If you are in Dallas and you are aiming for a successful career in law, it starts with attending any of the best law schools in Dallas.
You want a university that will challenge you academically and position you for future success. The bar test is no joke, and finding a career in the legal industry can occasionally seem like an even more difficult undertaking.
Do you want to start your legal career off on the right foot? Are you faced with the difficulties of choosing the right law school?
Now don’t fret about the difficulties just yet, get started first. This article contains details about the best law schools in Dallas, their acceptance rate, and tuition fees.
Keep reading to know more.
Table of contents
- Are Law Schools Worth It in Dallas?
- How Much Does Law School Cost in Dallas?
- What Are The Requirements for Getting Into a Law School in Dallas?
- How to Apply for Law School or How To Get Into A Law School in Dallas?
- Overview Of The Best Law Schools In Dallas
- #1. Dallas Baptist University
- #2. University of North Texas
- #3. The University of Texas
- #4. Southern Methodist University: Dedman School of Law
- #5. Texas A & M University
- #6. Texas Christian University
- #7. Texas Woman’s University
- #8. Baylor Law School
- #9. University of Houston Law Center
- #10. Texas Tech University School of Law
- #11. South Texas College of Law
- #12. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- #13. St. Mary’s University School of Law
- #14. University of Tulsa College of Law
- #15. Loyola University College of Law
- What Are The Highest Paying Law School Jobs in Dallas, Texas?
- What Are ABA-Accredited Institutions?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions FAQ?
- References
- Recommendations
Are Law Schools Worth It in Dallas?
The Dallas area is home to several highly respected law schools. But is a legal education worth the cost?
For many people, the answer is yes. A degree from an excellent law school can open doors to exciting and well-paying careers. Lawyers are in demand in many fields, including business, government, and nonprofits. And the earning potential for lawyers is high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers was $120,910 in 2019.
Of course, not everyone who goes to law school will become a successful lawyer. But there are many other rewarding careers that law school graduates can pursue. For example, many law school graduates work as judges, mediators, or legal scholars. Others use their legal knowledge to work in fields like business or real estate.
So if you’re thinking about going to law school in Dallas, there’s a good chance it will be worth your investment.
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How Much Does Law School Cost in Dallas?
The cost of law school in Dallas can vary depending on the school you choose to attend. However, the average cost of tuition at a law school in Dallas is around $30,000 per year. This means that the total cost of attending law school in Dallas for three years would be around $90,000.
There are a few ways to offset the cost of law school. Many law schools offer scholarships to students who illustrate the financial need. Also, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who wish to attend law school.
If you are considering attending law school in Dallas, it is important to factor in the cost of attendance. However, there are ways to offset the cost and make law school more affordable.
What Are The Requirements for Getting Into a Law School in Dallas?
To get into a law school in Dallas, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You will also need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a standardized test that measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills.
Similarly, for the LSAT, you will also need to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Your transcripts should show that you have taken challenging coursework and earned good grades.
Letters of recommendation should come from professors or employers who can speak to your ability to succeed in law school. Finally, your statement should be well-written and exemplify why you want to attend a law school.
Extra Tip: To get into one of the best law schools in Dallas, you’ll need to have strong grades and test scores. The average LSAT score for students accepted to SMU is 164, while the average GPA is 3.71. For UT Austin, the average LSAT score is 168 and the average GPA is 3.78.
How to Apply for Law School or How To Get Into A Law School in Dallas?
There are several ways to apply for law school in Dallas. The most common way is to use the LSAC website. This website allows you to fill out one application and submit it to multiple law schools.
Similarly, to apply for law school is to use a service like LSAT. This service allows you to take a practice LSAT and submit your score to multiple law schools.
Some law schools also have their application process. For example, SMU has an online application that you can fill out and submit directly to the school.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to take the LSAT. The LSAT is a standardized test that all law school applicants must take. You can register for the LSAT on the LSAC website.
