Top 10 Law Schools in California
California is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking to fulfill their American dream. With its beautiful beaches, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and pulsating metropolitan centers, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to the Golden State. For aspiring lawyers, California also offers some of the best law schools in the country. The state is home to many good law schools that are American Bar Association-accredited and offer world-class LL.M. programs.
The top 10 law schools in California include Stanford University Law School (#2 in US), UC Berkeley School of Law (#9 in US), Berkeley Law School (21.5% acceptance rate), UCLA Law School (22.8% acceptance rate) and other prestigious institutions such as USC Gould School of Law, UC Davis School of Law, UC Irvine School of Law, Santa Clara University School of Law and Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. All these top law schools offer students the opportunity to tailor their legal education to their individual interests and career goals.
Get an in-depth look at the top law schools in California. Compare rankings, tuition fees and more to find the school that fits you best!
Why you should pursue a law degree
Pursuing a law degree is an excellent way to set yourself up for a potentially lucrative career. With a law degree, you can pursue many different careers such as an attorney, consultant, company executive, entrepreneur, professor, and more. There are 15 best universities and colleges offering a law degree in California that have been approved by the American Bar Association. These schools are trustworthy and credible with accreditation to show for it. Therefore, pursuing a law degree from these institutions can be beneficial for one’s career.
In order to have a good chance of admission into these schools, your LSAT score and GPA should be at or above the medians of the school you are applying to. Your GPA is largely set but your LSAT score can be improved with more study and practice. The LSAT score is the most important component of your law school application so it’s important to put in the effort to get the best possible score you can achieve.
1. Stanford Law School (SLS)
Stanford Law School (SLS) is one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. Established in 1893, it is the top law school in California and consistently ranks among the top three law schools in the country. The admission process is highly competitive, with only 8.7 percent of applicants accepted each year. SLS offers small and intimate programs, enrolling between 15 and 20 students annually in each specialization.
The academic structure of Stanford Law School focuses on practical implementation of studies. It has 11 full-time legal clinics that provide students with hands-on experience working on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys. In addition to its rigorous academic program, SLS also provides a wide range of extracurricular activities such as student organizations, moot court competitions, and public service opportunities for students to gain valuable experience outside the classroom.
University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
The University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its law school is no exception. U.C. Berkeley Law School is ranked as the 10th best law school in the country and accepts only about 20 percent of applicants each year. It offers an LL.M program and a Professional Track LL.M with specializations in Business Law, Law & Technology, and Energy & Clean Technology, giving graduates a 90 percent chance of getting a job within one year of graduation, with many working in government and public interest roles.
Berkeley Law School also emphasizes experiential learning through field placements and legal clinics, as well as an entry-level global access program that allows students to gain real-world experience while still in school. The school offers a variety of programs from undergraduate to JD, with an emphasis on social justice, public interest, criminal justice, tech/ip/privacy/, constitutional law, business and start-
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Law School is a top-tier institution for aspiring lawyers. With an admission rate of 22.5%, it is highly competitive and boasts an impressive alumni network of over 17,000 members worldwide. The school offers comprehensive classroom work and experiential learning opportunities through clinics focused on the First Amendment and Supreme Court. It also offers both a traditional LL.M program and a Professional Track LL.M, with specializations in Business Law, Law & Technology, and Energy & Clean Technology.
UCLA Law School is ranked as the 10th best law school in the country and only accepts 20% of applicants each year. Graduates have a 90% chance of getting a job within one year of graduation, with many working in government or public interest roles. The LSAT 25th-75th percentile score range is 165-170 while the GPA 25th-75th percentile range is 3.64-3.90 respectively.
University of Southern California Gould School of Law (USC Law School)
The University of Southern California Gould School of Law is the oldest law school in the Southwestern United States, and often ranks among the top 20 law schools in the country. It offers a one-year LL.M. program and a two-year LL.M. program, with a student/faculty ratio of 5.9:1 despite enrolling 600 students each year. The school has partnerships with universities around the world, and applicants have a higher chance of acceptance if they apply early. USC Gould School of Law also offers 15 dual-degree programs that integrate the law with other fields such as public policy, business administration, international relations and gerontology, as well as year-long clinics for a more comprehensive experience than semester-long clinics in most law schools.
University of California (U.C.) Irvine School of Law
The University of California Irvine School of Law is a top-tier law school that was established in 2007. It has quickly become one of the best law colleges in California, offering a full scholarship to students who choose public interest law. UCI Law boasts a high employment rate and bar passage rate, making it one of the most competitive law schools in the state. The college offers an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, and demonstrates a commitment to diversity within the legal profession.
