In many ways, Pennsylvania was the birthplace of the American legal system. After all, it was the first capital of the federal government and the location of the Constitutional Convention.
With its unique role in shaping American law since the beginning of the republic, perhaps you're considering Pennsylvania law schools as you choose where to start your legal career. If so, this article has information to help you select the right school for you.
What Do Pennsylvania Law Schools Have to Offer?
With competitive job markets in most major legal centers, having diverse and unique experiences in law school can help you to stand out to potential employers. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law schools have a number of opportunities to help you build your resume before receiving your degree.
For example, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, which often ranks among the top 10 law schools in the country, embraces an integrative approach to learning. To accomplish this, the school offers a wide range of joint degree programs and even allows students to take courses outside of the law school for credit toward their J.D.
Temple University, also ranked in the top 50 law schools, offers a unique program called Temple Law Practicums, where a law student can work collaboratively with a faculty member to solve legal issues for actual clients. Temple may also be a good option if you're considering government work since its Law and Public Policy Program connects students with summer internships in Washington, D.C.
There are a number of other professional opportunities available in these programs and at other law schools in Pennsylvania. Find out more by reviewing the following list of Pennsylvania law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. Keep in mind that tuition rates often vary for residents vs. nonresidents of a state.
| School | Location |
Features |
| Duquesne University School of Law | Pittsburgh |
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| Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law | Philadelphia |
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| Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law | Carlisle |
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| Pennsylvania State University Law School | University Park |
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| University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | Philadelphia |
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| University of Pittsburgh School of Law | Pittsburgh |
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| Temple University, Beasley School of Law | Philadelphia |
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| Villanova University School of Law | Villanova |
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| Widener University Commonwealth Law School | Harrisburg |
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Practicing Law in Pennsylvania
There's good reason to want to practice law in Pennsylvania. For one, the pool of practicing attorneys in the state has remained mostly constant over time. This typically produces a relatively stable job market where you don't face a glut of new job-seeking attorneys on the market each year, depressing wages.
In addition to a somewhat predictable job market, the Pennsylvania Bar Association offers incentives to law students who want to practice in the state. For example, it extends member benefits, such as its internship board program, to law students. This is a great opportunity for students to connect with prospective employers for internship opportunities. In addition to expanding your legal network, this program can also add legal work experience to your resume.
Looking Ahead
Rankings and statistics don't always give you a full picture of what to expect in law school and beyond. With all of the factors that can influence your career, it's important to have guidance from trusted sources. We designed FindLaw for Law Students with that in mind, with numerous articles on various facets of the law school experience.