The District of Columbia, also referred to as Washington D.C., is home to many of the top attorneys and policymakers in the country as well as being the location of the federal government of the United States. As a result, this is many students’ preferred city.
People are drawn to law schools in Washington because of the value placed on legal expertise. They offer guidance, advice, and stand-in for individuals and businesses. The American Bar Association has accredited these universities and they provide excellent LL.M. programs.
Are you trying to find out which of Washington law schools in 2024 is the best? All of them are listed in this article along with information about their tuition prices, requirements, and other factors that will aid you in making the best decision.
You won’t regret reading through this article!
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Are There Law Schools In Washington?
If you’re contemplating attending a Washington law school; you might wonder if there are Law Schools in Washington.
Yes, there are Law Schools in Washington!
Only the US capital of Washington, DC, qualifies as a special destination for students. Numerous federal agencies and prominent legal firms are located in the capital city, providing Washington law students with the opportunity to gain first-rate practical experience.
Amazingly, Washington law schools, give their students access to practical and popular educational materials that equip them with the skills and information necessary to successfully practice law.
Students attending law schools in Washington can easily network professionally by getting in touch with the city’s numerous top attorneys and decision-makers. These factors combined with others make studying law in Washington, an exciting and worthwhile experience that you should pursue!
Read Also: 10 Best Law Schools in California | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply.
How Long is a Law School in Washington D.C?
The JD degree requires a three-year, full-time course of study. All first-year students take at least half of their classes in small groups of 45 or fewer. The chances for participation in class discussions and one-on-one teacher-student interaction are increased by the small class sizes.
How Much Does Law School Cost In Washington D.C?
The tuition for law schools varies depending on the country. They may be very pricey due to their level of education and work experience.
The tuition fee of Washington law schools ranges between $30,000 and $70,000
What Is The Requirement For Getting Into A Law School In Washington Dc?
Washington law schools have slightly varying admittance requirements. However, there are requirements that any candidate for admission to the law schools in Washington must fulfill, and they are as follows: 15 BEST LAW SCHOOLS IN WASHINGTON|2023 COST, REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY
- Passing The Law School Assessment Test (LSAT)
To proceed, you must take and pass the LSAT. The LSAT typically costs $200. Your exam score is one of the main deciding factors for admission to law schools in Washington. This is why early planning is essential. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) can provide more information on the LSAT.
- Authentic transcript
Before applying to a law school in Washington, you must have official transcripts from all graduate, undergraduate, and certificate institutions.
- A written personal statement
Every academic program-administering university in Washington, DC, routinely demands a personal statement. This gives you the chance to enlighten the admissions committee about your personality, academic achievements, career goals, and even your motivation for enrolling in their law school.
- Letter of recommendation
Washington law schools want letters of recommendation from prospective students. It is encouraged that you obtain this letter from either an undergraduate professor you worked for who can attest to your ability to balance work and education, or from an employer who can attest to your ability to do so.
What Are the Best Law Schools in Washington D.C 2024?
Washington is a fantastic location for legal education and practice divided by the city’s well-regarded law schools.
The city is among the finest for new graduates in terms of work prospects and great salaries after graduation, dispelling the fear of being unemployed after attending any of the best Washington law schools
The ABA has accredited and given its blessing to each of the institutions listed below. Any law school that has been accredited by the ABA is invariably higher esteemed.
In Washington, certain law schools offer both full-time and part-time degrees. The best law schools in Washington are as follows:
▪ Georgetown University
▪ American University Washington College of law
▪ George Washington University
▪ Catholic University of America
▪ Howard University
▪ University of the District of Colombia
▪ Gonzaga University
▪ Seattle University
#1. Georgetown University Law Center
One of the best law schools in Washington, and close to the seat of the federal government of the United States is the Georgetown Law Center. In addition to the standard J.D., the Law Center offers dual degree programs, such as the J.D./Ph.D. in a government program, which examines the influence of law on American political and governmental processes.
Students can obtain real-world legal experience in 18 clinics, including the D.C. Street Law Program, where Georgetown students instruct high school students and others in the community about the law.
The Georgetown Climate Center, the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, and the Center on National Security and the Law are just a few of the over 20 research institutions, centers, and initiatives.
The tuition fee is as follows: Full-time-$69,280 and Part-time: $47.006 Application fee: $80
#2. George Washington University
The law school of George Washington University is the oldest in the nation’s capital.
Students have a range of options to broaden their J.D., including dual degree programs at other GW universities, opportunities for experiential study, or employment experience in Washington, D.C. By finishing a full-time or part-time J.D., students can earn a dual degree, such as a J.D./MBA or a J.D./Master of Public Administration.
