Best Law Schools in California (2026)
Compare all 18 ABA-approved law schools in California by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Stanford Law (#1 nationally).
California is a major legal market with 18 law schools across 11 cities. Tuition ranges from $48,000 to $77,454, and the average bar pass rate is 80.6%.
18
ABA Schools
$60k
Avg. Tuition
161
Avg. LSAT
80.6%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 18 Law Schools in California
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Stanford, CA
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Irvine, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Irvine, CA
Davis, CA
Malibu, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Orange, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
California Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 18 ABA-approved law schools in California. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Law | #1 | 173 | $77,454 |
| Berkeley Law | #1 | 170 | $66,336 |
| USC Gould | #2 | 168 | $76,500 |
| Golden Gate Law | #4 | 152 | $52,000 |
| Western State Law | #4 | 152 | $48,000 |
| UCLA Law | #15 | 170 | $63,000 |
| UCI Law | #37 | 167 | $54,000 |
| UC Davis Law (King Hall) | #37 | 165 | $52,000 |
| Pepperdine Law | #52 | 161 | $61,000 |
| UC Law SF | #60 | 160 | $58,000 |
| USD Law | #64 | 161 | $63,000 |
| Loyola Law School (LA) | #65 | 161 | $64,000 |
| Chapman Fowler Law | #122 | 158 | $59,000 |
| Santa Clara Law | #133 | 159 | $62,000 |
| McGeorge Law | #134 | 155 | $54,000 |
| USF Law | #147 | 156 | $57,000 |
| Southwestern Law | #162 | 156 | $56,000 |
| California Western | #165 | 154 | $56,000 |
Practicing Law in California
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in California.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in California, you must pass the state bar exam. Most California law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for California schools average 80.6%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for California law graduates is 84.3% at 10 months post-graduation. California is home to 6 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Stanford, Berkeley, San Francisco, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at California law schools ranges from $48,000 to $77,454 per year. Average student debt is $148k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across California schools range from 152 to 173. Median GPAs range from 3.20 to 3.93. Acceptance rates vary from 8.9% to 65%.
Legal Specialties
California law schools offer specializations including Academia, American Indian & Indigenous Law, Artificial Intelligence and Law, Clinical Legal Education, Constitutional Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
California has 6 Elite-tier and 2 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in California
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in California.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in California?
California has 18 ABA-approved law schools located across Stanford, Berkeley, San Francisco, Irvine, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Clara, Davis, San Diego, Orange, Sacramento. The highest-ranked is Stanford Law (#1 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in California?
Median LSAT scores at California law schools range from 152 to 173. The state average is 161. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 173 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in California?
Annual tuition at California law schools ranges from $48,000 to $77,454. The average is $59,961 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $148k.
What is the bar pass rate for California law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across California law schools is 80.6%. Rates range from 65% to 98.25%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Stanford Law at 98.25%.
What are the best law schools in California?
The top-ranked law schools in California are Stanford Law (#1), Berkeley Law (#1), USC Gould (#2). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in California with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the California bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if California is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in California can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.