Pennsylvania is home to some of the most respected and competitive law schools in the United States. Lawyers here work across corporate law, public interest, government, healthcare, and growing tech and energy sectors. Choosing a law school in Pennsylvania means positioning yourself for meaningful career opportunities, access to strong professional networks, and exposure to industries that shape both state and national legal landscapes.
What makes Pennsylvania law schools stand out is more than their prestige. They offer specialized programs in corporate law, health law, intellectual property, environmental law, and international law. Top schools combine rigorous academics with clinics, externships, and mentorship opportunities that prepare students for practical work from day one. Public schools give strong value for in-state students, while private schools often provide expansive alumni networks and specialized career resources.
Deciding which school fits your goals can be challenging. Tuition, bar exam preparation, career outcomes, and available resources all play a role. Students need guidance beyond rankings to understand what each school offers and how it can shape their future.
This article breaks down the top law schools in Pennsylvania. You’ll get detailed insights into each program, understand its unique strengths, and learn about tuition, career prospects, and financial aid options.
Best Law Schools in Pennsylvania
1. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Penn Carey Law is a nationally elite law school, renowned for rigorous academics and a wide variety of specializations. The JD program is highly competitive, admitting students with top grades and LSAT scores. Beyond the JD, Penn offers LL.M. and S.J.D. programs for advanced legal study.
Students at Penn benefit from small class sizes, extensive clinics, and real-world externships. The school excels in corporate law, health law, international law, and intellectual property. Alumni networks are strong nationally and internationally, helping graduates secure top positions in law firms, corporations, government, and nonprofit sectors.
2. Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Villanova Law blends practical skills with a strong academic foundation. The JD program includes required courses in core legal areas and opportunities to pursue concentrations such as health law, business law, or litigation.
Villanova emphasizes real-world learning through clinics, externships, and simulation courses. Students gain hands-on experience while still in school, preparing them for immediate employment. The supportive community and strong faculty access create an environment where students can grow intellectually and professionally.
3. Temple University Beasley School of Law
Temple Law offers a comprehensive JD curriculum with numerous electives, clinics, and externship opportunities. Its programs in health law, trial advocacy, and public interest law are particularly notable.
Students have access to real clients through Temple’s clinics, giving them experience in litigation, counseling, and negotiation before graduation. Temple emphasizes career readiness, bar exam support, and strong connections in Philadelphia’s legal community, making it a solid choice for students seeking a practical and applied education.
4. University of Pittsburgh School of Law (Pitt Law)
Pitt Law combines rigorous academic training with an emphasis on experiential learning. Its JD program includes a traditional curriculum alongside clinics in civil rights, business law, and criminal defense.
Students benefit from faculty mentorship and access to Pittsburgh’s legal community. Special programs in health law, energy law, and international law allow students to tailor their studies. Pitt Law graduates often find positions in law firms, corporations, and government agencies across Pennsylvania and nationally.
5. Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Drexel Law focuses heavily on experiential learning and career readiness. JD students engage in co-op programs, clinics, and externships that provide hands-on legal experience from the start.
Specialties include business law, health law, and intellectual property. Drexel’s integration with the university’s broader resources helps students gain interdisciplinary skills. Alumni support and networking help graduates secure employment in private practice, corporate settings, and public interest roles.
6. Duquesne University School of Law
Duquesne Law offers a traditional JD program with opportunities for specialization in business law, health law, and international law. Students participate in clinics and internships that provide direct exposure to legal practice.
The school emphasizes personal attention from faculty, small class sizes, and strong professional networks. Duquesne graduates often find employment across Pennsylvania in private law firms, corporate settings, and public sector roles.
Career Outlook & Employment Opportunities
Graduates from Pennsylvania law schools have diverse career paths. Many work in corporate law, handling contracts, mergers, and compliance. Others focus on public interest or government roles, supporting communities or working in courts and agencies. The healthcare, energy, and tech sectors also offer opportunities in specialized law fields like health law, environmental law, and intellectual property.
Entry-level salaries vary by sector. Corporate and tech-focused lawyers in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh can earn over $90,000–$100,000 annually. Public interest or government positions often start lower but provide strong long-term growth. Understanding these paths helps students see the value of a Pennsylvania law degree.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Tuition varies across Pennsylvania law schools. Private schools like Penn and Villanova typically cost $65,000–$70,000 per year, while public schools like Temple and Pitt often range $40,000–$55,000 for in-state students.
Most schools offer financial aid, merit scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Some also provide support for public-service-oriented students or underrepresented groups. Comparing public versus private institutions can help students balance affordability and access to specialized resources or alumni networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kinds of jobs can I get after graduating from a top Pennsylvania law school?
Graduates enter corporate law firms, government, public interest, healthcare, energy, or tech sectors. Some become judicial clerks or legal advisers.
How likely am I to get a job soon after graduation?
Many Pennsylvania law schools report strong employment rates, but outcomes depend on grades, specialization, networking, and internships.
How much does law school cost in Pennsylvania, and what help is available?
Costs vary by school and public/private status. Financial aid, merit scholarships, and loan programs are widely available.
Should I choose a public or private law school?
Public schools are generally more affordable, especially for in-state students. Private schools often offer stronger alumni networks and specialized opportunities.
Can I practice law outside Pennsylvania after graduating?
Yes, if your school is ABA-accredited, you can usually sit for bar exams in other states.