Choosing the right law school is a crucial decision for aspiring lawyers. The rankings of law schools are often determined by various factors such as tuition costs, faculty, curriculum, location, and job placement. Many students often aim for the top law schools in the nation, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, but not everyone can get into these renowned institutions. As such, it is important to consider other options, including Tier 2 law schools.
What are the different tiers of law schools?
The law school hierarchy is a complex system that has been in place for many years. It is divided into tiers, with Tier 1 schools being the most prestigious and Tier 4 schools being the least competitive.
- Tier 1 – top 1-50
- Tier 2 – top 51-100
- Tier 3 – top 101 -150
- Tier 4 – everything after 150
This ranking system is often used by law firms, government agencies, and other organizations to determine which law schools produce the most successful graduates. Tier 2 law schools fall right in the middle of this ranking system, ranking below the top 14 law schools in the US – also known as the T14. However, Tier 2 schools are still reputable and highly respected in the legal field.
It is important to remember that there is no universally accepted chart that categorizes every law school into specific ‘tiers.’ Instead, labels like “tier 1 or t1 law schools” or “tier 3 law schools” serve as broad classifications. These categories are usually derived from the annual US News rankings of law schools.
While law school tiers aren’t set in stone, the concept of “tier 1,” “tier 2,” “tier 3,” and “tier 4” law schools (with four tiers being a common understanding) has gained popularity. This categorization has created a somewhat self-perpetuating cycle.
What is a Tier 2 Law School?
A Tier 2 law school is a law school that is ranked between numbers 51 and 100 on the US News and World Report law school rankings. These schools often have competitive, well-respected programs, and graduates have gone on to work at top law firms, government agencies, and other notable organizations.
Attending a T14 law school from the T1 law schools opens doors to working almost anywhere in the US and earning a BigLaw salary, provided you’re willing to put in the demanding hours. However, approximately two-thirds of law school graduates from ABA-accredited schools end up working in the state where they earned their degrees, so nationwide mobility might be less crucial than it seems.
There are lower-ranked schools, according to US News that boast excellent employment outcomes and could be considered Tier 1. Nevertheless, securing a job anywhere in the country from these schools can be more challenging. This means you can achieve a BigLaw salary with the associated hours, but you may need to remain in the state or region where you studied.
Top 10 Tier 2 Law Schools in the USA
Here are the schools we classify as tier 2 law schools, primarily because their graduates secure top-tier, though often local, employment. There are numerous institutions in this category, and the Above the Law (ATL) rankings provide a good starting point for identifying them. Any school listed in the ATL rankings but not in the US News T14 can be confidently considered a Tier 2 institution.
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Georgia
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Southern California
- University of Illinois—Urbana Champaign
- University of North Carolina
- Wake Forest University
1. Vanderbilt University
- Acceptance Rate: 16.8%
- Tuition: $72,184
- Median LSAT: 170
Vanderbilt University’s law program is known for its strong academics and competitive job outcomes, making it one of the top Tier 2 law schools. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The school offers specialized programs in Law and Business, Energy, Environmental and Land Use Law, and Intellectual Property.
Over 90% of Vanderbilt Law graduates secure full-time, long-term employment within ten months of graduation. The school has a strong influence in the southeastern U.S. and provides nationwide opportunities for its graduates.
2. Washington University in St. Louis
- Acceptance Rate: 17.2%
- Tuition & Fees: $67,814
- Median LSAT: 172
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, known as WashU Law, has a strong 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, promoting personalized learning and mentorship. The school offers diverse specialized programs, including a top-ranked Clinical Education Program where students get hands-on experience in areas like civil rights, criminal justice, and entrepreneurship. The International Law Program also provides opportunities for study abroad and international legal practice.
WashU Law graduates have excellent employment outcomes, with over 92% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months of graduation. The school has a strong network, especially in the Midwest.
- Acceptance Rate: 15.5%
- Tuition & Fees: $74,552
- Median LSAT: 172
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law is one of the tier 2 law schools that offers a low 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized education. The school blends theory with practice in specialized programs like Business Law, Technology and Intellectual Property, and International Human Rights. Its Accelerated JD program allows students to complete their degree in two years, speeding up entry into the legal profession.
Northwestern Law boasts impressive employment outcomes, with over 94% of graduates securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school has a strong network, nationally and internationally, supported by its ties to Chicago’s legal and business communities.
