17 Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSAT 

For many people, becoming a lawyer is a dream job. It is a well-respected position that pays well and provides exceptional stability. It mostly does this regardless of the state of the general economy. While the rewards of being an attorney are numerous, the journey to this profession is challenging. Students must complete their undergraduate studies and law school and pass the BAR exam.

The first truly challenging challenge in most aspiring lawyers’ education is getting into law school. When deciding who to accept, top law schools are quite picky. For years, this meant that students needed to not only complete their college courses with a high GPA. It meant they had to perform exceptionally well on the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test).

While many law schools still need candidates to take the LSAT, there is a rising trend away from this requirement. Today, numerous highly regarded law schools no longer need the LSAT, and more institutions follow suit every year. If you want to be a lawyer but don’t want to take the LSAT, research the schools that don’t require it. You should also find out what alternative prerequisites they may have.

This article contains the 17 best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024. We provided the cost, requirements, and application process as well. Keep reading.

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Are the Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs Worth It?

The prestige held around LSATs will make you wonder if the schools that don’t accept them are less good. Undeniably, many top law schools admit individuals who have not taken the LSAT. In reality, students’ desire to avoid this test pushed schools to accept alternatives in the first place.

The reasons we think the best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024 would be worth it for you are-

  • LSAT is expensive. The LSAT starts at $200 for each test, but the fee rises with each institution you apply to. Won’t you just love to scrap this cost for yourself?
  • The LSAT is very difficult. It is one of the most difficult examinations you can write. You will need to study extensively to prepare for it. These schools that don’t require LSATs accept other exams that are way less difficult.
  • The LSAT is exclusively utilized for admission to law schools. If you decide to follow another career path, your efforts will be in vain.
  • There are a lot of retakes. Most students must repeat the LSAT numerous times to get a good score. This takes a significant amount of time and money.

Of course, each school has unique reasons for refusing to take the LSAT. While it is no longer as important as before, bypassing the LSAT is not a decision that you should make lightly. There are still very few schools that do not require it. You must consider your alternatives and make the best decision for yourself and your future career.

You should also know that the absence of LSATs does not make these schools any less good schools. They offer premium education and your degree has value anywhere.

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Cost of Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs

Each of the best law schools that don’t require has its own set of fees. The fees range from tuition to accommodation, books, transport, and even feeding. They all depend on the school and the cost of living in that area. Below, we provided the general price of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs.

  • Tuition and Fees- $57,500
  • Room and Board- $14,360
  • Books and supplies- $2,120
  • Miscellaneous- $2,990

These prices could be more or less. Ensure to research the specific price for your school.

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What Are The Requirements For The Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs?

Schools that do not require the LSAT must have some other type of information to evaluate potential applicants. Knowing what the college accepts allows you to prioritize your studies and financial commitments. Some of the most prevalent LSAT alternate alternatives are:

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test developed in 1936. Many graduate schools in the United States and Canada approve of it.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) in Undergraduate Courses. You can use your undergraduate GPA for entrance into law school.
  • ACT or SAT — Some law schools, such as UNLV, accept the ACT (American College Test) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

To avoid taking the LSAT, you should check the specific requirements of the law schools you have an interest in attending. In most situations, they will specify the tests they take into account when considering admittance to their program. The sooner you find out, the more time you will have to prepare for the necessary tests.

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How To Apply To Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs

The process for applying for the best law schools that don’t require LSATs is the same as applying to any other law school. Below is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1- Pick out a school.

Several law schools don’t require LSATs or GRE. You can look through our list of 17 best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024 to get started. If you already have a school you want to go to, check the requirements. You want to be sure that you have everything the law school needs.

Step 2- Create an account

Most schools allow you to create an account as a prospective candidate. That way, they can update you when there is any new information. All you have to do is visit the school website and create an account. Also, subscribe to their newsletter to get mail for every development.

Step 3- Put your documents together.

Before the application process starts, you should put all the required documents together. This would aid you in the application process and help you stay organized. The documents include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resume.

Step 4- Pay the application fee

The best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024 require an application fee. Find out how much it is and pay when ready to apply. Also, try to find out the cost before applications start. This way, you would find ways to raise the money before it is time to apply.

