Top Law Schools in PA

The moment you decide to become a lawyer, your life takes a new direction. Whether you aspire to advocate for justice, shape public policy, or excel in corporate law, the first major step is choosing the right law school.

As a grad student, I've gone through the process of choosing both an undergraduate and graduate degree program, which can be pretty stressful. I realized choosing a school is not just about rankings. Your choice of law school can shape your career path, networking opportunities, and financial future.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the top law schools in Pennsylvania.

This guide covers:
✔ The best law schools in PA, their rankings, tuition, and programs
✔ Which schools best align with different career paths
✔ Factors to consider when applying to law school

Whether you're passionate about public interest law, corporate law, or criminal defense, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let's walk through these law schools to help you decide what aligns with your goals!

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Top Law Schools in Pennsylvania

It’s always sunny in Pennsylvania for law students. Not only is the Keystone state home to some of the top law schools in the northeast, it also provides students a pool of professional opportunities post-graduation. These institutions play key roles in shaping the legal landscape in PA by equipping students with a law education led by experts in the field.

It's important to note your undergrad classes may also affect what law schools you qualify for. Be sure to check out the pre-law requirements, so you're on track to apply for law school!

Now, let's get into the best law schools in Pennsylvania!

1. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

• National Ranking: #4
• Average Cost of Tuition: $76,934 (full-time)

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is in Philadelphia and is nationally considered one of the top law schools in Pennsylvania. Known for its rigorous law programs and interdisciplinary approach to legal education, Carey Law students can expect a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum that combines theory and practical application.

Penn Law also offers students opportunities to participate in the Gittis Legal Clinics, a teaching law firm that offers hands-on experience in areas like civil justice, human rights, and criminal defense.

Carey Law offers five law degree programs:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Master in Law (M.L.)
• Master in Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Comparative Law (LLCM)
• Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

Some of Carey Law's specializations and areas of focus include:

• Business/Corporate Law
• Environmental Law
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Health Care Law
• Tax Law
• Legal Writing
• Mediation

And more. Through the program, Penn Law students get to work with the university’s schools to integrate legal education with other fields. For continuing education students, the Master of Laws program offers training for lawyers who want to further their expertise.

Choosing a concentration in the legal field can help you figure out what school is right for you. Take a look at the best majors for law school.

2. Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law

• National Ranking: #48
• Average Cost of Tuition: $56,225 (full-time)

Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law offers students a strong legal education with a particular focus on ethics and professionalism. Villanova Law is known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on community involvement and practical training.

Villanova Law has a strong reputation in the Philadelphia region. Its graduates work in a wide range of legal fields, from large law firms to government agencies, corporate settings, and public interest law.

Villanova Law offers five law joint programs:

• J.D. (Juris Doctor)
• J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
• J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
• J.D./LL.M. in Taxation
• J.D./LL.M. in International Studies

The school’s specializations include:

• Business Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Health Care Law
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Sports Law

3. Temple University Beasley School of Law

• National Ranking: #54
• Average Cost of Tuition: $31,053 (in-state); $46,949 (out-of-state)

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Temple University Beasley School of Law is known for its competitive law programs and strong reputation in trial advocacy and public interest law. The school’s alumni network is highly regarded in Philadelphia and offers graduates valuable connections and possible career opportunities for their futures.

Temple-Beasley Law degree programs include:

• J.D. Program
• LL.M. Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers
• LL.M. in Trial Advocacy
• LL.M. in Taxation
• LL.M. and JD/LLM in Transnational Law
• LL.M. in Beijing, Cina
• LL.M. in Asian Law
• LL.M. in International Business Law (online)
• Master of Science in Taxation

The school’s areas of study include, but are not limited to:

• Trial Advocacy
• Business and Tax Law
• International Law
• Sports Law
• Health Care law
• Criminal Law
• Clinical Training
• Tax Law
• Law Writing
• Contracts/Commercial Law
• Environmental Law

Temple also offers clinical programs in legal fields like family law, criminal law, and housing law, as well as an externship program that places students in real-world legal settings.

4. Pennsylvania State University - Dickinson Law

• National Ranking: #75
• Average Cost of Tuition: $57,902 (both in and out-of-state)

Dickinson Law is the oldest law school in Pennsylvania. It is located in the small town of Carlisle, PA, with another campus in University Park. Dickinson Law is known for its experimental learning through hands-on training with clinics, externships, and other professional opportunities. The law school’s smaller class sizes allow a more focused learning environment and personalized attention from professors.

Graduates from Dickinson Law have access to career opportunities not just through its alumni network but also from its location. Dickinson Law is a leader in antiracist legal education and is committed to its core value of institutional antiracism.

