Getting into law school is no easy feat. But aiming for one of the T14 law schools? That’s a whole new level of challenge—one that takes serious preparation, persistence, and a solid game plan.
What exactly are the T14 law schools? They’re the 14 most prestigious law schools in the country, consistently ranked at the top for their academic excellence, career opportunities, and overall reputation. If one (or more) of your dream schools is on this list, get ready for some tough competition. In 2023, acceptance rates at these schools dipped as low as 5.7%—meaning every seat is highly coveted.
Now, you might be wondering: “Should I apply to a T14 law school? Is it worth the effort? Are these schools really as great as everyone says?” If those questions are on your mind, you’re in the right place. We’ll break it down for you in this blog.
- What Are the Top 14 Law Schools in the US?
- How to Get into a T14 Law School
- What Is Law School Like?
- Tackling the Bar Examination
- What Can You Do with a Law Degree?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Top 14 Law Schools in the US?
The T14 law schools list isn’t set in stone, but it’s pretty consistent year after year. Basically, it includes the fourteen law schools that rank the highest in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
These rankings typically consider factors such as academic reputation, bar passing rate, employment outcomes, faculty credentials, and the overall quality of the law school experience. While schools might shift spots within the list, these fourteen have a long-standing reputation for being the best of the best.
1. Stanford University Law School
Acceptance rate: 6.9%
Average tuition cost: $59,000
Average LSAT score: 173
Bar passing rate: 96.7%
Stanford Law ranks #1 in business and property law, and it’s right up there at #2 in intellectual property law and #3 in constitutional law.
What really sets this T14 law school apart, though, is its student-centered approach and tight-knit community. Here, collaboration is the norm. You’ll work closely with faculty, and if you have a unique academic vision, you can even build your own joint-degree program by taking courses across campus.
Plus, SLS offers specialized areas like American Indian & Indigenous Law and International & Comparative Law, giving you access to legal fields you won’t find just anywhere.
2. Yale University Law School
Acceptance rate: 5.7%
Average tuition cost: $51,789
Average LSAT score: 175
Bar passing rate: 96.79%
Yale Law School is tied with Stanford for the #1 spot among T14 law schools, and for good reason. With over 20 legal clinics, you’ll get hands-on experience right from your first year—representing real clients, working on major cases, and even publishing research under faculty mentorship.
Unlike some other T14 law schools, Yale doesn’t have strict areas of concentration, which means you can customize your coursework to fit your interests.
But what really makes Yale stand out is its collaborative, not cutthroat, culture. To reinforce this, first-term classes are completely ungraded, and after that, you’ll be evaluated on a honors/pass/low pass system—keeping the focus on learning, not just competition.
3. University of Chicago Law School
Acceptance rate: 12.8%
Average tuition cost: $58,143
Average LSAT score: 173
Bar passing rate: 94.3%
At UChicago Law, you won’t just sit through lectures—you’ll be in the hot seat. The school uses the Socratic Method, which means you’ll be expected to engage in deep discussions, challenging ideas across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
As a 1L, you’ll dive into Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, and Health Law, building a strong foundation for whatever legal path you choose. And if you’re looking to combine law and business, UChicago offers a joint JD/MBA program with Booth, letting you earn both degrees at the same time—something that sets it apart from other T14 law schools.
4. Duke University School of Law
Acceptance rate: 10.5%
Average tuition cost: $74,100
Average LSAT score: 170
Bar passing rate: 94.4%
Duke Law has earned its spot among the most respected T14 law schools, thanks to its strong focus on experiential learning. Here, you won’t just study theory—you’ll put it into practice through clinics and externships, gaining real-world legal experience while still in school.
Beyond the hands-on learning, Duke offers plenty of specializations, so you can tailor your studies to fit your interests. Some of the standout options include:
- Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
- Corporate and Financial Law
- Criminal Law and Policy
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Health Law and Policy
5. Harvard Law School
Acceptance rate: 9.5%
Average tuition cost: $77,100
Average LSAT score: 174
Bar passing rate: 96.1%
If you ask anyone to name a few T14 law schools, Harvard Law will probably be one of the first that comes to mind. And for good reason—it’s one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, with a history dating back to 1817 and the largest academic law library anywhere.
Harvard is also a great choice if you’re looking for diversity. The Class of 2026 comes from 49 states and 22 countries, speaking a total of 53 languages—so you’ll be surrounded by perspectives from all over the world.
When it comes to academics, you’ll have plenty of options. Harvard offers a wide range of areas of interest, including:
- Animal Law
- Antitrust
- Civil Rights
- Disability Law
- Education Law
6. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Acceptance rate: 9.9%
Average tuition cost: $74,688
Average LSAT score: 172
Bar passing rate: 96.25%
At Carey Law, you can branch out and take classes in other academic areas, from East Asian Studies to Gender Studies. And if you’re thinking about adding another degree to your résumé, you can pursue a dual-degree program, including a JD/MBA through the Wharton School—a huge advantage for those interested in business law.
