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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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The 2024-2025 U.S. News Law School Rankings Are Here

Big changes in the t14, along with some of the largest rankings tumbles and gains..

After releasing a preliminary version of the rankings to law schools last Wednesday, it was discovered that a full 80(!) schools were incorrectly ranked — including nine law schools in the Top 50 — leading the magazine to release a corrected version of the rankings the very next day. On top of these errors, it’s been reported that law schools actively boycotting the rankings are listed as “participating” when all they did was provide U.S. News with publicly available data upon which the rankings are now largely based.

Last week, we brought readers a copy of the embargoed Top 25 law schools from the U.S. News rankings. Has anything changed since then? It’s time to find out.

Raising The Bar in Bar Prep

Here’s the official list of the top law schools in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the year 2024. Changes in rank from this year over last year come to us courtesy of Mike Spivey of Spivey Consulting .

Here is the methodology for the latest edition of the rankings, which may explain some of the wild gains and losses you’re about to see:

• Employment: 33% (newly averaged between the two most recent graduating class years)
• First-Time Bar Passage: 18% (newly averaged between the two most recent graduating class years)
• Ultimate Bar Passage: 7% (newly averaged between the two most recent graduating class years)
• Peer Assessment: 12.5% (slightly tweaked)
• Lawyer/Judge Assessment: 12.5% (slightly tweaked)
• LSAT/GRE: 5%
• Acceptance Rate: 1%
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 5%
• Library Resources: 2%

That said, take a look at the prestigious T14, where there were some major moves:

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Well, well, well, these seem to be the exact same rankings that were released under the original embargo by U.S. News. This is still represents a major shake-up within the T14, with UVA climbing to No. 4, while NYU has dropped down a few spots. There are now three ties within the T14 (a four-way tie for No. 4; a three-way tie for No. 9; and a tie for No. 14). At least Georgetown has made its way back into the the tippy top of the rankings.

Now, let’s take a gander at the law schools outside of the T14. Like years past, we’re faced with yet another rankings orgy, with nothing but ties, ties, and more ties. There are four ties in this segment of the rankings alone (one tie; one three-way tie; one four-way tie; and one five-way tie), with more to follow. Here are the schools ranked 16 – 28:

The biggest winner here was Notre Dame (up seven places and into the Top 20), while BYU and Florida saw the largest drops (both down six places). George Mason and Utah both gained four spots, propelling them into the Top 30, and UNC also entered the vaunted Top 20. Nicely done.

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Now, for the rest of the law schools in the Top 48, where there are five ties (noticing a trend within these rankings yet?). As you can see, there was A LOT of movement here:

The biggest winners here were William & Mary (+9), Florida State (+8), Colorado (+8), Illinois (+7), and Washington & Lee (+7). The biggest losers here were Emory (-7) and UC Irvine (-7). Whatever some of the schools here are doing, they better shape up, because some have almost been shipped out of the Top 50.

The rest of the rankings are available on the  next page .

Law Schools , Law Students , Rankings , U.S. News 2025 Law School Rankings , U.S. News Law School Rankings

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America’s Best Law Schools, According To U.S. News & World Report

The Yale Law School retains its position as the nation's #1 law school, according to U.S. News and ... [+] World Report

U.S. News & World Report has released it most recent rankings of graduate programs in the United States. U.S. News Best Grad Schools f0r 2022 covers several areas of advanced study, including professional, doctoral and masters programs at U.S. institutions.

Rankings are provided for more than 2,000 separate programs in law, business, medicine, nursing, other health specialties, engineering, education, fine arts, library and information studies, public affairs, math and physical sciences, social sciences and humanities. The ranking factors that are used differ for the various areas, but subjective peer assessment is used for all disciplines, and in some cases, it is the sole indicator.

