If you’re considering becoming a lawyer in California, applying to different law schools in the state is a good idea. To help you figure out which schools to consider, we’ve put together a list of the Best Law Schools in California. These schools are ranked by US News & World Report and are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
The rankings are based on how many graduates get jobs, the resources available to students and teachers, and how students perform. You’ll also find important details about each school, like average LSAT scores, GPAs, and acceptance rates, which can help you make the right choice for your future career. Let’s dive into exploring these great law schools in California!
Top Law Schools in California: A Detailed Overview
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) 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.
11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) 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.
15) 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.
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Best Law Schools in California – 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.