Learn about the top schools for law in the United States. Read about degree options at three high-profile universities, and find a table with at-a-glance facts about other top law schools in the U.S.
School Overviews
Top law schools in the United States include two Ivy League institutions, Harvard and Yale universities, both of which offer Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs. Students can also find programs at Stanford University. All three universities have received high rankings from U.S. News & World Report for the quality of their law schools.
Agricultural Law Schools: How to Choose
A few law schools offer specialized programs in which students take courses in a specific area, such as constitutional law, intellectual property law and agricultural law. At these schools, students can take a specialized curriculum within their J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree program. LL.M. (Master of Laws) programs are available as well.
How to Choose an Agricultural Law School
Agricultural lawyers handle cases that range from land disputes in farming to pollution claims against corporations. While government agencies remain major employers, many corporations are hiring agricultural lawyers to ensure that they maintain compliance with government standards. Some agricultural law programs include visiting scholars as part of their faculty. These scholars are often internationally recognized experts or former politicians that add different perspectives to the curriculum. Agricultural law students will also benefit from councils on food policy or agricultural resources. Mock trials allow students to practice in a courtroom setting during a simulated case. A trial practicum is a for-credit seminar in which students observe an actual trail in all the phases from jury selection to the verdict. Be sure to check out the following important considerations before choosing a law school:
Agricultural Law Program Overviews
Agricultural Juris Doctor Programs
Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs are required for a student to sit for the bar exam and become a practicing lawyer. Although rare, J.D. programs focusing on agricultural law do exist. Most programs can be completed in three years of full-time study. Some programs require all first year law students to take a uniform first year curriculum that includes general law courses such as professionalism and ethics prior to branching off into agricultural law. Courses might include:
Agricultural Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs
LL.M programs can be earned with the completion of one year in an individualized course of study. Students must have earned a J.D. in order to apply for an LL.M program. Currently, there are few LL.M. programs in agricultural law. This program allows students to either further their area of expertise or expand their scope of agricultural law. Coursework includes:
Law Schools in Jacksonville, FL with Program Summaries
The Jacksonville area has two law schools and one college that offers law-related programs within around 55 miles of the city center. Learn about the degree programs, admission info and program requirements for these three institutions to make an informed education decision.
Jacksonville Law Programs
Near Jacksonville, FL, aspiring lawyers aren't the only ones that can find the educational programs they need to enter their chosen career; there are also options available to those interested in related fields like paralegal studies and law enforcement. Read about the required courses and learning experiences at three schools, and then review a comparison table with stats for each institution. Some additional program options at a fourth school in the area are discussed as well.
Near Jacksonville, FL, aspiring lawyers aren't the only ones that can find the educational programs they need to enter their chosen career; there are also options available to those interested in related fields like paralegal studies and law enforcement. Read about the required courses and learning experiences at three schools, and then review a comparison table with stats for each institution. Some additional program options at a fourth school in the area are discussed as well.
Florida Coastal School of Law
This for-profit private school offers a rolling admissions process and the option of a spring start date. In 2011, the student body was roughly split evenly between male and female students. In 2010, the school earned the American Bar Association's Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award. Students can participate in clinical training and career preparation through externships, skills labs, and pro bono work.
This for-profit private school offers a rolling admissions process and the option of a spring start date. In 2011, the student body was roughly split evenly between male and female students. In 2010, the school earned the American Bar Association's Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award. Students can participate in clinical training and career preparation through externships, skills labs, and pro bono work.
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
First year students concentrate on gaining an understanding of the American legal system and how it works before taking specialized classes in their second and third years of study. Areas of study may include estate planning, tax, civil rights, criminal, environmental, maritime, and business law.
First year students concentrate on gaining an understanding of the American legal system and how it works before taking specialized classes in their second and third years of study. Areas of study may include estate planning, tax, civil rights, criminal, environmental, maritime, and business law.
J.D./MBA
The joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degree program is offered through Florida Coastal School of Law in partnership with the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University (JU). This degree program can be completed in four years instead of five; admission requires completion of the LSAT and GMAT exams and application to both schools.
The joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degree program is offered through Florida Coastal School of Law in partnership with the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University (JU). This degree program can be completed in four years instead of five; admission requires completion of the LSAT and GMAT exams and application to both schools.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
This is an online-only, 26-credit degree program intended for lawyers who earned their degrees outside of the United States and need to gain knowledge of comparative law. Students will prepare to take the bar exam so that they can practice law in the U.S. Applicants to the program may be eligible for scholarships.
This is an online-only, 26-credit degree program intended for lawyers who earned their degrees outside of the United States and need to gain knowledge of comparative law. Students will prepare to take the bar exam so that they can practice law in the U.S. Applicants to the program may be eligible for scholarships.
University of Florida
The University of Florida's law school, Levin College of Law, was founded in the early 1900s. The school was ranked 48th overall by U.S. News and World Report. In 2012, there were 287 students in the entering class. The median LSAT score of entering students in Fall 2012 was better than 160, and the median GPA was more than 3.5. Levin College of Law offers six degrees. As of July 2012, Levin College of Law graduates had a 91.2% pass rate on the bar exam.
