Does it matter where you go for law school?

Asked by: Bartholome Boyer Sr.  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (10 votes)

School rankings matter because they matter to employers. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, students at higher-ranked schools have better post-graduate outcomes.

Does it matter where you go before law school?

If you want to attend law school, the prestige of your undergraduate program matters very little as compared to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores. Similarly, if you want to attend medical school, the prestige of your undergraduate institution is relatively unimportant, while your GPA and MCAT scores are critical.

Does it matter what state I go to law school in?

In-State: An in-state school may limit you to job opportunities close to home. That's great if you call a place like New York City home, but not so great if you're from a rural area. On the other hand, if you go to the best law school in a smaller job market, you will be the most attractive hire with less competition.

Does what college you go to matter for law school?

Top Law Schools are unlikely to admit people who attended less impressive undergraduate schools, especially if there were opportunities you did not pursue (such as independent academic research, challenging courses, and intellectual pursuits outside of the classroom.)

Does it matter where your law degree comes from?

Does It Matter Where You Go to Law School? Law school rankings do matter to employers. 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.

yes, where you go to law school matters.

42 related questions found

Does it really matter what law school I go to?

School rankings matter because they matter to employers. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, students at higher-ranked schools have better post-graduate outcomes.

What is the hardest subject in a law degree?

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.

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.

Can you get into Harvard law with a 3.5 GPA?

The most recent Harvard Law entering class had a median GPA of 3.92; the lowest GPA accepted was 3.82. As such, Harvard does not consider a 3.0 GPA competitive, so it's very unlikely you will get into it if you have this GPA.

What is the hardest state to become a lawyer?

California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

What 4 states do not require law school?

Before you can practice law, you will need to choose a state that will allow you to take the bar exam without completing law school. Currently, Washington, Vermont, California and Virginia are the only four states that allow this process.

How important is location for law school?

When choosing where to apply, it's important for aspiring lawyers to consider where a law school is located. Think about factors, like where you want to practice and what kind of work you want to do, as well as the most conducive environment for you during three tough years.

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 174 a good LSAT?

So, a great score on the LSAT is a 172, but more than 100,000 people take the LSAT every year and only 1% score 172 or higher. For the top 50 law schools, the median LSAT score is between 164 and 174. A good LSAT score for top tier(defined by T14 schools for this article) law schools is between 171 and 174.

What age do most finish law school?

Very few receive their law degree before the age of 23. That is because most people graduate from high school at 17 or 18. Those who go directly to college typically graduate around age 21 or 22. Law school usually takes two years, so the earliest age of getting a law degree would be 23.

How hard is the LSAT?

This process is not only time-consuming but can be very expensive as well. So yes, the LSAT is hard, and it is designed that way. It's not so much a test that requires a student to remember random facts, but instead, it is a test that showcases a student's thought process.

Do law schools care what college you went to?

Attending a well-known or prestigious college may provide a slight edge, but it will not compensate for significantly weaker academic or test performance. That being said, the benefit of a prestigious undergrad education is the network it can provide you, which can help in law school applications.

What is the hardest law school in the USA?

1. Yale University. With an acceptance rate of just 6.9%, it's no wonder that Yale is the hardest law school to get into. Only around 1 in 15 of their highly qualified applicants makes it through.

What school do most lawyers go to?

15 top law schools
  1. Yale University. ...
  2. Stanford University. ...
  3. Harvard University. ...
  4. Columbia University. ...
  5. University of Chicago. ...
  6. New York University. ...
  7. University of Pennsylvania. ...
  8. University of Virginia.

Is law school hard or just a lot of work?

Being prepared to work hard – Law school classes are part of a demanding program, and you need to be prepared to be a good student and put in the time and effort to succeed. That work includes doing all of the assigned reading, avoiding low grades, and preparing well for final exams.

Do law firms pay off law school debt?

Many civil legal aid organizations and some other public interest employers provide loan repayment assistance to their attorneys. A centralized list of employer programs has not been compiled, so law students and attorneys need to discuss the possible availability of such assistance with individual potential employers.

Is law or doctor harder?

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 is the easiest law degree to get?

The easiest law degree to earn is a Master of Legal Studies degree. For more information about earning a Master of Legal Studies or for help finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.

What is the hardest law exam?

Which bar exam is hardest? California is considered by many to be the most difficult bar exam. It has a relatively low pass rate and a relatively high minimum passing score and covers a lot of state law.