Once you have taken the LSAT, they send your score to the law schools you applied to. The law school will then review your application and decide whether to admit you.
Overview Of The Best Law Schools In Dallas
There are many elite law schools in Dallas, and each one has its unique strengths. For example, Southern Methodist University has a top-ranked trial advocacy program.
Each school also offers scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. For example, SMU offers merit-based scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full tuition. UT Austin offers need-based scholarships and merit-based scholarships.
Choosing the right law school is a big decision, but there are many great options in Dallas.
Here are the 15 best law schools in Dallas In 2024
- #1. Dallas Baptist University
- #2. University of North Texas
- #3. The University of Texas
- #4. Southern Methodist University
- #5. Texas A & M University
- #6. Texas Christian University
- #7. Texas Woman’s University
- #8. Baylor Law School
- #9. University of Houston Law Center
- #10. Texas Tech University School of Law
- #11. South Texas College of Law
- #12. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- #13. St. Mary’s University School of Law
- #14. University of Tulsa College of Law
- #15. Loyola University College of Law
#1. Dallas Baptist University
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Tuition Fees: $44,000
DBU, or Dallas Baptist University, is a Christian university in Dallas, Texas. The original Decatur Baptist College, but Dallas Baptist University currently has locations in Plano and Hurst.
Dallas Baptist University offers four different Law and Legal Studies degrees. The Pre-Law program at DBU fully prepares students for the rigors of legal studies.
#2. University of North Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Tuition: $35,202
The University of North Texas (UNT), now occupies over 1,000 acres just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Over the past 50 years, this institution has grown to include a medical school, a campus in South Dallas, and a public law school. UNT, which enrolls over 40,000 students, offers the bulk of its classrooms with 20 or fewer pupils, providing it with a more intimate academic atmosphere.
The graduation pass rate at UNT is 65%, and the law school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1, which is one flagship for a state institution. International students can learn to skim, write, and speak at the University of North Texas’ IELI, the biggest intensive English program in Texas.
The University of North Texas is one of the best laws in Dallas. TV host Dr. Phil McGraw, singer Norah Jones, and musician Michael Lee Aday, aka MeatLoaf, are famous alumni of the university.
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#3. The University of Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Tuition: $44,900
The University of Texas at Arlington offers four different varieties of legal and law degrees. This is a huge public four-year university in the heart of a bustling city. As of last year, only 20.9% of candidates were accepted at the Texas University School of Law, which is lower than the average acceptance rate at U.S. law schools.
There were 225 graduates in 2020 from the fields of Legal and Law, and of those 196 received Bachelor’s degrees and 29 received Master’s degrees. 90% of the Class of 2019 acquired full-time legal work nine months after graduation, and many of those occupations paid well above average. It is one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
Some of the most well-known figures in law and politics, such as former U.S. Secretary James Baker, and Senior White House Advisor Paul Begala, graduated from this school.
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#4. Southern Methodist University: Dedman School of Law
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Tuition: 79,000
Dallas, Texas is home to the Dedman School of Law, sometimes known as SMU Law School or Dedman School of Law. It is one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
In February 2001, the law school at SMU changed its name to the SMU Dedman School of Law in memory of its late patrons, Robert H. Dedman Sr. and Nancy Dedman.
Before UNT’s law school in Dallas opened its doors in 2014, SMU Law School was the only one in the city. SMU Law School is one of Texas’ ten law schools. There are eight legal and law degree programs offered by Southern Methodist University.
Dean: Jennifer Collins is the law school’s current dean.
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#5. Texas A & M University
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and Association of American Law Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Tuition: $40,000
Texas A&M University-Commerce is home to four distinct law and legal studies degree programs. This relatively free, comprehensive university is found in Dallas. In 1989, the Dallas/Fort Worth School of Law opened at Texas A&M University in Irving.
There are both full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree programs available at this law school that have an Association of American Law Schools accreditation. With low tuition fees and a serene atmosphere for studies, this school is one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
The school offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) degree to students, and these programs are available both on-campus and remotely.