4. University of Texas at Austin
- Acceptance Rate: 14.9%
- Tuition & Fees: $36,429 – $54,096
- Median LSAT: 170
The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, or Texas Law, has a favorable 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, creating an engaging learning environment. The school offers specialized programs in Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Law, helping students tailor their education to their career goals. Texas Law is renowned for its clinical programs, providing practical experience through the Environmental Law Clinic and the Capital Punishment Clinic.
Employment outcomes are strong, with over 90% of graduates securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school’s network is particularly influential in Texas and the surrounding region making it one of the top tier 2 law schools in the country.
5. University of Georgia
- Acceptance Rate: 14.8%
- Tuition & Fees: $18,994 – $37,752
- Median LSAT: 169
Ranked among the top 30 law schools by US News & World Report, Georgia Law has a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a supportive educational environment. The school offers specialized programs in Business Law and Ethics, Public Interest Law, and Environmental Law. Experiential learning opportunities, like the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic and the Business Law Clinic, give students practical experience and community impact.
Georgia Law graduates have impressive employment outcomes, with over 89% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school’s network is particularly strong in the southeastern United States.
- Acceptance Rate: 24.4%
- Tuition & Fees: $68,054
- Median LSAT: 169
With about 600 students, Notre Dame Law offers a supportive, close-knit community. It consistently ranks in the top 25 law schools by US News & World Report making it one of the tier 2 law schools. The school features specialized programs in Business Law, Constitutional Studies, and International Human Rights. The Notre Dame Clinical Law Center provides students with practical legal experience, preparing them well for their careers.
Graduate outcomes are strong, with over 91% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school has a robust national network, especially in the Midwest, but also offers opportunities across the country and internationally.
7. University of Southern California
- Acceptance Rate: 12.5%
- Tuition & Fees: $78,046
- Median LSAT: 169
With about 600 students, USC Gould is one of the tier 2 law schools that offers a dynamic learning environment. Consistently ranked among the top 20 law schools by US News & World Report, it features specialized programs in Business Law, Entertainment Law, and Public Interest Law. The Experiential Learning Program includes hands-on clinics like the Immigration Clinic and the Intellectual Property and Technology Law Clinic.
USC Gould graduates have impressive outcomes, with over 93% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school has a strong national network, especially influential in California and the West Coast.
8. University of Illinois—Urbana Champaign
- Acceptance Rate: 43.7%
- Tuition & Fees: $39,852 – $49,852
- Median LSAT: 165
Consistently ranked among the top 35 law schools by US News & World Report, Illinois Law offers specialized programs in Business Law, Intellectual Property, and International and Comparative Law. The Illinois Law Clinic Program gives students hands-on experience in various legal fields, including the Civil Litigation Clinic and the Family Advocacy Clinic.
Illinois Law graduates have commendable outcomes, with over 90% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months making it one of the tier 2 law schools in the region. The school has a strong network, especially in the Midwest.
9. University of North Carolina
- Acceptance Rate: 16.3%
- Tuition & Fees: $27,992 – $48,204
- Median LSAT: 166
With about 600 students, UNC Law offers a dynamic learning environment. Consistently ranked among the top 30 law schools by US News & World Report, it features specialized programs in Civil Rights, Environmental Law, and Banking and Finance Law. The school’s clinical programs, like the Civil Legal Assistance Clinic and the Intellectual Property Clinic, provide practical, hands-on experience.
UNC Law graduates have strong outcomes, with over 88% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school has a strong network, especially in the southeastern United States.
10. Wake Forest University
- Acceptance Rate: 31.5%
- Tuition & Fees: $53,142
- Median LSAT: 165
With about 450 students, Wake Forest Law offers a close-knit, supportive learning environment. Consistently ranked among the top 40 law schools and considered one of the tier 2 law schools by US News & World Report, it features specialized programs in Business Law, Health Law and Policy, and Litigation.
The school is renowned for its clinical programs, like the Innocence and Justice Clinic and the Community Law and Business Clinic, where students gain practical experience and serve the community.
Wake Forest Law graduates have commendable outcomes, with over 87% securing full-time, long-term jobs within ten months. The school’s network is particularly strong in the southeastern United States, but graduates find opportunities nationwide.
How are the tiers of law schools determined?
The tiers of law schools are generally determined by a combination of factors, including rankings published by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, employment outcomes, academic reputation, faculty quality, and other metrics. While there is no universally accepted definition of law school tiers, they are commonly categorized as follows:
- Rankings: U.S. News & World Report is the most influential source for law school rankings in the United States. Law schools are often divided into tiers based on their position in these rankings. The top 14 schools (T14) are considered the most prestigious and are typically categorized as Tier 1. Subsequent tiers are generally based on descending ranking groups, with Tier 2 law schools ranked 15-50, and so on.
