Best Law Schools in Washington (2026)
Compare all 3 ABA-approved law schools in Washington by tuition, LSAT scores, bar pass rates, and employment outcomes. The top-ranked school is Seattle Law (#4 nationally).
Washington has 3 ABA-approved law schools across Seattle and Spokane. Average tuition is $53,182 and the average bar pass rate is 79.3%.
3
ABA Schools
$53k
Avg. Tuition
159
Avg. LSAT
79.3%
Avg. Bar Pass
All 3 Law Schools in Washington
Ranked by overall standing. Click any school for a full profile with admissions data, employment outcomes, and insider perspectives.
Seattle, WA
Spokane, WA
Seattle, WA
Washington Law School Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of all 3 ABA-approved law schools in Washington. Data from ABA 509 disclosures.
| School | Rank | LSAT | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Law | #4 | 157 | $62,558 |
| Gonzaga Law | #4 | 154 | $58,987 |
| UW Law | #40 | 165 | $38,000 |
Practicing Law in Washington
Key facts about the legal market, bar exam, and career prospects for lawyers in Washington.
Bar Exam Requirements
To practice law in Washington, you must pass the state bar exam. Most Washington law school graduates take the exam in July after graduation. First-time pass rates for Washington schools average 79.3%. A bar prep course (Barbri or Themis, $1,500–$3,500) is strongly recommended.
Employment Prospects
The average employment rate for Washington law graduates is 87.7% at 10 months post-graduation. Washington is home to 2 elite-tier schools with strong BigLaw and federal clerkship placement. Graduates typically practice in Seattle, Spokane.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Washington law schools ranges from $38,000 to $62,558 per year. Average student debt is $137k. Most schools offer merit scholarships — use our Scholarship Estimator to see what you might receive.
Admissions Overview
Median LSAT scores across Washington schools range from 154 to 165. Median GPAs range from 3.53 to 3.70. Acceptance rates vary from 24% to 53.58%.
Legal Specialties
Washington law schools offer specializations including Health Law, Environmental Law, International Law, Technology and Innovation Law, Public Interest Law, and more. Choose a school whose strengths align with your career goals.
School Rankings
Washington has 2 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 Washington
Common questions about attending law school and practicing law in Washington.
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Washington?
Washington has 3 ABA-approved law schools located across Seattle, Spokane. The highest-ranked is Seattle Law (#4 nationally).
What LSAT score do I need for law school in Washington?
Median LSAT scores at Washington law schools range from 154 to 165. The state average is 159. For the most competitive schools, aim for at least a 165 or higher. Use our Admission Calculator to see your chances at specific schools.
How much does law school cost in Washington?
Annual tuition at Washington law schools ranges from $38,000 to $62,558. The average is $53,182 per year. Most schools offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce costs. Average graduate debt is $137k.
What is the bar pass rate for Washington law schools?
The average first-time bar pass rate across Washington law schools is 79.3%. Rates range from 71.43% to 90%. The highest bar pass rate belongs to UW Law at 90%.
What are the best law schools in Washington?
The top-ranked law schools in Washington are Seattle Law (#4), Gonzaga Law (#4), UW Law (#40). Rankings are based on admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, bar passage rates, and academic resources.
Can I practice law in Washington with a degree from another state?
Yes, but you must pass the Washington bar exam (or transfer a UBE score if Washington is a UBE jurisdiction). Some states also require completion of a state-specific law component. Attending a law school in Washington can be advantageous for building local professional networks and understanding state-specific law.