Stanford Law School
Description
1. Introduction
Stanford Law School (SLS), established in 1893, is the prestigious law school of Stanford University located in Palo Alto, California. SLS is globally recognized for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary opportunities, small class sizes, and high impact in legal scholarship and practice. Stanford Law consistently ranks among the top law schools in the United States and attracts talented students from around the world.
2. Important Details and Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Stanford Law School |
| Parent University | Stanford University |
| Location | Palo Alto, California, USA |
| Type | Private, ABA-accredited law school since 1923 |
| Founded | 1893 |
| Programs Offered | JD, LLM, JSD, MLS, Joint Degrees |
| Class Size (JD) | 185–193 students/year |
| Acceptance Rate (JD) | 6–9% |
| Median LSAT (JD) | 173 |
| Median GPA (JD) | 3.9+ |
| Language Requirement | TOEFL/IELTS (if required) |
| Experiential Learning | Clinics, externships, policy labs |
(All information reflects the most recent admissions & program data available)
3. Law Courses / Programs & English Requirements
Programs Table
| Program | Duration | Type / Specializations | English Tests Accepted | Typical Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years | U.S. law professional degree | TOEFL / IELTS (if required) | TOEFL 90 / IELTS 7 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | 1 year (Academic) | Corporate Governance & Practice; Environmental Law; International Economic Law; Law, Science & Tech | TOEFL / IELTS* | TOEFL 90 / IELTS 7 |
| Master of Legal Studies (MLS) | Variable | Non-lawyers seeking legal knowledge | TOEFL / IELTS* | TOEFL 90 / IELTS 7* |
| Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) | 3+ years | Advanced research law degree | TOEFL / IELTS* | TOEFL 90 / IELTS 7* |
| Joint / Dual Degrees (JD/MA, JD/MBA, JD/PhD) | Varies | Interdisciplinary combinations | Depends on department | Varies* |
*English test may be waived if applicant meets exemption criteria (e.g., prior degree in English-language instruction).
4. Name of Entrance Exam
| Program | Required Entrance / Standardized Test |
|---|---|
| JD | LSAT (via LSAC) — required; GRE optionally accepted by some policies |
| LLM | No LSAT; prior law degree required |
| MLS / JSD | No LSAT; advanced degree or experience required |
| International Applicants | TOEFL/IELTS (if not exempt) |
5. Top 5 Reasons Why Choose Stanford Law School
-
#1 Ranked Law School: Consistently ranked at or near the top nationally and globally.
-
Prestigious Faculty & Research: World-class scholars, interdisciplinary research centers, and strong academic support.
-
Selective Admissions & High Outcomes: Competitive LSAT/GPA admissions and excellent placement into clerkships, firms, and academia.
-
Interdisciplinary & Joint Degrees: Offers unique joint degree opportunities across business, public policy, technology, and sciences.
-
Small Class Sizes & Personalized Education: Low student-to-faculty ratio and opportunities for individual mentorship and experiential learning.
6. Grades and Rankings
| Ranking Source | Rank / Indicator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report Law Rankings | 1 (2025) | Stanford often tied or atop national rankings. |
| Acceptance Rate | ~6–9% | Exceptionally selective. |
| Median LSAT (JD) | ~173 | Among the highest in the U.S. |
| Median GPA (JD) | ~3.9+ | Highly competitive. |
| Bar Passage (First Time) | ~96%+ | Strong bar exam outcomes. |
7. Documents Required for Admission
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application form | Completed via LSAC (JD) or Stanford Graduate application |
| Academic Transcripts | Official all prior degree transcripts |
| Standardized Test Scores | LSAT (JD); TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable) |
| Letters of Recommendation | Typically 2–3 academic/professional |
| Personal Statement | Essay explaining background & goals |
| Resume / CV | Academic & professional history |
| Application Fee | Required (fee waivers possible) |
8. How to Apply for Admission
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose program and verify requirements |
| 2 | Create LSAC account (for JD) |
| 3 | Complete online application and pay fee |
| 4 | Submit official transcripts |
| 5 | Upload test scores (LSAT, TOEFL/IELTS if needed) |
| 6 | Submit recommendations and personal statements |
| 7 | Check status and provide any follow-ups |
| 8 | Accept offer & process visa (Intl) |
9. Contact Details – Stanford Law School
| Department | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions Office (JD/General) | +1-650-723-4985 | admissions@law.stanford.edu |
| Stanford Law School Address | 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA |
This college is also listed in our College Directory, where students can compare law colleges based on courses, location, and eligibility.
Address
University of Chicago – The Law School
- Private Institution
- LLM Abroad, Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Juridicial Science (S.J.D)
National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi)
- National Law University
- B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India
Faculty of Law – Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut
- Government
- LLB (3 Years), B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India
University of Virginia (UVA) – School of Law
- Government
- LLM Abroad, Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Juridicial Science (S.J.D)
Department of Law, University of Calcutta
- Government
- B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India
School of Law – Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
- Government
- B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India
Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur
- National Law University
- B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India
National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
- National Law University
- B.A. LLB (5 Years), LLM India