Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Louisiana
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 55 | Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) Acceptance rate: 37.8% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 158-163 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.31-3.68 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $43,684 per year Enrollment (full-time): 775 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.3%
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| 79 | Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Hebert) (Baton Rouge, LA) Acceptance rate: 44.1% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.1-3.66 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $17,474 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $33,800 per year Enrollment (full-time): 663 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 90.4%
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| 136 | Loyola University New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) Acceptance rate: 59.7% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-156 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.97-3.48 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $38,266 per year Enrollment (full-time): 685 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 81.3%
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| 176 | Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, LA) Acceptance rate: 38.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 142-148 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.5-3.11 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $10,124 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $16,724 per year Enrollment (full-time): 481 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 86.4%
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All Law Schools in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to several law schools, each offering distinctive programs and opportunities tailored to the state’s unique blend of civil and common law traditions. These law schools are recognized for their academic rigor, experiential learning opportunities, and strong connections to both local and national legal markets.
1. Tulane University Law School
Overview
Tulane University Law School, located in New Orleans, is one of the oldest law schools in the United States, having been established in 1847. It is widely known for its expertise in maritime law, environmental law, and international law. Tulane’s law school blends Louisiana’s civil law heritage with the common law system, providing students with a broad legal education that prepares them for national and international legal careers. Tulane also benefits from its location in New Orleans, a hub for cultural and legal diversity.
Degree Programs
Tulane Law offers a variety of degree programs that cater to different career goals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides students with a solid foundation in both civil and common law, allowing them to practice in Louisiana and other U.S. jurisdictions.
- Specializations: Maritime Law, Sports Law, Environmental Law, International & Comparative Law, and Civil Law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): One-year program for lawyers seeking to specialize further. LL.M. specializations include:
- Maritime Law
- Energy and Environmental Law
- International Law
- American Law (for foreign-trained lawyers)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.): A research-intensive degree designed for those pursuing academic or high-level legal research careers.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: Offered in collaboration with Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business.
- J.D./M.S. in International Development: Combines law with a focus on global development policies.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Tulane Law School is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for academically talented students with diverse experiences.
- Average LSAT: 160
- Average GPA: 3.50
Other admissions factors include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their interest in law, career goals, and why Tulane is the right choice.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from professors or professionals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities and leadership potential.
- Resume: Highlighting leadership roles, work experience, internships, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
Tulane Law graduates have strong job prospects both in Louisiana and nationally, particularly in maritime law, energy law, and international law.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $115,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
2. Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Overview
Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center, located in Baton Rouge, is unique among U.S. law schools for offering a curriculum that integrates both common law and civil law. This dual curriculum makes LSU Law an ideal choice for students who want to practice law in Louisiana, which follows a civil law system, as well as other U.S. states. Established in 1906, LSU Law is recognized for its strong emphasis on producing practice-ready graduates and its affordable tuition.
Degree Programs
LSU Law offers several degree options tailored to the legal market’s demands:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program with a distinct curriculum that includes both civil law (for Louisiana practice) and common law (for practice in other U.S. jurisdictions).
- Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law (D.C.L.): This diploma is awarded in addition to the J.D., reflecting LSU’s focus on the civil law system.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for foreign-trained lawyers who want to gain expertise in U.S. law and/or Louisiana civil law.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: Joint program offered with LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business.
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): Combines law with public policy studies.
Admission Requirements
LSU Law seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
- Average LSAT: 157
- Average GPA: 3.48
Additional admissions criteria include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must provide a detailed personal statement discussing their motivations for attending law school and their career aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from academic or professional sources who can assess the applicant’s potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Outlining leadership, work experience, and extracurricular involvement.
Starting Salaries
LSU Law graduates are highly competitive in the Louisiana legal market and beyond, particularly in fields like energy law, corporate law, and public service.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $90,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
3. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
Overview
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, a Jesuit institution, was established in 1914. It is known for its emphasis on social justice, public interest law, and practical legal training. Loyola’s law school offers students the opportunity to pursue either a civil law or common law track, making it a flexible option for those who want to practice in Louisiana or other parts of the country. Loyola’s commitment to experiential learning is reflected in its many clinics and externships.
Degree Programs
Loyola Law offers various degree programs to meet the diverse needs of its students:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program with options to specialize in either civil law (for Louisiana practice) or common law (for other U.S. jurisdictions).
- Certificates: Students can earn certificates in areas like Environmental Law, Immigration Law, and Social Justice Law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for U.S. and foreign-trained lawyers looking to specialize in areas such as environmental law, health law, and international law.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: In collaboration with Loyola’s College of Business.
- J.D./Master of Urban and Regional Planning: For students interested in the legal aspects of city planning and development.
Admission Requirements
Loyola Law evaluates applicants holistically, considering a range of factors, including academic performance, leadership, and commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 151
- Average GPA: 3.20
Other admissions criteria include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing law and how Loyola fits into their professional goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically from academic or professional mentors who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, and volunteer activities.
Starting Salaries
Loyola Law graduates find employment in a variety of sectors, including private practice, public service, and non-profit organizations, particularly in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $50,000
4. Southern University Law Center
Overview
Southern University Law Center (SULC), located in Baton Rouge, was established in 1947 as a historically Black law school. SULC has a strong focus on civil rights, social justice, and providing access to legal education for historically underserved communities. The school is known for its diverse student body and commitment to producing practice-ready attorneys. SULC’s location in Baton Rouge provides students with opportunities to engage in public service and government work.
Degree Programs
Southern University Law Center offers several programs aimed at preparing students for legal practice:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The standard three-year program designed to prepare students for the Louisiana Bar Exam and practice in a variety of legal fields.
- Part-Time Evening Program: A flexible option for working professionals, allowing them to earn a J.D. while continuing their careers.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration): For students interested in law and public policy.
Admission Requirements
SULC has a mission of providing access to legal education and considers a range of factors in its admissions process, including academic performance, professional experience, and community involvement.
- Average LSAT: 145
- Average GPA: 2.94
Additional factors considered include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement detailing their reasons for pursuing law and how they plan to use their legal education.
- Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from academic or professional mentors who can assess the applicant’s potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Outlining work experience, leadership roles, and volunteer activities.
Starting Salaries
SULC graduates are well-prepared for careers in public service, private practice, and government, particularly in Louisiana.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $60,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $45,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Louisiana Law Schools
All four law schools in Louisiana emphasize practical legal training through clinics, externships, and internships. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills for legal practice.
Tulane University Law School
- Tulane Environmental Law Clinic: Students work on cases involving environmental regulations and policy.
- Civil Litigation Clinic: Provides students with experience representing clients in civil matters.
- Maritime Law Practicum: Focused on admiralty and maritime law.
Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center
- LSU Law Clinic: Offers students practical experience in family law, juvenile law, and criminal defense.
- Judicial Externships: Students work with judges in state and federal courts.
- Energy Law Externships: Focused on the regulatory and legal challenges in the energy sector.
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
- Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic & Center for Social Justice: Students provide legal services to marginalized communities in areas like immigration and housing law.
- Prosecution and Defense Externships: Opportunities for students to work with district attorneys or public defenders.
Southern University Law Center
- Mediation Clinic: Offers students experience in alternative dispute resolution.
- Civil Rights and Juvenile Justice Clinics: Focus on civil rights advocacy and juvenile law.