Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in New Hampshire
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 143 | University of New Hampshire School of Law (Concord, NH) Acceptance rate: 50.3% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3-3.57 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $39,990 per year Enrollment (full-time): 392 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 74.8%
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All Law Schools in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to one law school, the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law, which is highly regarded for its intellectual property programs and its commitment to providing a practical, hands-on legal education. Located in the state capital, Concord, the law school offers students access to state government, courts, and a variety of externship opportunities.
1. University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Overview
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law (UNH Law) was founded in 1973 and is renowned for its intellectual property (IP) law program, which consistently ranks among the top in the nation. UNH Law has a strong focus on experiential learning, offering a variety of clinics, externships, and practical courses that provide students with real-world legal experience. The law school’s small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty create a close-knit learning environment.
UNH Law’s location in Concord, New Hampshire, provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the state government, including the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the legislature. The school is committed to public service, and many students participate in clinics and externships that address the legal needs of underserved populations.
Degree Programs
UNH Law offers a wide range of degree programs that cater to students with diverse interests and career goals, particularly in intellectual property, public interest law, and business law.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program provides students with a comprehensive legal education, emphasizing both theoretical and practical skills. Students have the opportunity to specialize in several areas of law, including:
- Intellectual Property Law
- Business and Commercial Law
- International Criminal Law and Justice
- Social Justice and Public Interest Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./LL.M. in Intellectual Property: This joint degree program allows students to earn both a J.D. and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property, providing specialized training in patent law, trademark law, and copyright law.
- J.D./M.B.A.: Offered in conjunction with the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, this dual degree is ideal for students interested in combining legal education with business management skills.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): UNH Law offers LL.M. programs designed for both U.S. and international lawyers who wish to specialize in certain areas of law. The available LL.M. programs include:
- Intellectual Property
- Commerce and Technology
- International Criminal Law and Justice (offered online)
- Master’s Degrees:
- Master of Intellectual Property (M.I.P.): A specialized program for students interested in careers in IP law, focusing on patents, trademarks, and licensing.
- Master of Commerce and Technology: This program prepares students for legal and policy work at the intersection of business, law, and technology.
- Online Programs: UNH Law offers fully online degree programs, including the LL.M. in International Criminal Law and Justice and the Master of Intellectual Property, making it convenient for working professionals.
- Clinical Programs and Externships:
- Intellectual Property Clinic: One of the nation’s few clinics certified by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, this clinic allows students to represent real clients in patent and trademark matters.
- Criminal Practice Clinic: Students gain experience representing indigent defendants in criminal cases, handling all aspects of litigation from arraignment to sentencing.
- Consumer and Commercial Law Clinic: This clinic focuses on consumer protection and commercial disputes, giving students hands-on experience in civil litigation.
- Externships: UNH Law offers a robust externship program with placements in law firms, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. These externships allow students to gain valuable legal experience while earning academic credit.
Admission Requirements
Admission to UNH Law is competitive, and the school looks for applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership ability, and a commitment to public service or intellectual property law. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering not only LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA but also personal statements, work experience, and community involvement.
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Application Components:
- LSAC Application: All applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
- Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement explaining their interest in law, their career goals, and why they wish to attend UNH Law.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in law school.
- LSAT Score: The LSAT is required for all J.D. applicants. While the average LSAT score for admitted students is around 156, the school considers the full range of an applicant’s background and qualifications.
- Resume: Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume that highlights their academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and community service.
- Optional Diversity Statement: UNH Law values diversity and encourages applicants to submit an optional diversity statement that explains how their background or experiences will contribute to the school’s community.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law are well-prepared for a variety of legal careers, particularly in intellectual property law, public interest law, and business law. The school’s strong clinical programs and connections to the legal community provide students with numerous opportunities for practical experience, which translates into strong job prospects upon graduation.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $125,000
- Graduates who pursue careers in private law firms, particularly those specializing in intellectual property law, business law, or corporate law, typically earn starting salaries in this range. Those entering larger firms, particularly in major cities like Boston or New York, may command higher starting salaries.
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Graduates who pursue careers in public interest law, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations typically start with salaries between $55,000 and $75,000. These roles often focus on areas such as criminal defense, environmental law, or consumer protection.
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
- Many UNH Law graduates secure judicial clerkships with state and federal judges, particularly in New England. Clerkships provide valuable experience in legal research, writing, and courtroom procedures, and are a common stepping stone to further legal careers.
- Intellectual Property Law: $90,000 – $140,000
- Given the school’s strong focus on intellectual property law, many graduates enter this field, with starting salaries for IP attorneys often exceeding $100,000, particularly for those working in patent law or technology sectors.
Practical Learning Opportunities at UNH Law
UNH Law is known for its commitment to experiential learning, offering a variety of clinical programs, externships, and practical training opportunities that allow students to gain real-world legal experience while in law school.
Clinical Programs
UNH Law’s clinical programs are a core component of the curriculum, providing students with hands-on legal experience while serving clients. Some of the most popular clinics include:
- Intellectual Property and Transaction Clinic: Students in this clinic work with entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses, providing legal advice on intellectual property matters, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This clinic is one of the few certified by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, allowing students to represent clients before the USPTO.
- Criminal Practice Clinic: Students represent indigent clients in criminal cases, gaining experience in client counseling, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy. Students handle cases from initial arraignment through to trial or plea negotiations.
- Consumer and Commercial Law Clinic: This clinic allows students to work on civil litigation cases, particularly those related to consumer protection, contract disputes, and commercial transactions. Students gain valuable experience in civil procedure, litigation strategy, and negotiation.
- Social Justice Institute: Through this initiative, students work on public interest cases, focusing on civil rights, social justice, and human rights law. Students have the opportunity to engage in litigation, advocacy, and policy work aimed at addressing issues affecting marginalized communities.
Externships
UNH Law offers a wide range of externship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical legal experience in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Externships are available locally, nationally, and internationally, providing students with the flexibility to explore different areas of law.
- Government Externships: Many students at UNH Law secure externships with state and federal government agencies, including the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and various regulatory agencies. These externships provide valuable experience in administrative law, regulatory compliance, and public policy.
- Corporate Externships: Students interested in corporate law can work as externs in the legal departments of major corporations, gaining experience in contract law, corporate governance, and compliance.
- Judicial Externships: Externships with judges provide students with the opportunity to observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, and assist in drafting opinions. Judicial externships are particularly valuable for students interested in pursuing judicial clerkships after graduation.