One thing that sets Carey apart from other T14 law schools is its strong emphasis on community engagement. Before you graduate, you’ll need to complete 70 hours of pro bono work, ensuring that you gain hands-on experience while giving back.
7. University of Virginia School of Law
Acceptance rate: 11.5%
Average tuition cost: $73,328
Average LSAT score: 171
Bar passing rate: 96.5%
Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the law program at UVA is one of the oldest T14 law schools still operating today. But don’t let its long history fool you—its curriculum is anything but outdated. Each year, you’ll get to choose from over 250 courses across a wide range of concentrations, giving you plenty of flexibility to shape your legal education.
Want to dive into a niche area of law? You can customize your studies through unique institutes like the Center for Oceans Law and Policy or National Security Law. Plus, this is the only law school in the T14 with an Animal Law program, making it a standout choice if that’s your passion.
And if you’re looking for a global perspective, you’re in luck—many students study abroad during their second or third year, gaining international legal experience to round out their education.
8. Columbia Law School
Acceptance rate: 12.2%
Average tuition cost: $60,000
Average LSAT score: 173
Bar passing rate: 93.7%
Located right in the heart of New York City, Columbia Law offers an interdisciplinary approach to legal education that encourages you to think critically about the law from multiple angles.
You’ll have the chance to explore a variety of areas of study, including:
- Constitutional Law
- Environment and Energy
- Family, Gender, and Sexuality
- Law and Philosophy
- Leadership
But what really sets Columbia apart from other T14 law schools is the access it provides to New York’s legal world. You’ll have endless opportunities to get hands-on experience and expand your professional network through clinics, externships, policy labs, workshops, and more.
9. New York University School of Law
Acceptance rate: 16.8%
Average tuition cost: $76,878
Average LSAT score: 172
Bar passing rate: 96.58%
At NYU Law, they pride themselves on giving you a deep understanding of real-world problems. You’ll be able to dive into areas like global law, public interest, technology, and law and business, ensuring that your education is as relevant and practical as possible.
And if you’re looking for hands-on experience, you’re in the right place. NYU offers over 40 clinics and externships, nearly 100 student-led organizations, 30+ centers, and ten student journals—there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved and apply what you learn.
As one of the top T14 law schools, NYU gives you the tools to excel both inside and outside the classroom.
10. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Acceptance rate: 15.5%
Average tuition cost: $73,754
Average LSAT score: 172
Bar passing rate: 91.6%
Pritzker Law at Northwestern is often recognized as one of the best T14 law schools, especially when it comes to its employment outcomes, clerkship rates, and strong commitment to social justice.
But what really makes it stand out is its interdisciplinary approach to legal education. You’ll also have tons of hands-on opportunities, like externships and clinical experiences right in Chicago.
If you have a specific area of law you’re interested in, you can dive deep into specializations like:
- Business/Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Legal Writing
- Trial Advocacy
11. University of Michigan Law School
Acceptance rate: 12.6%
Average tuition cost: $49,248 (in-state)
Average LSAT score: 171
Bar passing rate: 97.3%
Since 1859, Michigan Law has been regarded as one of the top T14 law schools, thanks to its comprehensive coursework that covers almost every area of the law. Whether you’re interested in Children and the Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, or even Human Rights, Michigan Law has you covered.
Michigan Law emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, offering clinics, externships, a pro bono program, and a legal practice program. You’ll get plenty of hands-on experience to prepare you for the real world.
12. University of California Berkeley Law
Acceptance rate: 14.9%
Average tuition cost: $75,624
Average LSAT score: 170
Bar passing rate: 88.24%
Like Yale, UC Berkeley Law doesn’t use traditional letter grades or GPAs, and you won’t be ranked against your peers. This means you can focus on learning without stressing about the competition. Berkeley offers specialized curricular programs in areas like Energy and Clean Technology Law, and if you’re looking for something unique, they even have courses like Wine Law!
UC Berkeley is also a great choice if you’re planning to practice law in the Bay Area after graduation. With student-run clinics and lots of opportunities to get involved locally, you’ll be well-prepared for a career in one of the most dynamic legal markets.
13. University of California Los Angeles School of Law
Acceptance rate: 16.8%
Average tuition cost: $71,430
Average LSAT score: 170
Bar passing rate: 88.8%
The UCLA School of Law offers nearly 20 clinics, giving you plenty of opportunities to get hands-on legal experience while you’re still in school. Plus, there are 20 research centers and programs, including the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, so you can dive deep into your areas of interest.
UCLA’s approach to learning is immersive, inventive, and intellectually challenging, which is why it’s considered one of the top T14 law schools. And if you’re looking for convenience, many students live in university-owned housing near campus, making it easy to stay connected to everything happening on campus.