This year law schools are drawing particular interest, in part because after years in which the number of law-school applicants declined or was flat, the current cycle has seen a dramatic uptick in applications. Various explanations for this renewed interest have been offered, including changes in the administration of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), an improved job market for lawyers, and the number of high-profile social issues attracting national attention - running the gamut from social justice and immigration to criminal investigations, congressional hearings, and election law.

Whatever the reasons, going to law school is “in” again, and law school rankings convey high-stakes information for applicants, graduates and the schools themselves.

As with its other higher education rankings, U.S. News periodically revises its methodology, and it did so for this year’s law school rankings. In fact, in what became something of a controversy, the methodology was changed at least three times in the weeks prior to the official March 30 release.

According to Law.com , the embargoed version of the rankings provided to law schools on March 16 were reposted later that same day with a new version of the overall rankings that changed the positions of 35 schools. Much of the change apparently involved correcting mistakes and revising how certain factors were weighted. All the eleventh-hour fiddling does raise nagging questions about the process underlying the selection and quantification of the indicators.

Here is a summary of the current methodology , which for most factors uses data from 2019 or 2020.

Quality (40%) is composed of two sources of expert opinion about the overall quality of the school: a) an assessment on a scale of 1-5 by academic peers such as law school deans, other law school administrators and recently tenured faculty (25%); and b) the judgements (also on the five-point scale) of legal professionals such as hiring partners of law firms and practicing attorneys and judges (15%).

Selectivity (21%) is a proxy for student excellence, made up of three indicators: a) combined median Law School Admission Test and Graduate Record Examination scores (11.25%); b) median undergraduate GPA (8.75); and c) acceptance rate (1%), which is the combined proportion of applicants to both the full- and part-time J.D. programs who were accepted for the 2020 entering class.

Placement Success (25.25%) is comprised of five indicators: a) employment rates for 2019 graduates 10 months after graduation (14%): employment rates at graduation (4%); c)   bar exam passage rate (2.25%); d) average debt incurred in obtaining a J.D at graduation (3%); and e) the percent of graduates incurring law school debt (2%).

Faculty, Law School and Library Resources (13.75%) is made up of a) instructional, library and student support service expenditures (9.75%); b) spending on other items including financial aid (1%); c) the ratio of law school students to law school faculty members (2%); and d) several different indicators of library resources and operations (1.75% in total).

The top 20 Law Schools (All of the law school rankings can be found here ,)

• Yale University
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• University of Chicago
• New York University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Virginia
• University of California - Berkeley
• Duke University
• University of Michigan
• Northwestern University
• Cornell University
• University of California - Los Angleles
• Georgetown University
• University of Texas
• Vanderbilt University
• Washington University (St. Louis)
• University of Southern California
• Boston University

The law school top-20 list is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. First, compared to U.S. News most recent ranking of national universities , which focuses on undergraduate education, public universities do slightly better in the law school rankings. Only one public university - UCLA - made the most recent top-20 national university list, while five public law schools are included in the top 20.

Second, outside of the top 20, the full rankings show more institutional shuffling among law schools from the prior year than is typically found for universities as a whole. Among the top 20, the top five spots remained the same as in 2021. In fact, law school rankings have had notorious stability at the top, where 14 schools maintain their positions (except for minor changes in exact order) year in and year out. This year proved an exception: Georgetown fell out of the top 14, and UCLA moved in.

The biggest changes this year among the top 20 schools were for Duke and Vanderbilt, which each moved up two places; while Northwestern dropped three positions.

But for law schools ranked between 21 and 100, several big re-orderings occurred. Most noteworthy were these six schools making double-digit jumps up in the rankings: Howard University (+16), University of Oregon (+16), University of Mississippi (+13), Drexel University (+12), Wayne State University (+11), and the University of Tennessee (+10). Double-digit declines occurred for Rutgers University (-15), the University of Kentucky (-11), the University of Nebraska (-11), and Loyola Marymount University (-10).

