When it comes to finding the best law schools in Texas, there are many options. The University of Houston School of Law has recently been featured in the National Law Journal, and is moderately difficult to get into. While the Houston school is relatively small and only accepts about 800 students, the Houston campus has a reputation for producing successful attorneys. Baylor University is another choice for students looking for an interesting study environment. Students at Baylor are taught on a quarter system, which means that they must take one class every three weeks.
The Princeton Review, a renowned publication, ranks 167 law schools. Although law schools aren’t ranked by academic quality, there are still a number of great programs in Texas. For example, eight Texas colleges made the list. Students at the best schools are trained by lawyers who are nationally and internationally recognized. They also learn from scholars of national and international reputation. And they get to work with these brilliant lawyers in clinical programs.
The UNT-Dallas School of Law, located in Dallas, is a top-ranked law school in Texas. This school has a mission to serve the community and prepare new voices for law. Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, named for legendary Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, is a top HBCU. The TMSL offers first-rate legal education to its primarily African-American student body.
The admissions process for law schools is the same no matter where you go, but the Best Law Schools in Texas may not be as obvious as you might think. The first step is the LSAT, but no school in Texas requires it. Texas law schools, however, do want to attract the cream of the crop, so the LSAT isn’t always the best way to decide where to apply. In Texas, however, the median LSAT score is 550.
Best Law Schools in Texas
1. St. Marys University School of Law
Located in San Antonio, Texas, St. Marys University School of Law was established in 1927. Originally the San Antonio School of Law, it has since grown into an internationally recognized law school. In addition to a robust academic curriculum, St. Marys offers a number of student organizations, health and wellness facilities, and several dining options. For more information, visit the school’s website. Below you’ll find important information about the St. Marys Law program.
The St. Marys University School of Law has a history of producing law school graduates who’ve gone on to become members of the United States Congress, governors nationwide, and leaders of some of the nation’s most respected law firms. The school’s faculty includes nationally recognized subject-area experts, scholars, and practitioners. Its modern practice facility includes visiting courts.
Students who wish to conduct legal research can utilize the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, one of the largest law libraries in the state. The Law Library staff is well-trained and will be happy to help you find the best source of information.
The online program will begin with an initial cohort of 25 students in the fall of 2022. The program is designed to allow students to earn their Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in just three years. Since St. Marys is located in South Texas, the school’s program will draw students from the Rio Grande Valley and other areas of South Texas. If you’d like to earn a degree in law from St. Marys, the program’s online version will be a great option for you.
The St. Marys University School of Law offers two graduate programs: a full-time day program and an evening program. Both programs are equally rigorous academically. The first year program combines core academic courses with a two-semester course on legal analysis. The second semester of the program focuses on professionalism. While the online program may seem overwhelming, it’s a great way to begin your career in law.
Students can participate in various competitions for advocacy at the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library. Students can participate in the annual Lone Star Classic, which is an invitational mock trial tournament for ABA-accredited law schools across the nation. The Law School also hosts the National Finals of the Arbitration Competition, sponsored by the National Arbitration Forum and the ABA Law Student Division. The students also compete in regional mock trial competitions.
Students can also earn another professional degree in law and business through the school’s joint degree program. This reduces the time and cost of earning both degrees. The law school’s joint degree program pairs the J.D. with an M.B.A. or a Master of Arts in international relations. Students can also earn a Master of Public Administration or a Master of Business Administration. However, the tuition costs will be similar for both programs.
2. University of Houston
With a 34 percent admittance rate and a median GPA of 3.54, University of Houston was placed 60th. For admission, the average LSAT score was 158. Its full-time tuition is $34,044 for in-state students and $48,893 for out-of-state students.
The university is known for its healthcare and intellectual property law programs, in addition to having centers in a variety of subjects of law.
3. Baylor University
Baylor University was ranked 58th, with a 35 percent admittance rate and a median GPA of 3.62. For admission, the average LSAT score was 159. For a full-time JD program at Baylor University, the tuition price is set at $57,566.
Baylor University is a fairly priced private institution with an exciting campus, vibrant student life, and chances for co-curricular activities. The school operates on a four-quarter basis, with fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.
4. Howard University School of Law
The Howard University School of Law in Dallas, Texas, offers an affordable law degree. Howard Law graduates earn a median starting salary of $90,740, which is one of the highest starting salaries for private practice associates in Texas. Howard Law also ranks #1 among law schools in the country for its percentage of minority students, female faculty and female graduates. Upon graduation, students at Howard Law have a 79 percent employment rate.
Applicants are highly selective and must have a Bachelor’s degree before applying to Howard University School of Law in Texas. While this school does not specify a specific major, applicants should take courses that will enhance their analytical and oral communication skills. The school also offers numerous study abroad opportunities, which many students find helpful. If you’re serious about attending Howard University School of Law, you’ll be happy to learn that Texas is an excellent choice for both its location and its curriculum.
