Are you considering attending law school in Georgia? If so, you’ll want to know which schools are ranked the highest. According to the 2023 law school rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Georgia’s top five law schools are the University of Georgia School of Law, Emory University School of Law, Georgia State University College of Law, Mercer University School of Law, and John Marshall Law School.
Reports from the Georgia law school ranking show that; the University of Georgia, School of Law, is ranked as the top law school in Georgia for the third year. It is also ranked as the 24th best law school in the country. Emory University School of Law is ranked as the second-best law school in Georgia and the 23rd best law school in the United States. Georgia State University College of Law is ranked as the third-best law school in Georgia and the 59th best law school in the country. Mercer University School of Law and John Marshall School round out Georgia’s top five law schools.
Understanding Law School Ranking Methodology
If you’re considering law school in Georgia, you’ll want to know which schools are the best. One way to determine this is by looking at law school rankings. However, it’s important to understand how these rankings are determined before making decisions.
The most well-known law school ranking system is the U.S. News & World Report ranking. This ranking considers academic reputation, employment outcomes, and student selectivity.
The methodology used by U.S. News & World Report is based on a weighted average of several factors. These factors include:
- Quality Assessment (40%)
- Placement Success (20%)
- Student Selectivity (25%)
- Faculty Resources (10%)
- Financial Resources (5%)
The Quality Assessment is based on surveys of law school deans, professors, and judges. Placement Success is determined by the percentage of graduates who obtain full-time, long-term jobs that require bar passage within 10 months of graduation. Student Selectivity is based on median LSAT scores, median undergraduate GPAs, and acceptance rates. Faculty Resources consider the student-to-faculty ratio, the percentage of full-time faculty, and the library resources available to students. Finally, Financial Resources are determined by the per-student spending of the law school.
It’s important to remember that law school rankings are not the only factor you should consider when choosing a law school. Other factors to consider include location, cost, and the specific programs and opportunities each school offers. However, understanding the methodology behind law school rankings can help you decide which schools to apply to and attend.
Overview of Top 5 Georgia Law Schools
You’re in luck if you’re looking for a top-notch legal education in Georgia. Georgia has several highly ranked law schools that can provide an excellent legal education. Here’s a brief overview of the top 5 law schools in Georgia for 2023:
1. University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia School of Law is the top-ranked law school in Georgia, according to U.S. News & World Report. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and excellent career services. With an acceptance rate of 19.72%, the University of Georgia School of Law is highly selective. Still, it’s worth applying if you’re looking for a top-tier legal education.
2. Emory University School of Law
Emory University School of Law is another highly ranked law school in Georgia. With an acceptance rate of 26.71%, Emory is more accessible than the University of Georgia but still offers a rigorous legal education. Emory is known for its strong health law, intellectual property law, and public interest law programs.
3. Georgia State University College of Law
Georgia State University College of Law is a public law school in downtown Atlanta. With an acceptance rate of 42.19%, Georgia State is the most accessible of the top 5 law schools in Georgia. Despite its relatively low acceptance rate, Georgia State offers an excellent legal education, particularly in health, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
4. Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law is a private law school in Macon, Georgia. With an acceptance rate of 56.56%, Mercer is the most accessible of the private law schools in Georgia. Mercer is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong legal writing and advocacy programs.
5. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is a private law school in downtown Atlanta. With an acceptance rate of 70.20%, Atlanta’s John Marshall is the most accessible of the law schools in Georgia. The school is known for its strong criminal law, civil rights law, and dispute resolution programs.
Georgia has several excellent law schools that can provide you with a top-notch legal education. Whether you’re interested in public interest law, health law, intellectual property law, or any other area of law, you’re sure to find a program that meets your needs in Georgia.
Detailed Analysis of Each Law School
University of Georgia School of Law
The University of Georgia School of Law is the top-ranked law school in Georgia for 2023. Located in Athens, Georgia, this law school offers a wide range of programs for students looking to pursue a career in law. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world legal practice, and the faculty are experienced legal professionals committed to providing students with the best possible education.
