California is known for being a hub of tourism, business, and education, offering many opportunities for those seeking to achieve their goals. In addition to its famous beaches and cultural centers, the state is home to some of the best law schools in the world. These institutions are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and provide exceptional legal education. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 law schools in California for 2024, highlighting their distinctive features and admission requirements.
The 10 Best Law Schools in California
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Stanford Law School (SLS)
Stanford Law School (SLS) is a highly regarded institution that consistently ranks in the top three by World Report and U.S. News. SLS has a competitive admission process and only enrolls 15-20 students annually in each specialization, which includes Environmental Law & Policy, Corporate Governance & Practice, International Economic Law, Business & Policy, and Science & Technology. With a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, SLS provides access to influential professors and a robust alumni network. LSAT scores ranging from 169-174 and GPAs between 3.82-3.99 are key admission metrics.
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University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
UC Berkeley’s Law School, founded in 1894, is the second-ranked law school in California. The school offers both traditional and Professional Track LL.M. programs and has a competitive acceptance rate of around 20%. Specializations include Business Law, Law & Technology, and Energy & Clean Technology. UC Berkeley aims for a 90% job placement rate within a year of graduation. LSAT scores ranging from 165-170 and GPAs between 3.64-3.90 are key admission metrics.
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The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA Law School, established in 1949, is Southern California’s first public law school. The school offers an LL.M. program with specializations such as Business Law, Tax Law, and Entertainment Law. Noteworthy is the school’s Critical Race Studies program, focusing on matters of race and justice. UCLA Law School has an acceptance rate of approximately 22.5% and emphasizes comprehensive classroom work. Median LSAT score is 160, and the median undergraduate GPA is 3.72.
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University of Southern California Gould School of Law (USC Law School)
USC Law School, the oldest law school in the Southwestern United States, consistently ranks among the top 20 law schools nationwide. It offers one and two-year LL.M. programs and has a student/faculty ratio of 5.9:1. Despite having around 600 students, the school maintains a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 19%. USC Gould School is known for its global partnerships and 15 dual-degree programs that integrate law with fields like public policy and business administration. Key admission metrics include LSAT scores ranging from 163-167 and GPAs between 3.61-3.89.
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University of California (U.C.) Irvine School of Law
U.C. Irvine School of Law, despite being relatively new, has quickly gained prominence and is now ranked among the top 25 law schools in the nation. The school focuses on providing personalized attention and has a student/faculty ratio of 5:8:1. Approximately 25% of applicants are accepted, and U.C. Irvine emphasizes hands-on experience through clinics and a Lawyering Skills course. LSAT scores for admission range from 161-165, and GPAs range from 3.4-3.73.
Related: Top Environmental Law Schools in USA 2024
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Chapman University – Fowler School of Law
Chapman University Law School, founded in 1995 and accredited by the ABA in 2002, offers various LL.M. specializations and the Juris Doctor degree. The school prioritizes personalized instruction and provides hands-on clinical and courtroom experience. LL.M. specializations include Business Law, Entertainment & Media Law, and Environmental Law. With a 48% acceptance rate, Chapman Law School offers diverse programs and opportunities for graduates. Key admission metrics include LSAT scores ranging from 154-158 and GPAs between 3.17-3.56.
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University of California (U.C.) Davis School of Law
UC Davis School of Law, founded in 1965, is one of the top 10 law schools in California. It offers LL.M. specializations in Business Law, Intellectual Property Law, Public International Law, and Private International Law. The school has a competitive acceptance rate of just over 34% and stands out with its clinics, where students can gain practical experience by working with real clients. The 2018 class had a median LSAT score of 162 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.63.
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Loyola Law School Los Angeles
Loyola Law School Los Angeles, established in 1920, is known for its active evening program and trial advocacy program. It offers LL.M. programs with specializations in Criminal Justice, Civil Litigation, and Entertainment & Media Law. Loyola emphasizes concentration programs for in-depth study and provides experiential learning opportunities to give students a competitive edge in the job market. LSAT scores for admission range from 160, and GPAs range from 3.63.
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Pepperdine University School of Law
Pepperdine University School of Law, located in Malibu, follows strong Christian principles. With a 7:1 student/faculty ratio, the school provides personal attention to its students. It is renowned for its Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and ranks among the top 10 LL.M. programs for alternative dispute resolution. Pepperdine offers LL.M. programs in United States Law, International Commercial Law & Arbitration, and Sports, Entertainment, & Media Law. The acceptance rate is approximately 36.2%, and the school focuses on ethical legal education. The median LSAT score for admission is 160, and the median undergraduate GPA is 3.63.
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University of California (U.C.) Hastings College of Law
The University of California (U.C.) Hastings College of Law was established in 1878 and is the first law school in the U.C. system. It is located in San Francisco and offers 10 specializations, such as Criminal Law, Business Law, and Social Justice Lawyering. With a 44.9% acceptance rate, U.C. Hastings provides networking opportunities with prominent legal professionals in San Francisco. The 2018 class had a median LSAT score of 158 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.44.
Final Thoughts
With more than 60 law programs available in the state, these 10 ABA-accredited law schools in California are exceptional due to their challenging academic programs, distinguished professors, and influential alumni connections. Aspiring law students should thoughtfully evaluate the distinctive characteristics of each school and match them with their professional goals to make a well-informed decision for their legal education path.