Houston Law Programs: What You Need To Know

does university of houston have a law program

The University of Houston Law Center is a nationally ranked law school in Texas, offering a variety of programs for aspiring lawyers. The College of Law, the academic branch of the Law Center, is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools. The University offers a range of degrees, including the Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.), with full-time and part-time options available. Additionally, the Department of Political Science provides undergraduate students with resources such as a Public Law internship, a Pre-Law Adviser, and a Minor in Legal Studies for those considering law school or law-related careers.

Characteristics Values
Name of Law Program University of Houston Law Center
Ranking No. 63 (tie) out of 195 in Best Law Schools and No. 5 (tie) out of 67 in Part-time Law
Accreditations American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools
Degrees Offered Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Dual Degree Program
Course Delivery Full-time and Part-time
Pre-Law Advisers Professor Kenneth Abbott, Dr. Kelley Littlepage
Internships Public Law Internship

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University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is the law school of the University of Houston, located in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1947, the Law Center is one of 12 colleges of the University of Houston, a state university. The University of Houston Law Center provides students of all backgrounds with the opportunity to excel. Its location in Houston, the fourth-largest and most diverse city in the U.S., gives students and graduates access to one of the world's largest legal markets.

The University of Houston Law Center offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees. The College of Law, the academic branch of the Law Center, is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The UHLC also offers a Dual Degree Program, Learn Abroad Opportunities, and Skills-Related Training. The student-faculty ratio is 6.2:1.

The University of Houston Law Center has consistently ranked among America's best law schools. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked UHLC tied for the 63rd best law school. In the same year, the University of Houston Law Center’s Houston Law Review was ranked No. 51 out of 191 in the nation by the 2025 Meta Rankings, rising two spots from the previous year. In 2024, Law.com named UHLC as the No. 23 Go-To Law School in the nation based on graduates gaining employment in the largest 100 law firms in the country.

The University of Houston Law Center has produced several notable alumni, including Bill Jackson (Class of 1992), who played a central role in securing a $2 billion settlement for the state of New Jersey in a contamination case, one of the largest legal settlements in U.S. history.

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Dual degree programs

The University of Houston Law Center offers several dual-degree programs. These programs allow students to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to complete each degree separately. Here is some information about some of these programs:

JD/MD Program

The University of Houston Law Center collaborates with the Baylor College of Medicine to offer a dual JD and medical doctorate (MD) degree program. Students in this program can earn both degrees in six years of full-time study, which is one year less than completing them separately. The first, second, and fifth years of study are spent at the Baylor College of Medicine, while the third, fourth, and sixth years are dedicated to the law curriculum.

JD/MSW Program

The University of Houston Law Center, in partnership with the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, offers a dual JD and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. This program prepares students for careers that combine legal expertise with social work advocacy and policy. Students must be admitted separately to each degree program and must petition the UHLC Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for admission to the joint program.

3+3 Law Program

The Honors College at the University of Houston offers an accelerated 3+3 Law Program. Students in this program spend three years as Honors College students, majoring in Liberal Studies with minors in Phronêsis (the study of politics and ethics) and another minor of their choice. Upon completion of the first year of law school, students are conferred a bachelor's degree. To be admitted to this program, students must be admitted to the UH Honors College and plan to complete 90 credit hours in residence at the Honors College and the University of Houston.

International Energy Lawyers Program (IELP)

The University of Houston Law Center, in collaboration with the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, offers the International Energy Lawyers Program (IELP) as a dual degree program. This program enables students to earn both American and Canadian law degrees in four years. Students spend two years at each school, taking courses that prepare them for admission to bars in the United States and Canada. The program is designed for those interested in natural resource, energy, and environmental law.

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Pre-Law Pipeline Program

The University of Houston Law Center is a nationally ranked law school in Houston, Texas. It offers a variety of law programs, including a J.D. Part-Time Evening Program, a Dual Degree Program, and the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program.

The UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program is a race-neutral, gender-neutral, and ethnic-neutral initiative that aims to support first-generation undergraduate students, aspiring first-generation law students, and individuals from low-income backgrounds. The program offers four study tracks: Scholar I, Scholar II, UH Cougar Law Program, and Working Professionals Program.

The Scholar I track introduces students to the law school experience, helping them develop personal and professional skills, and providing networking opportunities. The UH Cougar Law Program is designed specifically for current University of Houston students or recent graduates committed to attending the University of Houston Law Center. This program focuses on preparing students for success by developing their personal and professional skills, exposing them to networking opportunities, and guiding them through the law school application process.

