The journey through a law school is not for the faint-hearted. Law schools in Washington DC are best known for attracting and keeping top legal talent known for their forward-thinking approach.
Studying, research and thinking can be intense and involve a lot of studying, research, and thinking. However, the programs offered by the law schools in Washington, DC will provide the structural foundation necessary to pass the bar and practice law effectively in the state.
A law student has to gain certain skills to be up to standard in the requirements needed to practice law in some prestigious law schools in Washington DC.
However, getting into the best 15 law schools in Washington state can be a great pull-off in achieving the best success you can get.
This article contains the best 15 Washington State Law Schools, let us guide you through this one.
You should see: Best Law Schools in Seattle in 2024: Requirements, Scholarships
Are Law Schools Worth It?
Thinking about going to a law school in Washington, DC? Are you having doubts or are the tuition fees discouraging?
To be honest, law schools are always going to be competitive and demanding in terms of commitment and motivation. It can also be expensive, but is the money, stress, and time worth it?
As a Law student, you have to;
- Critically analyze a situation and make good arguments about what to do with it.
- Synthesize information from across a lot of different subject areas and sources.
- Be able to meet up to deadlines
- Be able to perform long exams within short hours
- However, the legal profession is amongst the most lucrative industries and a great qualification to get employment in today’s job market.
- Law schools in Washington state equip you with law jobs of high salaries, financial stability, and respectable status.
- It offers several Doctor of Law degrees including a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.), also known as Doctor of Law, which is a graduate-entry professional degree in law.
Read also: 15 Best Intellectual Property Law Schools in 2024: Requirements, Scholarships
How Much Does Law School Cost
Law schools can be an expensive investment. Some people complain that it costs an arm and a leg. To be honest, Washington State Law School can take a toll on you like any other law school. But its prices and tuition fees may vary depending on certain factors.
- Whether you’re an out-of-state student or an in-state student; Its tuition is full-time: $40,035 (in-state) and full-time: $51,534 (out-of-state)
- The quality of education: We have done some research and came out with the best Washington State Law Schools ranked with the most prestigious programs. The University of Washington is undoubtedly a known figure in offering the best., Seattle University, Gonzaga, etc.
- Level of degree offered: If your aiming for a good law degree then your hands has to dig deeper into your pocket. For Law schools in Washington DC offering a Juris doctorate, you should be expecting a payment of $67,380 tuition and fees for a full-time JD student and $49,770 tuition and fees for a part-time JD student.
- Whether it is public or private; Private schools are always known to cost slightly more especially renowned private Law schools in Washington DC. For example the University of Washington Law school.
You should closely consider these factors while looking closely at the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and some personal expenses) for any school of interest.
Read also: 21 Easiest Law Schools to Get Into in the U. S | 2024 Easy Law Schools
What Are The Requirements For Getting Into A Law School In Washington State?
Interested in Law schools in Washington DC and you seek to apply for your university of choice. You need to know their requirements.
- A Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent 4-year university degree
- You have to apply to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)—nearly all ABA-approved law schools (and some non-ABA-approved schools) require that their applicants register for and complete their applications through the CAS.
- You would need to complete your LSATs.
- Recommendations or referees from relevant teachers or professionals.
- Your TOEFL score is only for foreign students who wish to study in law schools in Washington, DC
- Financial documents showing proof of payment for the academic year (only if you are applying for an F1 visa).
How To Apply For Law School In Washington State
First and foremost, you need to go to their respective websites and get to know their requirements. As long as you have them, you are one step further toward gaining admission.
To determine her acceptance rates, universities consider average LSAT scores, GPA, and more. Competition to gain entry can be fierce, so you need to come up at your best.
Some schools operate on a rolling application basis and you need to visit their websites and stay in touch with them to know when their application starts and apply before the deadline.
Check out: The 21 best part-time law schools in 2024; requirements and scholarships
Overview Of The Best Law Schools In Washington State
Deciding to study for a doctorate in Law? This is a big step for any aspiring legal practitioner. Studying at the best law schools in Washington State gives you an edge for better education and opportunities.
Law courts and other legal firms trust these schools more because they are well renowned and regarded.
Most law schools in Washington DC offer professional and legal education in a diverse range of careers of interest.