Dickinson Law offers various law programs, including:

• J.D. Program
• LL.M. Program
• M.L.S. Program
• J.D./Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.)
• J.D./Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Dickinson Law also offers an accelerated Bachelor’s/J.D., or the “3+3 Program,” program that allows undergraduate students to apply and be enrolled in Dickinson Law before completing the BA.

The school’s specializations include:

• Antitrust and Competition Law
• Arts, Sports, and Entertainment Law
• Criminal Law
• Environmental Law
• Health Law
• Immigration and Migration
• Labor and Employment Law
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Public Interest Law
• Taxation

Be sure to check with the school’s program details for a complete overview of their offered specializations.

5. University of Pittsburgh School of Law

• National Ranking: #91
• Average Cost of Tuition: $39,681 (in-state); $50,697 (out-of-state)

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is another top law school in Pennsylvania. Pitt Law provides students with a comprehensive study of the law with a foundation in legal theory and practical experience, where students can practice their courtroom skills in simulated scenarios.

The school has a strong network of alumni working in Pittsburg, providing law students with opportunities for career placement or advancement. Pitt Law’s location is in the heart of a thriving legal market that gives students career opportunities in areas like corporate law, intellectual property, and healthcare law.

Pittsburgh School of Law degree programs include:

• J.D. Program
• LL.M. Program
• M.S.L Program
• S.J.D. Program
• Online Graduate Certificates

The school’s specializations include:

• Civil Litigation
• Health Law
• International Law
• Constitutional Law
• International Business Law
• Corporate Law
• Human Resources Law
• Tax Law
• Intellectual Property Law

Other Notable Law Schools

Though the above-mentioned schools are the top law schools in the state, they aren’t the only options for legal education. Below are more quality law schools to explore:

• Duquesne University (Kline School) 
• Widener Law Commonwealth
• Pennsylvania State University – University Park
• Drexel University (Kline)

It’s important to do your research on each school in order to know what school offers the education for your desired career path.

Check out the full list of the best law schools in the country!

Applying to Law Schools in PA

Choosing to go to law school is one of the biggest academic and career decisions you can make. Not only will it require years of commitment to law education, but it also requires careful consideration of your time and financial abilities.

Here are some things to consider when applying to law schools in Pennsylvania:

• Academic Performance: Admissions requirements for law schools in Pennsylvania vary, but most require a bachelor’s degree, high GPAs, and solid LSAT scores. Be sure to review your school’s admissions requirements before applying.
• Commitment: Law school requires a lot of time and sacrifice. Students will be in school for a total of seven years—four for undergraduate and three for law school.

Are you able to commit to finishing a law degree? Take a look at the timeline you can expect and get an estimate on how long law school will take.

• Financial Expenses: Law school is expensive, so you want to be realistic about your financial abilities. Be sure to check with your law schools of choice to verify what financial aid options law schools offer. 
• Reputation: When it comes to law school, reputation is everything. Look into acceptance rates, graduation rates, and previous or current student testimonies.
• Alumni: A school’s alumni network can be a valuable resource for students as they begin their legal careers. Make sure you check with your school’s network to see if you can work it to your advantage.
• Programs and Specializations: Most importantly, you want to consider the kinds of programs and specializations each school has to offer. The school of your choice should align with your legal interests.
• Campus Tours: Consider visiting campuses and speaking with current students and faculty to get a sense of a school’s culture and community.

Becoming a lawyer means having a passion for justice and change, but it all starts with funding. Head over to Bold.org to browse through scholarships tailored for law students today!

Choosing the Right Law School

Choosing the right law school in Pennsylvania is all about knowing what you want. When you have an idea of which school you want to attend, make sure your school(s) of choice aligns with your career goals. If you’ve chosen to head to law school, then you know what it takes to make it through; however, if you’re still in thought, ask yourself a few questions:

• What are my areas of legal interest?
• What kind of lawyer do I want to be?
• In what ways do I want to contribute to the legal system?
• Which program do I want to invest most of my time in?

These are all valid questions that can prepare students to make an informed decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in PA

What is the best law school in Pennsylvania?

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is considered the top law school in Pennsylvania and ranked #4 in the nation, making it one of the most competitive law schools in the country. Carey Law offers rigorous law programs and interdisciplinary approaches to legal education. Carey Law students can expect a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum that combines theory and practical application.

Is law school expensive?

Yes. The cost of higher education continues to rise each year, so it’s important to consider the cost of attending law school before applying. You can also seek grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities from outside resources, as well as check what financial aid offerings the schools are interested in providing their students.

What do I need to get into a top law school in Pennsylvania?

While most admissions requirements for law schools in Pennsylvania vary, most require a bachelor’s degree, high GPAs, and solid LSAT scores. Be sure to review your school’s admissions requirements before applying.

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