8 Best Law Schools in Texas

8 Best Law Schools in Texas (2024 Updated)

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re thinking about going to a law school. And surely, that very thought and possible decision for your future career path might be scary. Law schools are intimidating by themselves, and to think that it might take years for you to even complete the basic law education can affect your decision.

However, if you’re truly passionate about law study, then you’re probably not intimidated and already made peace with the future that expects you. Nevertheless, choosing the right law school is still a challenge. There are numerous factors to be observed and evaluated.

For this article, we’ve decided to present you with some of the best law schools in Texas. Whether you’re a state resident or out-of-state student, law schools in Texas are definitely something you might want to consider. Texas law schools have been, traditionally, yet again proclaimed as the best ones in the country.

So, in the following paragraphs, we’re going to take a look at the crème de la crème of the law schools in Texas, as well as all the information a student might want to know. But, before we begin, here are some guidelines when evaluating a law school and the things you should be looking for;

  • It is essential you check the admission requirements for each and particular law school you’re thinking of applying to; submitting the proper documentation is key for a successful application and admission success as well.
  • Make sure to work on your LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and GPA scores on time; these scores might be one of the most important aspects of your application. Both scores require prior preparation; some students start even months before the test.
  • Make sure to check the degrees and programs a law school is offering to the students. See if what is offered fits your future career path.
  • It is essential you know the location of your law school, and where is it that you want to practice law. In this case, if you want to practice and study law in Texas, then you’re at the right place.
  • Before applying, make sure to check the acceptance rate and the total student enrollment numbers. This will paint a picture of what you can expect in regards to your acceptance.
  • It is also very important for you to know the average cost of the law school per year, and how the cost applies to the in-state and out-of-state residents and students.

4 Best Law Schools in Texas: Detailed Reviews

Southern Methodist University – Dedman School of Law

  • Admission Requirements – average LSAT score (161), average GPA score (3.63), electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), CAS report, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, resume, certified undergraduate and law school transcripts (for graduate programs), TOEFL or IELTS (for international applicants).
  • Acceptance Rate – 42%
  • Total School Enrollment – 900
  • Degree Programs – Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science degree programs, joint-degree programs (J.D./M.A.) in Economics and a J.D./M.B.A.
  • Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic advising and assistance, Bar exam preparation and assistance, disability accommodations, success strategies, career services, medical care, safety services and sexual misconduct poilicies/prevention/resources, sports engagement, etc.
  • Financial Aid – Emergency loans (Emergency Loan Fund), financial aid services, MAX Program.
  • Average Cost – $51,096 per year, full-time, for in-state students/residents
  • Location of Campus – Dallas, Texas 75205 (3315 Daniel Ave)

The SMU Dedman School of Law is quite famous and definitely one of the best law schools not only in Texas but in the US as a whole. The quality of education at this law school is exceptional, as the students are offered numerous law programs that tackle many different areas of law.

The Dedman School of Law is one of the go-to law schools, and currently ranks at the 52nd place in the US News and World Report, 3rd place in Law Street Media, and is in the top 30 best law schools by SSRN (Social Science Research Network).

In 2014, the Dedman School of Law was ranked 1st place in regards to Texas law schools’ placement for permanent jobs requiring bar exam passage.

Overall, on average, 80% of Dedman School of Law graduates obtain full employment up to one year after graduation. These are just some of the factors that contribute to this school being one of the best, even almost 90 years after it was established.

Baylor Law University

  • Admission Requirements – average LSAT score (160), average GPA score (3.53), electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), CAS report, personal statement, addenda (academic background), resume, certified undergraduate and law school transcripts (for graduate programs), TOEFL or IELTS (for international applicants), other considerations.
  • Acceptance Rate – 30%
  • Total School Enrollment – 381
  • Degree Programs – Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Healthcare Administration, Doctor of Juridical Science degree programs, joint-degree programs (J.D./M.A.) in Taxation, Public Policy and Administration, and Divinity, as well as J.D./M.B.A.
  • Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic services and assistance, Bar exam preparation and assistance, career services, medical care, Baylor Immigration Clinic, safety services, etc.
  • Financial Aid – FAFSA application, Emergency loans (Emergency Loan Fund), financial aid services by the Baylor University, scholarships, veteran’s aid, Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans, graduate PLUS loans, College Access loans, Federal Work-Study.
  • Average Cost – $62,435 per year, full-time, for in-state students/residents
  • Location of Campus – Waco, Texas 76706 (1114 S University Parks Dr)

Affiliated with Baylor University, the Baylor School of Law is one of the oldest and best law schools in Texas. The quality of education at this law school is outstanding. There are programs and training in seemingly all law fields, from legal writing, theoretical analysis to negotiation, advocacy, and other skills.