Step 5- Apply

In your application process, make sure you adhere to instructions. Also, submit the necessary documents, including your LSAT equivalent.

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17 Best Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs

The schools on this list are among the most prominent in the country. They are setting the trend of abandoning the LSAT as the key consideration for admission to law school. Make sure to look at the admissions pages for each one before applying. The 17 best law schools that don’t require LSATs are-

  • A&M University in Texas
  • Georgetown Law
  • The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law
  • Columbia University Law School
  • Harvard University Law School
  • Massachusetts School of Law
  • Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law.
  • California School of Law
  • Irvine School of Law
  • Jacksonville University College of Law
  • Lincoln Law School of Sacramento
  • Miles Law School
  • Monterey College of Law
  • Nashville School of Law
  • Oak Brook College of Law
  • Pacific Coast University School of Law
  • Saint Francis School of Law

#1. Texas A&M University School of Law

Texas A&M’s Wesleyan University School of Law is not one of the well-known law schools. However, it is well-regarded in the legal profession. As a public law school, this institution is frequently less expensive than many other options on our list.

It also belongs to the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). This was the first institution to begin accepting the GRE in favor of the LSAT, kicking off the trend. Even without the LSAT, graduates from this school still get good jobs within 3 months of graduation. It is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs.

Visit Texas A&M University School of Law

#2. Georgetown Law

Georgetown Law was another early school to begin taking the GRE for applicants. They made this decision in 2017. They are currently one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs Georgetown Law, located in Washington, DC, is a well-known law school that has produced several renowned attorneys. This includes, among others, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Durbin, and John Delaney.

Despite being one of the oldest law schools, founded in 1870, they continue to innovate and push education forward for the legal profession’s future. They accept GRE in place of LSATs. 87% of law graduates from Georgetown Law get jobs within 2 months of graduation. The school has an acceptance rate of 42%.

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#3. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is not as well-known as many of the other schools on this list. However, it is still a highly regarded university. Since the autumn of 2017, they have begun accepting LSAT substitutes. They have achieved tremendous success with this program.

The school accepts the GRE equivalent. However, your score must be high, and your essays be top-notch. It is currently one of the best law schools that do not accept LSATs. Graduates of this school go-ahead to get well-paying jobs in less than 4 months after graduation.

Visit the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law

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#4. Columbia University Law School

Columbia University is a world-renowned institution, and its law school is one of the most prestigious in the country. As one of the country’s oldest law schools, they have produced some of the most well-known lawyers.

Teddy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were also Columbia Law graduates. It is one of the best law schools that doesn’t require LSAT in 2024. In 2018, this school began accepting the GRE.

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#5. Harvard University Law School

Harvard Law School, perhaps the most well-known institution in higher education, is a highly sought-after school for aspiring lawyers. Many renowned persons have graduated from Harvard Law School. This includes Supreme Court Justices Elena Kegan, John Roberts, and President Barack Obama.

It is also one of the country’s oldest law schools. It is one of the best law schools that doesn’t require LSAT in 2024. When they started admitting LSAT substitutes, it prompted several lesser colleges to follow suit

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#6. Massachusetts School of Law

This is one of the newest schools on the list, but it has established a reputation for producing world-class lawyers. When applying for admission to the Massachusetts School of Law, prospective candidates must pass a written test and a personal interview.

In addition, they review the student’s GPA and overall academic record. This is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs. Despite this, your education quality is the same as the LSAT counterpart. With an acceptance rate of 24%, your application must be exceptional for you to get in.

MSLAW offers day and evening programs, allowing students to acquire their degree while working full or part-time, raising a family, or attending other outside obligations.

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#7. Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law

Another one of the best schools that don’t accept LSAT is Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law. They announced their plans in 2017, almost exactly at the same time as Georgetown Law.

They pick who they accept to their program based on a combination. This may include your grade point average during your academic years, an intensive interviewing program, and other variables.

Visit Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law.

#8. California School of Law

There is no LSAT requirement for admission to the California School of Law online law school. Applicants with a Bachelor’s or Associates’s Degree or 60 college units are eligible for admission. There are just a handful of schools that don’t accept LSAT. However, the California School of Law is ready to provide the opportunity to everyone who meets the law school’s Admissions-Standards with legal education.

