Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Connecticut
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 1 | Yale University (New Haven, CT) Acceptance rate: 7.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 170-177 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.83-3.96 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $52,525 per year Enrollment (full-time): 638 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.8%
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| 63 | University of Connecticut (Hartford, CT) Acceptance rate: 34.7% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 157-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.21-3.64 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $22,052 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $45,548 per year Enrollment (full-time): 461 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 81.1%
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| 117 | Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) Acceptance rate: 47.1% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 154-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.09-3.54 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $45,050 per year Enrollment (full-time): 356 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 87.6%
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All Law Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to prestigious law schools that offer a comprehensive legal education, preparing students for a variety of careers in the legal profession. The law schools in Connecticut are known for their rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and strong connections to the legal community.
1. Yale Law School
Overview
Yale Law School, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. Established in 1824, Yale consistently ranks as the top law school in the United States due to its rigorous academic programs, influential faculty, and low student-to-faculty ratio. The school is renowned for producing leaders in the legal field, including U.S. Supreme Court justices, politicians, and legal scholars.
Degree Programs
Yale Law School offers a range of degree programs that allow students to pursue their specific legal interests:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of law. Yale’s J.D. program is known for its intellectual rigor and flexibility, allowing students to design their own course of study.
- Joint Degree Programs: Yale offers several joint degree programs in collaboration with other Yale University departments, including:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy in Law and Social Sciences)
- J.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for students who have already earned a J.D. or its equivalent, designed for those seeking advanced legal training or preparing for a career in academia.
- Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.): A research-focused doctoral program for students interested in legal academia or in-depth legal research.
- Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.): A program for non-lawyers who want to understand the legal system and its impact on their careers.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Yale Law School is highly competitive, with the school seeking students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 174
- Average GPA: 3.93
Other factors considered during the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Yale looks for applicants with compelling personal narratives that demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to social justice, or unique perspectives.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from academic or professional mentors who can attest to the applicant’s intellectual and leadership abilities.
- Resume: Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular involvement, particularly in leadership roles or public service.
Starting Salaries
Yale Law School graduates are highly sought after by top law firms, government agencies, and prestigious judicial clerkships, leading to high starting salaries.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $215,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $70,000
2. University of Connecticut School of Law (UConn Law)
Overview
The University of Connecticut School of Law, located in Hartford, is a top-tier public law school known for its diverse academic programs and strong focus on practical training. Established in 1921, UConn Law offers an affordable yet rigorous legal education. It is particularly well-known for its programs in insurance law, intellectual property law, and environmental law. UConn Law has a beautiful campus and offers students numerous opportunities for internships and externships in Connecticut’s legal community.
Degree Programs
UConn Law offers a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of its diverse student population:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that prepares students for general legal practice. UConn’s J.D. program emphasizes experiential learning through clinical programs and externships.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): UConn offers several LL.M. programs designed for both U.S. and international lawyers who wish to specialize in:
- Insurance Law
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- U.S. Legal Studies (for international lawyers)
- Energy and Environmental Law
- Doctor of Laws (S.J.D.): A research-focused doctoral program for students pursuing academic or high-level legal research careers.
- Dual Degree Programs: UConn Law offers joint degree programs in collaboration with other UConn departments, including:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
- J.D./M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)
Admission Requirements
Admission to UConn Law is competitive, with the admissions committee seeking well-rounded applicants who demonstrate academic potential, leadership skills, and a commitment to legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 160
- Average GPA: 3.55
Additional factors in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants should explain their reasons for pursuing a legal education, career goals, and any experiences that have shaped their interest in law.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from academic professors or employers who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, community service, and other relevant activities.
Starting Salaries
UConn Law graduates find employment in a variety of sectors, including law firms, government, and corporate legal departments. Graduates tend to have strong job prospects in Connecticut and throughout New England.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $90,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $65,000
3. Quinnipiac University School of Law
Overview
Quinnipiac University School of Law, located in North Haven, Connecticut, is a private law school known for its strong focus on practical legal training and its commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1990, Quinnipiac Law has quickly gained a reputation for producing practice-ready graduates. The school offers a strong emphasis on dispute resolution, health law, and family law, and students benefit from close-knit faculty relationships and numerous externship opportunities.
Degree Programs
Quinnipiac University School of Law offers a range of degree programs designed to provide a comprehensive legal education:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The primary law degree program that prepares students for legal practice. Quinnipiac offers both full-time and part-time J.D. programs.
- Joint Degree Programs: Quinnipiac offers several joint degree programs, including:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)
- J.D./M.H.S. (Master of Health Sciences)
- LL.M. in Health Law: This program is designed for both practicing attorneys and law graduates who want to specialize in health law.
Admission Requirements
Quinnipiac Law seeks students who have demonstrated academic achievement and the potential to succeed in the legal profession. The admissions process looks at a combination of academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal factors.
- Average LSAT: 152
- Average GPA: 3.20
Other admissions considerations include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants should use their personal statement to explain their interest in law, their career aspirations, and any unique experiences or challenges that have influenced their path.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically from professors or employers who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications.
- Resume: Highlighting leadership, work experience, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
Quinnipiac Law graduates are well-prepared for careers in law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The school’s emphasis on practical training results in strong job placement rates.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $60,000
4. Western New England University School of Law (WNE Law – Satellite Program in Connecticut)
Overview
Western New England University School of Law, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, offers a satellite program in Connecticut that allows students to complete part of their legal education closer to home. While WNE Law is not based in Connecticut, its proximity and flexible part-time program attract many Connecticut residents. WNE Law is known for its affordability and focus on experiential learning, making it a practical choice for working professionals and non-traditional students.
Degree Programs
WNE Law offers several degree programs that cater to both full-time students and working professionals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program offered in both full-time and part-time formats. The part-time program is particularly attractive for working professionals.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): Specializations include:
- Elder Law and Estate Planning
- Corporate Law
- International and Comparative Law
- Dual Degree Programs: WNE Law offers joint degrees, including:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
Admission Requirements
WNE Law uses a holistic admissions process that takes into account academic performance, LSAT scores, and personal and professional experiences.
- Average LSAT: 150
- Average GPA: 3.00
Other important factors include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants should discuss their motivations for studying law, career goals, and any unique experiences that have shaped their perspective.
- Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant’s potential.
- Resume: Outlining relevant work experience, leadership roles, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
WNE Law graduates often find employment in small law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations. Given the school’s emphasis on practical training, graduates are well-prepared for legal practice.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $65,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000