Currently, the Baylor School of Law ranks at the 48th place in regards to the best law schools in the US, and a few years ago, Above the Law ranked this law school at the 33rd place. An average of 67% of graduates obtain permanent, full-time employment within the first year after graduation.

The graduates that are not employed usually pursue additional degrees, or work in non-related or short-term law-related professions. It is essential to mention that the student body at the Baylor School of Law is probably the most competitive in the country, as informed by the Princeton Review.

Texas Law – The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

  • Admission Requirements – average LSAT score (167), average GPA score (3.73), baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), personal statement, two letters of recommendation, resume, certified undergraduate and law school transcripts (for graduate programs), TOEFL or IELTS (for international applicants).
  • Acceptance Rate – 22%
  • Total School Enrollment – 1005 (2018 statistics)
  • Degree Programs – Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science degree programs, joint-degree programs (J.D./M.A. and J.D./M.B.A), combined degree programs, experiential learning, and international programs.
  • Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic advising and assistance, Bar exam preparation and assistance, academic services, inclusion and community engagement services, student program coordination services, etc.
  • Financial Aid – Emergency loans (Emergency Loan Fund), financial aid services, MAX Program.
  • Average Cost – $35,715 (in-state) and full-time $53,035 (out-of-state)
  • Location of Campus – Austin, Texas 78705 (727 East Dean Keeton Street)

The UT School of Law is a law school that has been at the very top for several years now. It is surely one of the best law schools in Texas, and the country too. As an exceptional, professional graduate school, the UT School of Law has a relatively strict acceptance rate, and the admission cycle sees thousands of applicants from all around the country and even world.

The student body at this law school is surely quite competitive and for a reason. Currently, the UT School of Law ranks at 16th place in regards to best law schools in the US. The database also shows that the UT School of Law graduates (90% of them), find regular, full-time, long-term employment within 10 to 12 months after graduation.

Moreover, the average salary for a UT School of Law graduate exceeds $130,000 annually. The graduates are usually employed by law firms, the government, judicial clerkships, etc.

University of Houston Law Center – A nationally ranked Texas law school

  • Admission Requirements – average LSAT score (159), average GPA score (3.54), baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), personal statement, recent score on LSAT, registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), two letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, certified undergraduate and law school transcripts (for graduate programs), TOEFL or IELTS (for international applicants), Immigration documents (for international applicants).
  • Acceptance Rate – 39%
  • Total School Enrollment – 775
  • Degree Programs – Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science degree programs, joint-degree programs (J.D./M.A. and J.D./M.B.A), joint Canadian and US Energy law degrees, combined degree programs.
  • Student Support Services – Student Affairs, academic advising and assistance, Bar exam preparation and assistance, academic services, etc.
  • Financial Aid – Emergency loans (Emergency Loan Fund), financial aid services, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA), loan support.
  • Average Cost – full-time: $32,093 (in-state); full-time: $47,128 (out-of-state); part-time: $22,064 (in-state); and part-time: $32,249 (out-of-state)
  • Location of Campus – Houston, Texas 77004 (4604 Calhoun Rd)

Affiliated with the University of Houston, the UT Law Center is another exceptional law school on this list. Of course, considered to be one of the best law schools in the country, the UT Law Center has a strict acceptance rate and admission requirements.

For that reason, this law school currently ranks at the 59th position of the best law schools in the country, with the acceptance rate of 39% and the Bar exam pass rate of 87%. The competitiveness of the student body at this school is notable and usually counts for student success at the end of an academic year.

More than half of the graduate students at the Law Center find full-time, permanent employment within a year after graduation; the employment is usually at law firms, education, and government.

The other half of the students usually tend to pursue further education.

Other Texas Law Schools You Might Want to Consider

More in Texas:

Summary

These were the four best Texas law schools that have the best performance and ranks in terms of the state of Texas, as well as the US. We hope that the information featured will be helpful and that your decision for a law school will be easier.

These schools offer the best education quality and employment rates. For more information about each of the schools make sure to visit their official websites or contact them directly.

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