Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Kentucky
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 64 | University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) Acceptance rate: 40.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.32-3.8 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $18,306 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $31,716 per year Enrollment (full-time): 415 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 94.2%
|
| 94 | University of Louisville (Brandeis) (Louisville, KY) Acceptance rate: 31.2% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 152-158 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.2-3.68 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $16,716 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $32,128 per year Enrollment (full-time): 363 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 91.8%
|
| 167 | Northern Kentucky University (Chase) (Highland Heights, KY) Acceptance rate: 53.2% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.07-3.56 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $15,886 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $33,644 per year Enrollment (full-time): 352 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 87.9%
|
All Law Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to two respected law schools that provide comprehensive legal education to students pursuing careers in various fields of law. These schools offer rigorous academic programs, numerous experiential learning opportunities, and strong connections to the legal community within Kentucky and beyond.
1. University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
Overview
The University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, located in Lexington, is one of the oldest public law schools in the United States, founded in 1908. UK Law is known for its strong academic tradition, commitment to public service, and focus on preparing students for the practical aspects of legal practice. The school offers a tight-knit community, small class sizes, and a curriculum that emphasizes writing, research, and advocacy. UK Law is also recognized for its affordability, particularly for Kentucky residents.
Degree Programs
UK Law offers several degree programs designed to prepare students for a variety of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year program that provides a broad-based legal education. Students can specialize in areas such as business law, environmental law, health law, and litigation.
- LL.M. in U.S. Law: A one-year program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to gain expertise in U.S. law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): For students interested in combining law and business studies.
- J.D./M.H.A. (Master of Health Administration): This dual degree is for students focusing on legal issues in the healthcare sector.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Students at UK Law can choose to specialize in key areas of legal practice, including:
- Business and Commercial Law: Courses cover areas such as corporate law, securities regulation, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Health Law: Students learn about legal issues in healthcare, including healthcare policy, medical malpractice, and regulatory compliance.
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law: Students can focus on the laws governing land use, natural resource management, and environmental protection.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law is competitive, with the school seeking students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to the legal profession.
- Average LSAT: 159
- Average GPA: 3.55
Other factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for studying law, career aspirations, and why UK Law is a good fit for them.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from professors or professionals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Highlighting leadership roles, work experience, and community service.
Starting Salaries
UK Law graduates enjoy strong job placement rates in Kentucky and throughout the Southeast, with many securing positions in private practice, government, and corporate legal departments.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
2. University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
Overview
The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, located in Louisville, is Kentucky’s oldest law school, established in 1846. It is named after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, known for his progressive views on privacy, free speech, and social justice. UofL Law is known for its focus on experiential learning, public service, and community engagement. The law school offers a student-centered learning environment, and its location in Louisville provides students with access to a thriving legal market and a range of externship opportunities.
Degree Programs
UofL Law offers a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of students with diverse legal interests:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year law degree that prepares students for a wide range of legal careers. UofL Law offers concentrations in areas such as intellectual property law, criminal law, and international law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): A program for students interested in combining legal and business expertise.
- J.D./M.S.S.W. (Master of Science in Social Work): For students focusing on the intersection of law and social work, including areas like child welfare and family law.
- J.D./M.A. in Political Science: For students with an interest in law and public policy.
Specializations and Focus Areas
UofL Law offers several areas of specialization for students interested in specific fields of law, including:
- Intellectual Property Law: Students can focus on patent law, copyright law, and trademark law, preparing them for careers in technology, entertainment, and other creative industries.
- Criminal Law: Students interested in criminal justice can take courses in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial advocacy.
- Public Interest Law: UofL Law has a strong focus on public service, with opportunities for students to engage in legal work that serves underrepresented communities.
Admission Requirements
UofL Law has a competitive admissions process, and the admissions committee evaluates candidates based on their academic performance, leadership experience, and commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 157
- Average GPA: 3.43
Other important factors in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their career goals, interest in law, and how UofL Law can help them achieve their objectives.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically from academic professors or professional mentors who can provide insight into the applicant’s qualifications.
- Resume: Detailing work experience, leadership roles, and community service activities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of UofL Law are well-prepared for legal careers in Kentucky and beyond, with many working in law firms, public service, and corporate settings.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $70,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $50,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Kentucky Law Schools
Both UK Law and UofL Law emphasize practical legal training, offering students numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and internships. These programs are essential for helping students develop the skills needed for successful legal careers.
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
UK Law offers several clinics and externship programs that allow students to gain practical experience while working with real clients:
- Legal Clinic: Students represent clients in a variety of legal matters, including family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation.
- Externships: Students have the opportunity to work with courts, government agencies, and private law firms throughout Kentucky, gaining valuable legal experience.
- Judicial Clerkships: UK Law students can extern with judges in federal and state courts, helping them gain insight into the judicial decision-making process.
University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
UofL Law provides a range of experiential learning opportunities that give students real-world legal experience:
- Law Clinic: Students provide legal services to low-income clients in areas such as family law, housing law, and consumer protection.
- Externships: UofL Law’s location in Louisville offers students access to a wide range of externship opportunities with local courts, government agencies, and law firms.
- Street Law Program: This program allows law students to teach high school students about the law, helping to foster legal education in the community.
Bar Passage Rates
Both UK Law and UofL Law have strong records of preparing students for the bar exam, with many graduates passing the Kentucky Bar Exam on their first attempt.
- University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law: UK Law consistently boasts a bar passage rate of around 85% to 90% for first-time takers.
- University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law: UofL Law also maintains a solid bar passage rate, with around 80% to 85% of graduates passing the bar exam on their first try.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Both law schools in Kentucky offer financial aid packages to help students manage the cost of their legal education, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
- In-state tuition: Approximately $24,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $49,000 per year
UK Law offers a variety of merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to assist students with tuition costs.
University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
- In-state tuition: Approximately $21,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $41,000 per year
UofL Law provides numerous scholarships and grants, including merit-based awards for high-performing students and need-based aid for those with financial need.
Career Services and Job Placement
Both UK Law and UofL Law offer robust career services to assist students and graduates with job placement. These services include career counseling, resume reviews, mock interviews, job fairs, and on-campus interviews with potential employers.
University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
- Employment Rate: Around 90% of UK Law graduates are employed within ten months of graduation, with many securing positions in law firms, government agencies, and corporations.
University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
- Employment Rate: UofL Law graduates also enjoy a high employment rate, with approximately 85% of graduates employed within ten months of graduation.