Texas, a state in the South Central region of the U.S., is the second-largest state by population and area. The “Lone Star State” was once the Republic of Texas after declaring independence from Mexico. Its rich history, wide-ranging landscapes, major cities, and small towns continue to attract people from different parts of the world.
Beyond its diversity, Texas is home to well-known universities and law schools with strong academic and professional programs. Its large population, natural resources, and major cities also support a diverse economy. Legal careers can be financially rewarding, although salaries and opportunities vary by location, practice area, and experience.
For students planning a legal career, Texas offers several respected law schools with academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and alumni networks that can support long-term professional goals. Below are five of the best-known law schools in Texas. Applicants should review each school’s latest admissions, tuition, employment, and accreditation or approved-school disclosures before applying.
Best Law Schools in Texas
1. The University of Texas at Austin School of Law
- Law School Link
- Degree offered: J.D., LL.M.; dual and combined degrees are also available.
The School of Law at the University of Texas at Austin, established in 1883, is currently the highest-ranked law school in Texas in the latest U.S. News overall law-school rankings. It focuses on providing the knowledge and skills that help students pursue leadership roles in the legal profession. Its academic mission also looks beyond professional training to improving the overall justice system. With a 27,000-member alumni association, graduates have access to a large network across legal services and related fields.
Aside from its Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree programs, the school offers dual and combined degree programs that allow students to earn a law degree and an additional graduate degree. Examples include Business Administration, Information Studies, and Latin American Studies. Students also receive hands-on training through advocacy programs, clinics, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Through the school’s legal writing and advocacy programs, students build a strong foundation in legal writing, analysis, and research, which are fundamental skills for a successful legal career. Meanwhile, the school’s pro bono program encourages students to gain practical experience while serving people and communities with legal needs.
2. Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
The Dedman School of Law, located in Dallas, is another respected law school in Texas. Founded in 1925, the school provides high-quality education with a focus on successful career outcomes. Its nationally recognized faculty help students gain legal experience in areas connected to the school’s curricular strengths, including business, corporate, international, tax, and intellectual property law. Students also have access to the Underwood Law Library, which SMU describes as the largest private academic law library west of the Mississippi River.
The school offers varied degree programs, including the Doctor of Juridical Science and Master of Legal Studies. Dedman Law also has centers and institutes that provide additional learning opportunities. The school delivers experiential learning through legal clinics, externships and internship programs, mock trial, and moot court competitions. Students are also required to complete law-related public service before graduating. Through these activities, students gain exposure to real-life legal issues and build the confidence, knowledge, and skills to help solve them.
3. University of Houston Law Center
- Law School Link
- Degree offered: J.D., LL.M.; concurrent degrees are also available.
The Law Center at the University of Houston, established in 1947, is among the best-known law schools in Texas. Besides providing legal education, the center serves as a hub for research and scholarship that can inform policy and public discussion. Its faculty deliver both theoretical and practical legal training, while its alumni network offers additional support as graduates start and develop their careers.
On top of the J.D. and LL.M. programs, the Law Center offers concurrent degrees for students who want to study other disciplines together with law. Examples include Medicine, Social Work, Public Health, Business Administration, Public Policy, and Public Administration. While the school’s programs and courses already provide a strong legal education, students can also gain practical experience through clinics, skills training, externship programs, centers, and institutes.
4. Baylor University Law School
- Law School Link
- Degree offered: J.D., Executive LL.M. in Litigation Management; dual degrees are also available.
Baylor Law at Baylor University, located in Waco on the banks of the Brazos River, is one of the country’s smaller law schools. It offers practice-ready education, where students are taught fundamental skills and professional values that are crucial for success in their careers. Established in 1857, Baylor Law was the first official law school in Texas and has contributed distinguished legal professionals to government, public service, and private practice.
Along with Baylor’s degree programs, students have the opportunity to build a broader academic background through dual degree programs. Some of the programs available to take with a Juris Doctor degree include the Master of Business Administration, Master of Taxation, Master of Divinity, and Master of Public Policy and Administration. Students can also receive practical experience through legal clinics, pro bono opportunities, advocacy programs, and other hands-on learning experiences.
5. Texas A&M University School of Law
- Law School Link
- Degree offered: J.D., LL.M., M.L.S.; graduate legal certificates are also available.
We end our list of best law schools in Texas with the School of Law at Texas A&M University. The law school traces its history to the Dallas/Fort Worth School of Law, founded in 1989; Texas A&M acquired the school in 2013 and now operates it in Fort Worth. Students also gain access to Texas A&M University’s Aggie Network, a university-wide network of more than 500,000 former students around the world.
While students can build a strong foundation for their legal careers through the school’s degree programs, more in-depth and hands-on legal studies are available through Texas A&M School of Law’s centers, institutes, clinics, and practical learning programs. Experiential and professional development opportunities include the Equal Justice Pro Bono Program, the Professionalism and Leadership Program, and legal analysis, research, and writing programs.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students and the USA Scholarships Page.