While Howard University School of Law has been around for over 100 years, it is the oldest historically Black law school in the United States. It was founded in 1869 and became accredited by the American Bar Association in 1931. The school graduated its first black female attorney in 1872. Another historically Black law school in Texas is the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, which was established after a lawsuit that involved constitutional rights. In 1874, Texas State Senate Bill 140 established Texas State University for Negroes, which was renamed Texas Southern University in 1954.
Sullivan & Cromwell has had a long-standing relationship with Howard University School of Law. The firm’s current Of Counsel Bill Snipes joined the firm in 1986 and was elected to partnership in 1992. He serves as a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee. He has represented clients in major internal investigations and complex commercial litigation cases. His work has earned him awards and recognition for his expertise, including the prestigious HUSL Distinguished Corporate Citizen Award.
The history of Howard University is rich. It began as a school for African-American clergymen and grew to become a nonsectarian university. Howard University was named for Civil War hero Oliver Otis Howard, who served as its first president. The campus was expanded and today’s urban campus is more than 500 acres. In addition, Howard University offers free student email accounts. It also hosts a staffed computer lab and a wireless computer network throughout the campus.
5. Texas Tech University School of Law
For the next step in your legal education, consider attending Texas Tech University School of Law. Located on the Lubbock, Texas, campus, Texas Tech is an ABA-accredited law school. The school offers a plethora of law-related courses. The school’s prestigious reputation for preparing students for success in the legal profession is second to none. The faculty members are nationally known for their academic qualifications and dedication to student success.
The Career & Professional Development Center, run by two former attorneys, offers individual counseling, workshops, and career information. Students can also participate in regional job fairs and off-campus interviews. For students with a long-term goal of practicing law, the school offers a unique opportunity to work in a variety of settings. This will enable students to gain valuable work experience while still in school. However, it’s important to remember that Texas Tech Law students are more practical than Ivy League graduates. To ensure their success after graduating, Texas Tech students will spend more time in the field.
The law school offers a diverse education for both students and faculty. Professors are committed to teaching and research and have won three University Departmental Excellence in Teaching Awards in recent years. Additionally, seven professors are members of the American Law Institute. The school has a renowned clinical program where third-year students can practice law in a real court setting. In addition, students will be able to work in eight different practice areas under the supervision of faculty members who specialize in each area.
Students enrolled in Texas Tech University School of Law should consider a variety of factors when considering which school to attend. According to the latest report by the American Bar Association, Texas Tech Law is tied for the 95th percentile for the median starting salary. The institution has a low student-faculty ratio and a high percentage of minority students. In terms of diversity, Texas Tech Law is also ranked #115 for the median starting salary of a law firm associate. In addition to the countless advantages it offers, Texas Tech Law has a large library, with 357,481 volumes.
Students wishing to study law at Texas Tech University School of Law are required to complete 90 hours of residential coursework. Students will study six core law courses in American legal education, including constitutional law, criminal law, property, and torts. Two-semesters will be dedicated to legal practice. The program is designed to emphasize practical skills throughout the educational process. The program takes four to five years to complete. This program is highly competitive.
Students will learn from experienced attorneys in the local community and gain valuable hands-on experience as they pursue their legal careers. The school’s student organizations include over 30 student-run organizations. In addition to these, students also produce seven student publications and engage in wellness programs. Students are required to perform at least 30 hours of pro bono work before graduation. This is a huge plus. While you’re at the school, make sure to take advantage of the many opportunities it offers.
6. University of Texas-Austin
With an acceptance rate of 18.4 percent, the University of Texas-Austin Law School was rated 16th. With a typical GPA of 3.76 and an average LSAT score of 168 or higher, you should be able to get into this law school. With one of the best legal schools in the country. The tuition charge for residents is $36,429, while it is $51,774 for non-residents. It has a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, making it one of the best legal schools in the country.
It’s a little difficult to get into this law school, but with the correct preparation, you can get in. With a distinguished staff and a good academic reputation, UT-Austin Law has established itself as one of Texas’ top law schools.
7. Southern Methodist University
With a 41% acceptance rate, Southern Methodist University is ranked 52nd. The median GPA for admission was 3.72. For admission, the average LSAT score is 162. For a full-time JD program, the tuition is fixed at $57,566. SMU provides a combination JD/MBA degree, which is ideal for those interested in business and commercial law.
This law school offers a solid blend of study and recreation, with many legal clinics in various sectors of law and a reputation for athletics. For the JD student’s degree to be awarded, pro bono labor of roughly 30 hours must be accomplished.
8. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University was ranked 53rd, with a 21% acceptance rate and a typical GPA of 3.78. For admission, the average LSAT score was 161. The tuition fee for in-state residents is $31,900, while out-of-state residents pay $47,304.
With a laser-like focus on academics and extracurricular activities such as mock trials, debates, and sports. This law school offers a wide range of opportunities to advance in the legal industry.
Other Colleges/Universities Where you can Study Law in Texas
There are some other colleges/universities where you can study law in the state of Texas aside from the best ten we have listed above.
| Law College/ University | Location of School |
| Dedman School of Law | Dallas, Texas |
| Jefferson Law School | Dallas, Texas |