#6. Texas Christian University
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Tuition: $71,000
Texas Christian University is a large private institution and its school of law is among the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
There are several Legal & Law degree programs available to students at Texas Christian University. In the year 2020, 84 students graduated from Legal and Law programs. These students earned 84 degrees, including 59 Bachelor’s degrees, 13 Master’s degrees, and 12 certificates.
#7. Texas Woman’s University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Tuition: $31,000
Do you feel more comfortable attending a school that caters solely to female students? If that’s the case, the law school at this university is the one you should attend.
There is one Legal and Law degree program available through Texas Woman’s University. It is a large public university with four years of study. The shop has standard law facilities, which makes it stand out as one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas. In the year 2020, there were 34 graduates from the Legal and Law programs, with students earning 34 Bachelor’s degrees.
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#8. Baylor Law School
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Tuition: $85,000
Baylor school of law is part of Baylor University. It is one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas. Baylor institution has held ABA approval since 1931.
The curriculum covers aspects of the legal profession, from theoretical analysis to practical application and negotiation. In recent years, multiple publications have recognized Baylor Law School.as a “top-tier” law school
Notable graduates of Baylor Law School include former Texas Supreme Court Justice Charles Wallace Barrow and current Federal Circuit Court Justice Phillip Baldwin.
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#9. University of Houston Law Center
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 88.02%
- Tuition: $60,000
The University of Houston Law Center is the law school of the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. The University of Houston has ABA accreditation.
The Law Center awards the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees. Houston law school ranks 56th in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report law school rankings. The school is one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
According to UHLC’s 2013 ABA-required disclosures, 63.2% of the class of 2013 acquired full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation.
The dean of the Law Center is Leonard M. Baynes.
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#10. Texas Tech University School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Tuition: $50,000
Found inside the campus of Texas Tech University is the Texas Tech University School of Law, an American Bar Association-accredited institution of higher legal education.
In addition to its 45 national and worldwide titles, the university’s competitive advocacy program boasts three academic centers, 10 dual-degree options, and a nationally acclaimed legal writing curriculum.
About 60.4% of the students are male and 39.6% are female. 85.79% of the 2016 graduating class at Texas Tech got full-time, long-term.
If you complete the program, you can expect an 87% pass rate on the bar exam. We think you’ll agree with us that those odds are good. It is highly recommended, and one of the best law schools in Dallas.
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#11. South Texas College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate:
- Tuition: $35,000
South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL or South Texas) is a private law school that has an affiliation with Dallas but is located in Houston.
In 1923, the YMCA decided to establish a law school with a focus on offering night classes for working professionals.
South Texas College of Law Houston is also part of a consortium of four independent ABA and AALS-accredited American law schools
According to South Texas College of Law Houston’s official 2020 ABA-required disclosures, 66% of the class of 2019 obtained full-time, long-term, JD-required employment nine months after graduation
South Texas College of Law Houston holds the most national championships of any public or private law school in the U.S.
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#12. The Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate;
- Tuition: $$48,437
The American Bar Association (ABA) has recognized The Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) as a legitimate law institution. USNEWS has repeatedly listed the school as one of the best law schools in Dallas, Texas.
As of 2016, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) has provided a Master of Laws in Immigration and Naturalization Law. This is the first immigration law-specific Master of Laws degree program in the United States.
For the 2018-2019 school year, the expected total cost of attendance at Thurgood Marshall (including tuition, fees, and housing expenses) is $41,237 for locals and $48,437 for non-residents.
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#13. St. Mary’s University School of Law
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Tuition: $33,000
St. Mary’s University, a private Catholic university, takes great pride in its award-winning advocate teams from its School of Law. The university’s Moot Court team has done exceptionally well over the previous two decades, and the school is among the best law schools in Texas.
The Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, one of the largest law libraries in texas, where students from St. Mary’s University can hone their skills. The library is also home to two law journals: the St. Mary’s Law Journal and The Scholar.
