Best Law Schools in New Jersey You Never Heard Of

New Jersey is home to several prestigious law schools that offer top-notch legal education and training. These schools are ranked among the best in the country, and their graduates go on to successful careers in law and other fields.

There are many benefits to attending law school in New Jersey. For one, the state has a strong legal market, with a variety of job opportunities for law school graduates. Additionally, law schools in New Jersey are known for their rigorous academics and their commitment to preparing students for the legal profession.

While most of the law schools in New Jersey are popular, there are still some law schools in New Jersey that offer outstanding education to students but are barely noticed. In this article, we will be looking at the 15 best law schools in New Jersey you never heard of. 

We will also be talking about the factors you should consider when selecting a law school in New Jersey. So, whether you’re an aspiring barrister, or a parent looking for the best law schools in New Jersey to enroll your kid, this article will guide you in making an informed decision.

Best Law Schools in New Jersey

Here are some of the best law schools in New Jersey:

1. Seton Hall University

Location:

• 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey 07079, United States

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• LSAT score and Writing Sample
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Transcripts

Tuition Fees:

• Full time students: $32,510 
• Part-time students: $24,380 

Duration:

• Full-time JD program: 3 years
• Part-time JD program: 4 years

Seton Hall University School of Law is one of the best law schools in New Jersey, located in Newark. The school is known for its rigorous academics and its commitment to preparing students for the legal profession.

Seton Hall Law offers a variety of specializations, including business law, constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, and family law.

The school also has a strong clinical program, which gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the law. Seton Hall Law graduates go on to successful careers in law and other fields.

Highlights

• Seton Hall Law is ranked among the top 100 law schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• The school has a strong record of bar passage, with over 90% of its graduates passing the New Jersey bar exam on their first attempt.
• Seton Hall Law offers a variety of specializations and clinical programs to help students prepare for their desired legal careers.
• The school has a diverse student body and a welcoming community.

2. Rutgers University Newark School of Law

Location:

• 195 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• LSAT score and Writing Sample
• Two letters of recommendation

Tuition Fees:

• In-state Students: $30,626 
• International Students: $44,596 

Rutgers University Newark School of Law is one of the renowned law schools in New Jersey. Known for its exceptional law curriculum, and a well-rounded educational approach, this institution emphasizes a balanced blend of theory and practical training, ensuring students develop both a deep understanding of legal principles and strong analytical skills.

In contrast to New Jersey’s state universities, Rutgers Law offers specialized legal programs that cater to the specific career aspirations of law students, including concentrations in international law and criminal justice.

Rutgers Law’s JD program encompasses 84 credits and is flexible, allowing students to complete it in either three years full-time or four years part-time. 

The initial year focuses on building foundational skills and imparting core legal concepts, while the following two years present a variety of elective options, including traditional classroom instruction, internships, clinical experiences, and seminars.

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3. Princeton University

Location:

• 08544 Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Tuition Fees:

• $63,380

Duration:

• Full-time JD program: 3 years

The Princeton Law School is one of the leading law schools in New Jersey. The school is known for its rigorous academics, its commitment to social justice, and its small class sizes. Princeton Law offers a variety of specializations, including constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, and international law.

Law@Princeton does not offer a traditional JD program, but it does offer a variety of opportunities for students to learn about the law. Students can take courses in law and public policy, law and society, and law and technology. They can also participate in research projects and internships with legal organizations.

Highlights

• Princeton Law is ranked among the top 20 law schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• The school has a strong record of bar passage, with over 90% of its graduates passing the New Jersey bar exam on their first attempt.
• Princeton Law offers a variety of specializations and clinical programs to help students prepare for their desired legal careers.
• The school has a diverse student body and a welcoming community.
• Princeton Law is committed to social justice and public service.

4. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Location:

• 323 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 85%
• A minimum LSAT score of 165

Tuition Fees:

• In-state Students: $25,650
• International Students: $35,262 

Duration:

• 3 years

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) School of Law is a public law school located in Newark, New Jersey. The school is known for its focus on technology law and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

NJIT Law offers a variety of specializations, including patent law, cybersecurity law, and intellectual property law. They offer a Doctor of Jurisprudence, an LLM, and a PhD in law.

The school is renowned for its academic excellence and bilingual focus and also for its forward-looking legal education approach. Constantly innovating, the faculty introduces new programs, such as the recent launch of an artificial intelligence and law initiative.

The New Jersey Institute of technology is one of the best options for aspiring lawyers in the country, as It provides a rigorous academic foundation, practical experience opportunities, and a strong commitment to bilingualism.

