The Best Law Schools in California: Our Guide
When we speak of the wonders hidden in the US, the incredible state of California tops the list for most of us! From breathtaking beaches to the glamor of Hollywood, to the bustling cities, there’s just an endless list of things to see and do. On top of that, they call it the Land of Hopes – where people come to chase their dreams and live one-of-a-kind experiences to the fullest!
Given all that, it’s no surprise why it’s an absolute dream for millions to pursue law here. If you wish to study law with top-notch professors, we’re sure California has what you’re looking for. With its rich culture and thriving economy, it’s not hard to guess why it’s the best place to study law. And to top it off, the state is home to some of the most fantastic law schools out there!
We’re excited to tell you everything the state’s law schools have in store for you. So, let’s get going!
1. Stanford University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#2
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Tuition Fee
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$66,924
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Average GPA
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3.92
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Average LSAT Scores
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173
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Acceptance Rate
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6.88%
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Application Deadline
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March 15, 2023
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Top of our list is none other than Standard University, a private research university that’s among the best law universities in the world. If you’re looking for a truly exceptional and rewarding law school experience, Stanford is definitely the place to be. Ranked even above Harvard, it takes up the second position on the US rankings, and we think that’s enough reason for future lawyers to not think twice before applying here.
If you get lucky enough to pursue your law degree from here, you’ll love the small class sizes and the 4:1 student-faculty ratio. Wondering what the best part about being here is? Well, it’s hands down the close-knit atmosphere – which makes for a super supportive and collaborative learning environment!
But here’s one thing you need to prepare for beforehand: getting in at Stanford University is no piece of the cake. That’s pretty clear by the fact that they accept just 6.88% of the applicants each year. Sounds crazy, right? But don’t let that stop you – you just need the right strategy and some extra effort, and you’ll be proud to call yourself a Stanford Law School student. Give it your best shot and see where it takes you!
2. University of California, Berkley School of Law
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#9
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Tuition Fee
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$56,500
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Average GPA
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3.83
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Average LSAT Scores
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170
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Acceptance Rate
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12.47%
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Application Deadline
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March 2, 2023
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Nothing beats the UC Berkley School of Law when it comes to fast-forward thinking, progressive culture, and commitment to staying on top of the legal field. The US News ranks the school as the second best in California after Stanford – and rightfully so! If you’re looking for specialized curricular programs in the areas of your choice, you needn’t look elsewhere. Here, you can tailor academics to your interests all you want starting right from the second semester.
That said, you can obviously tell you’ll have the freedom to shape your law education to fit your goals and passion. While this law school has an acceptance rate as low as 21.5%, which is pretty low compared to other law schools, it’s definitely worth the shot. And if you’re accepted, you’ll have a 90% chance of landing your dream job within just a year!
Not to forget, a great many legal figures like the Chief Justice of the US, the president of the Equal Just Society, and others have graduated from here. So yep, if you’re all buckled up to be a part of the prestigious community of legal professionals, the University of California awaits you!
3. Cornell Law School - Cornell University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#15
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Tuition Fee
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$51,388
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Average GPA
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3.90
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Average LSAT Scores
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171
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Acceptance Rate
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15.50%
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Application Deadline
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March 2, 2023
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Going further, we have the University of California in LA, which most certainly is to be no less! And especially if you’re a fan of the charisma Los Angeles has in store for you, the University of California – Los Angeles might be your favorite pick. The University has been around for 60 years, but despite its youth, it sounds like it has already established a solid reputation in quite a lot of areas.
What makes it the number one for many is the school’s entertainment law, offered at the Ziffren Center there. Yep, it’s not just unique but truly the best entertainment law program in the entire US. And that’s not all – they also have a Critical Race Studies Program, which seems to be the only program across America that talks about race and justice.
Ranked as the 15th best law school in the US, you can rest assured you’re geared up for some top-notch legal education once you enroll here. You’ll be impressed to find all the doors open to opportunities for hands-on learning, including clinics centered on the First Amendment and Supreme Court studies.
4. University of Southern California, Gould
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#20
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Tuition Fee
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$72,798
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Average GPA
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3.87
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Average LSAT Scores
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168
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Acceptance Rate
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12.70%
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Application Deadline
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March 1, 2023
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Being the oldest law school in the Southwestern US and ranked #20 by the US News Ranking, we’ve got no reason to not add this aesthetic law school to our list. Considering that it’s been around since 1896, it’s no surprise the school enjoys a serious legacy!
If you’re someone who’d pick a law school based on its location, you’re in for a treat – since USC Gould enjoys a strategic location in the south of downtown Los Angeles. Let’s admit – that’s a great edge for you, allowing you to work and study in a city full of the hustle and bustle. We’re sure you can already imagine all the perks of a metropolitan city like LA; isn’t that pretty exciting?
And the Gould school’s partnership with universities all around the globe is just the icing on the cake for you, giving you a chance to explore Brazil, France, Australia, and more.
The real advantage of the University still remains – applying early skyrockets your chances of getting accepted here.
5. University of California, Davis
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#37
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Tuition Fee
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$50,914
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Average GPA
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3.70
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Average LSAT Scores
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165
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Acceptance Rate
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25.18%
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Application Deadline
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March 15, 2023
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For those who’re more interested in business law, criminal law, or environmental law, the University of California, Davis is a great pick. Known for a keen focus on these areas, you’ll be delighted to know the school offers a unique curriculum that’s sure to prepare you well for a future in your respective area.