The University of Florida's law school, Levin College of Law, was founded in the early 1900s. The school was ranked 48th overall by U.S. News and World Report. In 2012, there were 287 students in the entering class. The median LSAT score of entering students in Fall 2012 was better than 160, and the median GPA was more than 3.5. Levin College of Law offers six degrees. As of July 2012, Levin College of Law graduates had a 91.2% pass rate on the bar exam.
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
The curriculum develops students' legal knowledge, analytical skills, and communication skills. Students attend seminars and participate in clinical programs, simulations, and role-playing. First-year students study a standardized curriculum that covers important legal basics, and second- and third-year students can choose classes from an array of electives that cover more specific legal focuses.
The curriculum develops students' legal knowledge, analytical skills, and communication skills. Students attend seminars and participate in clinical programs, simulations, and role-playing. First-year students study a standardized curriculum that covers important legal basics, and second- and third-year students can choose classes from an array of electives that cover more specific legal focuses.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative Law
The Levin College of Law's LL.M. in comparative law degree is geared toward graduates of international law schools who are seeking advanced understanding of the U.S. legal system. The program covers the history and origins of the U.S. legal system as well as more complex concepts in contemporary U.S. law.
The Levin College of Law's LL.M. in comparative law degree is geared toward graduates of international law schools who are seeking advanced understanding of the U.S. legal system. The program covers the history and origins of the U.S. legal system as well as more complex concepts in contemporary U.S. law.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental and Land Use Law
Interested students can study environmental and land use law in-depth. Students take graduate courses in areas like wildlife ecology or soil and water science in addition to law courses. Students in this program can also apply to study abroad in places like Belize or Costa Rica.
Interested students can study environmental and land use law in-depth. Students take graduate courses in areas like wildlife ecology or soil and water science in addition to law courses. Students in this program can also apply to study abroad in places like Belize or Costa Rica.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation
The LL.M. in Taxation is a one-year full-time program. Graduates of this program can go on to become employed in government agencies, law firms or accounting firms.
The LL.M. in Taxation is a one-year full-time program. Graduates of this program can go on to become employed in government agencies, law firms or accounting firms.
Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Taxation
The LL.M. in International Taxation offers courses in areas like tax treaties, comparative taxation, and European taxation. This one-year program also includes courses in U.S. taxation and may provide students the opportunity to complete independent research projects.
The LL.M. in International Taxation offers courses in areas like tax treaties, comparative taxation, and European taxation. This one-year program also includes courses in U.S. taxation and may provide students the opportunity to complete independent research projects.
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Taxation
The S.J.D. in Taxation is the first program of its kind in the country. This 3- to 5-year program is intended for those who desire an academic career in the field of tax law. This program has limited admission.
The S.J.D. in Taxation is the first program of its kind in the country. This 3- to 5-year program is intended for those who desire an academic career in the field of tax law. This program has limited admission.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College is located in Jacksonville, FL. The school is a member of the Florida College System. Although Florida State College at Jacksonville does not have a law school, students interested in careers in the legal field may be interested in the school's paralegal studies degree. The college's Florida Coast Career Tech division also offers several certificate programs in the law enforcement field.
Florida State College is located in Jacksonville, FL. The school is a member of the Florida College System. Although Florida State College at Jacksonville does not have a law school, students interested in careers in the legal field may be interested in the school's paralegal studies degree. The college's Florida Coast Career Tech division also offers several certificate programs in the law enforcement field.
Associate in Science (A.S.) in Paralegal Studies
Students can prepare for a career in legal assisting through an Associate in Science degree program in paralegal studies. Students develop skills in areas like legal research and writing, critical thinking, and law-related technology that culminates with an internship experience. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal credentialing exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Students can prepare for a career in legal assisting through an Associate in Science degree program in paralegal studies. Students develop skills in areas like legal research and writing, critical thinking, and law-related technology that culminates with an internship experience. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal credentialing exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Law Enforcement Officer Certificate
The law enforcement officer training program prepares students for the state certification exam for law enforcement officers. Students receive training in areas like first aid, firearms, investigations, and vehicle operations.
The law enforcement officer training program prepares students for the state certification exam for law enforcement officers. Students receive training in areas like first aid, firearms, investigations, and vehicle operations.
Correctional Officer Certificate
This 4-month program provides students with the training needed to work as correctional officers or in related criminal justice fields. Students learn fundamentals like defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, and communication procedures and equipment use.
This 4-month program provides students with the training needed to work as correctional officers or in related criminal justice fields. Students learn fundamentals like defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, and communication procedures and equipment use.
Seaport Security Officer
Students who are licensed security officers can enroll in the seaport security officer training program. Students learn about detecting criminal activity, vehicle inspection, port shut-down and reopening procedures, and crowd control.
Students who are licensed security officers can enroll in the seaport security officer training program. Students learn about detecting criminal activity, vehicle inspection, port shut-down and reopening procedures, and crowd control.
