A law school can shape the future of your career, influencing the skills, experience, and networks you gain before graduation. Students aiming to excel in law need programs that combine academic rigor with real-world practice, preparing them for competitive job markets and bar exams. Tennessee stands out for offering a mix of highly respected public universities and nationally recognized private law schools. These programs are known for clinical training, research opportunities, trial advocacy, and connections to law firms, government agencies, and corporations.
The schools featured here were selected based on ABA accreditation, faculty expertise, bar passage success, and career preparation. Each program offers hands-on experience through clinics, externships, and practical learning that equips students to handle real legal challenges. Beyond academics, these schools provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to professional organizations that support career growth.
In this article, you will find detailed insights into each school’s programs, specializations, practical opportunities, and pathways to professional success. See the top 5 law schools in Tennessee below!
Best Law Schools in Tennessee
1. Vanderbilt University Law School
Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville is one of Tennessee’s most respected and nationally ranked law programs. It consistently appears among the top law schools in the United States and attracts a highly competitive student body.
The school emphasizes a customizable legal education that lets students focus on areas that match their career goals, from litigation and dispute resolution to law and business, intellectual property, and international legal studies. Vanderbilt offers strong experiential learning through clinics, externships, and engagement with real legal challenges.
The faculty includes nationally recognized scholars and practitioners who mentor students and guide research projects. Career services connect students with employers nationwide, leading to strong employment outcomes in firms, government roles, and clerkships after graduation.
The law school also offers dual‑degree options and advanced programs like LL.M. for international lawyers, enhancing students’ credentials and readiness for legal practice.
2. University of Tennessee College of Law (Frank Winston College of Law)
The Frank Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers a rigorous legal education grounded in problem‑solving, professionalism, and public service. As one of the oldest law schools in Tennessee, it provides a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program with a comprehensive curriculum that builds core legal skills during the first year and expands into electives, clinical work, and practical experiences in years two and three.
Students can also pursue dual degrees and concentrations, including business or advocacy, through joint programs that deepen expertise. The school’s long‑running legal clinic program gives students hands‑on experience in real cases under faculty supervision, including mediation and family law. With a focus on ethical judgment, analytical reasoning, and legal research, the program prepares graduates for bar success and career readiness.
The College of Law fosters community engagement and leadership, encouraging students to serve the profession and society beyond the classroom.
3. Belmont University College of Law
Belmont University College of Law in Nashville is a younger, ABA‑accredited law school with a strong focus on preparing students to enter legal practice confidently from day one. It offers a Juris Doctor program that combines traditional legal theory with real‑world experience through practicums and fieldwork placements with courts, nonprofits, government agencies, and private firms in the Nashville area.
Belmont Law has earned recognition for its high bar passage rate, often leading all Tennessee law schools in that measure, and for its employment outcomes. Students learn from faculty dedicated to personalized instruction and practical skills development. The program also encourages community involvement and leadership development.
Its location in a growing metro area gives students access to internships and legal networking opportunities across multiple sectors. Belmont’s law graduates leave equipped with the skills and confidence to build legal careers locally and regionally.
4. University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis blends rigorous academic study with hands‑on experience in one of Tennessee’s largest legal markets. Located in downtown Memphis, the law school offers a J.D. degree that emphasizes practical training, community engagement, and experiential learning.
Students complete clinic work, externships, and field placements, gaining real‑world skills in areas such as elder law, mediation, and medical‑legal partnerships. The school also supports joint and dual degrees, such as J.D./MBA and J.D./MPH, to broaden students’ career options. Memphis Law’s relationship with the local legal community, courts, and firms strengthens networking and employment opportunities.
The historic downtown facility houses resources like an extensive law library, and student organizations like moot court and law review build litigation and research abilities. The school’s commitment to public service and professional growth prepares graduates to serve clients with skill and integrity.
5. Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law
Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law in Knoxville offers a Juris Doctor program with a smaller, community‑focused environment that emphasizes individual attention and practice readiness. Accredited by the American Bar Association, the school attracts students who want a supportive, hands‑on legal education with access to faculty and practical opportunities that mirror real legal work.
Classes are intentionally small, giving students personalized guidance from experienced instructors. LMU Law also participates in collaborative programs, including ABA‑approved distance education consortia that broaden course access for part‑time students. The curriculum builds core legal skills and includes clinics, mock trial preparation, and leadership training. Students develop the analytical, research, and advocacy skills necessary for bar exam success and diverse careers in law practice, government work, or public service.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Law Schools in Tennessee
1. Which Tennessee law schools are ABA-accredited?
Vanderbilt, UT College of Law, Belmont, University of Memphis, and Lincoln Memorial are all ABA-accredited, ensuring national recognition for practice.
2. How competitive is admission to these schools?
Vanderbilt is highly selective, UT and Belmont are moderately competitive, and Memphis and Lincoln Memorial provide accessible entry with solid preparation.
3. What programs or specialties do these schools offer?
Students can specialize in corporate law, intellectual property, trial advocacy, environmental law, healthcare law, or criminal justice, depending on the school.
4. Do these schools provide practical, hands-on experience?
Yes. Most offer clinics, externships, moot court, mediation, and pro bono opportunities that prepare students for real legal practice.
5. How successful are graduates at passing the bar exam?
All top schools maintain strong bar passage rates, with Vanderbilt and Belmont typically ranking highest in the state.
6. Are there opportunities for joint or dual degrees?
Yes. Many schools offer J.D./MBA, J.D./MPA, and other dual-degree options to expand career flexibility.
7. How do law schools in Tennessee support career placement?
Career services provide counseling, internships, job fairs, alumni networking, and connections with firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
8. Can students study law online in Tennessee?
Law programs are primarily in-person due to ABA requirements, though some schools offer hybrid electives or limited online options.
9. What types of legal careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates enter private practice, government roles, judicial clerkships, public interest work, corporate counsel, or continue to advanced studies.
10. How should I choose the right law school in Tennessee?
Consider program focus, tuition, location, career support, bar passage rates, alumni network, and opportunities for hands-on experience and internships.