The Best Law Schools in NJ

When it comes to getting an education, the state of New Jersey is home to some of the best colleges in the country—especially when it comes to law schools. From the well-established programs to the smaller, community-oriented environments, law students in New Jersey are well-connected to both the professional and educational aspects of the legal world.

There's a variety of law schools in NJ, and choosing between them will probably require a lot of research. Making a well-informed decision is crucial. As one of the leading authorities on university life, Bold.org has been providing students with accurate and helpful guides for years.

With so many colleges to consider, students often find it difficult to narrow down which schools they want to apply to. Bold.org has amassed several lists of curated college recommendations in undergraduate, law, medical, and other professional schools. These guides make it easy to get a baseline idea of what to look for in a college, alongside providing some suggestions for which schools you may want to start with.

But you're not here for medical school—you're looking for a legal school in NJ that's right for you. Whether you’re interested in a law degree in public service, corporate law, or entrepreneurial ventures, New Jersey offers students a solid foundation for a rewarding career as legal professionals.

In this article, I will provide a comparison of schools like Seton Hall Law and Rutgers University School of Law, along with other top choices. By comparing what each school has to offer, you can get a better idea of what law school is best for you.

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Attending Law School in New Jersey

New Jersey rests between two of the country’s largest legal markets—New York and Philadelphia— which are home to many opportunities for aspiring lawyers. This situates students nicely in a region saturated with legal organizations. New Jersey itself is home to several prominent law schools and firms. Students will not only have access to highly regarded institutions and their faculties, but they will also be closer to other major metropolitan areas than other law students.

Law schools in New Jersey are known for their strong reputations, high bar passage rates, and commitment to providing students with a top legal education. Students will be in an environment where they can thrive and be exposed to great opportunities.

Aspiring law students can also check out this curated list of graduate scholarships to boost their savings!

Law Schools in New Jersey

Now that we’ve covered a bit of an overview of legal, and educational opportunities in New Jersey, let’s discuss what these law schools have to offer:

Seton Hall University School of Law

Acceptance Rate: 48.71%

Average GPA: 3.58

Seton Hall University School of Law is located in Newark, New Jersey, and is known for its focus on hands-on training environments, strong professional networks, and diverse student body. As the only private law school in New Jersey, Seton Hall has a reputation for producing skilled litigators, corporate lawyers, and advocates for social justice.

Academic Programs

Seton Hall offers several joint degree programs (i.e., a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, and a Master of Science in Jurisprudence (M.S.J.) degree.) in Health Law. Seton Law School has become a recognized leader for its dedication to this particular program. However, the school also offers a variety of specializations in intellectual property law, environmental law, and tax law. Seton Hall has been known for its rigorous legal writing program and practical skills training.

Reputation and Bar

Seton Hall is widely known for its programs in health law, intellectual property, and trial advocacy. The school’s bar passage rate is 82.28%, making it a competitive institution. Many graduates have been known to go on to work in prestigious law firms. And with Seton Hall’s strong alumni network, graduates will have no issue finding themselves in the legal careers of their dreams. With their place of education being an asset to their futures, students have the potential to practice law in NJ and other states.

Cost

The average cost of Seton Hall Law School depends on the program and whether students are full-time or part-time.

For full-time J.D. students, tuition and fees can add up to $69,120, while part-time or weekend students pay $52,320. Tuition per semester for the 2024–2025 school year is $33,650 for full-time students and $25,250 for part-time students.

For LL.M. students, tuition is based on the program and can range from $39,672 to $52,000. For instance, the LLM in American Law program costs $52,000.

For more financial resources, head over to Bold.org for exclusive scholarships to fund your journey through law school.

Rutgers University School of Law

Acceptance Rate: 48.8%

Average GPA: 3.25

Rutgers Law School offers a J.D. degree program, as well as several certificate programs and a dual-degree program. Rutgers Law School has two campuses, one in Camden and one in Newark.

Academic Programs

Like Seton Law, Rutgers offers the traditional Juris Doctor (JD) degree, joint degree programs like the JD/MBA, JD/MPA, and JD/MSW, and advanced legal degrees like the Master of Laws (LL.M.). The school is renowned for its specializations in constitutional law, health law, and public interest law. Rutgers is also home to several centers and institutes, like the Rutgers Center for Risk and Responsibility and the Rutgers Institute for Professional Education.

Reputation and Bar Passage

Rutgers Law School is highly known for its commitment to diversity and public service. The school’s graduates are well-represented in public interest law, government agencies, and legal advocacy roles. Its bar passage rates are consistently strong, and many graduates find employment in top-tier law firms, corporations, and public organizations.

Cost

Tuition for Rutgers University School of Law for the 2024-2025 academic year is $29,790 for full-time in-state students and $45,154 for full-time out-of-state students. For part-time students, tuition is $1,218 per credit for in-state students and $1,845 per credit for out-of-state students.