GW Law participates in the Microsoft-sponsored Technology-Academics-Policy forum as one of the member schools and is interested in legal issues such as cloud computing and intellectual property.
One of the best law schools in Washington is GWU, and you should aspire to study there.
Full-time tuition is $65,420; part-time tuition is $48,300. There is no application fee needed.
#3. American University Washington College of law
One of the best law schools in Washington is the American University School of Law, which is where you are reading this. It is situated in Washington, D.C.’s northwest Tenleytown neighborhood.
The American University Washington College of Law offers a wide range of degree programs, including the Juris Doctor Program, LL.M Degree, MLS Programs, SJD Program, and Dual Degree Program. For part-time students, the J.D. (Juris Doctor) program lasts four years, while it takes three years for full-time students.
After completing the program’s basic legal study, students are free to select any elective they like. This law school offers one of the best LL.M degrees.
Full-time tuition is $58,970; part-time tuition is $41,191; and there is a $70 application fee.
#4. Catholic University of America (Columbus school of law)
Practical focused and connected are the three characteristics that best describe Catholic Law’s concept of legal education at every point.
In the Catholic Law J.D. curriculum, a strong academic foundation and good practical instruction are integrated. Legal doctrine is taught to pupils in challenging cognitive lessons. They get useful skills through clinical and experiential training.
The J.D. (Juris Doctor), L.L.M. (Master of Laws), and M.L.S. programs are among those that the Catholic Law School in Washington provides (Master of Legal Studies).
$56,040 for tuition and $38,690 for part-time work. Application fees are not necessary.
#5. Howard University
Howard University School of Law was founded in 1867 in Washington, DC, the capital city. One of the first law schools established in Washington, DC, and the United States as a whole was Howard University.
Howard records 8.6:1 students for every faculty member.
They provide the JD Application and Information, JD/MBA, and Master of Law programs (LL.M.).
$37,160 for tuition; $60 for applications.
#6. Gonzaga University
Gonzaga Law’s Executive Two-Year J.D. program offers a comprehensive six-term, ABA-accredited legal education in two years rather than three, with a focus on business and leadership courses.
Law, business, and leadership instructors teach them using a blended curriculum.
The online and on-campus components of the two-year J.D. curriculum are both available.
$47,835 for tuition, $0 for application fees
#7. Seattle University Law school
The Seattle University School of Law also referred to as Seattle Law School, is a professional graduate school affiliated with Seattle Institution, the biggest autonomous university in the Pacific Northwest and one of the best law schools in Washington.
The American Bar Association has accredited the law school in Washington, which is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
Attorneys from Seattle University School of Law have practiced in all 50 United States states as well as 18 other countries.
The law school offers degree programs leading to the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Studies in Law degrees (MLS).
Application fee: $65; tuition: full-time: $51,433; part-time: $34,329
Read Also: 15 Best Law Schools in Georgia |2023 Cost, Requirements
#8. University of the District of Columbia
The University of the District of Columbia uses several institutions to confer degrees, including the David A. Clarke School of Law.
It is a public university in Washington, with very affordable tuition when compared to other law schools there.
Full-time tuition costs $13,438 in-state; full-time costs $25,874 out-of-state; part-time costs $9,440 in-state; and part-time costs $17,860 (out-of-state). $35 for applications
Best Law Schools close to Washington D.C
#9. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia School of Law adheres to a rigid, student-run honor code, just like all other academic departments. Students swear not to steal, cheat, or lie; any found guilty by a jury of their peers are ejected from the school.
There are roughly 350 pupils in each class, with somewhat more men than women. Through the Darden School of Business, students can complete combined degrees like a J.D. and an MBA in four years. It is one of the outstanding schools in Virginia to tag along with prestigious Washington Law Schools.
At the University of Virginia School of Law, the application fee for the full-time program is $85. Full-time in-state tuition is $66,500; full-time out-of-state tuition is $69,500. (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.6 to 1.
#10. George Mason School of Law
Due to the George Mason University School of Law’s proximity to Washington, D.C., career possibilities in various branches of government, federal agencies, and private law firms are available year-round. The profitable environment also makes it one of the prominent schools to be numbered among the best Washington law schools.
Candidates for the J.D. degree have access to day and evening programs at the George Mason School of Law, as well as one dual J.D./Master of Public Policy program. To specialize in subjects like patent law, intellectual property law, or homeland and national security law, law students might pursue curricular concentrations and tracks.
At George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, there is no application fee for the full-time program. The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University does not charge an application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $25,875, full-time out-of-state tuition is $41,261, part-time in-state tuition is $19,404, and part-time out-of-state tuition is $30,944. (out-of-state). 4:1 is the student student-to-faculty
#11. William and Mary Law School
The William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law develops projects for simulated legal education, such as the two-year Legal Skills Program, which places students in fictitious law firms and gives them real-world issues to work on.