Comparison of Schools
After getting details on their law programs, explore the schools' settings, enrollment numbers, costs and even more in the table below. These stats and facts could help you decide which institution best suits your needs.Florida Coastal School of Law University of Florida Florida State College at Jacksonville School Type 4-year, private for-profit* 4-year, public* 4-year, public* Total Enrollment (2011) 1,753 (all graduate)* 32,598 undergraduate; 16,991 graduate* 30,863 (all undergraduate)* Campus Setting Large city* Midsize city* Large city* Tuition $37,596 (2012-2013)** In-state: $10,257 ; out-of-state: $26,822 (graduate; 2011-2012)* In-state: $2,708; out-of-state: $9,492 (undergraduate)* % of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2010-2011) N/A N/A 75% (first-time, full-time undergraduates)* Acceptance Rate N/A N/A Open undergraduate admissions (2011)* Graduation Rate N/A N/A 32% (undergraduate students who began studies in 2005)*
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, **Florida Coastal School of Law.
After getting details on their law programs, explore the schools' settings, enrollment numbers, costs and even more in the table below. These stats and facts could help you decide which institution best suits your needs.
| Florida Coastal School of Law | University of Florida | Florida State College at Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, private for-profit* | 4-year, public* | 4-year, public* |
| Total Enrollment (2011) | 1,753 (all graduate)* | 32,598 undergraduate; 16,991 graduate* | 30,863 (all undergraduate)* |
| Campus Setting | Large city* | Midsize city* | Large city* |
| Tuition | $37,596 (2012-2013)** | In-state: $10,257 ; out-of-state: $26,822 (graduate; 2011-2012)* | In-state: $2,708; out-of-state: $9,492 (undergraduate)* |
| % of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2010-2011) | N/A | N/A | 75% (first-time, full-time undergraduates)* |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | Open undergraduate admissions (2011)* |
| Graduation Rate | N/A | N/A | 32% (undergraduate students who began studies in 2005)* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, **Florida Coastal School of Law.
Other School Options
Stetson University is a 4-year private non-profit school located in Gulfport, about 100 miles from downtown Jacksonville. The Stetson University College of Law offers full- and part-time J.D. degree programs, LL.M. programs, and dual graduate programs (J.D./MBA, J.D./M.D., and J.D/M.P.H.).
Stetson University is a 4-year private non-profit school located in Gulfport, about 100 miles from downtown Jacksonville. The Stetson University College of Law offers full- and part-time J.D. degree programs, LL.M. programs, and dual graduate programs (J.D./MBA, J.D./M.D., and J.D/M.P.H.).
Top 10 Schools with Law Programs
| College/University | Institution Type |
|---|---|
| Yale University | 4-year, Private |
| Harvard University | 4-year, Private |
| Stanford University | 4-year, Private |
| Columbia University | 4-year, Private |
| University of Chicago | 4-year, Private |
| New York University | 4-year, Private |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4-year, Private |
| Duke University | 4-year, Private |
| University of California--Berkeley | 4-year, Public |
| University of Virginia | 4-year, Public |
1. Yale University in New Haven, CT
| School Highlight: Famous alumni include former President Bill Clinton and Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas. |
Yale Law School ranked first on the U.S. News & World Report list of top law schools for the 2016 rankings. In the same year, the school had a highly selective acceptance rate of just 9%, which made it the toughest law school to get into, according to The Princeton Review. Students can pursue a J.D., an LL.M. or a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.), as well as several joint-degree programs leading to a J.D./Master of Arts (M.A.), J.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA) or J.D./Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The university also offers a number of services to law students, including the Lillian Goodman Law Library.
2. Harvard University in Cambridge, MA
| School Highlight: Famous alumni include President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. |
For its 2016 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Harvard Law School number two (tie) on its list of top law schools in the nation. Harvard Law School offers many joint degree programs, including one each with the Graduate School of Design and Harvard School of Public Health. Study abroad programs include a joint J.D./LL.M. program at Cambridge University in England, as well as opportunities in Argentina, Ghana and China.
3. Stanford University in Stanford, CA
| School Highlight: Famous alumni include former Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, former Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Google Miriam Rivera and Robert Paul Cochran, the Emmy-winning co-creator of television series '24.' |
U.S. News & World Report ranked Stanford Law School tied for second in the nation with Harvard for 2016. Additionally, The Princeton Review rated it as having the 'best classroom experience' for the same year. The school offers several degree programs, including a J.D., an LL.M., a Master of Science of Law (M.S.L.) and a J.S.D. Stanford's law program provides an intimate experience with a small student-to-faculty ratio.
Top Law Schools
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | First high-profile law school to require transnational law in its curriculum | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of Pennsylvania | First lectures delivered by James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Virginia | Law school founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 | Charlottesville, VA |
| Columbia University | One of the first law schools in the U.S. | New York, NY |
| Northwestern University | Bluhm Legal Clinic offers more than 20 clinics to law students | Chicago, IL |
| University of Chicago | Projects include policy-changing initiatives, public interest law, and professional ethics program | Chicago, IL |
| Duke University | Publishes law reviews and forums in biosciences, social change and gender law, among many others | Durham, NC |
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