14. Cornell Law School
Acceptance rate: 19.3%
Average tuition cost: $54,818
Average LSAT score: 172
Bar passing rate: 90.3%
Cornell Law is consistently recognized as one of the top T14 law schools, especially for its strong curriculum that emphasizes skills like legal research, and oral and written communication. You’ll have the chance to choose from 170+ courses and get involved in over 20 clinics covering topics like Law and Advocacy, Entrepreneurship Law, and Gender Justice, among others.
Cornell also offers concentrations in areas like:
- General Practice
- Law, Inequity, and Structural Exclusion
- Advocacy
- Business Law and Regulation
- Conflict Resolution
How to Get into a T14 Law School
If you’re aiming for a T14 law school, you’ll need to focus on a few key things:
- First, your GPA should be at least 3.7, but the higher, the better. Your LSAT score is just as important—shoot for 170+ to be truly competitive. While some schools accept the GRE, the LSAT is still the gold standard, so prioritize that if you can.
- Take plenty of practice tests, consider a prep course if needed, and give yourself enough time to prepare.
- Aside from your grades and test scores—strong recommendation letters, a compelling personal statement, and some solid work or volunteer experience can set you apart.
Each school has its own vibe, so do your research and tailor your application to show why you’re a great fit.
What Is Law School Like?
As a law student, you’ll probably find yourself reading an average of 50 to 75 pages every day. This is thanks to the “case study method” that many T14 law schools use, which requires you to dive into past legal cases or precedents to understand current legal principles.
The coursework is designed to teach you how to think like a lawyer, which means you’ll develop advanced analytical, critical-thinking, and writing skills.
In your first year, you’ll tackle foundational law courses that help you gain a solid understanding of core areas like:
- Constitutional Law
- Civil Procedure
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Property Law
- Torts
- Legal Research and Writing
As you move into your second and third years, you’ll take upper-level coursework that dives deeper into specialized industries and practices. Some areas you can focus on include:
- Sports Law
- Art Law
- Animal Law and Policy
- Corporate Crime
- Antitrust Law and Policy
- International Arbitration
- International Taxation
Not all law schools require a capstone project, but if you have the chance, it’s worth considering. This project allows you to apply what you’ve learned, typically in the form of a legal document like a brief or a scholarly article for a law review.
You may also have the option to complete an externship during law school. This gives you real-world, professional experience in exchange for college credit.
Tackling the Bar Examination
Once you earn your Juris Doctor from a T14 law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), the next step is to take the bar exam in order to get your licensure to practice law.
However, did you know that four states—California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington—allow aspiring lawyers to skip law school and still take the bar? If you choose this route, though, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship with a licensed attorney or judge first.
The bar exam usually takes two days. On the first day, you’ll take the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), which is a standardized test covering areas like Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Real Property, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Contracts. On the second day, you’ll draft essays that cover a wide range of topics.
Beyond showing you’ve got the knowledge, the American Bar Association will also require you to undergo a background check to ensure your character is up to the profession’s standards.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree?
To become a lawyer, you’ll need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is the professional degree required to practice law. A JD is considered a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest level of degree you can earn in this field.
To get started in a Juris Doctor program, you’ll first need to have completed your bachelor’s degree, but don’t worry—you don’t need a master’s degree to apply. If you’re aiming for one of the top T14 law schools, just make sure your undergraduate education sets you up with a strong foundation for law school.
If you’re considering earning your JD, it’s likely because you want to practice law, and that’s a solid plan. In fact, demand for legal professionals in the US is expected to grow by 5 percent over the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Whether you decide to practice in a law firm or work in-house for a corporation, you’ll be in good company. Many companies actually rely on in-house legal departments to save on legal costs, which can be a great opportunity for graduates from T14 law schools.
While law school can be expensive, the good news is that lawyers tend to earn higher-than-average salaries. In fact, lawyers in the US earned a median annual salary of $145,760 in 2023. Of course, your salary will depend on a few factors, like your experience, your location, and whether you work for a large firm, a corporation, or a small firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the LSAT?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam that law schools use as part of the admissions process. It’s designed to assess the skills you’ll need in law school, such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
2. What is the average LSAT score in the US?
Among the T14 law schools, the average LSAT score is 171.9.
3. How long does it take to complete law school in the US?
In the US, law school typically takes three years to complete. After finishing, you’ll earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Some students may choose to take longer if they decide to pursue joint-degree programs (e.g., JD/MBA) or part-time options.
Takeaways
- Some of the T14 law schools in the US include Stanford Law, Yale Law, and Uchicago Law.
- Gaining admission to one of the T14 law schools is a major accomplishment, but it comes with its challenges. These schools are among the best in the country, offering top-tier education, extensive networking opportunities, and a pathway to successful legal careers.
- If you’re aiming for a spot in one of these prestigious law programs, we at AdmissionSight can help. With our personalized coaching, expert insights, and proven strategies, you’ll have the support you need to stand out among the competitive pool of applicants.
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