The McGlothlin Courtroom and a hub of research and demonstrations with the internet, audio, and video technologies in courtrooms are both parts of the law school’s Center for Legal and Court Technology.
Application costs for William & Mary Law School’s full-time program are $85 each. Full-time in-state tuition is $36,608; full-time out-of-state tuition is $51,620. (out-of-state). The ratio of faculty to students is 7.3:1.
#12. Washington and Lee University Law School
Virginia’s Washington and Lee University School of Law is a small private institution. Students typically pursue electives in their second year, while the first year’s curriculum is made up of obligatory courses. At W&L Law, the third year is devoted to lawyer engagement, and students receive training through activities like practicums, externships, and clinics. Students can tailor their education through electives, but they are not required to choose a specific route or concentration.
The Washington and Lee University School of Law does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time tuition is $53,400. 5.8:1 is the student-to-instructor ratio.
#13. University of Richmond Law School
A little over 60% of the students at the private University of Richmond School of Law are from Virginia. The capital of Virginia’s Richmond, which is home to legal firms, corporations, courts, and more, is located around six miles from the law school campus. Washington, D.C. is around two hours away.
Students at the University of Richmond School of Law can enroll in electives to concentrate their legal study in fields like litigation, corporate law, and real estate law. The School of Law also offers dual degree alternatives, such as a J.D./MBA.
The University of Richmond School of Law does not charge an application fee for its full-time programs. Full-time students pay $50,500 in tuition. The faculty-to-student ratio is 5.6 to 1.
#14. University of Baltimore Law School
The University of Baltimore rates applicants in an unconventional manner. The LSAT scores are a crucial component of the evaluation, but there are many other factors as well. The institution is careful to determine each student’s potential.
Most people associate the school with its liberal approach to education. It strengthens students’ motivation to give back to the community. There are fewer than 2,000 students enrolled on this smaller campus. Both the workload and the lecturers’ caliber are praised by the students.
The University of Baltimore School of Law charges $60 for applications to its full-time programs. At the University of Baltimore School of Law, there is a $60 application fee for the part-time program. Full-time in-state tuition is $33,592; full-time out-of-state tuition is $49,004; part-time in-state tuition is $25,058; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $34,616. (out-of-state). The instructor-to-student ratio is 7.1:1. 15 BEST LAW SCHOOLS IN WASHINGTON|2023 COST, REQUIREMENTS, HOW TO APPLY
#15. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is highly rated. The campus has a modest student population of under 10,000.
You must step up your game because there is much more competition for jobs here. Students concur that the quality of education is excellent. Academic success is the school’s main priority rather than having fun.
The Francis King Carey School of Law at the University of Maryland (Carey) charges a $70 application fee for its full-time programs. The Francis King Carey School of Law at the University of Maryland (Carey) charges a $70 application fee for its part-time programs. Full-time in-state tuition is $35,566; full-time out-of-state tuition is $51,575; part-time in-state tuition is $23,998; and part-time out-of-state tuition is $34,419 (out-of-state). The faculty-to-student ratio is 6.6 to 1.
How to apply for law schools in Washington D.C
- Step 1
Sign up for an LSAC account. You can monitor the progress of each action you take when you apply to schools using your LSAC.org account. The prerequisites and dates for applications vary by school.
- Step 2
Sign up for the LSAT and prepare for it. The LSAT is required by law schools in Washington DC. Visit the website of the institution of your choice to learn about their score requirements, it is encouraged.
- Step 3
Obtain all required transcripts from all completed undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. You can access an Academic Summary Report once it is finished by logging into your LSAC.org account. Verify that it is correct and thorough.
- Step 4
Write a comprehensive personal statement and share information with the admissions committee about your personality, academic accomplishments, professional aspirations, and even why you want to attend their law school.
- Step 5
Get a letter of recommendation from an employer who can attest to your skill to balance work and school life or an undergraduate professor you worked under his supervision.
- Step 6
Go ahead and apply, then wait for feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Grades generally are the most valued standard that firms use in hiring law students.
There is no limited number of times you can take the LSAT test.
Yale law school.
There are 6 American Bar Association-approved law schools in Washington DC.
LSAT is regarded as a very difficult test but is passed after due preparation by students.
LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws.
Conclusion
Being a student at one of the best law schools in Washington may be rewarding but tough. If a student wants to attend one of the top Washington law schools, it is advised that they get ready in advance to meet the prerequisites.
Every student who has the good fortune to enroll in one of the best law schools in Washington has a great potential to become well-known and have a successful profession. The opportunities for education and employment in Washington are excellent.
References
- US news.com – Best Law Schools in Washington
- The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) – Law School Admission Test (LSAT)