Massachusetts, located in the United States’ New England region, is a strong place to pursue a law degree. The state has several ABA-listed law schools, including universities that offer law programs and courses in areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, and anti-discrimination law. Aspiring lawyers commonly take the LSAT, which is accepted by all ABA-accredited law schools, although some schools also accept other approved admissions tests. After that, students can compare law schools in Massachusetts and work on getting accepted.
While getting into a strong law school is already an advantage, there are more benefits to studying in Massachusetts. The state’s summers invite outdoor activities such as visiting parks and historical sites, watching sports games, and exploring its food culture. Getting a much-needed break from hectic schedules and mountains of schoolwork is easy in Massachusetts.
Although students choose Massachusetts as a study destination for different reasons, it is undeniable that the state’s law schools attract students from other parts of the country. This list of the best law schools in Massachusetts is a selective overview and does not include every ABA-listed law school in Massachusetts. Despite the competition for acceptance getting tighter, students are even more compelled to consider Massachusetts law schools. Knowing what each school has to offer helps tremendously in making a career-starting choice.
Best Law Schools in Massachusetts
1. Harvard Law School
Law School at Harvard University, located in Cambridge, is one of the best-known law schools in Massachusetts. Established in 1817, it is the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States. The school provides top-tier legal education and brings together students, scholars, and professionals from around the globe. With more than 100 full-time and clinical professors engaged in teaching and research, students are offered extensive guidance and mentorship. Harvard Law also has an impressive alumni network, which allows graduates to connect with one another and foster relationships that are beneficial to their careers and professional goals.
Harvard Law School offers more than 500 courses and seminars. With such a significant number of choices, students are encouraged to build a strong foundation while pursuing a deeper understanding of legal concepts and exploring other ideas and approaches to law. Students also have access to clinics, student practice organizations, and pro bono opportunities that provide real-life legal experience under attorney supervision. J.D. students must complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work before graduation.
2. Boston University School of Law
The School of Law at Boston University is another highly regarded law school in Massachusetts and in the United States. Its nationally recognized faculty provide students with learning and practical opportunities to help them advance in their future legal careers. Founded in 1872, the school has more than 25,000 alumni living in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. With an alumni network as vast as Boston University School of Law’s, future alumni have additional support and resources to help them make important career decisions.
The school offers more than 200 courses and seminars, and students can explore many practice areas. Boston University School of Law is especially recognized for Health Law and Intellectual Property Law. Aside from the availability of J.D. and LL.M. degree programs, students can pursue other graduate law options and dual degree programs, including combinations with business administration and public health.
3. Boston College Law School
Located on Boston College‘s Newton Campus in Newton Centre, Boston College Law School is another highly recognized law school in Massachusetts. Founded in 1929, the school stands by its tradition of providing education through the ideals of theory and practice, producing legal professionals equipped to answer society’s moral and ethical dilemmas. Boston College Law School also fosters a supportive community inspired by the Jesuit emphasis on service to others, despite the members’ diverse backgrounds.
The school has 76 full-time faculty members, 28% of whom have advanced degrees in fields other than law. Through this, students have mentors who are not only recognized in the legal field but also capable of leading them toward interdisciplinary mastery. Besides its degree programs, students receive an early introduction to real-life law practice through experiential learning opportunities such as clinics, externships, advocacy programs, and skills-based courses.
4. Northeastern University School of Law
Another Boston-based law school, the School of Law at Northeastern University is known for combining classroom learning with hands-on legal experience. While it offers academic experiences inside lecture halls and practical experience through clinics, the school also gives students early legal work experience through its Cooperative Legal Education Program. Through this program, J.D. students complete three full-time legal work experiences and graduate with nearly a year of full-time legal work experience before graduation.
One more notable thing about Northeastern University School of Law is its focus on social justice. Northeastern encourages students to engage with real social issues through public interest law opportunities and its Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration. The school also requires first-year students to work with a real community or advocacy organization on a social justice project through its Legal Skills in Social Context course.
5. New England Law | Boston
New England Law | Boston is one of the notable law schools in Boston. Students have beyond-the-classroom training through clinics and externships, fellowship programs, judicial internships, pro bono opportunities, advocacy and skills teams, academic centers, and international opportunities. The school’s faculty includes distinguished practitioners and scholars with extensive experience, impressive credentials, and, most importantly, a commitment to mentoring students in their quest for successful legal careers.
While studying law might require a full-time commitment, New England Law | Boston offers multiple J.D. program options, including full-time, evening part-time, day part-time, and flexible J.D. programs. Through these options, students can pursue their legal career aspirations by choosing the program that best fits their circumstances.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check the available courses for international students and the USA Scholarships Page!
