Choosing the right law school is a big decision.
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings have introduced notable changes, reflecting shifts in methodology and outcomes.
This guide breaks down the latest rankings, highlights key trends, and offers insights to help you make an informed choice.
Contents
Top Law Schools in 2025
The top law schools in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings are:
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Stanford University (tie)
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Yale University (tie)
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University of Chicago
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University of Virginia
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University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
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Harvard University
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Duke University
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New York University
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Columbia University
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Northwestern University
Notably, Stanford and Yale share the top spot, reflecting their consistent academic excellence.
The University of Chicago maintains a strong position, while the University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania round out the top five.
Methodology Changes Impact Rankings
The 2025 rankings saw significant shifts due to changes in methodology:
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Increased emphasis on employment outcomes:
More weight was given to the percentage of graduates securing full-time, long-term legal jobs. -
Bar passage rates:
Schools with higher bar passage rates received better rankings. -
Reduced emphasis on LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs:
Standardized test scores and GPAs had less impact than in previous years.
These changes aim to provide a more holistic view of a law school’s performance and its ability to prepare students for legal careers.
Employment Outcomes: A Key Indicator
Employment outcomes are crucial for prospective law students.
In 2024, Duke Law School achieved the highest employment rate among all American Bar Association-accredited law schools, with nearly 98% of its juris doctor graduates securing full-time, permanent positions requiring bar passage.
Other top performers include:
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Cornell Law School: 96.43% employment rate.
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Baylor University School of Law: 95.45% employment rate.
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Washington University in St. Louis School of Law: 95.09% employment rate.
These statistics highlight the importance of considering employment outcomes when selecting a law school.
The Evolving T14: Now a T17?
Traditionally, the “T14” refers to the top 14 law schools that have consistently held top positions.
However, the 2025 rankings have introduced changes:
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Vanderbilt Law School:
Entered the top 14 for the first time, rising five places from last year’s No. 19 ranking. -
University of Texas and Washington University in St. Louis:
Also joined the top ranks, expanding the traditional T14 to a T17.
These shifts reflect the dynamic nature of law school rankings and the impact of methodological changes.
Big Law Placement: Where Graduates Land
For many students, securing a position at a large law firm (“Big Law”) is a primary goal.
In 2024, Cornell Law School led U.S. law schools in placing the highest percentage of graduates into large law firm jobs, with 78.06% of its juris doctor graduates employed at firms of 251 or more attorneys within 10 months of graduation.
Other notable schools for Big Law placement include:
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Duke University
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Columbia University
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Northwestern University
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University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
These institutions placed more than two-thirds of their graduates into similar positions.
Expert Insights
Legal education experts emphasize the importance of looking beyond rankings:
“Rankings are tools, not commandments. Think in tiers, not single digits.”
— College Solutions
This perspective encourages students to consider factors such as location, culture, and specific programs when choosing a law school.
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How to Choose the Right Law School for You
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Understanding Law School Financial Aid Options
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Preparing for the LSAT: Tips and Resources
FAQs
Q: Do law school rankings matter?
A: Rankings provide a general overview of a school’s performance but should not be the sole factor in your decision. Consider employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and personal fit.
Q: What is the significance of the T14?
A: The T14 refers to the top 14 law schools that have traditionally held top positions. However, recent changes have expanded this to include more schools, reflecting shifts in performance and methodology.
Q: How important is Big Law placement?
A: If your goal is to work at a large law firm, consider schools with high Big Law placement rates. These schools often have strong networks and recruitment opportunities.
Choosing the right law school is a personal decision that should be based on a combination of rankings, employment outcomes, and personal preferences.
Use this guide as a starting point to explore your options and make an informed choice.
