The T14 Law Schools: The "Golden Ticket" to a Legal Career
In the world of legal education, the "T14" refers to the fourteen institutions that have historically held the top spots in national law school rankings. While methodologies change year to year, the reputation of these schools remains ironclad.
National Portability
A degree from a T14 school travels. You can study in Virginia and easily get hired in Los Angeles or New York.
Employment Security
These schools boast near-perfect bar passage rates and massive pipelines into "BigLaw" firms paying $225,000+ starting salaries.
Elite Outcomes
If your goal is a Federal Clerkship, a Supreme Court placement, or a career in legal academia, the T14 is virtually the only path.
173
Avg. Median LSAT
3.94
Avg. Median GPA
10.6%
Avg. Acceptance Rate
The "HYS" (Harvard, Yale, Stanford)
The undisputed heavyweights of legal prestige. These three schools occupy a tier of their own, with unmatched outcomes in clerkships, academia, and elite practice.
The Academic Sanctuary
#1 for Clerkships and Academia. Yale's ungraded first year and small class size create an unparalleled intellectual environment.
173
Median LSAT
3.94
Median GPA
$77k
Tuition
The Unicorn
Smallest class size, highest selectivity, dominant in Tech/IP. Silicon Valley's law school of choice.
173
Median LSAT
3.93
Median GPA
$77k
Tuition
The Powerhouse
Largest alumni network in the world, dominating every legal market from Wall Street to Washington.
174
Median LSAT
3.95
Median GPA
$75k
Tuition
The Major Market Elites
Schools located in major cities with direct pipelines to the world's biggest firms. These institutions dominate corporate law and offer unparalleled access to elite markets.
The T14 Core
Elite institutions that offer exceptional outcomes and national portability. Each brings unique strengths and culture to the table.
The Interdisciplinary Leader
Unmatched integration with the Wharton School of Business. The choice for business-minded lawyers.
173
Median LSAT
3.89
Median GPA
$78k
Tuition
Quality of Life
Famous for the happiest students and high D.C. placement. A collegial culture that lasts a lifetime.
173
Median LSAT
3.99
Median GPA
$74k
Tuition
Note: In recent years, UCLA has frequently broken into the Top 14, challenging Georgetown's spot. This fluidity is known as the "T14+1" phenomenon.
T14 Admissions Statistics (2025-2026 Cycle)
Admission to the T14 is hyper-competitive. Below are the median statistics for the incoming class, pulled directly from official ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Median LSAT | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Yale Law School | 173 | 3.94 | 5.25% | $76,636 |
| 2.Stanford Law School | 173 | 3.93 | 8.9% | $77,454 |
| 3.Harvard Law School | 174 | 3.95 | 12.9% | $75,000 |
| 4.University of Chicago Law School | 173 | 3.94 | 12.73% | $83,316 |
| 5.Penn Carey Law | 173 | 3.89 | 10% | $78,348 |
| 6.University of Virginia School of Law | 173 | 3.99 | 13.9% | $74,078 |
The ROI of a T14 Degree
Attending a T14 school often comes with a "sticker price" exceeding $300,000. Is it worth the debt?
The primary financial argument for the T14 is access to "BigLaw"—large corporate firms that pay the "Cravath Scale" salary (currently starting at $225,000/year).
- At schools like Columbia and Cornell, over 70% of the class lands these jobs.
- At non-T14 schools, this number often drops below 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Tier Law Schools
Common questions about T14 admissions, rankings, and outcomes.
Is Georgetown still considered T14?
Yes. While rankings fluctuate and schools like UCLA sometimes surpass it in various rankings, Georgetown remains a historical member of the T14 with employment outcomes and lay prestige that rival the rest of the group.
Can I get into a T14 with a low LSAT?
It is difficult. The T14 are heavily numbers-driven. However, "Splitters" (High GPA / Low LSAT) or "Reverse Splitters" (High LSAT / Low GPA) often find success, particularly at schools like Northwestern (which values work experience) or Berkeley (which values holistic factors).
What is the "T6"?
The "T6" refers to the top six schools that generally offer significantly better odds at Supreme Court Clerkships and Academia than the rest of the T14. This group usually includes Yale, Stanford, Harvard, Chicago, Columbia, and NYU.
What LSAT score do I need for the T14?
Most T14 schools have median LSAT scores between 170-175. To be competitive, you generally need a score at or above the school's median. A 170+ opens doors at most T14 schools, while a 175+ makes you competitive at HYS.