Law Schools in Massachusetts
Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1817, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the world. The law school is part of Harvard University and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, influential faculty, and extensive alumni network. Harvard Law School offers a diverse curriculum with numerous specializations, including constitutional law, international law, and corporate law. The school’s large campus features historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, including the largest academic law library in the world.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Harvard Law School is ranked #4 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Harvard Law School has approximately 1,990 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPP, JD/MPH, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Harvard Law School is approximately 12%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Harvard Law School is around 173.
Famous Alumni
- Barack Obama – 44th President of the United States
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Elena Kagan – Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
- Mitt Romney – U.S. Senator and former Governor of Massachusetts
- Merrick Garland – U.S. Attorney General
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Goldman Sachs
Boston University School of Law
Boston University School of Law is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1872, it is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. The law school is part of Boston University and is known for its excellent faculty, innovative curriculum, and strong emphasis on experiential learning. BU Law offers a wide range of specializations, including health law, intellectual property law, and international law. The school’s location in Boston provides students with access to a vibrant legal community and numerous professional opportunities.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Boston University School of Law is ranked #20 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Boston University School of Law has approximately 850 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPH, JD/MS, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Boston University School of Law is approximately 25%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Boston University School of Law is around 166.
Famous Alumni
- Edward Brooke – Former U.S. Senator
- Jerry Springer – Television Personality and Former Mayor of Cincinnati
- Howard Zinn – Historian and Social Activist
- Barbara Jordan – Former U.S. Representative
- David E. Kelley – Television Producer and Writer
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Ropes & Gray LLP
- Goodwin Procter LLP
- WilmerHale
- Liberty Mutual
- Foley Hoag LLP
Boston College Law School
Boston College Law School is located in Newton, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. Established in 1929, it is part of Boston College, a Jesuit Catholic university known for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice. BC Law offers a rigorous curriculum with a strong focus on public interest law, environmental law, and business law. The law school emphasizes experiential learning through its various clinics, externships, and moot court programs. The campus features modern facilities and provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Boston College Law School is ranked #29 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Boston College Law School has approximately 750 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MSW, JD/MPP, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Boston College Law School is approximately 31%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Boston College Law School is around 164.
Famous Alumni
- John Kerry – Former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Senator
- Michael Capuano – Former U.S. Representative
- Margaret H. Marshall – Former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Roderick Ireland – Former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Jared Genser – International Human Rights Lawyer
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Latham & Watkins LLP
- Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- Deloitte
Northeastern University School of Law
Northeastern University School of Law is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1898, it is known for its unique cooperative legal education program, which integrates classroom study with professional work experiences. The law school is part of Northeastern University and emphasizes public interest law, social justice, and experiential learning. Students complete multiple co-op placements during their studies, gaining practical skills and professional connections. The school’s location in Boston provides access to a diverse legal community and numerous opportunities for internships and employment.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Northeastern University School of Law is ranked #73 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Northeastern University School of Law has approximately 600 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPH, JD/MS, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Northeastern University School of Law is approximately 45%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Northeastern University School of Law is around 159.
Famous Alumni
- Mo Cowan – Former U.S. Senator
- Deval Patrick – Former Governor of Massachusetts
- Laurel Richie – Former President of the WNBA
- John T. Broderick Jr. – Former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court
- Donna Morea – Former President of CGI Technologies and Solutions
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Mintz Levin
- Ropes & Gray LLP
- Greater Boston Legal Services
- Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
- Foley Hoag LLP
Suffolk University Law School
Suffolk University Law School is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1906, it is one of the largest law schools in the United States. The law school is part of Suffolk University and offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on practical skills and professional development. Suffolk Law provides numerous experiential learning opportunities, including clinics, externships, and moot court programs. The school is known for its accessibility and commitment to diversity, providing opportunities for students from various backgrounds to succeed in the legal profession.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Suffolk University Law School is ranked #122 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Suffolk University Law School has approximately 1,200 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPA, JD/MS, etc.)
- Certificate Programs (Legal Innovation and Technology, Health and Biomedical Law, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Suffolk University Law School is approximately 60%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Suffolk University Law School is around 153.
