Best Law Schools in Tennessee (2026)
Compare all 5 ABA-approved law schools in Tennessee by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Belmont Law (#4 nationally).
Tennessee is a major legal market with 5 law schools across 3 cities. Tuition ranges from $26,274 to $72,000, and the average bar pass rate is 81.6%.
5
ABA Schools
$45k
Avg. Tuition
159
Avg. LSAT
81.6%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 5 Law Schools in Tennessee
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 5 ABA-approved law schools in Tennessee. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Law | #4 | 160 | $56,905 |
| Memphis Law | #4 | 154 | $26,274 |
| LMU Duncan Law | #4 | 151 | $38,000 |
| Vanderbilt Law | #16 | 169 | $72,000 |
| Tennessee Law | #67 | 160 | $32,000 |
Practicing Law in Tennessee
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Tennessee.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Tennessee, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Tennessee law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Tennessee schools average 81.6%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Tennessee law graduates is 88.6% at 10 months post-graduation. Tennessee is home to 3 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Tennessee law schools ranges from $26,274 to $72,000 per year. Average student debt is $129k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Tennessee schools range from 151 to 169. Median GPAs range from 3.30 to 3.85. Acceptance rates vary from 17% to 55%.
Legal Specialties
Tennessee law schools offer specializations including Business Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Entertainment and Media Law, Public Interest Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Tennessee has 3 Elite-tier and 1 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Tennessee
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Tennessee.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Tennessee?
Tennessee has 5 ABA-approved law schools located across Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis. The highest-ranked is Belmont Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Tennessee?
Median LSAT scores at Tennessee law schools range from 151 to 169. The state average is 159. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 169 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Tennessee?
Annual tuition at Tennessee law schools ranges from $26,274 to $72,000. The average is $45,036 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $129k.
What is the bar pass rate for Tennessee law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Tennessee law schools is 81.6%. Rates range from 65.05% to 94%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to Vanderbilt Law at 94%.
What are the best law schools in Tennessee?
The top-ranked law schools in Tennessee are Belmont Law (#4), Memphis Law (#4), LMU Duncan Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Tennessee with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Tennessee bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Tennessee is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Tennessee can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.