- University Of Washington Law School
- Gonzaga University
- Seattle University
- Georgetown University Law Center
- Catholic University of America (Columbus School of Law)
- American University Washington College of Law
- Howard University School of Law
- University of District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
- Antonin Scalia law school at George Mason University
- International Law Institute
Read also: 21 Best Law Schools with Scholarships in the World in 2024
13 Best Law Schools in Washington DC
In building these latest rankings, the U.S. news did some compilation while putting into consideration numerous measures of quality from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited U.S. law schools.
The law schools’ Washington DC rankings reflect several newer metrics and are based on their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
This can be including average Juris Doctor (JD) degree, law school debt, and library resources and operations.
#1. University Of Washington
Tuition
The full-time program application fee is $60. Its tuition is full time: $40,035 (in-state students) and full-time: $51,534 (out-of-state students).
About
This is a law of school of the University of Washington. Its location is on the northwest corner of the main campus in Seattle, Washington.
Its program currently enrolls a class size of roughly 190 students and offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. Juris Doctor (JD) students can focus their legal education through diverse tracks including Asian, Environmental, Global Business, and Public Service Laws.
The University of Washington law school is also known for its top-rank Law library programs.
University of Washington Law school offers J.D. students joint degree programs in conjunction with other academic departments at the school.
Law students at to complete at least 60 hours of public service before graduation, either through school clinics, or externships.
Ranking
Based on the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Washington School of Law is obviously on the list of the top-ranked law schools in Washington state.
This is amongst the oldest law schools in the country. It ranks 33rd among the Best National Universities and globally it sits at number 49 among the best law schools. It is one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
Read also: Top 15 Law Schools Forum | 2024
#2. Gonzaga University School of Law
Tuition
Its full-time program application fee is $0. Its tuition is full-time: $47,835 with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The School of Law at Gonzaga University has an application deadline of April 15.
About
Gonzaga University School of Law is a Jesuit-affiliated school of law at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington DC. This University is recognized to be among the top in best Law schools in Washington DC. It came into recognition by the ABA in the year 1951.
The school awards the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and an Accelerated Two-Year J.D. and has a student body of approximately 350 students. It also offers dual degrees and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
Ranking
This is amongst the oldest law schools in Washington state. It ranks 56th amongst the surveyed American law firms and globally it sits at number 116 amongst the best law schools.
#3. Seattle University School of Law
Tuition
The program application fee at the School of Law at Seattle University both full-time and part-time is $65. Its tuition is full-time: $51,433 and part-time: $34,329. The student-faculty ratio is 7.1:1.
The School of Law at Seattle University has an application deadline of July 15.
About
The School of Law is at the center of Seattle’s legal and business community, near major law firms, federal and state courthouses, and the government. Of course, the American Bar Associate (ABA) gives it accreditation
This law school offers Flex Juris Doctor (JD) programs, Masters of Law (LLM), Masters of Studies in Law (MLS), and Joint Degree Programs. It is one of the best Washington State law schools.
Ranking
Established in the year 1972, it is among the oldest law schools in Washington state. It ranks 26th in part-time Law school programs and globally it sits at number 127th amongst the best law schools in the United States.
PreLaw ranks it A among law schools in Washington state for public interested law.
Read also: 15 Top Environmental Law Schools in 2024: Requirements, Scholarships
#4. Georgetown University Law Center
Tuition
The program application fee at the Law Center at Georgetown University both full-time and part-time is $85. Its tuition is full-time: $69,280 and part-time: $47,006. The student-faculty ratio is 4.8:1 with an enrollment of 1789. (treehouselodge.com)
About
This institution is a Law school of Georgetown University, a private research school located near the heart of the American federal government in Washington, D.C.
It is the second-largest law school in the United States by enrollment. It receives more full-time applications than other Law schools in Washing DC and the country.
Besides the traditional J.D., the Law Center offers joint degree programs such as the J.D./Ph.D. in the government program, which examines the effect of the law on American government and political processes. It is one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
Ranking
Georgetown University ranks 14th in Best Law Schools and first in Part-time Law. Law Schools rankings are according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
#5. George Washington University School Of Law
Tuition
The program application fee at the Law School at George Washington University both go part-time and full-time is $0. Its tuition is full-time: $65,420 and part-time: $48,300. The student-faculty ratio is 7.4:1.
The Law School at George Washington University has an application deadline of March 1.
About
This is normally confused with the University of Washington School of Law. This is a private Law school founded in 1865, GW Law School is one of the oldest top 50 Law schools in Washington state.
