Best Law Schools in US (Top 10 List)

The U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of law schools are often seen as a crucial tool for prospective students seeking to evaluate the best institutions to pursue their legal education. These rankings are based on a wide range of factors, including academic reputation, faculty credentials, and employment outcomes. According to the 2012 edition of the U.S. News rankings, Yale University, Harvard University, and Stanford University occupied the top three spots, while other institutions, such as UC Davis, Fordham University, and the University of Utah, demonstrated strong performances, making them some of the most sought-after law schools in the country. Each of these law schools excels in various aspects of legal education, from overall academic quality to specific programs in specialties like environmental law, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.

Yale University’s law school is consistently ranked at or near the top of the U.S. News rankings, and for the 2012 edition, it was ranked first in the nation. Yale Law School’s reputation for academic excellence is unparalleled, and its faculty is among the most distinguished in the legal field. One of Yale's key strengths is its focus on intellectual rigor and the preparation of students for careers that require deep legal analysis and thoughtful decision-making. The school offers an array of joint degree programs, including partnerships with the Yale School of Management and Yale Law School's own highly regarded clinic programs. With its prestigious reputation and exceptional faculty, Yale Law School remains a top choice for students interested in pursuing careers in both academia and practice, particularly in areas such as constitutional law, public interest law, and international law.

Harvard University, long a name synonymous with legal education, ranks second in the U.S. News 2012 law school rankings. As one of the oldest and most well-established law schools in the country, Harvard Law School attracts some of the brightest legal minds from around the world. Harvard’s robust curriculum offers a wide range of courses, and its students benefit from extensive resources, including one of the most comprehensive legal libraries in the world. Harvard is known for its commitment to public service, with its Legal Services Center providing legal assistance to those in need while offering students hands-on experience in clinical practice. The law school also offers a variety of joint-degree programs, providing students the flexibility to tailor their legal education to their specific interests. Harvard’s influence in the legal world extends beyond its classrooms, as its alumni occupy prominent positions in law firms, corporations, and public offices around the globe.

Stanford University, ranked third in the 2012 U.S. News rankings, is another prestigious institution that consistently performs well in legal education. Stanford Law School is known for its innovative approach to legal education, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and the integration of technology in the law. The school has cultivated an intellectually stimulating environment, offering students opportunities to engage with cutting-edge legal issues, particularly in the fields of business law, technology law, and intellectual property. Stanford's location in Silicon Valley also provides a significant advantage for students interested in law and technology, with access to some of the world’s leading tech companies and startups. Stanford is highly selective, admitting only a small percentage of applicants each year, and its faculty members are world-renowned in their respective areas of expertise.

Although Yale, Harvard, and Stanford often dominate the top of the rankings, other law schools have also demonstrated considerable strength. The University of California, Davis School of Law, for instance, was ranked 23rd in the 2012 edition of the U.S. News rankings. Founded in 1965, UC Davis is the youngest law school in the top 25, and its rapid rise in the rankings reflects the school’s commitment to providing high-quality legal education. UC Davis is particularly known for its emphasis on public interest law, environmental law, and social justice. The law school offers numerous clinical programs that allow students to gain real-world experience while helping underserved communities. Its strong faculty, supportive community, and collaborative environment make it an attractive choice for students pursuing careers in law, particularly in California, where the school has strong connections to the legal community.

Fordham University School of Law is another institution that stands out in the 2012 U.S. News rankings. Ranked 30th among all U.S. law schools, Fordham Law is widely recognized for its strong emphasis on practical skills training, including its highly ranked programs in dispute resolution and clinical education. Fordham’s evening program, which allows working professionals to pursue a law degree while maintaining employment, was ranked second in the nation in the 2012 rankings. The law school’s commitment to diversity, its extensive alumni network, and its reputation for producing high-quality legal professionals contribute to its strong standing in the rankings. Fordham's IP program, clinical training, and dispute resolution program are all recognized as among the best in the country, making it an excellent option for students interested in these specialties.

The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, ranked 42nd overall in the 2012 U.S. News rankings, has established itself as a strong performer, particularly among smaller law schools. The College of Law is known for its tight-knit community and strong faculty, offering a personalized legal education that allows students to take advantage of close mentorship opportunities. Utah’s environmental law program, ranked 21st in the country, is one of its standout features, with students being given the chance to engage with real-world environmental issues in a region that is home to many environmental challenges. The College of Law also has a solid track record of preparing students for practice in the areas of family law, criminal law, and business law. For students in smaller programs, Utah's position as a national leader in environmental law offers a significant advantage for those looking to pursue a career in this field.

Best Law Schools 2012 (top 10 list):
1 Yale University
2 Harvard University
3 Stanford University
4 Columbia University
5 University of Chicago
6 New York University
7 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
7 University of Pennsylvania
9 University of California--Berkeley
9 University of Virginia
Source: US News