Like it or not, law school rankings matter , probably more than those aimed at undergraduates or even for other types of graduate schools. Their prestige perpetuates itself. Major law firms prefer to hire from the top 14 schools, and so, of course, students want to go to one of them. Likewise, the most highly regarded law professors are drawn to these institutions, which sustains the self-fulfilling cycle. Even among local markets, the relative portion of the law school that recent graduates attended can be an important factor in their landing the most competitive jobs.

S.J.D. Program

The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research and writing. In recent years we have created a vibrant intellectual community of young scholars from around the world, most of whom will secure teaching positions in their home countries, the U.S., or third countries. We typically have around 60 S.J.D. candidates (most of whom are in residence) representing 25-30 countries, drawn primarily from among Harvard’s top LL.M. graduates. Ultimately, candidates are expected to produce a dissertation that will constitute a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

There are five stages to the S.J.D. program:

• Completion of a study plan which includes course work
• Successful completion of an oral examination
• Two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium
• Submission and acceptance of a doctoral dissertation
• Successful oral defense of the dissertation

The first two of these requirements—preparation and completion of a study plan, and successful completion of the oral (general) examination—are normally completed during the first year or two of study. The S.J.D. candidate normally completes the remaining requirements—presentations at the S.J.D. colloquium, submission and acceptance of the dissertation, and oral defense of the dissertation—during the three years after completion of the oral examination.

Each S.J.D. candidate pursues the degree under the supervision of an overall faculty supervisor selected by the candidate and approved by the Committee on Graduate Studies. This supervisor must be a full-time member of the Harvard Law School faculty.

Program of Study

Academic life, teaching and fellowship opportunities, current s.j.d. candidates and recent graduates, recent s.j.d. achievements, connect with s.j.d. alumni, modal gallery, gallery block modal gallery.

2024 Best Law Doctor's Degree Schools

Choosing a great law school for your doctor's degree, quality overall is important, average earnings, other factors we consider, more ways to rank law schools, best schools for doctorate students to study law in the united states, 25 top schools for a doctorate in law.

Students who graduate with their doctorate from the law program report average early career income of $56,355.

Rest of the Top Best Law Doctor's Degree Schools

Honorable mentions.

Law by Region

Other Rankings

Best overall in law, highest paid grads in law, best for veterans in law, most popular in law, most focused in law, best value in law, best for non-traditional students in law, best online in law, most popular online in law, law related rankings by major, law concentrations.

Majors Similar to Law

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

Best Law Schools in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in Law. A graph of 301M citations received by 16.4M academic papers made by 6,537 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Harvard University

