Best Law Schools in Nebraska

Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

Best Law Schools in Nebraska

Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Nebraska

National Ranking Best Law Programs
95 University of Nebraska, Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
Acceptance rate: 48.5%
LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-159
GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.33-3.79
Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $13,887 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $29,966 per year
Enrollment (full-time): 392
Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 81.1%

University of Nebraska, Lincoln Law School

135 Creighton University (Omaha, NE)
Acceptance rate: 58.1%
LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 150-155
GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.94-3.51
Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $32,494 per year
Enrollment (full-time): 431
Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 82.9%

Creighton University Law School

All Law Schools in Nebraska

Nebraska is home to two law schools: Creighton University School of Law and the University of Nebraska College of Law. Both of these institutions provide students with a comprehensive legal education, offering a variety of degree programs, clinics, and externship opportunities that prepare students for successful legal careers in Nebraska and beyond.

1. Creighton University School of Law

Overview

Creighton University School of Law, located in Omaha, Nebraska, was founded in 1904 and is a private Catholic law school that emphasizes ethics, service, and leadership. Creighton Law is known for its commitment to providing a legal education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, service, and professional excellence. The school has a strong focus on practical legal training, with students encouraged to participate in externships, clinics, and community service. Creighton Law also has strong ties to Omaha’s legal and business communities, offering students numerous opportunities for networking and internships.

Degree Programs

Creighton University School of Law offers a variety of degree programs designed to meet the diverse interests and career goals of its students:

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year J.D. program provides students with a comprehensive legal education, with the opportunity to specialize in areas such as:
    • Business and Corporate Law
    • Litigation
    • Health Law
    • Criminal Law
  • Dual Degree Programs:
    • J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): This program is designed for students who wish to combine legal education with business management skills.
    • J.D./M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Ideal for students interested in dispute resolution, this program prepares students for careers in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
  • Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: This degree, offered through Creighton’s Graduate School, focuses on conflict management, providing legal professionals with additional skills in negotiation and mediation.
  • Clinical Programs:
    • Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic: Students in this clinic represent low-income clients in civil matters, gaining practical experience in client counseling, legal writing, and courtroom advocacy.
    • Community Economic Development Clinic: This clinic focuses on providing legal services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations, allowing students to gain experience in business law, transactional law, and nonprofit law.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Creighton University School of Law is competitive, and the school takes a holistic approach to evaluating applicants. In addition to LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA, the admissions committee considers work experience, leadership roles, community service, and personal statements.

  • Average LSAT Score: 153
  • Average GPA: 3.38
  • Application Components:
    • LSAC Application: All applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
    • Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing a legal education and why they wish to attend Creighton Law.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications.
    • Resume: Applicants should submit a resume that highlights academic achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and community service.
    • Optional Diversity Statement: Creighton Law values diversity and encourages applicants to submit an optional diversity statement detailing how their background or experiences will contribute to the law school community.

Starting Salaries

Graduates of Creighton University School of Law have strong job placement rates, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. The school’s focus on practical training and its ties to Omaha’s legal community help students secure employment in various sectors, including private practice, government, and corporate legal departments.

  • Private Sector: $70,000 – $120,000
    • Graduates who work in private law firms, particularly in Omaha or other large cities, can expect starting salaries in this range, depending on the size of the firm and the area of practice.
  • Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
    • Graduates pursuing careers in government, public interest law, or nonprofit organizations typically earn starting salaries in this range.
  • Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
    • Many Creighton Law graduates secure judicial clerkships with state and federal judges, providing valuable experience early in their legal careers.

2. University of Nebraska College of Law

Overview

The University of Nebraska College of Law, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the state’s public law school, founded in 1891. The school is known for its affordable tuition, strong programs in space law and agricultural law, and commitment to public service. Nebraska Law offers a collaborative learning environment with small class sizes, allowing students to work closely with faculty. The law school is deeply integrated into the state’s legal system, with many graduates going on to work in government, judicial positions, or private practice in Nebraska and the Midwest.

Degree Programs

The University of Nebraska College of Law offers a variety of degree programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in legal practice, government, and business:

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year J.D. program provides a well-rounded legal education, with opportunities for students to specialize in:
    • Agricultural Law
    • Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law
    • Criminal Law
    • International Law
  • Dual Degree Programs:
    • J.D./M.B.A.: Offered in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business, this dual degree is ideal for students interested in corporate law or business leadership.
    • J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): This program prepares students for careers in public administration, government, and policy-making.
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.):
    • LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law: Nebraska Law is one of the only law schools in the United States to offer an LL.M. degree in this specialized field. The program focuses on legal issues related to space exploration, cyber policy, and telecommunications regulation.
  • Clinical Programs:
    • Civil Clinical Law Program: Students in this clinic represent clients in a wide range of civil matters, such as family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and employment law. The clinic provides students with hands-on experience in litigation and client counseling.
    • Criminal Clinic: In this program, students represent clients in criminal cases, working with supervising attorneys to handle cases from arraignment through trial or plea negotiations.
    • Immigration Clinic: This clinic focuses on immigration law, allowing students to represent clients in asylum cases, deportation defense, and naturalization proceedings.

Admission Requirements

The University of Nebraska College of Law seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership abilities, and a commitment to public service. In addition to LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA, the admissions committee considers personal statements, work experience, and letters of recommendation.

  • Average LSAT Score: 157
  • Average GPA: 3.59
  • 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 Nebraska Law.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from professors or professional supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s academic and leadership abilities.
    • Resume: Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume that highlights academic achievements, leadership experience, work history, and community service.
    • Optional Diversity Statement: Nebraska Law welcomes applicants to submit a diversity statement that explains how their unique background or experiences will contribute to the school’s community.

Starting Salaries

Graduates of the University of Nebraska College of Law enjoy strong job prospects, particularly in Nebraska and the Midwest. The school’s emphasis on practical training and its connections to the local legal community provide students with numerous opportunities for employment in various fields, including private practice, government, and corporate law.

  • Private Sector: $70,000 – $110,000
    • Graduates who work in private law firms, particularly those in larger cities or specializing in areas such as business law or intellectual property law, typically earn starting salaries in this range.
  • Public Sector: $50,000 – $70,000
    • Graduates working in government positions, public interest law, or nonprofit organizations can expect starting salaries in this range, depending on the specific role and location.
  • Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
    • Judicial clerkships are a common career path for Nebraska Law graduates, with starting salaries generally falling in this range. Clerkships provide valuable experience in legal research and writing, and many graduates go on to prestigious positions in law firms or government.
  • Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law: $90,000 – $130,000
    • Given the specialized nature of this field, graduates with an LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law often command higher starting salaries, particularly if they work in regulatory agencies, aerospace companies, or telecommunications firms.