The University of Georgia School of Law offers full-time programs for students who want to complete their law degree in three years. The school also offers part-time programs for students who want to continue working while pursuing their law degree. The curriculum includes courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, among others.
Emory University School of Law
Emory University School of Law is another top-ranked law school in Georgia. Located in Atlanta, this law school offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a career in law. The faculty are experienced legal professionals committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
Emory University School of Law offers full-time and part-time programs for students. The curriculum includes courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, among others. The school also offers a wide range of clinical programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world legal practice.
Georgia State University College of Law
Georgia State University College of Law is a top-ranked law school in Georgia that offers a wide range of programs for students looking to pursue a career in law. Located in Atlanta, this law school has a diverse student body and a faculty of experienced legal professionals.
Georgia State University College of Law offers full-time and part-time programs for students. The curriculum includes courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, among others. The school also offers a wide range of clinical programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world legal practice.
Mercer University School of Law
Mercer University School of Law is a top-ranked law school in Georgia that offers a wide range of programs for students seeking a law career. Located in Macon, Georgia, this law school has a faculty of experienced legal professionals committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
Mercer University School of Law offers full-time and part-time programs for students. The curriculum includes courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, among others. The school also offers a wide range of clinical programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world legal practice.
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is a top-ranked law school in Georgia that offers a wide range of programs for students seeking a law career. Located in Atlanta, this law school has a faculty of experienced legal professionals committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School offers full-time and part-time programs for students. The curriculum includes courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts, among others. The school also offers a wide range of clinical programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world legal practice.
Overall, each law school offers a rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. Whether you want to pursue a law career in Georgia or elsewhere, these law schools are an excellent choice.
Comparison with National Top Law Schools
If you’re considering attending a law school in Georgia, you may wonder how the state’s top law schools compare to some of the top law schools in the country. Here’s a brief comparison of Georgia’s top law schools with some of the most highly-ranked law schools in the nation.
University of Georgia vs. National Top Law Schools
The University of Georgia, School of Law, is the top-ranked law school in Georgia, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings. However, it ranks lower than some of the most highly-ranked law schools in the country, such as Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and the University of Chicago Law School.
Emory University vs. National Top Law Schools
Emory University School of Law is another highly-ranked law school in Georgia, but it also ranks lower than some of the most prestigious law schools in the country. For example, it ranks lower than the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Yale Law School, and Columbia Law School.
Georgia State University vs. National Top Law Schools
Georgia State University College of Law is another top law school in Georgia, but it ranks lower than many of the most highly-ranked law schools in the nation. For example, it ranks lower than the University of Virginia School of Law, the University of Michigan Law School, and the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
Mercer University vs. National Top Law Schools
Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law is also a highly-ranked law school in Georgia, but it ranks lower than many of the most prestigious law schools in the country. For example, it ranks lower than the Duke University School of Law, the Vanderbilt University Law School, and the Notre Dame Law School.
Georgia Law Schools vs. National Top Law Schools: Final Thoughts
While Georgia’s top law schools are highly regarded, they generally rank lower than some of the most prestigious law schools in the country. However, it’s important to remember that rankings aren’t everything and that attending a law school that fits your needs and interests is ultimately more important than attending a highly-ranked law school.
Understanding Tuition and Other Costs
When choosing a law school, cost is one of the most important factors. Tuition and other expenses can vary widely from school to school, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before you make a decision.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are the most obvious costs associated with attending law school. In Georgia, tuition and fees can range from around $36,000 to over $64,000 per year, depending on your chosen school. Emory University School of Law has the highest tuition and fees at $64,504, while Georgia State University College of Law has the lowest at $36,810.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
If you’re a Georgia resident, you can save money on tuition by attending a school in-state. Most law schools offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, so it’s worth considering if you want to save money.
Other Costs
In addition to tuition and fees, there are several other costs to consider when attending law school. These may include:
- Housing and living expenses
- Textbooks and other course materials
- Transportation
- Health insurance
Considering these additional costs when considering the overall cost of attending law school is important.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many law schools offer scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses. It’s important to research your options and apply for any scholarships or financial aid programs you may be eligible for.
