Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Puerto Rico
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 195 | Catholic University (Ponce, PR) Acceptance rate: N/A LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): N/A GPA (25th-75th percentile): N/A Tuition & Fees: N/A Enrollment (full-time): N/A Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: N/A  |
| 196 | Inter-American University (San Juan, PR) Acceptance rate: N/A LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): N/A GPA (25th-75th percentile): N/A Tuition & Fees: N/A Enrollment (full-time): N/A Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: N/A  |
| 198 | University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras, PR) Acceptance rate: N/A LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): N/A GPA (25th-75th percentile): N/A Tuition & Fees: N/A Enrollment (full-time): N/A Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: N/A  |
Law Schools in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is home to three law schools, each offering unique opportunities for students interested in pursuing legal careers on the island and beyond. These schools provide a bilingual legal education, with courses offered in both Spanish and English, making them ideal for students looking to practice law in Puerto Rico, the U.S., or Latin America. The law schools in Puerto Rico are:
- University of Puerto Rico School of Law
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law
1. University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Overview
The University of Puerto Rico School of Law (UPR Law), located in San Juan, is the oldest and most prestigious law school on the island, established in 1913. It is known for its rigorous academic program, emphasis on public service, and its role as a leader in legal education in Puerto Rico. UPR Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), making it one of the few law schools in Puerto Rico whose graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam in any U.S. jurisdiction.
UPR Law offers a bilingual curriculum, with courses available in both Spanish and English, preparing students to practice law in Puerto Rico, the United States, and internationally. The school has a strong focus on public interest law, constitutional law, and environmental law.
Degree Programs
UPR Law offers a variety of degree programs that cater to different legal career paths:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The standard three-year program offers a bilingual legal education, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as public interest law, environmental law, and business law. The curriculum emphasizes legal theory, critical thinking, and practical skills, preparing students for the bar exam and legal practice.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): A joint program that allows students to earn both a law degree and a business degree, preparing them for careers in corporate law, business, or management.
- J.D./M.A. in Public Policy: This dual degree combines legal education with public policy training, ideal for students interested in working in government or public administration.
- Clinical Programs and Externships: UPR Law provides a wide range of practical learning opportunities through its clinical programs and externships, including:
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Human Rights Clinic
- Community Economic Development Clinic
These clinics allow students to work on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys, gaining practical legal experience in various areas of law.
Admission Requirements
Admission to UPR Law is competitive, and the school seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership abilities, and a commitment to public service. The school takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, and other factors such as work experience and community involvement.
- Average LSAT Score: 145
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Application Components:
- LSAC (Law School Admission Council) application
- Personal statement explaining the applicant’s interest in law and UPR Law
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities
- Optional diversity statement
UPR Law values diversity in its student body and seeks applicants who can contribute to the academic and social environment of the law school.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of UPR Law have strong job prospects, particularly in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. Many graduates pursue careers in law firms, government agencies, or public interest organizations. The school’s ABA accreditation also allows graduates to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Private Sector: $60,000 – $90,000
- Public Sector: $45,000 – $65,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $50,000 – $65,000
UPR Law’s strong reputation and its ABA accreditation make it an attractive option for students seeking to practice law both in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
2. Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Overview
The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law (IAUPR Law), located in San Juan, is one of the leading law schools in Puerto Rico, known for its focus on bilingual legal education and its commitment to public service. Established in 1961, IAUPR Law offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment, with a curriculum designed to prepare students to practice law in Puerto Rico, the U.S., and Latin America.
IAUPR Law is also accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), allowing its graduates to sit for the bar exam in any U.S. jurisdiction. The school is well-regarded for its programs in international law, constitutional law, and civil rights.
Degree Programs
IAUPR Law offers a range of degree programs to meet the needs of students with various career goals:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The core three-year program provides students with a bilingual legal education, with courses offered in both Spanish and English. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in legal theory and practice, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as constitutional law, international law, and human rights law.
- LL.M. in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: This one-year program is designed for lawyers who wish to specialize in litigation, arbitration, and mediation. It is particularly valuable for lawyers practicing in Puerto Rico, where alternative dispute resolution methods are widely used.
- Clinical Programs and Externships: IAUPR Law emphasizes practical legal training through its clinical programs and externships, which include:
- Civil Rights Clinic
- Criminal Law Clinic
- Family Law Clinic
These programs provide students with hands-on experience in representing clients, conducting legal research, and participating in courtroom proceedings.
Admission Requirements
Admission to IAUPR Law is competitive, with the school looking for applicants who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to serving the public. IAUPR Law considers a variety of factors in the admissions process, including LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, work experience, and personal accomplishments.
- Average LSAT Score: 140
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in law and IAUPR Law
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume showcasing academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences
- Optional diversity statement
IAUPR Law seeks students who are passionate about law and committed to making a positive impact on their communities.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of IAUPR Law enjoy strong employment prospects in Puerto Rico and the U.S., particularly in government, public interest, and civil rights law. Many graduates pursue careers in law firms, legal aid organizations, and judicial clerkships.
- Private Sector: $50,000 – $85,000
- Public Sector: $45,000 – $60,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $45,000 – $60,000
IAUPR Law’s focus on bilingual education and public service makes its graduates well-prepared for careers in both Puerto Rico and the mainland United States.
3. Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law
Overview
The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law (PUCPR Law), located in Ponce, is a private Catholic law school that has been educating lawyers since 1961. The school is known for its commitment to ethical legal practice, social justice, and public service. PUCPR Law provides a bilingual education, with courses offered in both Spanish and English, preparing students to practice law in Puerto Rico, the U.S., and Latin America.
PUCPR Law emphasizes a values-based education that integrates Catholic social teaching with legal principles, making it an ideal choice for students interested in public interest law, human rights law, and family law.
Degree Programs
PUCPR Law offers a variety of degree programs that cater to students with diverse interests in the legal profession:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The standard three-year program provides a bilingual legal education, with a curriculum that emphasizes ethics, professionalism, and social justice. Students can specialize in areas such as human rights law, criminal law, and civil rights law.
- LL.M. in Notarial Law and Real Estate: This program is designed for lawyers who wish to specialize in notarial law and real estate transactions, which are critical areas of practice in Puerto Rico’s legal system.
- Clinical Programs and Externships: PUCPR Law offers several clinical programs and externships that provide students with practical legal experience, including:
- Family Law Clinic
- Community Law Clinic
- Human Rights Clinic
These programs allow students to represent clients in legal matters, gaining hands-on experience in advocacy, negotiation, and legal research.
Admission Requirements
PUCPR Law seeks students who demonstrate strong academic potential, ethical values, and a commitment to public service. The admissions process takes into account LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, work experience, and personal achievements.
- Average LSAT Score: 142
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Application Components:
- LSAC application
- Personal statement that reflects the applicant’s interest in law and commitment to social justice
- Two letters of recommendation
- LSAT scores
- Resume detailing academic, professional, and volunteer experiences
- Optional diversity statement
PUCPR Law values applicants who are dedicated to ethical legal practice and who seek to make a positive impact on society.
Starting Salaries
PUCPR Law graduates are well-prepared for careers in public service, family law, and human rights law. Many graduates work in law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S.
- Private Sector: $55,000 – $80,000
- Public Sector: $45,000 – $60,000
- Judicial Clerkships: $45,000 – $60,000
PUCPR Law’s focus on ethical practice and social justice makes its graduates highly sought after in fields that emphasize public service and human rights advocacy.