Best Law Schools in Virginia (2026)
Compare all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Virginia by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Regent Law (#4 nationally).
Virginia is a major legal market with 8 law schools across 8 cities. Tuition ranges from $41,000 to $74,078, and the average bar pass rate is 84.0%.
8
ABA Schools
$50k
Avg. Tuition
160
Avg. LSAT
84.0%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 8 Law Schools in Virginia
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Virginia Beach, VA
Grundy, VA
Lynchburg, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Lexington, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Arlington, VA
Richmond, VA
Virginia Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 8 ABA-approved law schools in Virginia. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regent Law | #4 | 158 | $43,546 |
| Appalachian Law | #4 | 147 | $41,000 |
| Liberty Law | #4 | 153 | $45,222 |
| UVA Law | #8 | 173 | $74,078 |
| W&L Law | #21 | 163 | $54,000 |
| William & Mary Law | #37 | 163 | $43,000 |
| Scalia Law | #39 | 164 | $42,000 |
| Richmond Law | #51 | 161 | $54,000 |
Practicing Law in Virginia
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Virginia.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Virginia, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Virginia law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Virginia schools average 84.0%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Virginia law graduates is 88.7% at 10 months post-graduation. Virginia is home to 4 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Charlottesville, Arlington, Richmond, and other cities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Virginia law schools ranges from $41,000 to $74,078 per year. Average student debt is $131k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Virginia schools range from 147 to 173. Median GPAs range from 3.04 to 3.99. Acceptance rates vary from 13.9% to 59.08%.
Legal Specialties
Virginia law schools offer specializations including Constitutional Law, Corporate, Business and Transactional, Criminal Justice, Democracy and Civil Rights, Economics and Social Science, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Virginia has 4 Elite-tier and 3 Select-tier schools. Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates — not reputation surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions: Law Schools in Virginia
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Virginia.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Virginia?
Virginia has 8 ABA-approved law schools located across Charlottesville, Arlington, Richmond, Lexington, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Grundy, Lynchburg. The highest-ranked is Regent Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Virginia?
Median LSAT scores at Virginia law schools range from 147 to 173. The state average is 160. 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 Virginia?
Annual tuition at Virginia law schools ranges from $41,000 to $74,078. The average is $49,606 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $131k.
What is the bar pass rate for Virginia law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Virginia law schools is 84.0%. Rates range from 51.22% to 99.1%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to UVA Law at 99.1%.
What are the best law schools in Virginia?
The top-ranked law schools in Virginia are Regent Law (#4), Appalachian Law (#4), Liberty Law (#4). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Virginia with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Virginia bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Virginia is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Virginia can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.