Choosing the Right School
Ultimately, the cost of attending law school is just one factor to consider when choosing the right school for you. It’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits of attending each school, such as the quality of the faculty, the reputation of the school, and the opportunities for internships and other practical experiences. You can decide which law school best fits you by carefully considering these factors.
Admission Criteria and Enrollment
You must meet certain criteria to gain admission to one of Georgia’s top 5 law schools in 2023. The admission process is highly competitive, so putting your best foot forward is essential. Here are some of the admission criteria and enrollment information to keep in mind:
- LSAT scores: Law schools in Georgia significantly emphasize LSAT scores. You must score well on this standardized test to be considered for admission. The median LSAT score for the J.D. Class of 2025 at the University of Georgia School of Law is 168, which is a record high. Other top law schools in Georgia also require high LSAT scores for admission.
- Undergraduate GPA: Your undergraduate GPA is also important in the admission process. The J.D. Class of 2025 at the University of Georgia School of Law has a median undergraduate GPA of 3.87, which is another record high. Other top law schools in Georgia also look for students with strong academic records.
- Full-time enrollment: Most law schools in Georgia offer full-time programs that take three years to complete. You will need to commit to full-time enrollment to complete your law degree. Part-time programs are also available at some schools, but they typically take longer to complete.
- Enrollment size: Enrollment sizes at law schools in Georgia vary. For example, the University of Georgia School of Law has an enrollment of approximately 600 students, while Georgia State University College of Law has approximately 800 students.
- Other factors: In addition to LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA, law schools in Georgia consider other factors such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and work experience when making admission decisions.
Gaining admission to one of the top 5 law schools in Georgia in 2023 requires a combination of factors, including strong academic performance, high LSAT scores, and a compelling application. If you are committed to pursuing a career in law, it is worth putting in the effort to meet these criteria and secure a spot at one of Georgia’s top law schools.
Job Placement and Employment Rate
When choosing a law school, the graduates’ job placement and employment rate are some of the most important factors to consider. After all, you want to be confident that you can land a job after spending years studying and working hard.
According to the University of Georgia School of Law’s employment statistics, 91.5% of the Class of 2021 secured employment within 10 months of graduation. This is a promising figure, indicating that the school successfully prepares its graduates for the job market.
It’s worth noting that the employment rate varies depending on the job the graduates seek. For example, 66.1% of the Class of 2021 secured jobs in law firms, while 16.4% secured clerkships. Government and public interest jobs were also popular among graduates, with 7.5% and 5.3% of the Class of 2021 securing jobs in these sectors, respectively.
In addition to the employment rate, it’s also important to consider the graduates’ starting salaries. According to the same employment statistics, the median starting salary for the Class of 2021 was $75,000. However, it’s important to remember that this figure varies depending on the type of job and the employment location.
The University of Georgia School of Law has a strong job placement and employment rate, with most graduates securing jobs in law firms and clerkships. If you’re looking to become a lawyer, attending a school with a high employment rate can give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed in your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 5 law schools in 2023?
According to the latest rankings by US News & World Report, the top 5 law schools in Georgia in 2023 are:
- University of Georgia School of Law
- Emory University School of Law
- Georgia State University College of Law
- Mercer University School of Law
- Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
What is the ranking of the University of Georgia Law School?
The University of Georgia School of Law is currently ranked as the top law school in Georgia by US News & World Report. It is also ranked #27 in the nation.
What is the average LSAT score for law school in 2023?
The average LSAT score for law school in 2023 varies by school. According to US News & World Report, the average LSAT score for the University of Georgia School of Law is 164. At the same time, Emory University School of Law has an average LSAT score of 166.
What is the cheapest law school in Georgia?
Tuition and fees for law school can vary widely depending on the school. According to Best Value Schools, the cheapest law school in Georgia is Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, with an estimated annual tuition of around $22,000 for in-state students.
What is the #1 law school in Georgia?
The #1 law school in Georgia is currently the University of Georgia School of Law, according to US News & World Report.
What are the best law schools in the world?
The best law schools in the world can vary depending on rankings and criteria. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, the top three law schools in the world are:
- Harvard University
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