The Scholar II track assists students in building a strong law school application by focusing on LSAT test preparation and refining application components such as resumes and personal statements. Similarly, the Working Professional Scholar Program introduces college graduates and working professionals to the LSAT and the law school experience, helping them develop the skills and network necessary for law school success.

Through these comprehensive tracks, the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Program at the University of Houston Law Center provides a range of opportunities for individuals aspiring to pursue a legal career and make a smooth transition into law school.

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Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law

The University of Houston Law Center is a nationally ranked Texas law school. It is ranked No. 63 out of 195 in Best Law Schools and No. 5 out of 67 in Part-time Law. The University of Houston Law Center is accredited by the American Bar Association.

The Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law (IPIL) is a part of the University of Houston Law Center. IPIL is located in Houston, one of the largest and most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States. Houston is among the top five markets in the United States for intellectual property and information law, with many specialists working in corporations, law firms, and universities. The Houston Intellectual Property Law Association is among the most influential IP bar organizations in the country.

IPIL is recognized worldwide for its faculty, scholarship, curriculum, and students. It offers courses in patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, and information law. IPIL also covers the rapidly evolving field of information law, including internet, software, electronic commerce, artificial intelligence, and databases.

The LL.M. Program at IPIL provides an academic environment for practising lawyers who wish to expand their knowledge of intellectual property and information law. Admission is highly competitive, and applicants must hold a J.D. degree from an accredited law school or meet academic and English-language standards for foreign law degrees. LL.M. candidates must complete 24 credit hours of approved courses, including a minimum of 15 credit hours of IPIL courses, with a qualifying cumulative grade point average.

Additionally, IPIL offers approximately three dozen IPIL-related courses that meet the degree requirements for the Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree. The University of Houston Law Center offers both full-time and part-time programs leading to the J.D. degree. J.D. candidates must complete 90 credit hours and may select intellectual property and information law courses that reflect their individual interests.

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Part-time law ranking

The University of Houston Law Center is ranked No. 5 in Part-Time Law programs, tying with other universities for the spot. The university's Part-Time Evening Program is designed for working professionals who want to pursue a legal education while maintaining their career, financial, and family obligations. The program is taught by the same faculty as the day program, and classes are typically held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.

The University of Houston Law Center is a nationally ranked Texas law school located in Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest and most diverse city in the United States. This provides students and graduates with access to one of the world's largest legal markets. The school has produced notable alumni, including Bill Jackson (Class of 1992), who played a pivotal role in securing a $2 billion settlement for the state of New Jersey in a contamination case, marking one of the largest legal settlements in US history.

The University of Houston Law Center offers a rigorous and respected Part-Time Evening Program that is highly regarded by employers. The program has produced accomplished law partners, executives at major corporations, and members of the judiciary. It is ranked #5 by US News, and its graduates are praised for their ability to balance work, school, and family commitments effectively.

The University of Houston Law Center's Houston Law Review was ranked No. 51 out of 191 in the nation by the 2025 Meta Rankings, climbing two spots from the previous year. The university's law school is also ranked 63rd (tie) out of 195 in Best Law Schools. These rankings take into account various indicators of excellence, and the school is recognised for its outstanding performance.

In addition to its part-time law ranking, the University of Houston Law Center has achieved notable rankings in several other categories. According to Law.com's annual ranking, the school is ranked 30th in law schools with the most graduates hired as associates by the top 100 law firms in the country. It also ranks highly in specific areas of law, such as health law (9th), intellectual property (12th), legal writing (15th), and dispute resolution (23rd). These rankings highlight the university's strength in providing a well-rounded legal education and preparing graduates for successful careers in various legal fields.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, the University of Houston has a law program. The University of Houston Law Center is a nationally ranked Texas law school.

The University of Houston Law Center offers both full-time and part-time programs leading to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The J.D. program has a part-time evening option. The Law Center also offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in intellectual property and information law. Additionally, there is a Joint J.D./LL.M. program available.

Yes, the Department of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers a variety of pre-law resources for undergraduate students. These include a Public Law internship, a Pre-Law Adviser, a Minor in Legal Studies, and a Director of the Legal Studies Minor. The Pre-Law Adviser, Professor Kenneth Abbott, can provide guidance on considering, applying to, and succeeding in law school.

The University of Houston Law Center is ranked highly among law schools in the United States. In 2025, it was ranked No. 63 out of 195 in Best Law Schools and No. 5 out of 67 in Part-time Law by U.S. News. The Houston Law Review was ranked No. 51 out of 191 in the nation by the 2025 Meta Rankings.

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