Do you want to become a well notable legal practitioner? Then you need to be in the Best Law Schools in California. “Nobody is perfect they say, but if you study law, you are pretty close”. California is one of the most appealing places to study.
The state is well-known for its best places, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and pulsating metropolitan areas. In such a setting, who wouldn’t want to study law?
People draw to law schools in California because of the importance placed on their legal expertise. They advise, counsel, and represent individuals and businesses. The American Bar Association has accredited these schools, and they offer world-class LL.M. programs.
Are you interested in the best law schools in California? We have highlighted them. We also added the links, tuition, student-to-teacher ratio, and ratings.
All you need to do is research to select the one that best fits your career objectives.
Table of Contents
- Are the Best Law Schools in California Worth it?
- How much Does the Best Law Schools in California Cost?
- What are the Requirements for Getting the Best Law Schools in California?
- How to Apply for the Best Law Schools in California?
- 20 Best Law Schools in California
- #1. Stanford University –
- #2. University of California Davis
- #3. University of La Verne College of Law
- #4. Western State University
- #5. University of San Francisco School of Law
- #6. Golden Gate University
- #7. Thomas Jefferson School of Law –
- #8. Santa Clara Law – Santa Clara University
- #9. University of California Los Angeles –
- #10. Chapman University –
- #11. University of California Hastings
- #12. University of San Diego
- #13. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
- #14. Loyola Law School
- #15. McGeorge School of Law
- #16. California Western School of Law
- #17. Southwestern Law School
- #18. The University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
- #19. Whittier Law School
- #20. Northwestern California University School of Law
- How to Complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree?
- What are the Highest-Paid Law School Jobs In California?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Are the Best Law Schools in California Worth it?
If you have made up your mind to study law, you must be wondering if it is worth it. California has a reputation for excellence. With many Standard and accredited law schools, it also has several low-cost law schools.
California has approximately 20 law schools. These law schools are well-known for producing competent and knowledgeable lawyers.
To go to a law school and graduate well, you must go to a prestigious school with good tutors. Students who participate in pre-law advising programs gain a better understanding of what a career in law entails.
The best law schools in California allow you to spread your wings and fly. You have access to great tutors, groups, books, teaching methods, and internships.
You would also have advisors. They assist you through the period of your law school education. If you do all you should, going to the best law schools in California would be worth it for you.
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How much Does the Best Law Schools in California Cost?
Various law schools in various countries have their speculative tuition fees. They can be very expensive due to their level of training combined with their practical expertise.
Tuition fees in California law schools range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. It would cost from $60,000 to $180,000 for a three-year program.
Students can take advantage of scholarship opportunities and grants to cover the cost of their tuition.
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What are the Requirements for Getting the Best Law Schools in California?
Every school has its unique requirement for admissions. However, the general requirements are-
- ACT or SAT results
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- The Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They assess students’ reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning abilities.
- Any other document the school requires.
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How to Apply for the Best Law Schools in California?
Step #1
Consult with your undergraduate school’s prelaw advisor. Consult with your prelaw advisor as soon as possible.
Your advisor can assist you with the application process by advising you on undergraduate course selection. He can also advise you on Law School Admission Test preparation, and school selection.
Step #2
Create an LSAC account. Your LSAC.org account will allow you to track the status of each step you take as you apply to schools. Each school has its own set of application requirements and deadlines.
My Calendar allows you to keep track of those critical deadlines. For all LSAC services, use your LSAC account number as your primary identifier.
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Step #3
Register for and study for the LSAT. Most law schools require the LSAT. Many require you to take it by November/December to be admitted the following fall.
Taking the test earlier, in June or September/October, is recommended. Schedule the test date so that you can receive your score before the deadline for your first law school application.
Preparing for the test is essential if you want to perform as well as possible.
Step #4
Look into law schools. Finding the right law school for you is critical. We have a list of 21 schools you can choose from below.
Step #5
Request all necessary transcripts. When it is complete, you will be able to access an Academic Summary Report through your LSAC.org account. Check that it is complete and accurate.
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Step #6
Request recommendation letters. The school’s letter of recommendation requirements will vary. You can send forms to your recommenders by downloading them from your LSAC.org account.
Step #7
Wait for feedback. You can use your LSAC.org account to apply to as many US law schools as you want.
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20 Best Law Schools in California
At least 20 different law institutes are in California. The ABA has accredited and approved all of the schools listed below. Any ABA-accredited law school always has a better reputation.