5. Montclair State University

Location:

• 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey, United States

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• LSAT score and Writing Sample
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts

Tuition fees:

• New Jersey students: $14,714 
• International students: $24,878

Duration:

• 3 years

Montclair State University offers a comprehensive array of programs and opportunities for students aspiring to pursue a career in law. The university provides a strong foundation in legal studies and related fields through its Pre-Law Studies minor, Jurisprudence, Law and Society major, Policy Studies major, and combined BA/MA program in Law and Governance.

Highlights

• Montclair State University offers a variety of programs and opportunities for students interested in law, including a Pre-Law Studies minor, Jurisprudence, Law and Society major, Policy Studies major, and combined BA/MA program in Law and Governance.
• The university’s Pre-Law Studies minor is designed to prepare students for law school by combining law-related coursework with other academic disciplines.
• The Jurisprudence, Law and Society major provides a liberal arts approach to law, offering a pathway to legal careers.
• The Policy Studies major equips students for roles as policy analysts, advocates, and creators.
• The combined BA/MA program in Law and Governance allows students to pursue an MA in Law and Governance while still in their undergraduate studies.

6. Berkeley College – Woodland Park

Berkeley College offers a Bachelor’s and Associate’s in Legal Studies degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in legal support services. The program provides the analytical, technical, and research skills necessary to succeed in a variety of law-related roles.

Berkeley College’s Legal Studies program is set apart by its experienced faculty, its use of current law-related applications and electronic legal research databases, and its focus on practical skills such as interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing legal documents, and conducting legal research. 

Students also have the opportunity to participate in internships and job-related assignments, and to network with faculty and alumni connections.

Highlights

• The program provides a solid foundation in law and legal practices, preparing students for a variety of careers in legal support services.
• The program is taught by experienced faculty with a wide range of expertise in law and legal practice.
• The program uses current law-related applications and electronic legal research databases, giving students the skills they need to succeed in the modern legal workplace.
• The program focuses on practical skills such as interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing legal documents, and conducting legal research.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and job-related assignments, and to network with faculty and alumni connections.

7. Rowan University

Location:

• 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• LSAT score and Writing Sample
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Transcripts

Tuition fees:

• Full-time students: $32,510
• Part-time students: $24,380

Duration:

• 3 years

Rowan University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice Studies and collaborates with three regional law schools, including Delaware Law School of Widener University, Drexel University-Thomas R. Kline School of Law, and Rutgers Law School for a combined BA/JD program.

The Law and Justice Studies program furnishes students with a solid grounding in the legal system, exploring law through historical, philosophical, sociological, and economic lenses. The program also features diverse specializations like criminal justice, constitutional law, and international law.

Rowan University’s unique BA/JD program allows students to attain both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree within six years. During the first three years, students attend courses at Rowan University, and in the following three years, they continue their education at their chosen law school. 

This program is appealing for its rigorous legal foundation, multifaceted approach to law, diverse specializations, and the opportunity to earn both degrees in a streamlined six-year timeframe.

8. Rider University

Location:

• 2083 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, United States

Requirements:

• Completion of 18 credits of coursework, including:
• LAW 140: Intro Seminar in Law & Justice
• LAW 450: Law & Justice Senior Seminar
• 12 credits of elective courses from the Law and Justice department

Tuition fees:

• $42,500

Duration:

• 2 years

The next school on our list of law schools in New Jersey is Rider University’s School of Law. The institution offers a dynamic selection of courses, including:

• LAW 140: Intro Seminar in Law & Justice
• LAW 305: Trial Advocacy
• LAW 308: Conflict & Conflict Resolution
• LAW 310: Cyberspace Law and Policy
• LAW 355: Sports and the Law
• LAW 395: Selected Topics in Law/Justice
• LAW 450: Law & Justice Senior Seminar
• LAW 490: Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression
• LAW 491: Internship in Law and Justice
• LAW 496: Honors Thesis in Law & Justice.

This program stands out for its emphasis on providing students with a comprehensive grasp of law and legal systems. It equips them with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in law-related fields. Students benefit from a diverse array of courses, covering a wide spectrum of subjects, including legal theory, criminal justice, constitutional law, and international law.

Moreover, students are presented with invaluable opportunities to engage in internships and externships, where they gain practical experience working with legal and law enforcement agencies. For those with a passion for in-depth research, the program offers an honors thesis option, allowing students to delve into independent research on legal topics.

Rider University’s School of Law is an excellent choice for individuals aspiring to build careers in law, law enforcement, or related fields. With its broad range of course offerings, students have the flexibility to align their studies with their specific interests. 

Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on practical experience through internships and externships enriches their learning journey. The availability of an honors thesis option enhances students’ expertise in legal research, making it a comprehensive and appealing choice.

