10 Best Law Schools Near the Beach In 2024

Looking for Best Law Schools Near the Beach? then you have landed on the right article. When you are looking for the right law school, there is a lot to think about. If you are in the US, you have plenty of options to choose from. The USA is famous for having some of the world’s greatest law schools. Many of them are located near the beach.

If you are close to the beach or planning to move there for your legal studies, we have got you covered! In this article, we have put together a list of the best law schools near the beach in the U.S.  that you can consider. And If you are looking for colleges for immigration law you can check out our detailed article on Best Law Schools For Immigration Law.

Key Takeaways

• Picking the right law school shapes your career path and job prospects
• Top law schools offer quality education with knowledgeable professors and valuable resources
• Networking opportunities at good law schools can help you find jobs and career guidance
• The location of your law school matters for internships and job opportunities in specific regions
• Financial aid options such as scholarships and low-interest loans can ease the financial burden
• Some top law schools near beaches in the US include the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Law School, and New York University School of Law

Why is it Important To Choose The Right Law School?

Choosing the right law school is a big decision because it shapes your career. A good school provides excellent teachers and quality training. It can increase your chances of getting a good job.

Quality Education 

At a top law school, you will find excellent teaching from knowledgeable professors. They can help you learn a lot. These schools have extensive libraries, high-quality classes, and other useful resources that can help you become a better lawyer.

Networking Opportunities

In a good law school, you will meet people who can support you later on. These could be your classmates, professors, or guest speakers. Building connections is beneficial when you are looking for a job or seeking career advice.

Employment Rates 

When you check how many students find jobs after graduating, it is a good indicator. If 90% or more quickly land jobs, that is a positive sign. Law schools with high job placement rates often have strong connections to law firms and companies.

Location

It is important to consider where the school is located. If you plan to work in New York, attending a school there is a smart choice. Also, schools near big cities offer more opportunities for internships and jobs.

Financial Aid

Good schools often have financial help available for students. They provide scholarships or low-interest loans. This financial help can make it easier for you to focus on your studies.

Campus Life

When choosing a school, you should check if the campus is a good place to live and learn. You will spend three years of your life there. A nice campus with good facilities like gyms and cafes makes your time more enjoyable.

How To Choose the Right Law School?

When you are choosing a college, there are many factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at what is important:

1. Location and Regional Focus

When you are picking a college, you should consider where it is located. Do you want to stay close to home or try somewhere new? If you love the beach, choose a college near the coast. Decide between city life or the countryside based on your preference.

2. Reputation and Ranking

You should always check how good the college is. You can find rankings of colleges. But please remember, the best college for you is the one that meets your needs, not just one with a high rank.

3. Specialized Programs and Opportunities

If you are considering a college, think about what you want to study. You should check if they offer the major you are interested in and look into any special classes or clubs that excite you.

4. Alumni Network and Industry Connections

Once you graduate from college, having connections can be really helpful in finding a job. A strong alumni network means you will have more people who can help you in the future. Some colleges also have strong ties with companies. This could increase your chances of landing a job there.

5. Cost, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

College can be expensive. So, it’s important to consider whether they offer scholarships or other ways to reduce the cost. You need to think about this to make sure that you can afford it.

List of the Top Law Schools Near the Beach

Here are some of the best law schools near the beach in the U.S. Let’s have a look at them.

Best Law Schools Near the Beach	Nearest Beach
University of Pennsylvania	Rehoboth Beach
College of William & Mary	Jamestown Beach
Harvard Law School	Long Wharf Beach
New York University School of Law	Washington Square Park (Hudson River Beaches)
Columbia Law School	Riverside Park (Hudson River Beaches)
Florida State University	Florida Panhandle Beaches
Duke University School of Law	Atlantic Beach
University of Georgia	Jekyll Island (Atlantic Ocean Beaches)
University of Florida	Cocoa Beach (Atlantic Ocean Beaches)
University of Virginia	Virginia Beach (Atlantic Ocean Coast)

1. University of Pennsylvania

If you are searching for top-notch education in Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania should be your top pick. It is not just the best law school in the state but also ranks sixth in the entire country. This alone makes it a standout choice.

It can be tough to get into this university, but it is for good reasons. One of the standout features is its cross-disciplinary approach. This allows you to combine legal studies with courses from other departments. This offers a great opportunity to broaden your skills both professionally and personally.

Besides academics, the University of Pennsylvania offers a vibrant campus life with plenty of extracurricular activities. It has a diverse student community. Also, it boasts high employment rates.

