Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in New Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in New Jersey
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 69 | Seton Hall University (Newark, NJ) Acceptance rate: 48.4% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.22-3.66 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $46,840 per year Enrollment (full-time): 673 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.6%
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| 84 | Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark (Newark, NJ) Acceptance rate: 28.6% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 155-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.06-3.59 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $25,385 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $37,117 per year Enrollment (full-time): 585 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 85.3%
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| 99 | Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Camden (Camden, NJ) Acceptance rate: 39.0% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 156-161 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3-3.62 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $25,464 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $37,196 per year Enrollment (full-time): 647 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 80.9%
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All Law Schools in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to three law schools that offer a wide range of legal education opportunities, including strong programs in business law, public interest law, health law, and constitutional law. These schools provide students with access to a vibrant legal market, including opportunities to practice law in both New Jersey and nearby New York City.
The law schools in New Jersey are:
- Rutgers Law School (Camden and Newark campuses)
- Seton Hall University School of Law
1. Rutgers Law School (Camden and Newark Campuses)
Overview
Rutgers Law School has two campuses, one in Camden and one in Newark, and is part of Rutgers University, a large public research institution. Founded in 1908, Rutgers Law is known for its strong public service commitment, diverse student body, and extensive clinical programs. The school is unique in that it operates as a single law school with two campuses, allowing students access to faculty, courses, and resources across both locations. Rutgers Law School is particularly well-regarded for its programs in constitutional law, public interest law, and criminal law.
The school’s location in Camden and Newark provides students with easy access to legal markets in both New Jersey and New York City, offering many opportunities for externships, internships, and employment.
Degree Programs
Rutgers Law School offers a variety of degree programs to prepare students for a wide range of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program offers a comprehensive legal education, with specializations available in:
- Public Interest Law
- Business and Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Health Law
- Dual Degree Programs:
- 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)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): Rutgers offers an LL.M. in Corporate Law and Finance, Health Law, and Taxation.
- Clinical Programs and Externships: Rutgers is known for its strong clinical programs, which give students the opportunity to work on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys. Some of the key clinics include:
- Constitutional Rights Clinic
- Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Immigrant Justice Clinic
Admission Requirements
Rutgers Law School seeks students who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering LSAT scores, GPA, and other factors such as work experience and community involvement.
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Application Components:
- LSAC Application: Applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
- Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing a legal education and their interest in Rutgers 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.
- LSAT Score: The LSAT is required for all J.D. applicants.
- Resume: A resume highlighting academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service is encouraged.
Starting Salaries
Rutgers Law School graduates are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors. Many graduates find employment in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, with strong placements in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.
- Private Sector: $80,000 – $130,000
- Graduates working in private law firms, particularly in New Jersey or New York City, can expect starting salaries in this range, depending on the size and location of the firm.
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Graduates working in public interest law, government agencies, or as public defenders or prosecutors typically earn starting salaries in this range.
- Judicial Clerkships: $55,000 – $65,000
- Rutgers Law graduates often secure judicial clerkships with state and federal judges, providing valuable experience early in their careers.
2. Seton Hall University School of Law
Overview
Seton Hall University School of Law, located in Newark, is a private Catholic law school known for its emphasis on ethics, social justice, and professionalism. Established in 1951, Seton Hall Law is well-regarded for its health law, business law, and intellectual property law programs. The school offers a supportive environment with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, while also providing students with access to the legal markets of New Jersey and New York City.
Seton Hall Law is particularly well-known for its Center for Health & Pharmaceutical Law & Policy, which offers specialized training in health law and compliance. The school also offers a strong focus on corporate law, with many graduates pursuing careers in corporate legal departments and financial institutions.
Degree Programs
Seton Hall Law offers several degree programs to cater to the diverse interests of its students:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program provides students with a solid foundation in legal theory and practice, with opportunities to specialize in:
- Health Law
- Business and Corporate Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Litigation
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Stillman School of Business)
- J.D./M.S.J. (Master of Science in Jurisprudence) in Health Law and Intellectual Property Law
- LL.M. (Master of Laws): Seton Hall offers LL.M. programs in Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Financial Services Compliance.
- Online Graduate Programs: Seton Hall also offers fully online graduate programs in health law and compliance, which cater to working professionals.
