Ranking Law Schools
There are many different criteria for ranking law schools:
- Internet Legal Research Group
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking
- The Association of American Law Schools
- Educational Quality Ranking
- Student Quality Ranking
- Best Values (tuition/starting salary)
- Cost Benefit Ranking
- D.C. Law Firms’ Ranking of Law Schools
In looking at law schools, you should be very careful to note the criteria used, the methodology used, and the identity and motivations of the ranking entity.
A word on rankings: Striving to gain admission to the highest ranked school you can
is probably the best approach. This is because the ranking of the school you attend
and your class rank in law school are major determinates of employment opportunities.
Though it’s smart to consider other factors such geographic location, financial considerations,
and unique academic programs. A successful admissions effort geared toward highly
ranked schools will also serve you well for programs ranked lower.