Prospective law students should consider their many options.
The type of law school you attend can have a great impact on your future career options. If you're interested in working within a particular field of law, you might want to consider which schools are strongest in that field. However, additional financial and geographical concerns might limit your options when it comes to attending law school. Public law schools offer a less expensive alternative to private law schools, and part-time law schools offer a flexible alternative for working adults.
Private Law Schools
Many of the nation's top-ranked law schools are located within private universities. In 2009, US News and World Report ranked nine private law schools among the nation's top 12 law schools. Top private law schools include Yale University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, New York University and the University of Chicago. Many private law schools have well-established academic traditions with beginnings in the 19th century. For example, Harvard Law School was founded in 1817, and Yale Law School in 1843. Private law schools are often highly selective.
Public Law Schools
Many large public research universities contain law schools. Public law schools offer the advantage of much lower tuition, particularly for in-state residents. In 2009, US News and World Report ranked several public law schools highly. The University of California at Berkeley tied for 6th, the University of Michigan ranked 9th and the University of Virginia tied for 10th.
Part-Time Law Schools
Many working adults and adults with young children cannot afford to attend a full-time law school. Part-time law schools offer an excellent alternative for busy working adults. Though part-time programs are less common than full-time programs, many universities do offer them. According to US News and World Report's 2009 ranking of part-time law programs, some of the best programs in the country are offered at Georgetown University, George Washington University, Fordham University, American University and George Mason University.
Specialty Fields
In 2009, US News and World Report compiled peer assessment surveys---surveys of law school deans and faculty---to rank law schools in nine different specialty fields, including environmental law, intellectual property law, health care law and international law. Prospective law students with a strong interest in one particular field might want to apply to schools with a demonstrated strength in that area. For example, students interested in environmental law might want to consider Vermont Law School, Lewis and Clark College, Pace University, Georgetown University, the University of California at Berkeley or the University of Colorado at Boulder. Students interested in international law might want to consider Columbia University, New York University, Harvard University, Georgetown University or Yale University.
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