UCI Law students have contributed more than 110,000 hours of pro-bono services since its founding. This commitment to service is just one example of how UCI Law strives to make an impact on society through its educational programs and initiatives. The faculty at UCI Law are dedicated to providing students with an excellent education that will prepare them for success in their chosen field. With its impressive track record and commitment to excellence, UCI Law is sure to remain one of the top law schools in California for years to come.
Chapman University – Fowler School of Law
Chapman University Fowler School of Law is a private law school located in Orange, California. Founded in 1995, the school gained full ABA accreditation in 2002 and offers a range of LL.M degree specializations, combined programs, and personalized instruction with hands-on clinical and courtroom experience. With an acceptance rate of 48 percent and 78 percent of 2018 graduates getting employed within 10 months of graduation, Chapman University Fowler School of Law is a great option for those looking to pursue a career in law.
UCLA School of Law is the oldest public law school in southern California, with a 95% graduation rate and an affordable tuition compared to private law schools. It is renowned for its clinical education which allows students to work on real-world projects with clients through various clinics such as Criminal Defense Clinic, Immigration Clinic, Mediation Clinic, and more. UCLA School of Law provides an excellent opportunity for those who are looking for quality legal education at an affordable price.
University of California (U.C.) Davis School of Law
The University of California Davis School of Law is a top-tier law school located in Northern California. Founded in 1965, the school has consistently been ranked among the top 10 California law schools and provides an intimate learning experience due to its small size of 200 students per class. With a competitive admission rate of only 34%, U.C. Davis School of Law offers a range of LL.M. specialization options, as well as various clinics that allow students to work with real clients and solve real-world problems.
The 2018 entering class had a median LSAT score of 162 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.63, making it one of the most selective law schools in the state. The school also has specialized clinics such as the California Supreme Court Clinic, Civil Rights Clinic, and Prison Law Office, as well as an extensive externship program that provides students with hands-on experience in various legal settings.
Loyola Law School Los Angeles
Loyola Law School Los Angeles is one of the most prestigious law schools in the country. It offers a range of LL.M. programs, including Criminal Justice, Civil Litigation, Entertainment & Media Law, Cybersecurity and Taxation. The school has a concentration program that allows students to specialize in a particular field such as public interest law, entrepreneurship, intellectual property law and immigrant advocacy. Loyola Law School admits only 36 percent of applicants with a median LSAT score of 160 and median undergraduate GPA of 3.58.
UCLA Law School is also highly selective with only 25% of applicants admitted each year. It offers Top 10 programs in Environmental Law, Corporate/Business Law, Tax law, and Criminal Law and 96% of 2019 graduates were employed within 10 months of graduation. UCLA also offers a Clinical Education program with simulation courses focusing on litigation and dispute resolution as well as the Binder Clinical Fellowship Program which is one of the only programs of its kind in the country .
Pepperdine University School of Law
Pepperdine University School of Law is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a legal education in a Christian environment. The school is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and promotes strong Christian principles. It offers a 7:1 student/faculty ratio, as well as specialized programs such as the Paris Institute for Professional Formation and Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Admission to Pepperdine is quite competitive, with a median LSAT score of 160 and undergraduate GPA of 3.63.
The school is located in Malibu, CA and has an average rating of 4.8 stars from Niche users. It is known for its beautiful campus, excellent professors, and spiritual and character-building atmosphere. Graduate students have given it positive reviews for its academic excellence and overall experience. With its commitment to Christian values and high academic standards, Pepperdine University School of Law provides an ideal setting for those seeking a quality legal education in an inspiring environment.
University of California (U.C.) Hastings College of Law
The University of California Hastings College of Law is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. Founded in 1878, it is located in San Francisco and offers a wide range of specializations for students to choose from. With an acceptance rate of 44.9 percent, U.C. Hastings has some of the highest admission standards in the country, with a median LSAT score of 158 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.44 for its 2018 entering class.
U.C. Hastings has earned an average review rating of 3.5 stars from 32 Niche users, with many praising their professors and faculty for their passion and dedication to teaching as well as their helpful administrative staff. The college also offers nine centers and programs for specialized studies, giving students more options when it comes to pursuing their legal education at U.C. Hastings College of Law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, California is home to a wide variety of law programs. These range from accredited programs that have the approval of the ABA or the state Committee of Bar Examiners, to unaccredited programs. Of these programs, the 10 schools listed above all have the accreditation and approval of the ABA, which gives them a better reputation and makes them more attractive to prospective students. These schools offer a high-quality legal education and provide students with an opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming lawyers in California. With so many options available, it can be difficult for prospective students to decide which program is right for them. However, by researching each school’s curriculum and faculty, as well as considering their individual needs and goals, they can make an informed decision about which program best suits their needs.