GW Law is active in legal issues and runs legal research centers, having a vast and highly accomplished alumni network within the fields of law and government, both at the state and federal levels.
Due to the thousands of applications and enrollment of over 1,500 admissions are highly selective. The 2010 enrollment statistics show an acceptance rate of 27%.
Students can complete a full-time or a part-time J.D. and can earn a joint degree such as a J.D./MBA (with Law schools in Washington state, national and foreign) and a J.D./Master of Public Administration.
Ranking
GW Law ranks 2th in part-time Law school programs and globally it sits at number 25th amongst the best law schools in the United States. It is also one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
Read also: 21 Best Law Schools in California in 2024: Requirements, Scholarships
#6. Antonin Scalia Law School At George Mason University
Tuition
The program application is free at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University. Its tuition is full-time: $25,875 (in-state); full-time: $41,261 (out-of-state); part-time: $19,404 (in-state); and part-time: $30,944 (out-of-state). The student-faculty ratio is 4:1 with an enrollment figure of about 495.
The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University has an application deadline of April 30.
About
According to the U.S. News and World Report, this institution ranks 30th among American law schools, and it is the 3rd highest-ranking law school in Washington state behind Georgetown University Law Center and George Washington University Law School.
Here, law students have year-round opportunities for employment in different areas of government, federal agencies, and private law firms.
The George Mason School of Law offers day and evening programs for Juris Doctor (JD) degree candidates and a J.D./Master of Public Policy. Law students can pursue curricular tracks to specialize in areas such as patent law, intellectual property law, or homeland and national security law.
Ranking
George Mason University ranks 30th in Best Law Schools and 4th in Part-time Law. It is one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
Visit School: law.gmu.edu
#7. The Catholic University Of America (Columbus School Of Law)
Tuition
The program application fee at the Columbus School of Law both full-time and part-time is $0. Its tuition is full-time: $56,040 and part-time: $38,690. The student-faculty ratio is 7.1:1.
The Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America has an application deadline of June 30.
About
The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law is a religious-affiliated private research institution.
The location of the Columbus School of Law offers myriad opportunities for students to find training experiences in federal agencies, corporations, law firms, and more. Law students focus their education through concentrations in intellectual property law, security law, and many others.
They may complete a joint degree through another department.
As a Catholic institution, they offer students prayer and worship opportunities, faith development programs, service experiences, and more.
Ranking
GW Law ranks 38th in part-time Law school programs and globally it sits at number 94th amongst the best law schools in the United States. It is also one of the best Washington State Law School.
#8. Howard University School of Law
Tuition
The full-time program application fee at the School of Law at Howard University is $60. Its tuition is full-time: $37,160. The University doesn’t accept a part-time program.
The institution offers a student-faculty ratio of 8.6:1. The School of Law at Howard University has an application deadline of February 28th.
About
This institution is one of the professional graduate schools of Howard University.
It is one of the oldest Law Schools in Washington DC and the country.
Its program currently enrolls a class size of roughly 407 students with about 56 faculties. The Howard University School of Law is in recognized by the ABA and The Association of American Law Schools since 1931.
Today, Howard University School of Law confers about 185 JD degree and Master Of Law degrees annually to students from the United States and other foreign countries.
Additionally, students can enroll in the four-year J.D./M.B.A. dual degree program.
Ranking
Globally it sits at number 98th amongst the best law schools.
Read Also: Best Free Business Law Classes
#9. The University Of District Of Columbia David A. Clarke School Of Law
Tuition
The David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia (Clarke) has an application deadline of May 1. The program application fee at the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia (Clarke) not for full-time and part-time is $35.
Its tuition for full-time (in-state students) is $13,438 and full-time(out-of-state students) is $25,874. Part-time: $9,440 (in-state); and part-time: $17,860 (out-of-state). The student-faculty ratio is 5.3:1.
Ranking
University of District of Columbia ranks 42nd in part-time Law school programs and globally it sits at number 147-192th amongst the best law schools. It is also one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
About
The institution, 1986 came to be, taken over and the Council of the District of Columbia settled its financial problems. The school was formally with the University of the District of Columbia in 1996.
UDC Law students earn their J.D in three years as full-time students or four years as part-time students. The school also offers a two-year Masters of Law program especially in Clinical Education, Social Justice, and Systems Change.
#10. American University Washington College of Law
Tuition
The program application fee at the Washington College of Law at American University (Washington) both full-time and part-time is $70.
