at Yale Law School benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows them to tailor their studies to their interests while also engaging in real-world legal practice through its clinics and externships. The school’s faculty includes some of the leading scholars in the legal field, and Yale Law continues to produce graduates who go on to become influential figures in academia, government, and private practice. The school's consistent ranking at the top of the U.S. News list reflects its enduring excellence in producing highly trained, thoughtful legal professionals.

Stanford University secured the second spot in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, reinforcing its standing as a top law school in the country. Stanford Law School is known for its intellectual rigor, cutting-edge research, and forward-thinking approach to legal education. The institution places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, with particular strength in areas such as technology law, intellectual property, and environmental law. Students at Stanford are encouraged to engage with emerging areas of law, and the school’s strong connections with the tech industry and Silicon Valley make it a prime choice for those interested in the intersection of law and technology. Additionally, Stanford is home to a diverse student body, a commitment to public interest law, and a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and engagement with the broader legal profession. The school’s second-place ranking in the U.S. News list speaks to its reputation for academic excellence and its influential role in shaping legal practice and thought.

Harvard University, ranked third in the U.S. News 2013 rankings, is perhaps the most well-known law school in the world. Harvard Law School has been a leader in legal education for over a century, and its influence on the legal field cannot be overstated. The school offers a vast array of programs and specializations, and its extensive resources allow students to engage with every area of law imaginable. Harvard's clinical programs, research centers, and global reach ensure that its students receive a well-rounded education and have access to unparalleled opportunities in law practice, policy-making, and academia. Harvard’s commitment to public service is reflected in its strong focus on pro bono work and its robust support for students pursuing careers in government, non-profit organizations, and international institutions. Although Yale and Stanford have recently surpassed Harvard in the rankings, Harvard Law School remains a leader in legal education, continuing to produce graduates who have a significant impact on the legal profession worldwide.

While the top three law schools are well-established, the 2013 rankings also highlighted impressive upward movements by other institutions. The University of Washington School of Law, for instance, made a remarkable leap from 30th to 20th in the rankings, reflecting the school’s growing prominence and the success of its academic and professional programs. The University of Washington has long been known for its strong public service orientation and its commitment to social justice, and its rising position in the rankings reflects both the quality of its legal education and its reputation in the legal community. Additionally, the school’s focus on technology and intellectual property law, areas in which the Pacific Northwest has become a hub, further bolsters its standing as a top law school. As Washington state’s only law school, the University of Washington Law School plays a vital role in shaping legal policy and practice in the region, and its improved ranking is a testament to its continued growth and influence.

Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has also experienced a significant rise in the rankings, moving up from 40th in 2012 to 26th in 2013. This upward trajectory places ASU’s law school as the 8th highest-ranked public law school in the country. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law has increasingly garnered attention for its strong programs in legal writing, dispute resolution, and intellectual property law. The law school’s commitment to practical legal training, as well as its innovative approach to legal education, has helped it build a strong reputation among prospective students and employers alike. Its legal method and writing program, ranked 8th in the U.S. News rankings, is a particular point of pride, providing students with the foundational skills they need to succeed in legal practice. Arizona State’s growing influence and its continued rise in the rankings speak to the effectiveness of its programs and the quality of the legal education it offers.

Fordham University School of Law also continued to make strides in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, maintaining its position at 29th among U.S. law schools. Fordham has long been recognized for its diversity, and its law school remains one of the most diverse in the country, providing students with a rich and inclusive academic environment. Fordham’s specialty programs have also performed well in the rankings, with its Dispute Resolution program ranked 11th, its Intellectual Property Law program ranked 12th, and its Clinical Training program ranked 15th. Fordham’s focus on providing a comprehensive legal education, combined with its commitment to diversity and social justice, continues to make it an attractive option for law students. The law school’s strong focus on experiential learning, particularly through its extensive clinical programs, gives students practical legal skills that are highly valued by employers.

The University of Tulsa College of Law, though ranked 99th in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, represents an inspiring success story of growth and improvement. Over the past three years, TU Law has surged 48 places in the rankings, demonstrating the significant improvements it has made in its academic programs and student support services. As one of the smallest law schools in the nation, the University of Tulsa College of Law has managed to distinguish itself through its personalized approach to legal education and its strong emphasis on practical experience. The law school’s rising rank is a reflection of its growing reputation and the increasing recognition of its quality legal education.