Famous Alumni
- John F. Tierney – Former U.S. Representative
- Elin Hilderbrand – Bestselling Author
- William Bulger – Former President of the Massachusetts Senate
- Nancy Gertner – Former Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Thomas Menino – Former Mayor of Boston
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- WilmerHale
- Goodwin Procter LLP
- Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Foley & Lardner LLP
New England Law | Boston
New England Law | Boston is located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1908 as the only law school exclusively for women, it became coeducational in 1938. The law school is independent and offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on practical skills and experiential learning. New England Law is known for its supportive community, personalized attention, and commitment to public interest law. The school provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through its clinics, externships, and pro bono programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
New England Law | Boston is ranked #147-193 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
New England Law | Boston has approximately 600 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPP, JD/MPH, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for New England Law | Boston is approximately 65%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at New England Law | Boston is around 150.
Famous Alumni
- Margaret Marshall – Former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Stephen Kurkjian – Pulitzer Prize-winning Investigative Journalist
- Tom Reilly – Former Massachusetts Attorney General
- Marian Ryan – Middlesex County District Attorney
- James Sokolove – Founder of Sokolove Law, a national personal injury law firm
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- WilmerHale
- Goodwin Procter LLP
- Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
- Liberty Mutual
- Boston Municipal Court
Western New England University School of Law
Western New England University School of Law is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1919, it is part of Western New England University. The law school is known for its emphasis on practical skills, access to experiential learning opportunities, and commitment to public service. The school offers a supportive community and individualized attention, fostering an environment where students can thrive. The law school’s location in Springfield provides access to a diverse legal community and numerous opportunities for professional development.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Western New England University School of Law is ranked #147-193 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
Western New England University School of Law has approximately 400 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MSW, JD/MRP, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Western New England University School of Law is approximately 60%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at Western New England University School of Law is around 151.
Famous Alumni
- Peter J. Koutoujian – Sheriff of Middlesex County, Massachusetts
- Brian Lees – Former Massachusetts State Senator
- Karen McGovern – Judge, Massachusetts District Court
- Christopher A. Iannella Jr. – Commissioner, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
- Michael A. Delaney – Former Attorney General of New Hampshire
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Massachusetts State Government
- Connecticut Judicial Branch
- Massachusetts District Courts
- Springfield City Hall
- Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth
The University of Massachusetts School of Law, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is the only public law school in the state. Established in 2010, it is part of the University of Massachusetts system and offers an affordable, high-quality legal education with a focus on public service and social justice. The school is committed to providing access to legal education for students from diverse backgrounds and emphasizes practical training through clinics, externships, and pro bono opportunities. UMass Law aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled lawyers but also community leaders.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth is ranked #147-193 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
The University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth has approximately 325 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPP, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth is approximately 55%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students at the University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth is around 150.
Famous Alumni
- Christopher Markey – Massachusetts State Representative
- Joanne M. Ferreira – Judge, Massachusetts District Court
- Mark G. Mastroianni – Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Gina L. DeRossi – Register of Probate, Bristol County, Massachusetts
- Michael Rodrigues – Massachusetts State Senator
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- Bristol County District Attorney’s Office
- Massachusetts Public Defender’s Office
- Massachusetts Trial Courts
- Massachusetts Department of Revenue
- KPMG
New England School of Law – Boston (merged with Suffolk University)
New England School of Law, located in Boston, Massachusetts, merged with Suffolk University and is now part of Suffolk University Law School. The law school was founded in 1908 and has a rich history of providing quality legal education with a focus on practical skills and experiential learning. The merger has enhanced the school’s resources and opportunities for students, making it a more robust institution. The law school offers a variety of programs and specializations, emphasizing public service, social justice, and professional development.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The law school, now part of Suffolk University Law School, maintains Suffolk’s ranking of #122 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Schools rankings.
Number of Students
The combined institution has approximately 1,200 students enrolled in its programs.
Degrees Offered
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Joint Degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MPA, JD/MS, etc.)
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Suffolk University Law School, including the merged New England School of Law, is approximately 60%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 153.
Famous Alumni
- William Bulger – Former President of the Massachusetts Senate
- John F. Tierney – Former U.S. Representative
- Elin Hilderbrand – Bestselling Author
- Nancy Gertner – Former Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Thomas Menino – Former Mayor of Boston
Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates
- WilmerHale
- Goodwin Procter LLP
- Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Foley & Lardner LLP