We chose these schools based on their rates of employability, rankings, and other academic reputations. The 20 best law schools in California are-
- 1. Stanford University
- 2. University of California Davis
- 3. University of La Verne College of Law
- 4. Western State University
- 5. University of San Francisco School of Law
- 6. Golden Gate University
- 7. Thomas Jefferson
- 8. Santa Clara University
- 9. University of California Los Angeles
- 10. Chapman university
- 11. University of California Hastings
- 12. University of San Diego
- 13. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
- 14. Loyola Law School
- 15. McGeorge School of Law
- 16. California Western School of Law
- 17. Southwestern Law School
- 18. The University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
- 19. Whittier Law School
- 20. Northwestern California University School of Law
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#1. Stanford University –
- Tuition- $20,725 per year
- Ranking – 2
- Acceptance rate – 12%
- Employment rates – 88. 8%
Stanford Law School is part of Stanford University, a private research university in Palo Alto, California. It is one of the best law schools in California.
This school has over 90 full-time and part-time faculty members. Over 550 students are also pursuing a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.).
Stanford Law also confers four advanced legal degrees: LL.M., M.S.L., J.S.M., and D.S.L. (J.S.D.).
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#2. University of California Davis
- Tuition – $53,000 per year
- Ranking– 35
- Acceptance rate– 32%
The UC Davis School of Law is also known as King Hall and UC Davis Law. The ABA-approved the school in 1968. It joined the Association of American Law Schools in 1968. (AALS). The University of California Davis is one of the best law schools in California currently.
Davis ranks 23rd in the country for scholarly impact. 85% of the Class of 2024 found full-time, long-term work. Reports also show they found a job less than nine months after graduation.
If you are considering going to the best law schools in California, this should be one of the options.
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#3. University of La Verne College of Law
- Tuition– $30,280 per year
- Ranking – N/A
- Acceptance rate – 65%
The University of La Verne, College of Law is a private university in Ontario, California. When considering colleges, this school has one of the best law schools in California. Since its inception in 1970, it has got recognition by the California State Bar.
The school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree. At the University of La Verne, you can complete full-time in three years or part-time in four years. The school also offers two dual-degree programs.
They are in collaboration with the University of La Verne College of Business and Public Management: the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) and the Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration (JD/MPA).
#4. Western State University
- Tuition – $42,860 per year
- Ranking – 147
- Acceptance rate – 63%
Western State College of Law at Westcliff University is a private, for-profit law school located in Irvine, California. The American Bar Association has accredited it, and it offers both full-time and part-time programs. The law school provides certificates in Immigration Law, Family Law, and Real Estate
Full-time and part-time programs are available at Western State University. The school provides two areas of focus, the Business Law Center and the Criminal Law Practice Center.
They aim at preparing graduates for a career in business or criminal law. You can do it through additional training, internships, and networking with lawyers.
#5. University of San Francisco School of Law
- Tuition – $50,770 per year
- Ranking- 97th
- Acceptance rate – 62%
The American Bar Association has accredited the University of San Francisco School of Law. The ABA-approved the school in 1935, and it joined the Association of American Law Schools in 1937.
The University of South Florida provides funding to several institutes, centers, and special projects.
Furthermore, USF sponsors study abroad programs for its students in Prague, Dublin, and Budapest.
As part of the exchange programs, classes holdheldTrinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and Charles University in Prague.
Relevant international coursework includes European Community Law, International Business Transactions, and European Constitutionalism.
In 2024, US News ranked the university 97th overall and 67th in Best Value in the National Category.
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#6. Golden Gate University
- Tuition – $51,000 per year
- Ranking – 147
- Acceptance rate – 67%
Golden State University is one of the best law schools in California. It joined the Association of American Law Schools in 1967.
For more than a century, Golden Gate University has met the educational needs of working adults. With our accredited online, weekend, and evening classes, you can advance your career more quickly.
#7. Thomas Jefferson School of Law –
- Tuition- $51,000 per year
- Ranking – 73
- Acceptance rate 83%
Thomas Jefferson University is ranked as one of the best law schools in California. They provide graduate, bachelor’s, associate’s, and certificate degrees. These help students in a variety of disciplines to help them achieve their educational goals.
The school also offers online learning experiences that are engaging and relevant. This helps you achieve your personal and professional goals
#8. Santa Clara Law – Santa Clara University
- Tuition- $52,000 per year
- Ranking – 126
- Acceptance rate – 61%
This is possibly the oldest operating higher-educational institution in California and the entire west coast of the United States. The JD law degree is available at the law school. It also provides a few dual degree programs in other fields of study.
