Does going to a top 14 law school matter?

Asked by: Luna Olson  |  Last update: November 27, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)

But T14 law schools aren't just about their fancy rankings (though, yeah, they matter). They're about the doors they open: federal clerkships, six-figure starting salaries, and alumni networks that include Presidents and Supreme Court Justices.

Is going to a top 14 law school worth it?

Graduates of T14 law schools have excellent employment prospects, often securing positions at top law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The strong job placement rates at T14 schools are a significant factor in their rankings and reputation.

Does law school ranking really matter?

Typically, the higher your school is ranked, the greater your chances of securing a post-graduation career—especially when it comes to prestigious large law firms. While law school rankings can influence career opportunities, they aren't the only factor that matters.

What are the benefits of going to T14 law school?

T14 Schools: Generally have a stronger national reputation, which can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to employers. Graduates from these schools often have an easier time securing prestigious clerkships and positions at top law firms.

Does T14 guarantee big law?

A firm lower than T14 still can present biglaw prospects, especially if it's well-known among firms in its particular region, but her law school GPA will have to be higher and she may need to network more to get a job.

Is a T14 School Necessary for Big Law? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 159

45 related questions found

Is 3.6 GPA good for law school Canada?

GPA. Another academic criterion that admission departments will take into account is your Grade Point Average (GPA). Generally, you should aim for a GPA of at least 3.7 or A- in order to be accepted into a law program in Canada.

What GPA do big law firms want?

What Is a Good GPA for Big Law? It depends on what firms you're hoping to work with. Many firms require lawyers to have a GPA of 3.5 from a top school, while many others consider a 3.0 from the same institution to be acceptable.

What is the hardest year in law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Is going to a top 100 law school worth it?

Graduates of top-ranked law schools have a leg up on securing legal internships, clerkships, and job interviews—even with mediocre grades. In contrast, graduates of low-ranked law schools may need to rank at the top of their class to get interviews with prestigious employers.

How hard is it to transfer into a T14 law school?

Transfer spots are hyper-competitive. All of the T14 schools accept transfers, but the acceptance rate for transfer applicants is ten percent or lower, meaning the school receives 10 or more applications for every available spot.

Is it worth going to a low ranked law school?

Graduates of lower-ranked law schools are hardly doomed to scratch out a living. Earning a law degree from any reputable program is an impressive achievement. Read the bios for any major law firm and you will see many successful lawyers who attended low-ranked schools.

Do law firms care where you went to law school?

Your Previous (On-the-Job) Training

Certain firms have the reputation for training people very well—and everyone knows that they have high expectations for the people there. If you get a good job right out of school or thereafter (with a major law firm), firms no longer really care about where you went to law school.

What age do most finish law school?

What Is The Average Age Of Law Students? The average age of law students is 25 or younger. Only 20% of law students are 30 or older. While only a small percentage of law students are above the age of 40, there have been several successful older graduates.

What is the hardest course in law school?

Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are:
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Civil Procedure.
  • Contracts.
  • Federal Courts.
  • Federal Income Tax.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Partnership Tax.

Why are law schools top 14?

The significance of the T14 mainly stems from the fact that graduates from these institutions typically enjoy better job prospects after law school. They often have more access to top-tier law firms, federal clerkships, and other highly competitive legal employment opportunities.

Is law school worth it if not T14?

You don't have to attend a T14 law school to have a successful legal career. The guys frequently recommend that students attend lower-ranked schools that offer great scholarships as long as they understand their realistic job prospects.

What is a respectable law school GPA?

A good GPA for law school generally falls between 3.5 and 4.0. However, top-tier institutions like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and Yale Law School often admit students with median GPAs closer to 3.9 or higher.

How do you get into top 15 law school?

Summary
  1. A 3.8 GPA or higher (unweighted on a 4.0 scale) from a university with a track record of several admits year-after-year at your target law school.
  2. 75th percentile or above LSAT score (as compared to the previous year's admitted students at a particular target law school)

Is law school harder than med school?

Each path demands extensive education and a commitment to rigorous training before becoming a qualified professional. Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

What LSAT score do I need for Harvard?

So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?

The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.

Is it better to go with a big law firm or small?

Often the more limited resources at a small firm means lower salaries, less extensive benefits, and less opportunity for professional development. When comparing the pay for associate attorneys at large firms vs. small firms, large firms almost always offer higher salaries.

Do grades in law school matter?

Law Students

Firms can also judge how much they like you. Nevertheless, in terms of judging how serious you are about law school and how much aptitude you show for the practice of law, grades are generally the most important standard that firms use in the hiring of law students.