Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Kansas that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Kansas are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Kansas.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Kansas
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 93 | University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) Acceptance rate: 49.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 154-159 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.15-3.74 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $16,460 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $28,648 per year Enrollment (full-time): 463 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 78.0%
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| 132 | Washburn University (Topeka, KS) Acceptance rate: 39.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 152-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.86-3.61 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $574 per credit, Out-of-state, full-time: $896 per credit Enrollment (full-time): 413 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 83.5%
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All Law Schools in Kansas
Kansas is home to two well-regarded law schools that offer comprehensive legal education and prepare students for diverse careers in law. These schools emphasize strong academic foundations, practical legal training, and opportunities to engage with the local legal community.
1. University of Kansas School of Law
Overview
The University of Kansas School of Law, located in Lawrence, is the state’s flagship law school. Established in 1878, KU Law has a strong reputation for academic excellence, a close-knit community, and a commitment to preparing students for a range of legal careers, including private practice, government service, and public interest work. The law school emphasizes practical experience through clinics, externships, and internships, and offers students a solid foundation in legal theory and application.
Degree Programs
KU Law offers several degree programs that cater to students with various legal interests:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program that prepares students for legal practice. The J.D. curriculum offers students flexibility to pursue concentrations in areas such as business law, criminal law, environmental law, and international law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. law.
- Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law & Policy (M.S.): This program offers students a legal and policy framework in homeland security and related areas.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
Specializations and Focus Areas
KU Law allows students to specialize in key areas through elective courses and clinics. These areas include:
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law: KU Law offers courses in environmental law, energy law, and water law, focusing on the legal issues surrounding natural resource management.
- International Trade and Finance Law: Students can focus on the intersection of law and global trade, studying international business transactions and financial regulations.
- Business and Commercial Law: Students can take courses in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and securities regulation.
Admission Requirements
Admission to KU Law is competitive, with the admissions committee seeking students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 157
- Average GPA: 3.60
Other key factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their reasons for pursuing a legal education, career goals, and why they believe KU Law is the right fit for them.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from academic professors or employers who can speak to the applicant’s abilities and potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Highlighting leadership roles, work experience, community service, and other relevant achievements.
Starting Salaries
KU Law graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market, with many securing positions in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments across Kansas and beyond.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $85,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
2. Washburn University School of Law
Overview
Washburn University School of Law, located in Topeka, is known for its strong commitment to practical legal training, small class sizes, and a student-centered learning environment. Established in 1903, Washburn Law provides students with hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and a focus on legal writing and advocacy. The law school’s location in Kansas’s capital allows students to engage with the legal and governmental communities, including opportunities to work with courts, legislators, and state agencies.
Degree Programs
Washburn Law offers several degree programs tailored to different career paths in the legal profession:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The primary law degree that prepares students for a broad range of legal careers. The J.D. program offers students a choice of concentrations, including oil and gas law, family law, and litigation.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A specialized program for U.S. and foreign-trained attorneys seeking advanced legal training. Washburn’s LL.M. program is offered in Global Legal Studies or American Legal Studies.
- Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.): A program for non-lawyers who want to enhance their careers with legal knowledge in fields such as business, health care, or criminal justice.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)
Specializations and Focus Areas
Washburn Law provides students with the opportunity to specialize in specific legal areas, including:
- Oil and Gas Law: Washburn’s location in the Midwest, a hub for energy production, makes it an ideal place to study oil and gas law, with courses on energy policy, natural resource law, and environmental law.
- Family Law: Students can focus on family law through courses in domestic relations, child advocacy, and mediation.
- Advocacy and Litigation: Washburn’s emphasis on legal writing, oral advocacy, and litigation preparation makes it a leader in training students for courtroom practice.
Admission Requirements
Washburn Law considers a variety of factors in the admissions process, including academic performance, standardized test scores, and professional achievements.
- Average LSAT: 152
- Average GPA: 3.30
Additional components of the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their career goals and how Washburn Law will help them achieve those objectives.
- Letters of Recommendation: From professors, mentors, or employers who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential and work ethic.
- Resume: Highlighting professional experience, leadership roles, community service, and relevant extracurricular activities.
Starting Salaries
Washburn Law graduates are competitive in the job market, particularly in the Midwest, with many finding employment in law firms, public service roles, and corporate legal departments.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000