Stanford Law School
#2Overview
Stanford Law School (SLS) is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, just south of San Francisco. Established in 1893, it is consistently ranked among the top three law schools in the world (often alternating the #1 spot with Yale). Known for having the smallest class size of any top-tier law school (approx. 180 students), Stanford offers an intimately collaborative environment that contrasts with the larger class sizes of its East Coast rivals. It is arguably the most selective law school in the United States.
Academic Environment
SLS is defined by its open, interdisciplinary culture. Unlike most law schools, Stanford operates on a quarter system, allowing students to take more courses and easily cross-register for classes at Stanford’s top-ranked Business and Engineering schools. The school utilizes a non-numerical grading system (Honors, Pass, Restricted Credit, Fail) to eliminate the 'curve' mentality and foster intellectual risk-taking. With a student-to-faculty ratio of roughly 4:1, students enjoy unprecedented access to world-renowned scholars.
Career Outcomes
Stanford Law degrees are among the most valuable assets in the legal market. SLS frequently leads the nation in federal judicial clerkship placements per capita, surpassing even Yale and Harvard in recent years. For private practice, it is the premier feeder for elite firms in California, New York, and D.C., particularly in high-growth sectors like Intellectual Property (IP), Venture Capital, and Technology Law. Graduates enjoy virtually guaranteed employment with starting salaries in the top percentile of the profession.
Areas of Study
Top Clinics
Journals
LSAT Score Distribution
A median LSAT of 173 places Stanford 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 Stanford Law
Is it hard to get into Stanford Law School?
Yes, Stanford Law is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of 8.9%. Successful applicants typically have LSAT scores above 169 and GPAs above 3.78.
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 Stanford Law require an interview?
Interview policies vary by year, but top-tier schools like Stanford 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?
95.2% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation. A significant portion (50.56%) go into BigLaw firms, while 21% secure federal clerkships.