Tuition is $3,000 every trimester and $9,000 per year. They also offer payment plans to assist you with your tuition. It is one of the best Law schools that doesn’t require LSAT in 2024.

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#9. Irvine School of Law

Students in the College of Law get the traditional academic education of a Juris Doctor (JD) program. Their curriculum is broad. It includes both required and elective classes to provide students with a solid understanding of the law. Irvine school of law is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs.

The JD program focuses on today’s most common legal issues. The faculty members come from various professional backgrounds, including corporate law, private practice, government, and law enforcement. The College of Law provides a part-time law degree program to accommodate students and working professionals.

The JD program’s academic requirements are demanding. 89% of law school graduates get jobs way faster than most other law schools.

Visit Irvine School of Law

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#10. Jacksonville University College of Law

Jacksonville University has sought big chances that have created waves of good in the community for nearly a century. With public funding, JU’s College of Law will satisfy a critical need for quality legal education in northeast Florida. It also expands the pool of educated professionals and future leaders in the community. It is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs.

This school has small class sizes. It allows for individualized attention and externships with prestigious organizations. It also has convenient access to the City of Jacksonville’s best legal resources. Students in the College of Law have unique options to supplement their study with interdisciplinary graduate credentials.

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#11. Lincoln Law School of Sacramento

Since 1969, he has been a vital component of Sacramento’s legal community. With over 1,000 attorney alumni, Lincoln Law School offers excellent networking and employment prospects. In 1978, the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California gave Lincoln Law School of Sacramento accreditation. This was in recognition of the quality of our educational program.

Whether you want to advance your profession, seek your dream job, or boost your income, this school will help. Lincoln can assist you in developing a fulfilling career, representing your company, or even leading an organization. It is one of the best law schools that don’t take LSATs.

Visit Lincoln Law School of Sacramento

#12. Miles Law School

Concerned about the paucity of minority lawyers, visionary leaders saw the need for a law school. They sought the edition of lawyers dedicated to public service and social justice. This is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024.

In the early 1970s, Miles College President W. Clyde Williams. The school has an acceptance rate of 45%. The school accepts high school transcripts and GRE scores for admission. You would also have to provide letters of recommendation and essays to get admitted.

Visit Miles Law School

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#13. Monterey College of Law

Monterey College of Law aims to deliver high-quality legal education in a community law school setting. Its graduates are committed to professional excellence, ethics, and community service. The goal of the MGC is to promote and use a constructive approach to conflict resolution and dispute resolution.

The Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California has accredited Monterey College of Law. They can now grant the Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree. The J.D. is a three to four-year (90-unit) typical U.S. graduate legal degree program. It is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024. 

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#14. Nashville School of Law

Nashville School of Law (NSL) is a private, non-profit law school founded in 1911. This law school provides a high-quality legal education at a low cost. Classes are only held at night. Most students enrolled in the School maintain full-time employment during their legal education.

The students value the option to study law while continuing to work in their current job and paying for school. It is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSATs.

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#15. Oak Brook College of Law

All laws have policies, which build on a true perspective. Oak Brook College of Law (BCL) teaches the philosophy of government and law. OBCL uses an online format.

This enables students to customize their education to their learning style within a defined framework. The flexible study schedule also allows students to seek internships in a legal sector of interest. It’d help improve the educational experience even more.

Visit Oak Brook College of Law

#16. Pacific Coast University School of Law

Pacific Coast University School of Law, should be at the top of your list if you are a working adult seeking a reputable, inexpensive evening law school in Southern California.

The classes are normally held from 6:30-10:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is one of the best law schools that don’t require the LSAT.

Since 1927, the magnificent campus in Long Beach, California, has taught hundreds of students from Orange and Los Angeles counties. Their graduates include practicing attorneys, legal leaders, and individuals who work in public service. They take pleasure in providing exceptional education delivered by skilled professors.

There is a tiny class size that sets them apart from the majority of law schools in the United States. Smaller classes of no more than 40 individuals provide a more intimate setting and allow for valuable one-on-one interaction.