Santa Law ranks tenth in graduate programs by US News and World Report. It is very easy to get into and has a high acceptance rate. It is one of the best law schools in California
#9. University of California Los Angeles –
- Tuition- $64,052.30 Per year
- Ranking – 14
- Acceptance rate – 30%
The University of California, located in Los Angeles, founded in 1919 is one of the oldest campuses in southern California.
The University of California has a high acceptance rate; as long as you meet the basic requirements.
However, due to legal constraints, the school’s admission rate varies. It is still one of the best law schools in California.
#10. Chapman University –
- Tuition- $43,540 per year
- Ranking – 125
- Acceptance rate – 48%
- Employment ranking – 37.2%
Chapman University has 110 courses of study (49 majors and 61 minors). It also has ten schools and colleges, one of which is the Dale E Fowler School of Law.
It also provides the Juris Doctor (JD) and master’s degrees in law. Chapman University has one of the best law schools in California.
#11. University of California Hastings
- Tuition: $49,538
- Ranking – 207
- Acceptance rate – 32%
- Employment ranking – 62%
This is one of the first law schools established in the United States. The college is one of the affiliated law schools that does not share a campus with other graduate and undergraduate programs.
University of California Hastings offers a three-year Juris Doctor program. It has concentrations in criminal law, taxation, public interest, family law, intellectual property law, and other areas.
#12. University of San Diego
- Tuition: $56,230
- Ranking – 165
- Acceptance rate – 51%
- Employment ranking – 72%
The University of San Diego is one of California’s most affordable law schools. Prospective lawyers can study law at the university level through clinics. They can also study through advocacy programs and externships.
Students also gain hands-on experience and access to San Diego’s leading practitioners and judges. It is one of the best law schools in California.
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#13. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
- Tuition: $62,648.62
- Ranking – 193
- Acceptance rate – 43%
- Employment ranking – 52%
Pepperdine Caruso Law School is a low-cost law school in Malibu, California. It provides online programs in California in addition to traditional law schools.
#14. Loyola Law School
- Tuition- $58,048.00
- Ranking – 253
- Acceptance rate – 43%
- Employment ranking – 75%
One of California’s low-cost tuition law schools is in Los Angeles. When determining how much law school costs, keep Loyola in mind. It is not just affordable, it is also one of the best law schools in California.
The school also pays special attention to catering to disabled students. It also has measures in place to ensure inclusivity
Loyola Law School is currently ranked first in the Super Lawyers of Southern California and fifth in trial advocacy.
It has programs that promote diversity and inclusivity. It is very appealing to those who want to pursue their law degree while still practicing their faith.
Loyola does not discriminate against students of other faiths who may benefit from its excellent program. It has one of the best law schools in California.
#15. McGeorge School of Law
- Tuition: $49,076
- Ranking – 72
- Acceptance rate – 48%
- Employment ranking – 72%
McGeorge School of Law is one of the best law schools in California. It is a low-cost law school with a high acceptance rate.
The school is one of the few on this list that offers three completely online degrees. McGeorge’s curriculum produces highly skilled professionals who are ready to enter the rapidly changing legal market.
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#16. California Western School of Law
- Tuition: $47,000
- Ranking – 59
- Acceptance rate – 43.2%
- Employment ranking – 69%
San Diego is home to the California Western School of Law. It’s one of the best law schools in California, with reasonable tuition. The school ranks as one of the top ten most diverse schools in the United States.
It is also one of the top three schools in the United States in terms of required experiential learning credits (15).
The faculty has been widely published in law reviews and specialty journals. This includes the California Law Review, Boston College Law Review, and the Iowa Law Review, among others.
There are several postgraduate programs available for both domestic and international students.
#17. Southwestern Law School
- Tuition: $27,858
- Ranking – 82
- Acceptance rate – 52%
- Employment ranking – 72%
You should consider Southwestern law school when considering the best law schools in California. It is one of the law schools in California you may consider inexpensive due to the low tuition.
#18. The University of Southern California, Gould School of Law
- Tuition: $64,908
- Ranking – 184
- Acceptance rate – 51%
- Employment ranking – 72%
Los Angeles is home to the USC Gould School of Law. It is one of the oldest law schools. The schools offer prospective lawyers a variety of opportunities for externships, public service, and other activities.
It’s also one of the less expensive law schools to consider when determining how much a law school can cost in California.