Its tuition is full-time: $58,970 and part-time: $41,191. With an enrollment of about 1,138 students and 296 faculties, its student-faculty ratio is 6.6:1. The Institution has an application deadline of March 1.
About
The AUWCL is the Law school of American University Its location is in the Tenleytown section of Northwest Washington D.C.
WCL offers the J.D.degrees, Master of Law degree in either international or constitutional law, and Doctor of Juridical Sciences (S.J.D.) degrees.
The Washington College of Law now offers an online Master of Legal Studies degree. In addition, the institution also provides domestic and international dual degrees.
Ranking
American University (Washington) ranks 5th in part-time Law school programs and globally it sits at number 73rd amongst the best law schools.
Read: 21 Cheapest Online Law Schools In 2024
#11. International Law Institute
Tuition
Tuition fees are in their application forms and are also on their website.
About
The International Law Institute (ILI) provides training and technical assistance for developing countries and emerging economies’ legal, economic and financial problems.
Set up as part of Georgetown University in 1955, and in the year 1983, the ILI has been an independent, non-profitable educational institution serving government officials, legal and business professionals, and scholars from its headquarters in Washington, DC.
The ILI runs the longest continuously running U.S. legal orientation program. It favors foreign lawyers and law students preparing for a graduate legal Master of Laws degree who wish to study in the best law schools in Washington, DC.
Two courses are offered- introduction to Legal English and Legal Writing and Orientation to the U.S. Legal System. It is one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
#12. Paralegal Certificate Program At Catholic University
About
This is an online distance learning college headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, but has a branch in Washington, DC. It focuses on legal education and is approved by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Programs
NPC offers a Paralegal Certificate, an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, and a Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or business administration.
Learn from Legal professionals and choose from Litigation and general practice concentration tracks to give you a competitive advantage in any law office.
Earn your certificate within a year. It is one of the best Washington State Law Schools.
Read: Best Intellectual Property Law Schools
What Are The Highest Paying Law School Jobs In Law Schools In Washington State
Most Law school jobs do not publish substantial salary information that it possesses. However, the U.S. Department of Education of latest released program-specific salary information.
This is helpful information, and highly reliable. The amount paid depends on; what school you went to and where you practiced, how big the firm is, and the number of years of practice.
- Patent attorney: $180,000
- Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000
- Trial lawyer: $134,000
- Tax attorney: $122,000
- Corporate lawyer: $115,000
- Employment lawyer: $87,000
- Real Estate attorney: $86,000
- Divorce attorney: $84,000
- Immigration attorney: $84,000
- Estate attorney: $83,000
- Public Defender: $63,000
This is a PayScale list of median attorney salaries (including bonuses, profit-sharing, and commissions), some types of attorneys make a lot more than others. Therefore the list can change intermittently, especially for Trial lawyers.
Read: Best Law Schools For Immigration Law
What Is The Average Working Salary Of A Lawyer From Law School In Washington DC?
Overall, Lawyers made a median salary of about $130,000. The best-paid 25 percent made about $190,000 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $84,450.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are about 12 law schools in Washington state. But the law schools in Washington DC popularly known by the U.S. news, are;
University of Washington
Gonzaga university
Seattle University
Georgetown University
The Catholic University of America (Columbus School of Law)
University of District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Howard University School of Law
American University Washington College of Law
Good Law schools in Washington DC top the list among the 12 law schools in Washington state. It came into recognition by the U.S. News as the best 3 law schools in Washington state out of the 12, they are;
The University of Washington
Gonzaga University
Seattle University
The U.S. News and WorkReport have it that the #1 Law school in Washington DC is certainly the “University of Washington”
Are you looking for lower-budget law schools in Washington DC? We have got covered, this list comprises Law schools in Washington DC with lower tuitions and expenses.
International Law Institute
University of District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law
Antonin Scalia law school at George Mason University
Paralegal Certificate Program at Catholic University
You should see: Easy law schools to get into
Conclusion
We know that selecting a law school in Washington state can be extremely difficult, especially when most law schools in Washington DC have appealing features.
That’s why we have made some rigorous research to come up with a list of the best Law school in Washington state. Do well to make your choice.
Check out: Best Ivy League Law Schools In 2024
Reference
- testmaxprep.com– Top Law Schools In Washington State
- wsba.org– Washington Law Schools
- usnews.com– Top Law schools in Washington
- law.uw.edu– Law Schools, Washington
- Image Link
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