Most Underrated Law Schools in US (Top 25)

In the ever-competitive landscape of American law schools, Emory University’s School of Law has long been considered an underrated gem. Vault.com’s ranking in 2007, which placed Emory as the most underrated law school in the United States, reflects an acknowledgment of the institution’s academic strength, practical training, and innovative programs that have flown under the radar in comparison to the nation’s more high-profile law schools. Emory’s position as an "underrated" institution is not a reflection of its quality but rather a product of its status relative to the media’s focus on elite, top-ranked schools.

Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a unique blend of a rigorous legal education and diverse joint degree programs, making it a standout institution in legal academia. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report ranked Emory School of Law 22nd among all ABA-approved law schools, placing it in the upper tier of legal education. However, despite this relatively high ranking, Emory has often been overshadowed by institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, which dominate public perception in the legal community. This ranking positions Emory among schools that are widely respected but do not typically receive the same media attention as the very top schools, which has contributed to its classification as underrated in Vault’s 2007 ranking.

Emory’s law program has a strong reputation for producing well-rounded, capable lawyers, thanks in part to its exceptional faculty and diverse program offerings. The law school provides students with the opportunity to explore various legal fields through both theoretical studies and practical experience, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Emory’s faculty members are well-regarded scholars who contribute to the legal discourse in various fields such as constitutional law, international law, and legal ethics. Furthermore, the law school’s emphasis on practical experience ensures that students are not only receiving academic instruction but also gaining the real-world skills necessary for success in the legal profession.

One of the key features that sets Emory apart is the wide array of joint degree programs offered to law students. These programs allow students to pair their legal studies with graduate degrees in other disciplines, enabling them to pursue specialized interests and gain expertise in a particular area while earning their J.D. Among the most popular joint degrees offered by Emory are the J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration), J.D./M.A. in Judaic Studies, J.D./M.P.H. (Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health), and J.D./M.Div. (Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity). These programs provide students with an opportunity to bridge the gap between law and other fields, creating a unique skill set that is highly valued in the marketplace.

The J.D./M.B.A. program, for example, is designed for students who wish to pursue careers that combine law and business, preparing them for roles in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and other business-related legal sectors. This dual-degree program is particularly appealing to students who want to gain expertise in both fields, enhancing their ability to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of law and business. Similarly, the J.D./M.P.H. program is tailored for students who have a passion for public health law and policy, combining legal education with public health expertise. This program is ideal for students interested in roles that deal with the legal aspects of healthcare policy, health insurance law, and public health regulation.

Emory’s commitment to interdisciplinary education is also evident in the J.D./M.A. in Judaic Studies, which allows students to integrate a legal education with the study of Jewish culture, history, and law. This program offers a unique path for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, religious institutions, or legal practices that deal with Jewish law and ethics. Similarly, the J.D./M.Div. program offers students the opportunity to study both law and divinity, preparing them for careers that intersect with religious law, church governance, or other faith-based legal matters. These joint degree programs are an example of Emory’s commitment to offering students a well-rounded, multifaceted education that prepares them for a variety of career paths.

In addition to these specialized joint degree programs, Emory also offers a robust traditional legal education. Its reputation for providing students with a comprehensive foundation in legal theory, critical thinking, and analytical skills is reflected in its consistently strong rankings and the success of its graduates in securing positions at prestigious law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Emory Law also boasts a strong alumni network that provides mentorship and networking opportunities for current students, helping them to secure competitive internships and job placements upon graduation.

The law school is also known for its focus on practical experience, which is critical in today’s competitive legal job market. Emory Law offers various clinical programs, including the Emory Law Public Interest Committee, which helps students gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful social causes. The school also provides externship opportunities that enable students to work in a variety of legal settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations. These experiences help students apply their classroom learning to real-world situations, making them more marketable upon graduation.

Despite its strong academic program and innovative offerings, Emory Law has often been considered underrated in comparison to other top-tier law schools. Its reputation for producing capable and well-rounded lawyers has not always been reflected in its rankings or media coverage, but this does not detract from the value of an Emory Law degree. Graduates from Emory consistently perform well on the bar exam and find success in a variety of legal careers, further cementing the school’s place among the nation’s top law schools.

Top 25 Most Underrated Law Schools:

1. Emory University School of Law
2. Fordham University School of Law
3. Howard University School of Law
4. Chicago-Kent College of Law - Illinois Institute of Technology
5. University of Oregon School of Law
6. George Mason University School of Law
7. University of Illinois College of Law
8. William and Mary Law School
9. Vanderbilt University Law School
10. University of Georgia School of Law
11. Georgia State University College of Law
12. Ohio State University College of Law
13. American University - Washington, D.C.
14. North Carolina Central Univ School of Law
15. Boston College Law School
16. Washington & Lee Univ School of Law
17. Case Western Reserve Univ School of Law
18. Washington Univ-St. Louis School of Law
19. Univ of Houston Law Center
20. Lewis & Clark Law School
21. Wake Forest Univ School of Law
22. Univ of Iowa College of Law
23. Boston Univ School of Law
24. George Washington Univ Law School
25. Pepperdine Univ School of Law

Source: Vault.com