- Employment Outcomes: The ability of a law school to place its graduates in full-time, long-term legal employment, especially in prestigious positions such as BigLaw firms, judicial clerkships, and federal government jobs, plays a significant role in tier determination. Higher-tier schools usually have stronger employment statistics.
- Academic Reputation: Peer assessments and reputation among practicing lawyers and judges contribute to a law school’s perceived prestige. Surveys conducted by ranking organizations often collect these opinions to gauge academic quality.
- Faculty Quality: The credentials, scholarly output, and influence of the law school’s faculty are critical factors. Schools with well-known and highly published faculty members tend to rank higher.
- Bar Passage Rates: The rate at which a school’s graduates pass the bar exam is another important metric. Higher bar passage rates indicate a strong academic program and effective preparation for legal practice.
- Student Selectivity: Admissions criteria, including LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs of incoming students, are indicators of a law school’s selectivity and reputation. More selective schools tend to rank higher and are often placed in higher tiers.
- Resources and Facilities: The quality of a school’s facilities, libraries, and technology, as well as the availability of financial aid and other student resources, can influence its tier.
These factors collectively help determine the perceived quality and prestige of a law school, leading to their categorization into different tiers. However, it is important to note that the concept of tiers is somewhat subjective and can vary depending on the criteria used by different organizations or individuals.
What does it mean to you as a lawyer when you are from a Tier 2 Law School? An In-Depth Analysis
Graduating from Tier 2 law schools can significantly impact a lawyer’s career, influencing job opportunities, salary prospects, and career advancement. While respected, Tier 2 schools differ from Tier 1 schools in some key areas.
Employment Opportunities
- Job Market Access: Tier 2 graduates have strong regional influence but may face more competition for top national positions. Employment rates for Tier 2 graduates in full-time, long-term, bar-passage-required jobs are around 85-90%, compared to over 90% for Tier 1 graduates.
- Regional Dominance: Many Tier 2 law schools have strong local ties. For example, University of Georgia School of Law graduates have significant influence in the Southeastern U.S., leading to excellent opportunities in local firms, judiciary positions, and state government roles.
Salary Prospects
- Starting Salaries: Starting salaries for Tier 2 graduates vary based on location and employer. The median salary for those entering private practice ranges from $70,000 to $120,000, with top graduates earning up to $190,000 at large firms. Tier 1 graduates more consistently secure higher starting salaries.
- Public Sector and Smaller Firms: Many Tier 2 graduates work in public service, smaller, or mid-sized firms, which can offer fulfilling careers with lower starting salaries. For example, public defender or prosecutor positions might start at $50,000 to $60,000 but offer benefits like work-life balance and job satisfaction.
Career Advancement
- Judicial Clerkships: While Tier 1 graduates often dominate federal clerkships, Tier 2 graduates frequently secure state-level clerkships. For instance, University of North Carolina School of Law graduates often clerk for the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
Graduates from Tier 2 law schools may need to put extra effort into networking and gaining practical experience to compete with Tier 1 graduates for prestigious positions. They might face initial biases from some employers who prioritize Tier 1 graduates.
However, the strong regional presence and alumni networks of Tier 2 schools offer unique opportunities for growth and advancement. Tier 2 law schools graduates can achieve significant career success and influence by excelling in their roles and leveraging these connections.
Frequently Asked Quesstions
1. Does it matter what law school you go to?
Does it matter what law school you go to? Yes, the law school you attend can significantly impact your career opportunities, affecting job placement, starting salary, and professional network. Graduates from top-ranked (Tier 1) law schools often access prestigious positions, higher salaries, and a broader national network. In contrast, those from lower-ranked schools may find strong regional opportunities but face more competition for top national jobs.
2. What is a tier 1 law school?
So, what is a tier 1 law school?? A Tier 1 law school is one of the top-ranked law schools in the U.S., often in the top 14 by U.S. News & World Report, known as the T14. These schools have prestigious programs, high academic standards, strong faculty, and excellent employment outcomes.
Graduates generally have better access to high-paying jobs, prestigious clerkships, and influential networks, offering significant advantages in the legal job market nationally and internationally. Examples include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia.
3. How long is law school?
Law school typically takes three years to complete in the United States. This duration applies to full-time Juris Doctor (JD) programs, which are the standard law degree required to practice law. Some schools also offer part-time JD programs, which can take four to five years to complete. Additionally, there are accelerated JD programs available at certain institutions that can be completed in two years.
Author