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3. Stanford University

4. University of California - Berkeley

5. University of Toronto

6. University of Oxford

7. University of Washington - Seattle

8. Columbia University

9. University College London

10. University of Pennsylvania

11. Yale University

12. Cornell University

13. University of California - Los Angeles

14. University of Chicago

15. New York University

16. University of Cambridge

17. Pennsylvania State University

18. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

19. Johns Hopkins University

20. University of Wisconsin - Madison

21. University of British Columbia

22. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

23. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

24. Ohio State University

25. University of Melbourne

26. University of Sydney

27. University of Texas at Austin

28. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

29. University of Southern California

30. University of Manchester

31. Princeton University

32. Michigan State University

33. London School of Economics and Political Science

34. Arizona State University - Tempe

35. University of Maryland - College Park

36. Carnegie Mellon University

37. University of Amsterdam

38. Duke University

39. King's College London

40. University of Queensland

41. University of Pittsburgh

42. Monash University

43. University of New South Wales

44. University of California-San Diego

45. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

46. University of Arizona

47. University of Florida

48. University of Virginia

49. University of Hong Kong

50. University of California - San Francisco

51. Northwestern University

52. Australian National University

53. McGill University

54. Catholic University of Leuven

55. University of Edinburgh

56. University of California - Davis

57. University of Bristol

58. Boston University

59. National University of Singapore

60. University of Alberta

61. University of Sheffield

62. University of Nottingham

63. Texas A&M University - College Station

64. University of Birmingham

65. University of Ottawa

66. McMaster University

67. Imperial College London

68. University of Warwick

69. University of Leeds

70. University of Illinois at Chicago

71. University of California - Irvine

72. Utrecht University

73. Emory University

74. Washington University in St Louis

75. Georgetown University

76. University of Iowa

77. Vanderbilt University

78. University of Rochester

79. Tsinghua University

80. University of Utah

81. Peking University

82. University of Calgary

83. Georgia Institute of Technology

84. George Washington University

85. Erasmus University Rotterdam

86. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

87. Western University

88. University of Glasgow

89. University of Southampton

90. University of Auckland

91. University of London

92. University of California - Santa Barbara

93. Florida State University

94. University of York

95. York University

96. Hong Kong Polytechnic University

97. Indiana University - Bloomington

98. University of Groningen

99. Tel Aviv University

100. George Mason University

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in the World

Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

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Alexander Komarov LLM

A student perspective on criminal law, financial aid, and getting an LL.M. at Yale Law School.

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A student perspective on getting an LLM at Yale Law School, constitutional law, and the graduate programs community.

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A student perspective on the M.S.L. program and the inspiring community at Yale Law School.

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2020 and 2021 Graduate Programs alumni celebrate in the YLS Courtyard with Assistant Dean Gordon Silverstein before their in-person ceremony in May 2022

2022 Graduate Program degree candidates with Dean Heather K. Gerken in April 2022

It’s magical to watch my students direct the full force of their energy and talent into real-world advocacy for their clients. The clinics at Yale are the place where students learn the difference that a committed lawyer can make.

Doctoral Programs

The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A doctorate in legal studies considers research methods, legal theory, justice policy, and jurisprudence as they pertain to legal institutions and the legal profession. Many programs prepare legal professionals and practicing attorneys to expand their expertise into specific areas of law, including maritime law, intellectual property law, and human rights law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for postsecondary instructors , including those in criminal justice and law, between 2022 and 2032. Use this guide to learn more about what you can expect from an online doctorate program in legal studies.

For more degree and career info, jump to:

• Choosing an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program
• What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Careers with a Doctorate in Legal Studies

Legal phd programs for you.

Because numerous types of degrees fall under the umbrella of “Doctorate in Legal Studies,” the following sections display top-ranked programs from several related ranking articles on our website. To learn more about these different degrees, follow the link at the end of each section to their corresponding ranking article.

• Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security
• Public Administration

California University of Pennsylvania

• Campus + Online
• In-State $7,716
• Out-of-state $11,574
• Retention Rate 70%
• Acceptance Rate 94%
• Students Enrolled 6,885
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 72%
• Accreditation Yes

National University

• In-State $11,064
• Out-of-state $11,064
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 12,471
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 0%

Walden University

• In-State $10,139
• Out-of-state $10,139
• Retention Rate 33%
• Students Enrolled 49,695

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

• In-State $11,934
• Out-of-state $11,934
• Retention Rate 48%
• Students Enrolled 28,244
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

California Baptist University

• In-State $33,930
• Out-of-state $33,930
• Retention Rate 76%
• Acceptance Rate 80%
• Students Enrolled 11,317
• Percent Online Enrollment 83%

See more of the Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degree Programs .

Choosing a Doctorate in Legal Studies Program

50 Best Online Colleges & Universities Earning a doctorate in legal studies online give you extensive training in research and scholarship as you pursue coursework on legal theory and practice. You acquire knowledge applicable to personal and professional goals, with many programs providing you the opportunity to tailor the program to a particular subset of law.

The interdisciplinary nature of a legal studies doctoral program provides you with exposure to legal subfields across historical and geographical boundaries. Corporate law professionals, for example, can explore the intricacies of finance and commerce law, while civic-minded legal activists can focus on environmental or human rights law.

