University of Virginia School of Law
#8Overview
The University of Virginia School of Law (Virginia Law), located in Charlottesville, Virginia, was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. It consistently competes with Berkeley and Michigan for the title of the #1 public law school in the United States. Despite being a public institution, it functions like a private 'Old Ivy,' with a massive endowment and elite alumni network. UVA Law is legendary for having the best student quality of life among top-tier schools, fostering a culture where intense academic rigor is balanced with a highly social, collegial atmosphere.
Academic Environment
UVA Law defines itself by 'Collegiality.' The administration actively curates a class of students who are not just brilliant, but also personable and team-oriented. Unlike schools known for library hibernation, UVA students are socially active. The North Grounds Softball League is central to the culture, with over half the student body participating.The school offers a broad curriculum with notable strength in Tax Law, Legal History, and International Law. The grading system is a standard GPA scale, but the collaborative environment means students frequently share outlines and support one another rather than hoarding resources.
Career Outcomes
Don't let the relaxed vibe fool you—UVA is a corporate placement machine. It consistently ranks in the top 5 nationally for BigLaw placement, often placing a higher percentage of graduates into top firms than Harvard or Yale. It is the dominant feeder school for elite firms in Washington D.C. and maintains a massive pipeline to New York. Additionally, UVA is a clerkship powerhouse, frequently ranking just behind Yale and Stanford for placing graduates into federal judicial clerkships.
Areas of Study
Top Clinics
Journals
LSAT Score Distribution
A median LSAT of 173 places UVA Law among the most competitive law schools. Applicants below 167 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 UVA Law
Is it hard to get into University of Virginia School of Law?
Yes, UVA Law is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of 13.9%. Successful applicants typically have LSAT scores above 167 and GPAs above 3.78.
What is the lowest LSAT accepted?
While there is no strict minimum, the 25th percentile LSAT score is 167. Applicants scoring below this number face significant challenges but may be considered if they have exceptionally strong soft factors or work experience.
Does UVA Law require an interview?
Interview policies vary by year, but top-tier schools like UVA 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?
98.7% of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation. A significant portion (70.5%) go into BigLaw firms, while 14% secure federal clerkships.