University of Chicago – The Law School
Description
1. Introduction
The University of Chicago Law School is one of the world’s most prestigious legal education institutions, consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States. Founded in 1902, it is part of The University of Chicago, a leading private research university based in Chicago, Illinois and known for its intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary strengths. UChicago Law’s academic excellence, small class sizes, and powerful career outcomes — especially in federal clerkships and academia — make it a premier destination for aspiring legal professionals.
2. Important Details and Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | The University of Chicago Law School |
| University | The University of Chicago |
| Location | Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Established | 1902 |
| Accreditation | American Bar Association (ABA) |
| Primary Degrees | JD, LL.M., S.J.D. |
| Student Body (JD) | 615 total with 203 in entering class |
| Median LSAT (JD) | 174 |
| Median GPA (JD) | 3.97 |
| Campus Setting | Urban (Hyde Park) |
| Official Website | https://www.law.uchicago.edu |
3. Law Courses / Study Programs & English Language Requirements
⚠️ Important Academic Note: UChicago Law follows the U.S. legal education system and does not offer Indian‑style 5‑year integrated law degrees such as BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, or B.Com LL.B.
| Program | Duration | Description | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years | Professional degree qualifying students to sit for U.S. bar exams. | TOEFL iBT ≥104 or IELTS Academic ≥7.5 & subscores ≥7.0 required for non‑native speakers; waiver available if qualifying criteria met. |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) | 1 year | Graduate law degree for foreign law graduates with small, diverse cohort. | TOEFL iBT ≥104 or IELTS Academic ≥7.5 & subscores ≥7.0 required for non‑native speakers. |
| Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) | 3–5 years | Advanced doctoral research degree for law scholars. | TOEFL/IELTS required if English not native language; minimums similar to LL.M. |
📌 Accepted English Language Tests:
-
TOEFL iBT (internet‑based test) – minimum 104 total
-
IELTS Academic – minimum 7.5 total with no section below 7.0
Note: Duolingo is not accepted for Chicago Law programs.
4. Name of Entrance Exam, If Required
| Program | Entrance Exam Requirement |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | LSAT or GRE or GMAT (submitted through LSAC Flexible Application). A writing sample from LSAT is required on file. |
| LL.M. / S.J.D. | No LSAT/GRE required; academic credentials and law degree required. |
5. Top 5 Reasons to Choose University of Chicago Law School
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Elite National Ranking: Ranked #3 in the U.S. among law schools by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
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Outstanding Career Outcomes: Graduates frequently secure federal clerkships and high‑level positions; Chicago led all U.S. law schools in federal clerk placements in 2024.
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Small, Supportive Community: 200 JD students per class foster mentorship and close faculty interaction.
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Rigorous Intellectual Environment: Known for law & economics, interdisciplinary studies, and scholarship.
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Urban Advantage: Located in Chicago’s Hyde Park — one of the nation’s major legal, financial, and cultural hubs.
6. Grade and Ranking of the University
| Ranking Authority / Metric | Position / Data |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (Law) | 3 (National) for JD programs. |
| Selective Admission | 12.7% acceptance rate. |
| Median LSAT / GPA | LSAT 174, GPA 3.97. |
| Federal Clerkship Placement | Top in the U.S. (28% of class). |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Completed LSAC Flexible Application | JD / LL.M. |
| Official Academic Transcripts | All programs |
| LSAT / GRE / GMAT Scores | JD |
| Letters of Recommendation | JD & LL.M. |
| Personal Statement & Resume | JD & LL.M. |
| TOEFL / IELTS Scores | Intl applicants if English proficiency not waived |
| Writing Sample (LSAT) | JD (part of score requirements) |
8. How to Apply for Admission
| Step | JD Applicants | LL.M. Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register/submit via LSAC Flexible App | Register/submit via LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service |
| 2 | Submit LSAT/GRE/GMAT scores | Submit law degree transcripts & evaluations |
| 3 | Upload transcripts | Upload transcripts |
| 4 | Letters of recommendation | Letters of recommendation |
| 5 | Personal statement & resume | Personal statement & resume |
| 6 | TOEFL/IELTS scores (if needed) | TOEFL/IELTS scores (if needed) |
| 7 | Application fee payment | Application fee payment |
| 8 | Track application status online | Track application status online |
9. Contact Details – University of Chicago Law School
| Office / Department | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| University of Chicago Law School – Main Office | 1111 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA |
| General Phone | +1‑773‑702‑9484 |
| Admissions Email | lawadmissions@law.uchicago.edu |
| Official Website | https://www.law.uchicago.edu |
Students exploring similar institutions can browse our College Directory for Law Colleges to compare courses, fees, and admission requirements.
