Legal studies and law doctoral degrees require two to three years of coursework with at least one additional year to write a dissertation. Coursework prepares you to conduct research necessary for your dissertation. You will also develop a research proposal with faculty and work closely with advisors.

Some programs give you the opportunity to teach undergraduate students and participate in mock trials. Students also complete comprehensive oral or written exams over all of the classes taken. This demonstrates your expert knowledge of standards, practices, and principles of legal studies. Students must pass these exams and complete a dissertation to graduate.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Doctoral programs in legal studies vary by school and department. Some classes remain consistent across the curriculum, but many degrees offer you the chance to concentrate on a particular segment of law, legal institutions, or jurisprudence. Programs that allow you to structure your program based on individual interests also give you practical knowledge applicable to your personal and professional goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Corporate lawyer, human rights lawyer, corporate negotiator
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Criminal justice professor, law school professor, law school administrator, legal researcher
• Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Law school professor, legal scholar and researcher

Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

• Research Methods: Research methods courses train students to use qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather data in anticipation of their dissertation. Students use research tools, including statistics and ethnographic software.
• Jurisprudence: Coursework on jurisprudence provides students with the history and philosophy of law to understand its current application. Students assess their own relationships with law and justice as well. Jurisprudence classes may involve activities such as moot court.
• Anthropology of Law: A course on the anthropology of law focuses on the relationship between law and society. Students learn about the interactions of culture, people, and institutions in the context of regulations, legal applications, and ethical norms.
• Current Issues and Trends in Law: Students learn about contemporary matters related to law and legal policy through extensive readings, in-depth discussions, and individual research. Classes may focus on a specific topic such as finance, management, human rights, or private law.
• Law and Morality: Law and morality classes emphasize the relationship between individual choice, dilemma, and law. Students study the nature of law as well as scenarios and case studies to assess how people make decisions when faced with punishment, penalty, or ethical conflict.

A doctorate in legal studies prepares you for careers that require expertise in research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. You gain the knowledge needed to make ethical and informed decisions in a legal setting, and increase your potential career growth in academia, government, and business.

• Median Annual Salary: $80,840
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8%
• Median Annual Salary: $97,250
• Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 0.4%
• Median Annual Salary: $135,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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A Law degree will teach you about the legal systems underpinning society. There are several different strands within the study of Law, including LLB, BA, and BSc Law first-degree courses. Our rankings show the best universities for Law in the UK, including courses like Business Law, Criminal Law, and Public Law. Find the best Law schools in the UK, using our Law league table, and then filter them by what's important to you. You can search by region, entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, and more.

