Top 10 Best Law Schools in the World
| Rank | University | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University (Harvard Law School) | USA | 13% | USD 70,430 |
| 2 | University of Oxford (Faculty of Law) | UK | 18% | GBP 35,640 |
| 3 | Yale University (Yale Law School) | USA | 7% | USD 69,100 |
| 4 | Stanford University (Stanford Law School) | USA | 10% | USD 66,924 |
| 5 | University of Cambridge (Faculty of Law) | UK | 21% | GBP 34,590 |
| 6 | Columbia University (Columbia Law School) | USA | 16% | USD 73,440 |
| 7 | New York University (NYU School of Law) | USA | 21% | USD 76,878 |
| 8 | London School of Economics (LSE Law) | UK | 22% | GBP 30,960 |
| 9 | University of Chicago Law School | USA | 17% | USD 72,081 |
| 10 | National University of Singapore (NUS Law) | Singapore | 25% | SGD 38,700 |
The best law school in the world is Harvard University, known for its strong academics, alumni network, and career outcomes.
CHECK: 7 Proven Tips to Craft a Powerful Personal Statement for Law School Applications
Best Law Schools by Region
North America
- USA: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, University of Chicago
- Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia
United Kingdom
- Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), King’s College London, University College London (UCL)
Europe
- University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, KU Leuven, LMU Munich, Humboldt University
Asia
- National University of Singapore (NUS), Peking University, University of Tokyo, Seoul National University
Australia
- University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Africa
- University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University
What Makes a Law School the Best?
- Academic Reputation: Top schools have world-renowned faculty and strong research output.
- Career Outcomes: High employment rates, strong alumni networks, and excellent bar exam pass rates.
- Global Perspective: International programs and diverse student bodies prepare graduates for cross-border careers.
- Tuition and ROI: Affordable tuition with strong salary prospects leads to better ROI.
- Hands-On Learning: Legal clinics, internships, and moot courts provide practical experience.
Law School Tuition Fees and ROI
| Region | Top Schools | Annual Tuition (USD) | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (Private) | Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, NYU | $66,000 – $76,000 | $190,000 – $215,000 |
| USA (Public) | UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan Law | $30,000 – $60,000 | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| UK | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE | £24,000 – £35,000 | $135,000 – $140,000 |
| Canada | University of Toronto, McGill | $20,000 – $35,000 | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Australia | University of Melbourne, UNSW | $30,000 – $45,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Asia | National University of Singapore (NUS) | $12,000 – $38,000 | $85,000 – $100,000 |
Affordable Law Schools With High ROI: If cost is a concern, consider studying in Europe or Asia, where tuition is lower, but career opportunities are still strong.
How to Get Into a Top Law School
Key Requirements:
- GPA: Aim for 3.7+ (or equivalent for international applicants)
- LSAT: Top U.S. schools require scores above 170 (Yale averages 175, Harvard 174)
- Personal Statement: Showcase your passion for law and career goals
- Letters of Recommendation: From professors or professionals who know your work
- Extracurricular Activities: Highlight leadership roles and community service
Wondering how to get into Harvard Law School? A GPA above 3.9, an LSAT score of 174+, and a strong personal statement are essential.
Career Opportunities After Law School
| Career Path | Median Starting Salary (USD) | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Big Law Firms (USA) | $190,000 – $215,000 | Skadden, Latham & Watkins, Clifford Chance |
| Judicial Clerkships | $80,000 – $100,000 | U.S. Supreme Court, Federal Courts |
| Public Interest Law | $50,000 – $70,000 | ACLU, Human Rights Watch, Government |
| Corporate Legal Counsel | $120,000 – $160,000 | Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs |
| International Law | $70,000 – $120,000 | United Nations, World Bank, ICC |
The highest-paying law jobs are at Big Law firms, where graduates can earn up to $215,000 starting out.
Study Law Abroad: Best Countries and Programs
- Best Countries to Study Law: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Singapore
- Top Study Abroad Programs:
- Harvard: Semester Abroad (Oxford, Cambridge, Tokyo)
- Stanford: Overseas Study (China, South Africa)
- Oxford: Erasmus Exchange (Paris, Leiden)
- NUS: Global Internships (Asia, Europe, USA)
Top Online and Hybrid Law Programs
| University | Program | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | JDinteractive (Online JD) | Fully Online (with Residencies) |
| Georgetown University | Executive LL.M. in Taxation | Hybrid (Online + On-Campus) |
| Northwestern Pritzker School | Hybrid JD Program | Hybrid (Online + On-Campus) |
| University of London | Online LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | Fully Online |
| National University of Singapore | Online Graduate Certificate | Fully Online |
Choosing the Right Law School: Quick Tips
- Align With Your Career Goals: Choose a school known for your area of interest (corporate law, human rights, etc.).
- Consider Tuition and ROI: Balance affordability with strong salary potential.
- Look at Employment Rates: Focus on schools with high bar exam pass rates and employment at graduation.
- Evaluate Location: Choose a school near the legal market where you want to work.
- Visit Campuses: If possible, visit campuses or attend virtual tours to get a feel for the culture.
FAQs
- Which is the best law school in the world?
Harvard Law School is ranked #1 worldwide. -
What is the average LSAT score for Yale Law School?
175 (one of the highest averages in the U.S.). -
What are the best countries to study law?
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, and Singapore. -
Are online law degrees respected?
Yes, accredited programs like Syracuse University’s JDinteractive are highly respected. -
Which law school offers the highest-paying jobs?
Graduates of Harvard, Yale, and Stanford often land Big Law jobs with starting salaries of $190,000 to $215,000.
For official law school rankings and additional insights, visit the QS World University Rankings: Law.