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#19. Whittier Law School
- Tuition: Under Review
- Ranking – 207
- Acceptance rate – 51%
- Employment ranking – 69%
Whittier Law School in California was once one of the top-rated cheap and best colleges in the state.
#20. Northwestern California University School of Law
- Tuition-$57,800
- Ranking – 121
- Acceptance rate – 51%
- Employment ranking – 72%
Northwestern California University School of Law provides high-quality coursework. Its course is created by highly qualified instructors and practitioners.
Courses include online audio/video lectures, recorded terminology, outlines, and other useful legal materials. It is one of the best law schools in California.
How to Complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree?
A three-year law program begins after acceptance into the law school of choice. Some schools also run part-time and online programs, which by default, take longer. In law, the goal is to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree over four years.
During their first year, students should expect to take some courses. Torts, contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, property, and a legal writing class are all expected in law school.
Students in their second or third year will take courses that vary depending on the institution and country. However, it will require writing credits, experiential electives, professional responsibility courses, and more. In their third year of the program, students should take elective courses that cover their area of interest. This could include seminars and problem courses.
At the end of the four years, depending on the strength of the courses you have taken, you may have to write a professional exam. If you pass, you would get your Juris Doctor (JD)
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What are the Highest-Paid Law School Jobs In California?
As it is with every profession, some jobs pay higher than others in a specific location. Law is not left out. The highest-paid law jobs in California are-
#1. Chief Legal Officer
Salary range: $90,000-$234,000 per year
A chief legal officer (CLO) is an executive who manages a company’s legal team. As the organization’s chief legal officer, you advise on all legal matters. This includes matters on contracts, compliance, and regulatory issues.
Your responsibilities include investigating non-compliance issues and recommending measures to avoid legal risks and court representation. You are also responsible for hiring, training, and directing department lawyers during corporate legal proceedings.
#2. Mergers and Acquisitions Attorney
Salary range: $129,000-$225,500 per year
Your responsibilities as a mergers and acquisitions attorney revolve around providing legal guidance.
You would also be responsible for advice to a company that is merging with or acquiring another company.
It is the individual responsibility to provide legal advice and mediate negotiations before the merger. You would also make certain that you finalize all paperwork with the appropriate agencies. In some cases, you may have to represent a company in legal proceedings relating to a merger.
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#3. Principal Investigator
Salary range: $94,000-$210,000 per year
A principal investigator, or PI, is the primary representative of a grant-seeking organization. As a principal investigator, you are in charge of planning and carrying out the grant-funded research or project.
Your primary goal is to provide sufficient justification to the funding entities for the proposal or grant request.
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#4. Patent Counsel
Salary range: $100,000-$200,000 per year
A patent counsel is a senior patent attorney who works for a law firm. They handle patent law cases, which provide legal ownership protection for scientific inventors. Your responsibilities as a patent counsel vary depending on your specialization.
If you work in patent infringement, you will represent one of your clients in a federal court as one of their lawyers.
If you specialize in prosecution, your responsibilities include submitting, approving, and registering your client’s patent application.
#5. Health Care Attorney
Salary range: $79,000-$193,500 per year
As a health care attorney, your responsibilities include advising hospitals and physicians. You would have to advise them on how to comply with all federal health care laws that govern their industries.
Your duties require you to collaborate with other compliance professionals to audit hospital and physician operations. You would also assist the facility in addressing any statutory violations.
To understand better, read: How Much Does A Tax Lawyer Make?
Frequently Asked Questions
School of Law at Stanford. The best law school in California, Stanford Law School, founded in 1893. Its academic framework is centered on students applying their knowledge practically, and as a result, it offers 11 full-time legal clinics, including the Criminal Defense Clinic.
Four years of study at a registered, unaccredited correspondence or distance learning law school, with a minimum of 864 hours of preparation. Under the guidance of a state judge or attorney, four years of education.
California State University, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is the second-best law school in California. This university is #1 in the country for business law, environmental law, and intellectual property law, and ranks ninth overall.
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Conclusion
A law degree is still one of the most desired and competitive degrees in the world. It is a professional degree that not only broadens the students’ minds. It also broadens their professional opportunities.
Despite the rapid development of the labor market, the legal profession is a respected profession that remains relevant. Lawyers will always be in high demand as technology advances, which is why a law degree is necessary. Feel free to pick from any of the best law schools in California above. They are all truly worth it.
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References
- spynaija.com– Cheapest Law Schools in California 2024 | Tuition and Rankings
- usnews.com– Top law schools in California
- worldstudyportal.com– Cheap law schools in California
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