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• 92% 91% 92% 93% 93% 86% 100% 84% 99% 78% 75% 96% 75% 81% 73% 70% 92% 73% 70% 73% 76% 68% 70% 71% 69% 92% 68% 85% 62% 62% 62% 59% 61% 64% 59% 59% 62% 54% 59% 57% 52% 51% 57% 57% 97% 56% 55% 57% 54% 78% 52% 51% 61% 59% 56% 52% 54% 55% 56% 51% 57% 58% 52% 49% 48% 44% 50% 69% 56% 55% 52% 48% 54% 55% 57% 47% 62% 71% 49% 53% 52% 53% 48% 55% 47% 53% 55% 47% 48% 51% 50% 47% 55% 57% 48% 61% 53% 57% 46% 46% 44% 47% 56% 49% 45% 63% 50% 44% 45%
• n/a 77% 78% 76% 77% 76% 76% 73% 73% 76% 71% 79% 74% 72% 78% 77% 79% 76% 73% 72% 73% 81% 72% 74% 73% 77% 72% 77% 74% 76% 77% 74% 80% 68% 83% 79% 77% 76% 78% 73% 84% 80% 77% 76% 78% 71% 76% 74% 75% 81% 92% 72% 75% 77% 77% 79% 73% 79% 75% 77% 79% 77% 76% 75% 73% 79% 78% 82% 76% 79% 78% 77% 77% 76% 77% 81% 71% 78% 86% 72% 80% 80% 73% 75% 76% 76% 75% 80% 75% 77% 73% 77% 77% 76% 73% 83% 78% 73% 75% 77% 81% 72% 84% 66% 64% 79% 81% 68% 82%
• 84% 91% 85% 84% 83% 85% 87% 88% 86% 82% 85% 78% 85% 84% 80% 84% 77% 81% 84% 88% 77% 79% 85% 76% 79% 76% 82% 69% 72% 72% 88% 78% 78% 86% 72% 82% 73% 84% 72% 73% 64% 65% 72% 71% 67% 71% 83% 73% 69% 54% n/a 71% 66% 72% 64% 70% 71% 73% 77% 78% 55% 73% 69% 68% 68% 74% 73% 46% 56% 56% 65% 54% 51% 66% 74% 54% n/a n/a n/a 69% n/a 72% 69% 57% 64% 60% 53% 65% 53% n/a 62% n/a 59% n/a 57% n/a 65% n/a 60% 63% 69% n/a n/a n/a 64% n/a n/a n/a 38%
• 94% 93% 84% 92% 91% 88% 88% 86% 89% 83% 90% 86% 86% 82% 85% 88% 84% 88% 88% 83% 88% 86% 84% 88% 85% 81% 83% 87% 89% 85% 77% 83% 78% 81% 83% 84% 86% 76% 77% 86% n/a 85% 76% 74% 70% 76% 74% 74% 79% 83% n/a 82% 71% 69% 80% 74% 75% 71% 72% 71% 71% 69% 68% 73% 77% 70% 72% 87% 66% 69% 68% 74% 79% 66% 59% 73% 84% 83% 67% 67% 79% 66% 68% 66% 74% 67% 66% 66% 73% 84% 67% 74% 63% 72% 72% n/a 60% n/a 58% 66% 59% 75% 47% n/a 62% 70% 61% 51% 60%

This table was updated on 24 May 2024. 

Read the  University and subject tables methodology  to find out where the data comes from, how the tables are compiled and explanations of the measures used. 

All measures used to compile the tables are available on the full table view. Maximum scores for the measures: 

Overall score: maximum score of 1000 

Entry standards: no maximum score  

Student satisfaction: maximum score of 4 

Research quality: maximum score of 4 

Continuation: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – outcomes: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – on track: maximum score of 100 

The following institutions have courses in this subject but insufficient data to be included in the ranking:  

• - Birmingham Newman University
• - Plymouth Marjon University
• - University of Suffolk
• - University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• - Wrexham University

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Best universities for law degrees 2024

Find the best universities for law degrees using  times higher education ’s world university rankings 2024 data.

Top 10 universities in the world for law 2024

Scroll down for the full list of best universities in the world for law degrees

A law degree is the first step on a number of career paths – including a career as a solicitor, a barrister or a judge. Many universities around the world provide law degrees, so it can be difficult to choose the best one for you.

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It's important to consider how much help a university can provide to help students find work experience , professional networks and their eventual career path.

Times Higher Education has ranked the top universities for law degrees . Harvard University in the US takes first place, followed by Stanford University . A fifth of the universities in the law ranking are located in the US.

The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are the only UK universities in the top 10. There are 53 UK universities in the ranking in total.

The University of Toronto , in joint 21st place, is the highest-ranked Canadian university. Sixteen other Canadian universities feature in the ranking.

Times Higher Education ’s subject rankings are based on the same 18 performance indicators used in the overall World University Rankings 2024 . However, the methodology is carefully recalibrated for each subject, with the weightings changed to suit the individual fields. The full methodology for law can be found here .

Scroll down for a comprehensive guide to what you can do with a law degree, and the top universities in the subject.

What can you do with a law degree?

Top 5 universities for law degrees

=4.  new york university.