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Nearest Beach: Atlantic Ocean Beaches (e.g., Rehoboth Beach, DE)
• Distance from the beach: Rehoboth Beach – 88 km
• Time to reach: By Car – 1 hr 58 min
• Notable Alumni: Supreme Court Justices – Amy Coney Barrett, Thurgood Marshall; Former U.S. Secretary of State – Madeleine Albright

2. College of William & Mary

If you are seeking top-notch yet affordable legal education near the beach, consider the College of William & Mary. It is one of the best options in the U.S.

This school holds the record of being the oldest law school in the country. It was founded way back in 1779. Despite its age, it maintains popularity among students and delivers excellent education.

The College of William & Mary boasts a remarkable pass rate on the bar exam. Nearly 90% of students pass on their first attempt.

• Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
• Acceptance rate: 33% 
• Nearest Beach: Jamestown Beach
• Distance from the beach:16 km (Jamestown Beach)
• Time to reach: By Car – 20 minutes
• Notable Alumni (Law): John Marshall – Former Chief Justice of the United States, James Monroe – 5th President of the United States

3. Harvard Law School

If you dream of becoming a lawyer, Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the top places to go. It is part of Harvard University which is one of the oldest and most famous schools in America. It was founded in 1817. This makes it the second-oldest law school in the U.S.

At Harvard Law, you will find various resources to support your studies. This includes the world’s largest law library. Many influential figures, like former President Barack Obama, have graduated from here. The school is renowned for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among its students 

If you are planning to attend Harvard Law School, you must remember these key facts about HLS: Acceptance rate: 9.5%, Bar passage rate: 92%, J.D. program duration: 3 years, Average LSAT score: 173, Average undergraduate GPA: 3.94, Annual tuition: $61,900.

Getting into Harvard Law is not easy. You will need excellent grades and must ace the LSAT. But if you make it, you will need to put in hard work. But once you graduate, you will find excellent job opportunities.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Acceptance rate: 9.5%
• Nearest Beach: Long Wharf Beach (Boston)
• Distance from the beach: 2.4 km
• Time to reach: By Walk – 30 minutes, By Cycling – 10 minutes, By Public Transport – 15 minutes
• Notable Alumni: Presidents – Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt; Supreme Court Justices – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan

4. New York University School of Law

If you are considering law school, you have probably heard of New York University School of Law. It is located right in the heart of New York City. This makes it one of the top choices for aspiring lawyers. It was established in 1835. NYU Law is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the country.

Being in Manhattan, NYU Law offers students easy access to major law firms, courts, and other important legal institutions. The school provides a wide range of programs. This allows students to specialize in various areas of law, such as business law, human rights law, and public service law. They even offer special programs in tax law and global law, and students can pursue degrees like J.D., LLM, or JSD.

With a large library and advanced technology, NYU Law makes sure students have access to various resources to support their studies. The faculty consists of experts in their respective fields who are passionate about teaching. They are engaged in research and legal work.

NYU Law promotes experiential learning through clinics, externships, and research opportunities. The school boasts an acceptance rate of 17.5% and a high bar passage rate of 92%.

The J.D. program typically takes three years to complete. The average LSAT score for admitted students is 169, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.89. Annual tuition stands at $60,580.

If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding legal education, NYU Law is an excellent choice.

• Location: New York, NY
• Acceptance rate: 17.5%
• Nearest Beach: Washington Square Park (Hudson River Beaches nearby)
• Distance from the beach: 2.2 km (Battery Park)
• Time to reach: By Subway – 20 minutes
• Notable Alumni: Jacob W. Kissel – Lawyer (represented Enron)

5. Columbia Law School

Columbia Law School is located in bustling New York City. It is renowned as one of the finest law schools in the United States. It was established in 1858. The law school holds a long-standing reputation for excellence. This attracts students from all corners of the globe.

Being part of the prestigious Ivy League, Columbia Law School boasts exceptional faculty who are experts in their fields. The teachers provide students with invaluable knowledge and skills. Many graduates secure impressive positions in various sectors, including judiciary and government roles.

Columbia offers students opportunities to gain practical experience outside the classroom. With courts, law firms, and companies nearby, students can immerse themselves in real-world scenarios. This will enhance their learning experience.

CLS has an acceptance rate of 12% and a bar passage rate of 92%. The law school offers a standard J.D. program that lasts three years. The average LSAT score for admitted students is 171, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.91. Annual tuition stands at $60,850.

• Location: New York, NY
• Acceptance rate: 12%
• Nearest Beach: Riverside Park (Hudson River Beaches nearby)
• Distance from the beach: 1.6 km
• Time to reach: By Walk – 20 minutes, By Cycling – 10 minutes
• Notable Alumni: Judges – Judy Sheindlin (TV personality), Louis Brandeis; Business – William Paley (founder of CBS)

6. Florida State University

Florida State University is an excellent law school renowned for its exceptional programs in international, business, and environmental law. These programs produce some of the industry’s finest specialists.

