If you’re considering a career in law and you enjoy the sun, pursuing a graduate degree in the Golden State may be the best option for you. California is home to many prestigious institutions that will mold you into a successful lawyer. Here are the best California law school J.D. programs you should consider applying to:
Stanford
Stanford Law School, or SLS, consistently ranks among the best institutions in the country. The college is known for its exceptionally low admittance rate and small class sizes, making a Juris degree from Stanford extremely impressive. More importantly, completing a graduate program at this San Francisco–based university boosts your odds of getting hired soon after graduation.
SLS offers a few specific areas of legal studies, admitting about 20 students into each disciplinary. They include:
- Environmental Law & Policy
- Business & Policy
- Science & Technology
- Corporate Governance & Practice
- International Economic Law
Your best chance of getting into Stanford is finishing your undergraduate with top-of-the-class grades, an excellent Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, and a solid letter of recommendation. You may also be required to submit an essay, so utilize your school’s resources for additional help in this process.
GPA: 3.99
LSAT: 170–175
University of California, Berkeley
Right behind Stanford in the ratings, UC Berkeley is an excellent institution with a well-regarded law school. Its Juris degree program is highly competitive, and graduates have successful legal careers, mainly working in public interest or for the government. Some specializations are offered with a professional track LLM (Master of Laws), providing students with more free time. These disciplinaries include:
- Business Law
- Law & Technology
- Energy & Clean Technology
Acceptance into UC Berkeley is difficult and requires a history of exceptional academic success. The tuition at this school is relatively high, so make sure to pursue different public interest law scholarship opportunities that help with financial burdens.
GPA: 3.60–3.90
LSAT: 165–170
University of California, Los Angeles
This college is mainly known for its fantastic location, vibrant campus, and excellent athletics programs. However, UCLA also offers a superior law school with a particular focus on Entertainment Law. This career path will lead you to an exciting job working with top Hollywood individuals and companies. Additionally, UCLA features a one-of-a-kind Critical Race Studies program that focuses on racial justice and discrimination. Other specializations include:
- Business Law
- Tax Law
- Sports Law
- Law and Sexuality
If you’re looking for more unique careers in law, UCLA is right for you. Its creative Juris degree programs will provide you with the building blocks to a successful professional life. Getting accepted is hard, but the network of working individuals is invaluable for your future career.
GPA: 3.72
LSAT: 160
Use this list of the best California law school J.D. programs to find your dream university. The road to admittance to any top law school is challenging, but the dedication and hard work are worth it in the long run.