New York University ’s School of Law was established in 1835. There are a number of graduate programmes available, as well as LLM dual degrees with other schools, including the National University of Singapore .

The School of Law offers the JD for undergraduate students. Also offered are dual JD degrees in various fields such as taxation, international law, economics, history, philosophy or politics and French studies.

=4.  Columbia University

Columbia Law School was founded in 1858.

The school offers a range of programmes include the JD degree, the LLM programme, and the JSD programme. It also offers dual and joint degrees.

The programmes at the university cover a range of study areas including criminal justice , environment and energy, law and philosophy and constitutional law, among many others.

3.  University of Cambridge

The Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge offers six degree options at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Master’s courses include an MPhil in criminology, an MPhil in criminological research, a diploma in legal studies and a diploma in international law.

The Squire Law Library at the University of Cambridge is one of the three largest legal collections in the UK, with almost 180,000 volumes. The collection is strongest in British law, but it contains collections on legal systems across the world including the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. There are also smaller collections relating to other countries.

Best universities for law degrees in Australia Best universities for law degrees in Canada Best universities for law degrees in the UK Best universities for law degrees in the US

2.  Stanford University

Stanford Law School is known for having one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios in the US, at 7.3:1. Students can choose from 280 different courses to specialise in the area that interests them.

Law courses at Stanford begin with an overview in the first year covering criminal law, contracts, tort, and legal research and writing.

The Robert Crown Law Library at Stanford holds about 500,000 books.

Stanford law students run more than 50 student organisations, including the law and wine society, Stanford Law Students for Gender Violence Prevention, Women in Politics, and the Black Law Students Association. There are also 12 legal journals affiliated with the law school.

1.  Harvard University

Harvard Law School offers wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The school has a range of resources and workshops to help students plan their careers in the legal field and experience various aspects of the profession while still studying. These include a spotlight on judicial clerkships, networking opportunities and career advising for both the private and public sector.

The school also hosts the visiting scholar/visiting researcher programme, which accommodates a small number of legal scholars and researchers from around the world who are engaged in major research projects.

Best universities for business and economics Best universities for clinical, pre-clinical and health Best universities for computer science Best universities for engineering and technology Best universities for life sciences Best universities for physical sciences Best universities for social sciences Best universities for education degrees Best universities for arts and humanities Best universities for psychology degrees

Top universities for law degrees 2024

Click each institution to view its World University Rankings 2024 profile

Editor’s note:  As part of our  THE statement on Ukraine  published on 2 March 2022, Russian universities have been given less prominence in our rankings. Russian universities that met the criteria for this ranking are not displayed in the table above.

This table was updated in December 2023 to retroactively include  Birkbeck, University of London  based on their provided data submission.  More information on the university's inclusion can be found here

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Big Law Fundraising for Kamala Harris Picks Up Steam

Attorneys from more than a dozen Big Law firms are involved in the planning and hosting of upcoming fundraisers for Harris.

August 26, 2024 at 04:21 PM

4 minute read

Law Firms - Large

Abigail Adcox

Share with email, thank you for sharing, what you need to know.

• Tickets for a NY lunch reception on Tuesday featuring Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff go up to as much as $100,000 per person.
• There are other fundraising events in D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco over the next two weeks.
• Attorneys from more than a dozen law firms are involved in the planning and co-hosting of these events benefiting Harris.

As fundraising events for Kamala Harris stack up with less than 100 days to go till Election Day, Am Law 100 partners are playing a prominent role, co-hosting and headlining upcoming fundraisers in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the next two weeks.

Attorneys from more than a dozen Big Law firms—including Sullivan & Cromwell; King & Spalding; Willkie Farr & Gallagher; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; McDermott Will & Emery; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; and Covington & Burling, among others—are involved in the planning and hosting of upcoming fundraisers for Harris’ presidential campaign. The fundraisers are likely to draw in hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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