The graduates of this institution boast an impressive bar passage rate of 82%. This indicates the high quality of education provided at the law school. Students can expect a top-notch education with an average LSAT score of 158.

Over 70% of graduates secure employment in the state shortly after completing their degree programs. This showcases the college’s strong connection to the local job market. If you want flexibility while studying, the institution also offers top-tier online degree programs.

• Location: Tallahassee, Florida
• Acceptance rate: 25% 
• Nearest Beach: Florida Panhandle Beaches 
• Distance from the beach: 11 km (Tallahassee Beach)
• Time to reach: By Car – 15 minutes 
• Notable Alumni: Fredric G. Levin – Co-founder of McGraw-Hill Companies, Tallahassee Mayors – John Thrasher, John Marks

7. Duke University School of Law

Duke Law School is a renowned institution in the US. It is a part of Duke University. It is located in Durham, North Carolina. The law school is known worldwide. It attracts students from diverse backgrounds eager to pursue legal studies. The law school was established in 1868.

Many teachers have contributed to the creation of laws at this law school. The school offers various resources to its students. This includes a vast library and a strong network of alumni.

The J.D. program has a duration of three years. Admitted students typically boast an average LSAT score of 167 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.86. The annual tuition stands at $54,130.

• Location: Durham, NC
• Acceptance rate: 20% 
• Nearest Beach: North Carolina Beaches (e.g., Durham – Atlantic Beach)
• Distance from the beach: 88 km
• Time to reach: By Car – 3 hr 25 min
• Notable Alumni: U.S. Senators – Richard Burr, Thom Tillis; Business Leaders – James Murdoch (media), Carly Fiorina (HP)

8. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is an excellent choice for top-notch legal education. Its law school is highly regarded for its quality programs, especially in international law.

Why should you consider this option? Well, there are several good reasons. Firstly, it offers one of the most affordable tuition rates among law schools, costing around $37,000 annually, compared to the US average of $43,000+.

The faculty is exceptional. For example, Dean Rusk, a former US Secretary of State, taught here for over ten years. This highlights the high standard of education you can expect from this university.

• Location: Athens, Georgia
• Acceptance rate: 43%
• Nearest Beach: Atlantic Ocean Beaches (e.g., Jekyll Island)
• Distance from the beach: 300 km
• Time to reach: By Car – 5 hr 1 min
• Notable Alumni (Law): Stacey Abrams – Politician, Herman Talmadge – Former U.S. Senator

9. University of Florida

The University of Florida hosts one of the top law schools near the beach. Besides offering legal programs, this college boasts impressive graduate employment rates. By graduation, students here have strong skills and knowledge. This makes it a solid choice for your legal education.

Around 80% of University of Florida law graduates secure full-time, long-term jobs that require passing the bar. Over 250 alumni from this university become state appellate and trial judges nationwide. So, if you dream of a career as a judge, this school is an excellent place to start.

• Location: Gainesville, Florida
• Acceptance rate: 23%
• Nearest Beach: Atlantic Ocean Beaches (e.g., Gainesville – Cocoa Beach)
• Distance from the beach: 113 km
• Time to reach: By Car – 2 hr 33 min
• Notable Alumni: Jeb Bush – Former Governor of Florida, Brian Kelly – College Football Coach (LSU)

10. University of Virginia

If you are aiming for success, the University of Virginia is a top-notch choice. It offers superb education and bright career prospects for its graduates. Getting into UVA can be tough. It is the 5th most selective law school in the U.S. It has just a 15% acceptance rate. 

The competition is fierce for a reason. UVA has an amazing reputation for placing its graduates in federal clerkships nationwide. This offers excellent career opportunities.

• Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
• Acceptance rate: 15%
• Nearest Beach: Virginia Beach (Atlantic Ocean Coast)
• Distance from the beach: 210 km
• Time to reach: By Car – 2 hr 43 min
• Notable Alumni: Presidents – James Madison, Thomas Jefferson; Supreme Court Justices – Sandra Day O’Connor, Edward Roberts

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you are planning to study in the law schools near the beach, this is just the first step towards having a successful career. With so many job opportunities in the field, it is important to choose the right law school to make the most of your degree.

Finding the best law school for you can be tricky. But there are plenty of options available. You need to consider factors like the quality of teaching, job prospects for graduates, and the program’s cost. Now that you have learned about some top law schools near the beach, you have a good starting point to make the best choice for your career.