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#17. Saint Francis School of Law

The vision of Saint Francis School of Law is to inspire and nurture a community of law students. Law students here commit to reaching their full potential in our global society. They become lawyers who will uphold, carry out, and preserve the integrity of the legal profession.

Saint Francis School of Law is one of the best law schools that don’t require LSAT in 2024. They provide students access to learning opportunities that promote student success and intellectual growth. You would enjoy a comprehensive legal education based on the principles of excellence through knowledge.

Visit Saint Francis School of Law

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Where can you Work After Attending Law Schools That Don’t Require LSATs

#1. Government

There will be different tasks and responsibilities depending on where the lawyer works. Government attorneys could be any of the following:

  • Prosecutors
  • Public defenders
  • Attorneys General from each state

Lawyers who work for the government can work for practically any government agency. This includes Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Internal Revenue Service.

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#2. Law Firm Attorneys

You may choose to work for well-known legal firms. Law firms select their attorneys based on the schools they attend and the experience they have. It does not matter whether you have an LSAT.

#3. In-House Counsel

In-house attorneys are those that work for a single client. Clients are often major organizations that require a go-to lawyer to be available for various in-house legal needs.

#4. Private Consultation (Solo Practitioners)

After gaining a few years of experience, you may start your own business. Instead of joining a firm as a partner, you can form your own or work as a solo practitioner.

#5. Academia

Not all lawyers who have a license to practice law will go on to become lawyers. Some lawyers continue their studies and pursue higher education in various areas of law. If you go in here, you can teach at law schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.

What are the highest-paid jobs for lawyers who attend law schools with LSAT?

#1. Trial Lawyers

Trial lawyers are among the highest-paid lawyers for people who went to law school without LSAT. The median compensation for trial lawyers in 2024 is $199,000.

#2. Intellectual Property Lawyers

Patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other profitable concepts are all protected by intellectual property laws. As technology advances, this is a rapidly growing law area that is statistically one of the most rewarding. The median annual salary for lawyers is over $137,000, with top earners earning up to $197,000 per year.

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#3. Tax Attorneys

When beginning a business or drafting contracts, consultants are frequently required. Tax attorneys earn decent salaries, even though their profession isn’t as glamorous as trial lawyers. As of 2024, the median annual salary was $209,000, with individuals earning as high as $250,000.

#4. Employment and Labour Attorneys

Employment and labor lawyers aim to maintain a fair and balanced relationship between employers and employees. They either represent the employers and management, or they represent the employees. As of 2024, the median income for an employment lawyer was $107,000, with some attorneys earning up to $205,000 per year or more.

#5. Real Estate Attorneys

Real estate lawyers examine offers and contracts to ensure purchasers get a fair deal. They also work with sellers to ensure that everything is fair. The typical income is $104,000, and these lawyers can earn up to $245,000 per year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take the LSAT in preparation for the fall of 2024?

Due to the rolling admissions process, applicants should apply by September or October for the best chance of admission. Applicants should take the LSAT by August or September to receive scores by then.

What is the lowest LSAT score that schools accept?

The lowest scores of LSAT scores are between 153-178. It also depends on the school you have applied for.

What school accepts both LSAT and GRE?

There a number are of schools that accept both LSAT and GRE. An example is Harvard University. The school accepts either the LSAT or GRE.

What is the lowest LSAT score that Harvard will accept?

Although no “cutoff” LSAT score is required for admission to Harvard Law School, Harvard only admits a small percentage of its applicants. As a result, an LSAT score of 170 or higher is likely required for admission to Harvard Law School.

Can you go into law school without taking the LSAT?

Yes. Most schools no longer require LSAT scores for admission and would instead accept GRE scores as an alternative. Several law schools now accept either the LSAT or the GRE. However, the LSAT remains the most important test for legal admissions.

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Conclusion

Now that you know the best law schools that don’t require LSAT, there are other factors you should know. You cannot retake the LSAT if you receive an unfavorable score. You will also be at a disadvantage for law schools that accept students under a “rolling admissions” policy.

Make sure you research to verify that the law school you picked does not accept the LSAT. Also, ensure you have all the necessary documents for the school.

References

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