9. Stockton University 

Location:

• 101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ 08205, United States

Requirements:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Economics, or Philosophy with a pre-law concentration. The pre-law concentration requires 10 courses (40 credits), including:
  • POLS 2215: Law School Basics
  • POLS 3225: Civil Liberties
  • Four additional POLS courses
  • Three courses in either Economics or Philosophy
  • Two elective courses

Tuition fees:

• Local students: $13,970
• International students: $28,320

Duration:

• 4 years

Stockton University‘s Pre-Law Concentration is tailored to prepare students for law school and careers within the legal field. The program offers a diverse array of courses covering various legal subjects and encourages students to acquire practical experience through internships and externships. 

Stockton University has a strong history of effectively preparing students for law school, with many graduates successfully enrolling in top-tier law schools and pursuing flourishing legal careers.

Highlights

• Stockton University’s Pre-Law Concentration is an excellent choice for students deeply committed to a legal career.
• The program provides a rigorous curriculum to equip students for the demanding challenges of law school and the legal profession.
• Stockton University’s strong track record, with numerous alumni attending prestigious law schools and thriving in legal careers, attests to its dedication to student success.

10. Monmouth University

Location:

•  400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764, United States

Requirements: 

• No specific major is required for law school, but a broad-based approach to the skills necessary for effective lawyering is recommended.
• Law schools consider a wide range of qualities in admissions decisions, including undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and extracurricular activities.

Course Offerings: 

• Full-time students: $44,850 
• Part-time students: $22,425

Duration:

• 4 years

Course Offerings: 

• The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar provides guidance on the core skills and values that a student should seek in pre-legal education. These skills include:
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Reading comprehension
• Persuasive advocacy (both oral and written)
• Research and writing

Monmouth University aligns its pre-legal education with the core skills and values recommended by the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. These essential skills encompass analytical and critical thinking, reading comprehension, persuasive advocacy (both oral and written), and research and writing. 

Monmouth University provides a selection of courses to nurture these skills, including Reasoned Oral Discourse, Perspectives, and Writing Intensive Courses. Students are also encouraged to explore courses in subjects like political science, history, economics, and philosophy to further enhance their foundation.

Monmouth University offers a range of extracurricular activities for law-interested students, such as the Pre-Law Society, Mock Trial, and Model United Nations, to ensure that students gain invaluable experience by interning with judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Law School

Here are the some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best law school in New Jersey to enroll:

• Cost: Law school can be expensive, so it is important to consider the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses when making your decision.
• Location: Do you want to stay in New Jersey or move to another state for law school? Consider the cost of living and the job market in the area where the school is located.
• Bar passage rate: The bar exam is required to practice law in New Jersey. Consider the bar passage rate of the law schools you are considering.
• Employment outcomes: What percentage of graduates from the school find employment after graduation? Consider the employment outcomes of the law schools you are considering.
• Curriculum: What courses are offered by the school? Does the school offer any specializations that you are interested in? Ask all these questions and get answers to them.
• Specializations: Do you want to specialize in a particular area of law? Consider the specializations offered by the law schools you are considering.
• Faculty: What is the reputation of the faculty? Are the faculty members experts in their fields?
• Student life: What is the student life like at the school? Do the students seem happy and engaged?

It is also important to visit the law schools you are considering and talk to current students and faculty. This will give you a better sense of the school and whether it is a good fit for you.

FAQs

How many years is law school in New Jersey?

The law schools in New Jersey grant full-time students the 84 credits required for graduation in three years and part-time students in four years.

How much is law school in NJ?

The law schools in New Jersey charge different prices for their different law programs. However, the average law school in New Jersey charges around $12,000 – $15,000 for local students and around $30,000 – $60,000 for international students.

What is the #1 law school in the US?

Our pick for the overall best law school in the US is the Seton Hall University’s School of Law.

How do I become a lawyer in Jersey?

To qualify as a solicitor in Jersey you have must have:

• obtained a recognized law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (a one-year ‘conversion course’ for non-law graduates);
• enrolled on the Jersey Law Course and passed the Jersey law examinations; and.
• three years’ practical experience in a Jersey law office.

Conclusion

Choosing the right law school is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your future career. 

There are many factors to consider when making your decision, including cost, location, bar passage rate, employment outcomes, curriculum, specializations, faculty, and student life. 

It is important to visit the law schools you are considering and talk to current students and faculty. This will give you a better sense of the school and whether it is a good fit for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a law school:

• Consider your goals. What do you want to do after law school? Do you want to work in a particular area of law? Do you want to work for a large firm or a small firm? Choose a law school that will help you achieve your goals.
• Talk to people you know. Ask family, friends, and mentors for advice on choosing a law school. Talk to current law students and alumni to get their perspectives.
• Do your research. Read law school guides and websites. Visit the law schools you are considering and talk to current students and faculty.

Choosing a law school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking your time and doing your research, you can choose the best school for you.