Law Schools in Georgia
University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia School of Law, located in Athens, Georgia, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States. Established in 1859, the law school is part of the University of Georgia and is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus. The law school offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on public service and experiential learning.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Georgia School of Law is consistently ranked among the top 30 law schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school has an enrollment of approximately 600 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of around 7:1.
Degrees Offered
The University of Georgia School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, Master of Laws (LL.M.), and a Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.). It also offers several dual degree programs, including JD/MBA and JD/MPA.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Georgia School of Law is around 20%, reflecting its highly competitive admissions process.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for admitted students is approximately 165.
Famous Alumni
- Carl Sanders – Former Governor of Georgia.
- Sally Yates – Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General.
- Erin Andrews – Sportscaster and television personality.
- Sonny Perdue – Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Georgia.
- Jason Carter – Former Georgia State Senator and grandson of President Jimmy Carter.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- King & Spalding LLP
- Alston & Bird LLP
- Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
- Delta Air Lines, Inc.
- Coca-Cola Company
Emory University School of Law
Emory University School of Law, located in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1916. It is known for its innovative curriculum, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study. The law school is part of Emory University, a leading research university, and offers a wide range of legal specializations and joint degree programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern law library and moot courtrooms.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Emory University School of Law is typically ranked within the top 30 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school has an enrollment of about 800 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of around 9:1.
Degrees Offered
Emory Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), and several joint degree programs, including JD/MBA, JD/MDiv, and JD/MPH.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Emory Law is approximately 29%, indicating a competitive admissions process.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 165.
Famous Alumni
- Robert W. Woodruff – Former President of The Coca-Cola Company.
- Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Leila Janah – Social entrepreneur and founder of Samasource.
- Jane Fonda – Actress and political activist (attended but did not graduate).
- David J. Bederman – Renowned legal scholar and professor.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- King & Spalding LLP
- Alston & Bird LLP
- Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
- Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Georgia State University College of Law
Georgia State University College of Law, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, was established in 1982. The law school is known for its strong focus on practical skills training, public service, and its affordability. Georgia State Law is part of Georgia State University, a major public research university. The law school’s urban location provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, externships, and networking.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Georgia State University College of Law is typically ranked within the top 100 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school has an enrollment of about 650 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of around 10:1.
Degrees Offered
Georgia State Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, Master of Laws (LL.M.), and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ). It also provides several joint degree programs, including JD/MBA and JD/MPH.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Georgia State Law is approximately 32%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 158.
Famous Alumni
- John Lewis – Civil rights leader and former U.S. Representative.
- Kasim Reed – Former Mayor of Atlanta.
- Stacey Abrams – Politician and voting rights activist.
- Keisha Lance Bottoms – Former Mayor of Atlanta.
- Alexis Scott – Former publisher of the Atlanta Daily World.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- King & Spalding LLP
- Alston & Bird LLP
- Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
- Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Mercer University School of Law
Mercer University School of Law, located in Macon, Georgia, was established in 1873. It is one of the oldest law schools in the country and is known for its strong emphasis on ethics and professionalism. Mercer Law is part of Mercer University and offers a supportive and close-knit learning environment. The law school is housed in a historic building with modern amenities, including a comprehensive law library and moot courtrooms.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Mercer University School of Law is typically ranked within the top 150 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The law school has an enrollment of about 400 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of around 8:1.
Degrees Offered
Mercer Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Federal Criminal Practice and Procedure. It also provides several joint degree programs, including JD/MBA and JD/M.Div.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Mercer Law is approximately 47%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 153.
Famous Alumni
- Roy Barnes – Former Governor of Georgia.
- Sam Nunn – Former U.S. Senator from Georgia.
- Cathy Cox – President of Georgia College & State University and former Georgia Secretary of State.
- H. N. Tindall – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
- Robert Benham – First African American Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- King & Spalding LLP
- Alston & Bird LLP
- Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
- Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Savannah Law School (Closed)
Savannah Law School was a private, for-profit law school located in Savannah, Georgia. It was established in 2012 as a branch of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment, Savannah Law School closed in 2018. Despite its brief existence, the school contributed to the local legal community and provided legal education opportunities to its students.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Savannah Law School was not ranked by U.S. News & World Report due to its unaccredited status.
Number of Students
At its peak, Savannah Law School had an enrollment of about 200 students.
Degrees Offered
Savannah Law School offered a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and several certificate programs in various areas of law.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Savannah Law School varied but was generally around 60%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students was around 148.
Famous Alumni
Given its short existence, Savannah Law School did not have a long list of notable alumni. However, many of its graduates went on to successful legal careers in the region.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Chatham County Public Defender’s Office
- Savannah District Attorney’s Office
- HunterMaclean
- Bouhan Falligant LLP
- Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP
These descriptions provide a comprehensive overview of the law schools in Georgia, detailing their rankings, student demographics, degree offerings, acceptance rates, LSAT scores, notable alumni, and top hiring companies.