Key Takeaways
- Top law programs in Chicago include: University of Chicago Law School, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, UIC School of Law, and DePaul University College of Law.
- University of Chicago and Northwestern Law consistently rank in the Top 14 (T14) nationally and offer strong BigLaw placement and clerkship opportunities.
- Job placements, bar passage rates, and clinical opportunities are crucial differentiators among law schools in Chicago.
- Chicago’s legal market is robust, offering excellent externships, BigLaw prospects, and public interest pathways.
- Affordability, scholarships, and cost of living vary significantly among these schools and should be carefully considered.
Best Law Programs in Chicago (2024 Guide)
Choosing the right law school in a legal hub like Chicago can significantly shape your career trajectory. With six ABA-accredited law schools located in or around the city, each with unique strengths, costs, and opportunities, navigating your options takes more than a glance at rankings.
This guide offers a data-driven, deeply-researched comparison of the best law schools in Chicago, focusing on academic excellence, career outcomes, bar passage, affordability, student experience, and more—everything you need to make a well-informed decision.
Top Law Schools in Chicago: At a Glance
Law School Ranking (USNWR 2024) Tuition (2023–24) Bar Passage Rate Employment (JD Required, 10 Months) Notable Strengths University of Chicago Law School #3 $76,479 98% 94.6% BigLaw placement, federal clerkships, law & economics Northwestern Pritzker School of Law #13 $75,294 91% 92.1% Strong alumni network, business law, externships Loyola University Chicago School of Law #84 $54,300 83% 78.2% Health law, trial advocacy, evening program UIC School of Law (University of Illinois Chicago) #147-192 $38,500 (in-state) 79% 68.0% Affordability, diversity, IP law DePaul University College of Law #111 $53,881 76% 73.4% Clinical legal education, public interest law
Sources: ABA 509 Reports (2023), US News & World Report (2024), Official Law School Websites
1. University of Chicago Law School
Overview
Founded in 1902, the University of Chicago Law School is a perennial top-3 law school nationally. Known for its academic intensity and law-and-economics emphasis, it’s a launchpad for Supreme Court clerkships and elite law firms.
Strengths
- Top-tier BigLaw and federal clerkship placement
- Low student-to-faculty ratio (5.7:1)
- Strong law & economics curriculum
- Chicago Law Review, one of the nation’s most respected journals
Clinical Programs
Offerings include the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic, Civil Rights Clinic, and the renowned Exoneration Project.
Career Outcomes
Over 90% of graduates land JD-required roles, many in BigLaw or prestigious clerkships. Median starting salary: $215,000 (private sector).
Considerations
Very competitive admissions (~11% acceptance). High tuition and cost of living in Hyde Park.
2. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Overview
Located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, Northwestern Law is widely respected for its focus on practical skills and business law. It offers one of the strongest part-time JD programs and values real-world experience at admission.
Strengths
- Strong corporate law and entrepreneurship programs
- Access to Chicago-based externships & law firms
- Extensive alumni network
- JD-MBA dual degree with Kellogg School of Management
Bar Passage & Careers
- Bar passage: 91%
- Employment: 92.1% in JD-required roles
- Median private sector salary: $215,000
Pros
Urban campus allows students to intern at major firms and courts within walking distance. Strong job placement even outside the Midwest.
3. Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Overview
Loyola Law combines solid academic rigor with a commitment to social justice and health law. It offers a top-ranked part-time JD program and a respected trial advocacy curriculum.
Unique Offerings
- Renowned Health Law and Bioethics programs
- Top 20 nationwide for Trial Advocacy Specialty
- Evening and hybrid JD programs
- Strong service and Jesuit values
Clinical and Experiential Learning
Includes the Center for the Human Rights of Children, Business Law Clinic, and Legislation and Policy Clinic.
Outcomes
Loyola may not have T14 prestige, but its graduates fare well in local government and nonprofits. Strong Chicago alumni base.
4. UIC School of Law (University of Illinois Chicago)
Overview
As Chicago's only public law school, UIC School of Law (formerly John Marshall) focuses on accessibility, diversity, and affordability. It appeals especially to first-generation and non-traditional students.
Specializations
- Strong in Intellectual Property Law
- Highly diverse student population
- Affordable in-state tuition: $38,500
Clinical Offerings
Home to the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic and International Human Rights Clinic. Focused on serving underserved populations.
Bar & Job Placement
Lower bar passage and job placement compared to private peers, but many grads succeed in government and solo practice settings.
5. DePaul University College of Law
Overview
Founded in 1912, DePaul Law emphasizes practical skills, public interest, and policy engagement. It has strong Chicago connections, especially for students interested in urban law or social justice work.
Special Programs
- Excellent Public Interest Law Certificate
- Access to Field Placement Program with Cook County courts
- Wide array of dual-degree options
Student Perspective
Students praise the supportive faculty, real-world orientation, and diverse clinical services—but mention that national placement can be limited.
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