Law Schools in Illinois
University of Chicago Law School
The University of Chicago Law School, located in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1902. It is one of the top law schools in the United States, known for its rigorous academic programs, influential faculty, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study. The Law School is renowned for its distinctive approach to legal education, often referred to as the “Chicago School” of legal thought, which emphasizes economic and empirical analysis of law. The University of Chicago Law School provides students with a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with practical experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #3 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 650 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 18%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 171.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- John Paul Stevens – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- David Rubenstein – Co-founder of The Carlyle Group.
- Abner Mikva – Former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
- Lawrence Lessig – Professor and political activist.
- Valerie Jarrett – Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- U.S. Department of Justice
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1859. It is one of the oldest law schools in the United States and is known for its innovative curriculum, strong emphasis on practical training, and commitment to public service. Northwestern Law offers a variety of specialized programs, including business law, international law, and technology law. The school’s location in downtown Chicago provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Northwestern Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #9 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 800 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
- Master of Science in Law (MSL)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 22%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 169.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Adlai Stevenson II – Former Governor of Illinois and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
- Newton Minow – Former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
- Jerry Springer – Television personality and former Mayor of Cincinnati.
- Richard Posner – Former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
- John Paul Stevens – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- Jenner & Block LLP
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
University of Illinois College of Law
The University of Illinois College of Law, located in Champaign, Illinois, was established in 1897. It is part of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a major public research university. The College of Law is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to public service, and vibrant campus life. The school offers a variety of specialized programs, including business law, intellectual property law, and international law. The University of Illinois College of Law provides students with a comprehensive legal education, combining theoretical foundations with practical experience through its clinics, externships, and moot court competitions.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #35 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 500 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 37%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 162.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Albert E. Jenner Jr. – Co-founder of Jenner & Block LLP.
- Jesse White – Illinois Secretary of State.
- Kevin Anderson – Former Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah.
- Philip G. Reinhard – Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Laurel Bellows – Former President of the American Bar Association.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Mayer Brown LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1908. It is part of Loyola University Chicago, a private Jesuit institution. The school is known for its strong emphasis on social justice, public interest law, and practical training. Loyola Law offers a variety of specialized programs, including health law, child law, and international law. The school’s location in downtown Chicago provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Loyola Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #73 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 800 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
- Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 43%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 159.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Tom Dart – Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois.
- Patricia Banks – Cook County Circuit Court Judge.
- William M. Daley – Former White House Chief of Staff.
- Anne Burke – Illinois Supreme Court Justice.
- Abner Mikva – Former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Winston & Strawn LLP
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
DePaul University College of Law
DePaul University College of Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1912. It is part of DePaul University, a private Catholic institution. The school is known for its strong commitment to public service, diversity, and practical training. DePaul Law offers a variety of specialized programs, including health law, intellectual property law, and international law. The school’s location in downtown Chicago provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. DePaul Law is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #105 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 700 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 49%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 155.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Richard J. Daley – Former Mayor of Chicago.
- Michael Madigan – Former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
- Anne M. Burke – Illinois Supreme Court Justice.
- Patricia O’Brien – Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Karen Yarbrough – Cook County Clerk.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Winston & Strawn LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1888. It is part of the Illinois Institute of Technology and is known for its strong emphasis on technology law, intellectual property law, and practical training. Chicago-Kent offers a variety of specialized programs, including labor and employment law, environmental law, and international law. The school’s location in downtown Chicago provides students with access to a vibrant legal market and numerous professional opportunities. Chicago-Kent is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #94 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 750 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 45%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 157.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- William J. Bauer – Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
- Lori Lightfoot – Mayor of Chicago.
- Ilana Rovner – Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
- Abraham Lincoln Marovitz – Former Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Laura Liu – Former Judge of the Illinois Appellate Court.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Winston & Strawn LLP
- Sidley Austin LLP
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
Southern Illinois University School of Law
Southern Illinois University School of Law, located in Carbondale, Illinois, was established in 1972. It is part of Southern Illinois University and is known for its strong emphasis on public service, practical training, and rural law. SIU Law offers a variety of specialized programs, including health law, environmental law, and international law. The school’s location in Carbondale provides students with a supportive and close-knit community, as well as numerous opportunities for hands-on legal experience. SIU Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #147-193 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 60%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 151.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Sheila Simon – Former Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.
- Gary Forby – Former Illinois State Senator.
- Patrick Murphy – Cook County Public Guardian.
- David R. Herndon – Former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
- Michael J. Reagan – Former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
- Illinois Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- St. Louis County Public Defender’s Office
Northern Illinois University College of Law
Northern Illinois University College of Law, located in DeKalb, Illinois, was established in 1975. It is part of Northern Illinois University and is known for its strong emphasis on public service, practical training, and community engagement. NIU Law offers a variety of specialized programs, including health law, international law, and public interest law. The school’s location in DeKalb provides students with a supportive and close-knit community, as well as numerous opportunities for hands-on legal experience. NIU Law is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, attracting students from various backgrounds.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Ranked #147-193 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
Number of Students
Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the JD program.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 50%.
Average LSAT Score
Median LSAT score is 150.
5 Famous Alumni and Who They Are
- Ted Stevens – Former U.S. Senator from Alaska.
- Mark R. Filip – Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General.
- David H. Coar – Former U.S. District Judge.
- Melissa Bean – Former U.S. Representative from Illinois.
- Patricia M. Logue – Pioneering LGBT rights attorney.
Names of Top 5 Companies or Organizations That Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- Prairie State Legal Services
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office
- Cook County Public Defender’s Office