If you’re eyeing a legal career in California, it’s prudent to cast your net wide and consider applying to various law schools in the state. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled a list of American Bar Association (ABA) approved California law schools, ranked by the esteemed US News & World Report. These rankings are based on a variety of factors, including job placement rates, faculty resources, student achievements, and industry expert opinions.
In addition to essential data such as median LSAT scores, GPAs, acceptance rates, and tuition fees, we’ve included valuable insights about each institution. From location details to distinctive academic offerings, this information will give you a comprehensive understanding of what sets each law school apart. So, without further ado, let’s dive into exploring these top-notch California law schools to help you make informed decisions about your legal education and future career path.
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Consider These Factors for Selecting Best Law Schools in California
Public or Private?
For Californian residents, opting for a public California school like UC Berkeley, UCLA, or UC Irvine could prove to be the most financially savvy choice. These institutions offer in-state tuition rates significantly lower than those for out-of-state students.
Full-time or Part-time?
Embarking on a full-time program offers a streamlined and immersive journey toward obtaining a law degree. However, for individuals juggling full-time jobs or family commitments, part-time programs can offer a more manageable path. These programs often feature flexible schedules with evening and summer courses, making pursuing a law degree more feasible. Despite the reduced time commitment, part-time programs still provide access to top-notch resources and produce successful alumni across various legal domains.
Location?
Consider the geographical location of the law school and how it aligns with your career goals. Southern California programs place students in proximity to the bustling LA entertainment industry, while those in the San Francisco Bay Area provide access to Silicon Valley firms and corporate giants. Regardless of location, outstanding programs are available across diverse legal specializations, ranging from International Law to Health Care Law and Environmental Law.
Qualifications?
Take note of the median LSAT scores and GPAs of incoming students listed in this compilation. These figures offer valuable insights into the academic caliber of each institution. For instance, if you possess an LSAT score of 165, you may qualify for schools ranked in the top 10 on this list, but perhaps not for those in the top 5. However, remember that admissions decisions are multifaceted and consider various factors beyond just test scores and GPAs.
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Top Law Schools in California: A Detailed Overview
Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
- Ranking: #1
- Median LSAT Score: 173
- Median GPA: 3.92
- Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- Tuition: $71,610
- Specialties: Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Business/Corporate Law, Healthcare Law
Renowned for its excellence in various legal disciplines, Stanford Law School shares the top spot with Yale University. Known for its student-centered environment, Stanford fosters collaboration between faculty and students, allowing them to craft joint-degree programs. The curriculum offers diverse interest areas like American Indian & Indigenous Law and International & Comparative Law.
University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
- Ranking: #10
- Median LSAT Score: 170
- Median GPA: 3.83
- Acceptance Rate: 12.5%
- In-State Tuition: $59,306
- Out-of-State Tuition: $67,816
- Specialties: Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law
UC Berkeley offers a unique learning experience with a grading system devoid of letter grades or GPAs, fostering collaboration among students. Specialized programs in Energy and Clean Technology Law and unique courses like Wine Law enrich the academic journey. With student-run clinics and local engagement opportunities, Berkeley prepares graduates for legal practice in the Bay Area.
University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
- Ranking: #14
- Median LSAT Score: 171
- Median GPA: 3.9
- Acceptance Rate: 15.5%
- In-State Tuition: $53,910
- Out-of-State Tuition: $64,417
- Specialties: Environmental Law, Trial Advocacy, Tax Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property Law, Business/Corporate Law
UCLA School of Law provides hands-on legal experience through clinics and research centers like the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy. The immersive approach equips students with the skills needed for a successful legal career.
University of Southern California (Gould) (Los Angeles, CA)
- Ranking: #16
- Median LSAT Score: 168
- Median GPA: 3.87
- Acceptance Rate: 12.7%
- Tuition: $73,998
- Specialties: Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law
Established in 1896, USC Gould School of Law boasts an innovative curriculum and diverse student body. With a history of inclusivity, it was among the first to enroll women, minorities, and international students.
University of California, Irvine (Irvine, CA)
- Ranking: #1
- Median LSAT Score: 167
- Median GPA: 3.72
- Acceptance Rate: 19.5%
- In-State Tuition: $54,183
- Out-of-State Tuition: $64,298
- Specialties: Clinical Training, Tax Law, Legal Writing, Intellectual Property Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law
UC Irvine excels in clinical education, emphasizing pro bono work and providing valuable legal services to underserved communities.
Pepperdine University (Caruso) (Malibu, CA)
- Ranking: #45
- Median LSAT Score: 164
- Median GPA: 3.85
- Acceptance Rate: 27.7%
- Tuition: $63,660
- Specialties: Dispute Resolution, Tax Law, Clinical Training, International Law, Constitutional Law, Business/Corporate Law
Pepperdine University offers joint-degree programs and is known for its dispute resolution specialty. Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, it’s committed to Christian principles while being inclusive to students of all faiths.
Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #60
- Median LSAT Score: 161
- Median GPA: 3.69
- Acceptance Rate: 34.4%
- Full-Time Tuition: $63,412
- Part-Time Tuition: $42,436
- Law School Specialties: Trial Advocacy, Tax Law, Criminal Law, Legal Writing
Located in downtown LA, Loyola Marymount University offers both full-time and part-time options. Situated near entertainment industry giants, students can engage in the Entertainment Law Practicum, gaining hands-on experience with companies like Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Television.
University of California College of the Law (San Francisco, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #60
- Median LSAT Score: 160
- Median GPA: 3.59
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- In-State Tuition: $46,034
- Out-of-State Tuition: $52,454
- Law School Specialties: Dispute Resolution, Health Care Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law, Trial Advocacy, International Law
Close to local state and federal courts, this program offers practical training through legal clinics and simulation courses. Emphasizing legal writing, students undertake a small-group writing course in their first year and complete a significant legal paper before graduation.
University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #60
- Median LSAT Score: 165
- Median GPA: 3.7
- Acceptance Rate: 25.2%
- In-State Tuition: $53,086
- Out-of-State Tuition: $65,087
- Law School Specialties: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Business/Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law
UC Davis Law offers a semester in Washington D.C. with externship opportunities and hosts research and policy centers like the California International Law Center and the California Environmental Law and Policy Center.
University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #78
- Median LSAT Score: 161
- Median GPA: 3.74
- Acceptance Rate: 34.5%
- Full-Time Tuition: $60,861
- Part-Time Tuition: $45,091
- Law School Specialties: Tax Law, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law, Criminal Law, Business/Corporate Law
Offering joint degree programs with the School of Business Administration and the Department of Political Science and International Relations, USD Law provides opportunities through various centers and institutes. Study abroad programs are available in London, Barcelona, Florence, and Paris.
Chapman University (Fowler) (Orange, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #109
- Median LSAT Score: 161
- Median GPA: 3.63
- Acceptance Rate: 28.7%
- Full-Time Tuition: $59,500
- Part-Time Tuition: $47,520
- Law School Specialties: Trial Advocacy, Legal Writing, Environmental Law, Tax Law, International Law, Contracts/Commercial Law
Known for its distinguished faculty and collegial environment, Chapman University offers a personal and hands-on approach to legal training. The school’s faculty includes former U.S. Supreme Court Clerks and a Nobel Prize winner.
Southwestern Law School (Los Angeles, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #141
- Median LSAT Score: 154
- Median GPA: 3.36
- Acceptance Rate: 50.4%
- Full-Time Tuition: $56,146 (same in-state and out-of-state)
- Part-Time Tuition: $37,447 (same in-state and out-of-state)
- Law School Specialties: Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property Law, Trial Advocacy, International Law, Contracts/Commercial Law
Situated at the heart of Los Angeles, Southwestern Law School prides itself on its inclusive community and accessible faculty. Offering a broad-based or personalized law curriculum with over 200 elective courses, students can tailor their education to suit their interests. Positioned in LA, students have access to court opportunities and the thriving entertainment industry.
University of the Pacific (McGeorge) (Sacramento, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #141
- Median LSAT Score: 155
- Median GPA: 3.47
- Acceptance Rate: 55.3%
- Full-Time Tuition: $57,788
- Part-Time Tuition: $38,524
- Law School Specialties: Trial Advocacy, Legal Writing, Dispute Resolution, International Law
Located in California’s capital city, McGeorge School of Law boasts strengths in public and international law. Offering online graduate programs, students benefit from interaction with classmates and faculty while enjoying maximum flexibility.
Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #158
- Median LSAT Score: 158
- Median GPA: 3.42
- Acceptance Rate: 52.3%
- Full-Time Tuition: $56,488 (same in-state and out-of-state)
- Part-Time Tuition: $43,336 (same in-state and out-of-state)
- Law School Specialties: Intellectual Property Law, International Law, Legal Writing, Tax Law, Business/Corporate Law
Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Clara Law exposes students to Silicon Valley corporations and law firms. Offering full-time and part-time programs, including evening and summer options, the school provides specialized curricula like High-Tech Law and Biotech Law.
University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)
- U.S. News Ranking: #165
- Median LSAT Score: 155
- Median GPA: 3.42
- Acceptance Rate: 46.4%
- Full-Time Tuition: $52,660
- Law School Specialties: Health Care Law, Environmental Law, International Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Clinical Training, Criminal Law
The School of Law at the University of San Francisco offers practical experience with local firms, covering areas from tech law in Silicon Valley to immigration law in Bay Area clinics. Emphasizing rigorous research and mindful practices, the program prepares students for a diverse legal landscape.
Conclusion
California boasts a rich array of ABA-approved law schools, each offering distinct advantages and specialties. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Los Angeles or the innovation hub of Silicon Valley, there’s a law school in California to suit your aspirations and goals. From top-ranked institutions like Stanford University to specialized programs at Loyola Marymount University and beyond, aspiring lawyers have a plethora of options to consider. With a focus on hands-on experience, interdisciplinary learning, and cutting-edge research, California law schools prepare students for success in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of law. So, whether you’re interested in intellectual property law, environmental law, or international law, California’s diverse legal landscape offers the perfect launching pad for your legal career.