- Clinical Programs and Externships:
- Immigration Law Clinic
- Civil Rights and Constitutional Litigation Clinic
- Health Law Clinic
- Externships in New York City and New Jersey law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments
Admission Requirements
Seton Hall Law seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a commitment to ethical legal practice. The admissions process considers LSAT scores, GPA, work experience, and personal statements.
- Average LSAT Score: 158
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Application Components:
- LSAC Application: All applicants must submit their application through LSAC.
- Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that highlights their interest in law and why they are applying to Seton Hall.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are typically required.
- LSAT Score: The LSAT is required for all J.D. applicants.
- Resume: Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume that outlines their academic, professional, and community achievements.
Starting Salaries
Seton Hall Law graduates benefit from the school’s strong ties to New Jersey’s legal community, as well as its proximity to New York City’s financial and legal markets. Graduates often find employment in law firms, corporate legal departments, and health law-related positions.
- Private Sector: $85,000 – $160,000
- Graduates who work in larger law firms, particularly in New York City, often earn higher starting salaries. Corporate law and health law positions are particularly lucrative for Seton Hall graduates.
- Public Sector: $55,000 – $75,000
- Graduates pursuing careers in public interest law, government, or compliance typically start with salaries in this range.
- Judicial Clerkships: $60,000 – $70,000
- Seton Hall graduates often secure judicial clerkships, particularly in New Jersey courts, providing excellent early-career experience.
Practical Learning Opportunities at New Jersey Law Schools
Both Rutgers Law School and Seton Hall University School of Law offer extensive practical learning opportunities that allow students to gain real-world legal experience while in law school.
Rutgers Law School Clinical Programs
Rutgers Law is known for its nationally ranked clinical programs, which allow students to represent real clients and work on real cases. These clinics provide valuable hands-on experience in a variety of legal areas, including:
- Constitutional Rights Clinic: Students work on civil rights and constitutional law cases, often representing clients in high-profile matters involving free speech, due process, and equal protection.
- Criminal and Youth Justice Clinic: Students represent clients in criminal defense matters and work on issues related to juvenile justice and youth incarceration.
- Environmental Law Clinic: This clinic focuses on environmental litigation and advocacy, providing students with experience in administrative law, environmental protection, and public policy.
Seton Hall University School of Law Clinical Programs
Seton Hall Law also offers a range of clinical programs that provide students with practical legal training. Some of the most popular clinics include:
- Health Law Clinic: As part of Seton Hall’s strong focus on health law, students in this clinic work on cases related to healthcare access, medical ethics, and public health.
- Immigration Law Clinic: Students represent clients in immigration matters, including asylum cases, deportation defense, and visa applications.
- Civil Rights and Constitutional Litigation Clinic: This clinic provides students with the opportunity to work on complex civil rights cases, often involving issues such as police misconduct, free speech, and voting rights.
Externship Opportunities
Both law schools offer robust externship programs that allow students to work in law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate legal departments. Externships provide students with invaluable professional experience and often lead to job offers after graduation.
- Government Externships: Many students at Rutgers and Seton Hall secure externships with state and federal agencies, including the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and various regulatory agencies.
- Judicial Externships: Both schools offer externships with state and federal judges, giving students the opportunity to observe court proceedings, conduct legal research, and assist in drafting judicial opinions.
- Corporate Externships: Students interested in corporate law can work in the legal departments of major corporations, particularly in sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology.
Career Support and Alumni Networks
Both Rutgers Law School and Seton Hall University School of Law offer strong career support services to help students navigate the legal job market.
Career Services
Both schools’ career services offices provide a wide range of resources, including:
- Career Counseling: Students can meet with career advisors to discuss their job search strategies, receive resume feedback, and prepare for interviews.
- On-Campus Interviews: Law firms, corporations, and government agencies often visit both campuses to recruit students for summer internships and full-time positions.
- Networking Events: Both schools host career fairs, panel discussions, and networking receptions that allow students to connect with alumni and potential employers.
Alumni Networks
Both Rutgers and Seton Hall have extensive alumni networks that are particularly strong in New Jersey and New York. Alumni often serve as mentors, helping students secure internships and full-time positions, and remain involved in the schools through events, networking opportunities, and guest lectures.