A prevalent concern among active lawyers is that, despite astronomical fees for their education, law schools often fail to adequately teach one of the most essential competencies for professional practice: how to actually function as a lawyer. Nonetheless, certain law schools are striving to revolutionize this aspect by incorporating more practical, skills-based learning opportunities. As a result, prospective graduates can gain real-life law experience before even undertaking the bar exam.As reported by Above The Law, but which of these schools offers the best training opportunities?
preLaw Magazine, as part of The National Jurist’s series, recently released a ranking of the top law schools for practical training. These rankings offer a glimpse into the institutions that are truly dedicated to adequately preparing their students for their vocation as lawyers.
The methodology to determine the rankings was explained in detail. It involved considering several parameters – the number of students enrolled in clinics, externships, simulation courses, moot court, and other specialized programs. The largest weight (32%) was given to clinics, while externships composed 25% of the ranking. Simulation courses accounted for 20% of the ranking. Additionally, moot court and pro bono hours were given a 10% stake in the total score. The remaining 10% was credited to other exceptional practical training offerings. Schools that mandated clinic work or pro bono hours were given additional credit.
After an exhaustive analysis, preLaw Magazine concluded that the top 10 law schools for practical training are, in order:
- Baylor
- St. Thomas (MN)
- Northeastern
- Elon
- Minnesota
- Drake
- Denver
- Cornell
- Pepperdine
- Case Western Reserve
You can find the complete ranking here. Kudos to all the law schools that made the cut. These institutes are shaping the future of the legal profession by training their students in an in-depth, practical, and balanced manner.