University of Chicago Law School
#4Overview
The University of Chicago Law School is an intellectual powerhouse located on the University’s main campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Consistently ranked #3 in the nation (often above Harvard or Stanford in employment metrics), it is best known as the birthplace of the 'Law and Economics' movement. UChicago prides itself on being a serious academic institution where ideas are aggressively debated. It produces a disproportionately high number of conservative and libertarian legal scholars and judges, though its student body remains politically diverse.
Academic Environment
UChicago is unique among top law schools for its Quarter System (three 10-week terms per year), which allows students to take more courses than peers at semester-based schools.
Career Outcomes
If your goal is a Federal Clerkship, UChicago is arguably the best law school in America. It frequently ranks #1 in the nation for placing graduates into federal clerkships (per capita), often outperforming even Yale. It is a 'feeder school' for the U.S. Supreme Court and elite appellate courts. For private practice, UChicago graduates are heavily recruited by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and other top-tier corporate firms in Chicago and New York who value the school's rigorous economic training.
Areas of Study
Top Clinics
Journals
LSAT Score Distribution
A median LSAT of 173 places Chicago Law among the most competitive law schools. Applicants below 169 should consider retaking the exam or emphasizing other strong application components.
Undergraduate GPA Distribution
Application Components
- ✓Personal Statement
- ✓CAS Report (LSAT & Transcripts)
- ✓2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- ✓Resume
- ?Diversity Statement (Optional)
- ?Interview (By Invitation)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Law
Is it hard to get into University of Chicago Law School?
Yes, Chicago Law is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of 12.73%. Successful applicants typically have LSAT scores above 169 and GPAs above 3.82.
What is the lowest LSAT accepted?
While there is no strict minimum, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 169. Applicants scoring below this number face significant challenges but may be considered if they have exceptionally strong soft factors or work experience.
Does Chicago Law require an interview?
Interview policies vary by year, but top-tier schools like Chicago Law often use interviews (by invitation) to evaluate candidates holistically. Check the specific requirements in the Admissions section above.
What is the employment rate for graduates?
94% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation. A significant portion (57.8%) go into BigLaw firms, while 28% secure federal clerkships.