Law Schools in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Location
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1850, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, Penn Law encourages students to combine their legal studies with courses in other fields such as business, medicine, and social sciences. The school offers a rigorous curriculum, a strong emphasis on public service, and extensive clinical programs that provide hands-on legal experience.
Facts
- Established: 1850
- Type: Private
- Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is ranked #6 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 850 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Penn Law is around 14%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 171.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- William Henry Harrison – Former U.S. President
- Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander – First African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics in the U.S. and civil rights activist
- Arlen Specter – Former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
- Raymond Pace Alexander – Civil rights attorney and judge
- Harold E. Stassen – Former Governor of Minnesota and U.S. presidential candidate
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Location
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
History
Established in 1895, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law is known for its strong emphasis on practical skills training and public service. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for various legal careers through clinical programs, externships, and a supportive community. Pitt Law has a rich tradition of producing graduates who excel in both public and private sectors.
Facts
- Established: 1895
- Type: Public
- Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is ranked #76 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 450 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Pitt Law is around 40%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 158.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Derrick Bell – Civil rights attorney, professor, and scholar
- David J. Hickton – Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Tim Murphy – Former U.S. Representative
- R. Seth Williams – Former District Attorney of Philadelphia
- Tom Ridge – Former Governor of Pennsylvania and first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Reed Smith LLP
- K&L Gates LLP
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
- PNC Financial Services
- UPMC
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Location
Temple University Beasley School of Law is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1895, Temple University Beasley School of Law is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical training and its highly regarded trial advocacy program. The school offers a diverse and inclusive environment, providing students with numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and moot court competitions. Temple Law is committed to public service and preparing students for successful legal careers.
Facts
- Established: 1895
- Type: Public
- Affiliation: Temple University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Temple University Beasley School of Law is ranked #53 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 850 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Temple Law is around 36%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 160.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Ed Rendell – Former Governor of Pennsylvania
- M. Teresa Sarmina – Judge of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
- Ramsey Clark – Former U.S. Attorney General
- Patrick Meehan – Former U.S. Representative
- Pat Meehan – Former U.S. Representative
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- Dechert LLP
- Cozen O’Connor
- Duane Morris LLP
- Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Location
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is located in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
History
Established in 1953, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is a private Roman Catholic institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, ethics, and service. The law school offers a supportive community with a strong emphasis on practical skills and experiential learning. Villanova Law provides students with numerous opportunities for clinical experience, externships, and involvement in public service.
Facts
- Established: 1953
- Type: Private
- Affiliation: Villanova University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is ranked #53 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 750 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Villanova Law is around 40%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 160.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Michael J. Stack III – Former Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
- Edward G. Rendell – Former Governor of Pennsylvania
- Thomas M. Hardiman – Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- Kelly Ayotte – Former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
- Patrick Meehan – Former U.S. Representative
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Pepper Hamilton LLP
- Blank Rome LLP
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- Duane Morris LLP
- Comcast Corporation
Penn State Law (University Park)
Location
Penn State Law is located in University Park, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1834 as Dickinson School of Law, it merged with Penn State University in 2000 and later split into two separate law schools in 2015: Penn State Law in University Park and Dickinson Law in Carlisle. Penn State Law offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on practical experience and global perspectives, providing students with numerous opportunities for clinical practice and externships.
Facts
- Established: 1834 (as Dickinson School of Law)
- Type: Public
- Affiliation: Pennsylvania State University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Penn State Law is ranked #64 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 450 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Penn State Law is around 37%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 159.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Rick Santorum – Former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
- Tom Marino – Former U.S. Representative
- Patrick Murphy – Former U.S. Representative and Under Secretary of the Army
- Genevieve Blatt – First woman elected to a statewide office in Pennsylvania
- Samuel Alito – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
- K&L Gates LLP
- Reed Smith LLP
- Penn State University
- Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Location
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 2006, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law is one of the newer law schools in the United States. Despite its relatively recent establishment, it has quickly gained a reputation for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical training. The law school offers a cooperative education program that integrates classroom learning with professional work experience, preparing students for successful legal careers.
Facts
- Established: 2006
- Type: Private
- Affiliation: Drexel University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law is ranked #93 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 450 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Drexel Law is around 40%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 157.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Naomi Post – Executive Director, Juvenile Law Center
- Sarah B. Blair – Judge, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
- Adam Benoski – Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
- Rebecca S. Swedberg – Partner, Duane Morris LLP
- Tara Wolff – Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Cozen O’Connor
- Dechert LLP
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- Ballard Spahr LLP
- Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
Dickinson Law (Penn State)
Location
Dickinson Law is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1834, Dickinson Law is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. It became affiliated with Penn State University in 2000 and later split into two separate law schools in 2015: Dickinson Law in Carlisle and Penn State Law in University Park. Dickinson Law focuses on producing practice-ready lawyers through its rigorous curriculum, practical training, and emphasis on public service.
Facts
- Established: 1834
- Type: Public
- Affiliation: Pennsylvania State University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Dickinson Law is ranked #64 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Dickinson Law is around 35%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 160.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Rick Santorum – Former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
- Tom Marino – Former U.S. Representative
- Patrick Murphy – Former U.S. Representative and Under Secretary of the Army
- Genevieve Blatt – First woman elected to a statewide office in Pennsylvania
- Samuel Alito – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
- K&L Gates LLP
- Reed Smith LLP
- Penn State University
- Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
Duquesne University School of Law
Location
Duquesne University School of Law is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1911, Duquesne University School of Law is a private Catholic institution known for its strong commitment to ethics, professionalism, and public service. The law school offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on practical skills training and experiential learning. Duquesne Law provides students with numerous opportunities for clinical practice, externships, and involvement in public service.
Facts
- Established: 1911
- Type: Private
- Affiliation: Duquesne University (Catholic)
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Duquesne University School of Law is ranked #122 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 450 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Duquesne Law is around 50%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 152.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Michael H. Webster – Former U.S. Representative
- David J. Hickton – Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- R. Seth Williams – Former District Attorney of Philadelphia
- Tom Ridge – Former Governor of Pennsylvania and first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
- Edward J. Borkowski – Former Judge, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Reed Smith LLP
- K&L Gates LLP
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
- PNC Financial Services
- UPMC
Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Location
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
History
Founded in 1989, Widener University Commonwealth Law School is a private institution known for its strong emphasis on practical skills training and public service. The law school offers a supportive community with numerous opportunities for clinical practice, externships, and involvement in public service. Widener Law Commonwealth is committed to producing practice-ready lawyers who are well-prepared for various legal careers.
Facts
- Established: 1989
- Type: Private
- Affiliation: Widener University
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is ranked #146 among law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school enrolls approximately 300 students.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Widener Law Commonwealth is around 60%.
Average LSAT Score
The median LSAT score for admitted students is 149.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Tom Ridge – Former Governor of Pennsylvania and first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
- Mike Turzai – Former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Matt Smith – Former Pennsylvania State Senator
- Gene DiGirolamo – Former Pennsylvania State Representative
- Mike Fleck – Former Pennsylvania State Representative
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
- McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
- Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC
- Pennsylvania Department of State
- Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas