Princeton Review Law School Ranking - The Best 172 Law Schools

The Princeton Review’s 2010 edition of The Best 172 Law Schools provides valuable insights into some of the most outstanding law schools in the United States. Drawing from surveys conducted with 18,000 students at 172 law schools, this guide not only ranks the schools by reputation but also highlights key attributes and characteristics that contribute to their success. Among the schools profiled in this edition, several stand out for their unique strengths, specializations, and environments that make them exceptional places for legal education. Among the institutions featured, Georgia State University College of Law, the University of Tennessee College of Law, Northeastern University School of Law, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law are particularly noteworthy for their achievements in various categories.

Georgia State University College of Law is recognized as one of the nation’s top law schools, earning a spot in the 2010 Princeton Review rankings for its excellence in legal education. What sets Georgia State apart is its distinction as the only law school in Georgia to make the top 10 rankings in the guide. One of its notable strengths is its appeal to older students, making it one of the most chosen law schools for individuals looking to pursue a legal career later in life. This ranking reflects Georgia State’s supportive environment and commitment to providing flexible options for non-traditional students. The school’s location in downtown Atlanta, a hub for both corporate and public sector legal work, adds to its attractiveness for students who want to study in a dynamic city while maintaining proximity to major legal employers. The strong emphasis on practical skills training, combined with the opportunity to network with legal professionals in the region, makes Georgia State a prime choice for those looking to start or further their legal careers.

Furthermore, Georgia State’s academic offerings are comprehensive and diverse, with a focus on areas such as health law, business law, and civil litigation. The law school offers several clinics, externships, and internships that allow students to gain hands-on experience while still in school. These opportunities provide students with the practical skills and real-world knowledge necessary to excel in the competitive legal field. The school’s faculty, many of whom have strong connections to the local legal community, are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and supportive education. This commitment to student success, combined with the law school’s strong reputation within the state of Georgia, positions Georgia State University College of Law as one of the nation’s top institutions for legal education.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, also shines in the Princeton Review rankings, particularly for its strong specialization programs. The College of Law at the University of Tennessee stands out for its specialized programming that caters to students’ individual interests and career goals. The university’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, for example, offers students the opportunity to gain expertise in advocacy and dispute resolution—skills that are highly valued in both civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution settings. This specialization gives students a competitive edge as they prepare for careers in litigation or mediation, two of the most dynamic and growing areas in the legal profession.

Another standout feature of the University of Tennessee College of Law is its Center for Entrepreneurial Law, which reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students for the legal challenges faced by businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. With an emphasis on both business law and legal issues related to entrepreneurship, this center provides students with a solid foundation for working in corporate law, intellectual property, and other fields critical to the growth of businesses. This combination of practical and theoretical knowledge makes the University of Tennessee College of Law a top choice for students interested in specializing in the intersection of law and business.

Beyond its academic offerings, the College of Law at the University of Tennessee is also known for its inclusive and collaborative environment. The school fosters a strong sense of community, and students benefit from close interactions with faculty members who are committed to mentoring and advising them throughout their academic and professional journeys. The sense of community extends to the local legal ecosystem, where students frequently engage with attorneys, judges, and policymakers, creating a network of support that enhances their educational experience.

Northeastern University School of Law in Boston has earned top marks for creating an inclusive and progressive learning environment. In the Princeton Review, Northeastern was ranked No. 2 for offering the “best environment” for minority students and for having the “most liberal” students. The law school is celebrated for its commitment to progressive lawyering and its focus on providing students with experiential learning opportunities. Unlike many traditional law schools, Northeastern employs a unique grading system designed to foster cooperation rather than competition among students. This grading system, which includes a combination of narrative evaluations and letter grades, creates an atmosphere of collaboration, where students support one another in their academic and professional development.

The emphasis on experiential learning is a hallmark of Northeastern’s legal education. The school is known for offering extensive opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning through clinics, externships, and co-op programs. These experiences allow students to work in real-world legal settings, applying what they learn in the classroom to actual cases and clients. This practical approach to legal education ensures that Northeastern graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make an immediate impact in their chosen fields. Additionally, Northeastern’s commitment to public interest law and social justice is reflected in the wide variety of opportunities available for students to work on issues related to civil rights, environmental law, and public policy.

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law has been recognized for its outstanding environment for minority students, earning the top ranking in the Princeton Review for this category. Hawai‘i’s diverse cultural landscape makes it an ideal location for a law school that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. The William S. Richardson School of Law stands out not only for its commitment to diversity but also for its strong community atmosphere, which welcomes students from all backgrounds and creates a nurturing environment for academic and professional growth.

In addition to its emphasis on diversity, the William S. Richardson School of Law is ranked second for being most chosen by older students, further reflecting its flexible and welcoming environment. Many students at Hawai‘i’s law school bring diverse life experiences to their legal studies, and the school’s culture supports their educational journeys. The faculty at the school also reflects this diversity, with a significant percentage of professors from underrepresented groups. This diversity of perspectives enriches the learning environment, making it an ideal place for students who are looking to study law in a multicultural context.

The William S. Richardson School of Law is also ranked fifth for having the most diverse faculty, further reinforcing its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive academic community. The school’s academic offerings, including its unique Hawaiian law program and emphasis on indigenous legal traditions, make it a standout institution for students interested in learning about law in a global and cross-cultural context. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its rigorous academic programs and strong community atmosphere, makes it an excellent choice for students looking for a law school that values a broad range of perspectives and experiences.