The total cost of attendance for on-campus students includes tuition, fees, room, and board, and is $48,662. The cost of living in Newark and Camden, New Jersey, is $31,914 per year.

Read through our Scholarship Blog for more research on the best schools and ways to save money as a student!

Other Notable Law Schools

Monmouth University School of Law

Monmouth University is located in West Long Branch and is New Jersey's newest school that offers several emerging programs for pre-law students, including a minor in Legal Studies. Monmouth has quickly made a name for itself for its personal and community-oriented educational experience. Monmouth’s academic rigor makes it a good contender against Seton Law and Rutgers Law for students seeking a more intimate legal education.

Academic Programs

Monmouth offers a full-time JD program as well as a part-time option for working professionals. The law school is particularly focused on experiential learning, offering students opportunities for internships, externships, and participation in various clinics. Its faculty members are highly regarded in their respective fields, and the school emphasizes real-world legal practice.

Benefits of Law School in NJ

While the pool of law schools in the tri-state area is very lucrative, there are benefits of attending a law school in New Jersey that other states don’t offer. Let’s talk about them!

1. Career opportunities: Law schools in New Jersey are central to major cities in the surrounding area. This gives students access to internships, full-time jobs, and employment opportunities at law firms, government agencies, and more.
2. Practical Experience: Some law schools in New Jersey offer opportunities to gain real-world experience, such as spending a semester abroad or taking a travel study course. Some law schools in New Jersey encourage lawyers to provide legal services to those who cannot pay, such as charitable organizations or people of limited means.
3. International Opportunities: If you are interested in international opportunities, you’ll be happy to know that these top law schools in NJ may have what you’re looking for. Seton Hall Law offers a range of international opportunities, like the Louvain Program for third-year law students and the Dean Acheson Legal Scholar Program, an externship for third-year students as well as recent graduates.
4. Rutgers Law School offers semester-long study abroad programs, as well. These schools are known to have partnerships with international law firms that provide students with incredible opportunities to learn about law and even get some hands-on experience internationally.

Be sure to check the details of your institution’s law programs to see if they offer international opportunities for you.

Choosing the Right Law School

As you research law schools, there are a few factors you should keep in mind: employment options, professional connections, and professional experience, among other things.

Each school will offer a different mix. The law program you choose will shape your legal knowledge and skills, as well as influence what employers or other organizations you may be able to work with post-graduation. So, when it comes to choosing the right school for you, here are some things to take into consideration:

1. Accreditation: First thing is first, you want to make sure all of your choice law schools are American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools. The ABA accreditation is the only way to make students eligible for the Bar.
2. Reputation: Reputation is next. Acceptance from a renowned and reputable law school can maximize job prospects, especially for competitive fields or prestigious firms.
3. Programs: Different law schools offer different strengths in terms of academic programs. Students should check that their school of choice offers programs that support their professional interests (i.e., corporate law, criminal law, public interest law, or intellectual property).
4. Location/Networking Opportunities: Location plays a huge role in both networking and professional opportunities. The closer you are to major legal markets (i.e., New York City, Washington, D.C., etc.), the more access you will have to internships, clerkships, and job opportunities than other schools.
5. Bar Passage Rates: A law school’s bar passage rate is a key indicator of how good the law program is and how well it prepares students for the bar exam. High bar passage rates mean rigorous academic programs that push students toward success.
6. Costs: Like any college education, law school is a big financial investment. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford, so considering tuition, living expenses, and other school-related expenses is key. While some schools do offer generous financial support, it’s still best to be prepared to take on financial responsibility.

Apply to law school scholarships today and start saving up for your education!

Ultimately, the right law school depends on your academic interests and personal preferences. When you’re scouting law schools in NJ, make sure you understand your priorities first. What do you want out of your education? Which schools align with those preferences? Clarifying your goals will help you make the best choice for college.

Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in NJ

What Is the Best Law School in New Jersey?

If we're going by statistics, Seton Hall Law School is the best law school in New Jersey. The school’s acceptance and bar passage rates rank the school at 61 in the country. However, the best law school depends on what you want and how you will apply your education in your career.

Seton Hall is known for their intellectual property law, environmental law, and tax law specializations, so if you’re interested in these fields, this school might be a good fit for you. Otherwise, check out the programs at other schools to see if they align better with your interests.

Is Law School in New Jersey Expensive?

Like any college education, law school in New Jersey can be costly. Depending on the program and institution, a legal education can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000. It’s important to consider the cost of tuition when applying, so make sure to do your numbers to see what you can afford.

Law can be a costly degree for students of any background, but it can also prove to be an excellent way to support yourself and any dependents. If you're a single mom pursuing higher education, take a look at these single-mom scholarships and make your dream a reality.

How Do I Know What the Best Law School Is for Me?

The best law school for you is the one that supports your professional and personal interests. While each law school in New Jersey has great individual attributes, the “best” is based on curriculum, campus life, internship and externship opportunities, etc.

Apply for law scholarships and start your educational journey towards a legal profession today.