Given its solid basis, it is not surprising that St. Mary’s Law consistently produces successful lawyers.
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#14. University of Tulsa College of Law
- Accreditation: American Bar Association
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Tuition: $26,098 full-time
The College of Law at the University of Tulsa is one of the top law schools in Dallas, Texas, a close second in the state. With a total enrollment of 255 and a student-to-instructor ratio of 6.6 to 1.
To date, U.S. News & World Report recognizes this school as one of the top law schools in Dallas, Texas.
The private law school first opened its doors in 1923, when the state’s economy was in its prime. In 1943, after having operated autonomously at first, it became part of the university.
A traditional Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and four Master of Laws (M.L.) programs are available to both full-time and part-time students. Two online Master of jurisprudence programs in Indian law and energy law are available.
The policy and energy research conducted by the University of Tulsa College of Law in the 1970s brought the institution national attention. In the same vein, it coincided with the birth of the National Energy and Law Policy Institute (NELPI).
#15. Loyola University College of Law
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
- Acceptance Rate; 77%
- Tuition Fees: $38,471
The Loyola University College of Law, like many law schools in Dallas, Texas, provides a unique blend of common law and civil law courses.
The school’s membership in the Association of American Law School and its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business make it an excellent choice for further education. Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law ranks #150 on the list of best law schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
The median GPA is 3.15, while the median LSAT score is 151. In addition to having a low admissions threshold, the university has a generous acceptance rate of 77%, implying that applicants with strong academic credentials have a good shot of being accepted.
What Are The Highest Paying Law School Jobs in Dallas, Texas?
We looked into the average salary for a Law School Graduate in Dallas, TX, and found that there are at least 5 similar careers that pay higher than that.
Director of Graduate Medical Education, Information Management Graduate, and Tech Law are just a few examples of these types of positions. Here are three of the highest-paid jobs:
- Director of Graduate Medical Education: Annual Salary: $154,000
- Information Management Graduate: Annual Salary: $73,243
- Tech Law: Annual Salary: $71,245
What Are ABA-Accredited Institutions?
What does ABA mean?
It’s an abbreviation for the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association (ABA) instituted a three-year plan to achieve uniformity in legal education across the country. Those law schools that have earned the American Bar Association’s (ABA) accreditation are doing a great job of preparing their students to become attorneys.
Even better, after you graduate from one of these schools, you’ll be eligible to take the bar exam in any state. So, you’re free to pick your location for practice. Several law schools in Dallas, Texas are ABA accredited.
Conclusion
Going to law school sets the stage for a successful legal profession. Therefore, before deciding on a school, it is important to complete research. This should help you narrow down your search for an excellent law school in Texas.
To enhance your legal education, you can’t do much better than any of the institutions on this list, which are all recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Before making a final decision, it’s in your best interest to perform some independent research and visit campuses. Have a bright and successful future!
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ?
A legal degree normally requires seven years of schooling after high school, including three years of law school and four years of undergraduate study. Mostly, a bachelor’s degree is necessary to enter law school.
If you need answers to your questions concerning Texas lawyers, you can visit the State Bar of Texas online at www.texasbar.com.
You should aim for an LSAT score in the 167+ range and a cumulative undergraduate GPA in the 3.7+ level to be a competitive applicant at the University of the Texas School of Law.
For the previous few years, the magazine has honored Dallas College of Law (COL) by placing it on its list of the Top 10 Best Law Schools for African Americans and the Top 20 Best Law School for Hispanics, among other honors. The Dallas law school has risen to the top of a national ranking.
According to our detailed salary analysis, a real estate attorney in Dallas, TX can expect to earn an average of $216,456 per year.
References
- www.bestlawschools.net– Top Law Schools in Florida
- www.collegegazette.com– Here Are the 10 Best Law Schools in Texas
- www.testmaxprep.com– Top 7 Law Schools in Texas
- www.justia.com– Texas Law Schools
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