And guess what? The incredible chance for externships in Washington, DC, for a semester, is definitely a highlight for most of the students out there. The cherry on top, it’s located just 20 minutes away from Sacramento and pretty close to the Bay too.
However, keep in mind that getting into the UC Davis school of law is highly competitive, with only 25% of applicants being accepted. But looking at the brighter side, it has only about 200 students in each class, which makes it a great option for personalized education. All in all, this law school is definitely worth taking a closer look at!
6. University of California, Irvine
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#37
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Tuition Fee
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$52,158
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Average GPA
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3.72
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Average LSAT Scores
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167
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Acceptance Rate
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19.45%
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Application Deadline
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March 15, 2023
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The UC Irvine School of Law is ranked at number 37 by the US News Rankings, and justifiably so! The school hasn’t been around for long but grew to an enrollment of 400 students in no time. Just in case you’re wondering, it first opened in 2009 with a class of 60 law students.
The best part about applying here is the student-faculty ratio, i.e., 8:1. This doesn’t just ensure you get personalized attention from the professors but also boosts your confidence over the years. While getting in here isn’t a piece of cake, putting in all your efforts will definitely land you a spot!
Offering the top clinical program and tax law program, it’s no surprise why students are ready to do all it takes to get admission here. Overall, UC Irvine School of Law seems like a dynamic and socially conscious place to study law. If you’re looking for a fantastic opportunity to make a difference through your legal education, UC Irvine awaits you!
7. University of California, Hastings
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#51
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Tuition Fee
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$46,034
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Average GPA
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3.59
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Average LSAT Scores
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160
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Acceptance Rate
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28.95%
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Application Deadline
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April 15, 2023
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Are you looking to attend a law school that lets you stay in your element? Well, the University of California Hastings might just be what you’re looking for! Located in the bustling city of San Francisco, in close proximity to state and federal courts, you’re sure to get the best of your legal career. On top of that, the University focuses on areas like intellectual property law, social justice, and more.
Further, the school strongly emphasizes legal writing, so you’ll be all set to play your part in the writing-intensive world of law as soon as you graduate. Another competitive edge that Hastings has is with its tuition being comparatively lower. With an acceptance rate of about 28% or more students every year means you stand a great chance of being accepted here!
8. Pepperdine University, Caruso
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#52
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Tuition Fee
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$63,660
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Average GPA
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3.85
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Average LSAT Scores
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164
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Acceptance Rate
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27.68%
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Application Deadline
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April 1, 2023
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Pepperdine University School of Law is yet another unique law school located in beautiful Malibu, California. Not just that, it also holds strong Christian principles that shape its educational philosophy. The school has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, so you can rest assured to enjoy individualized attention and guidance throughout your legal degree.
Especially if you’re looking to expand your horizons, Pepperdine has got you covered with its Paris Institute for Professional Formation. Imagine working closely with the mentors and delving deep into your topics of interest, like legal analysis and ethics. Doesn’t that sound like an absolute dream? We bet!
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution is another reason why Pepperdine University is so highly regarded. It provides students with the opportunity to specialize in this unique area of law.
9. University of San Diego
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#64
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Tuition Fee
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$60,380
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Average GPA
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3.74
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Average LSAT Scores
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161
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Acceptance Rate
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34.48%
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Application Deadline
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February 1, 2023, & June 1, 2023
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Next up, we have the University of San Diego, which highlights the feel of a vacation, with the campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it offers the best of both worlds with an aesthetic campus and comprehensive course offerings. The school has specialized areas of law, including international law, business and corporate law, and intellectual property law.
The cherry on top: research opportunities, like the Technology Entrepreneurship Clinic and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, will provide hands-on learning experiences for you.
Not just that, the University of San Diego boasts a couple of famous law journals like the San Diego Law Review and the Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues. Not to forget their student-run newspaper, which still enjoys the top spot!
10. Loyola Marymount University
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School Aspects
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U.S. News Top Law School Ranking
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#67
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Tuition Fee
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$62,390 (non-resident)
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Average GPA
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3.69
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Average LSAT Scores
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161
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Acceptance Rate
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34.42%
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Application Deadline
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February 1, 2023, & April 15, 2023
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Conclusion
When it comes to legal education, California is nothing short of a gold mine. It’s home to some of the top-notch universities out there, all of which are smart investments to kick-start a successful legal career as soon as you graduate.
Make sure you have a strong GPA and LSAT score, and you’ll have a bright chance of getting accepted into at least one of the universities we’ve mentioned above. Think of it as an adventure where you’ll get to showcase your skills and demonstrate your potential to the Best Law Schools in California you’re interested in.
The world of law awaits you! Good luck!
Table of Contents
- 1. Stanford University
- 2. University of California, Berkley School of Law
- 3. The University of California, Los Angeles
- 4. University of Southern California, Gould
- 5. University of California, Davis
- 6. University of California, Irvine
- 7. University of California, Hastings
- 8. Pepperdine University, Caruso
- 9. University of San Diego
- 10. Loyola Marymount University
- Conclusion
