Kara Sears
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, is a globally respected institution that has been preparing students for legal careers since 1895. The school offers four degrees: Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws for international students, and the Doctor of Juridical Science. Pitt Law provides a rigorous curriculum, practical experience through clinics and externships, and networking opportunities with innovators and local law firms. The school's Semester in D.C. Program allows students to pursue full-time externships in Washington, D.C., while its joint degree programs with other graduate schools meet the growing need for interdisciplinary expertise in the legal field. Pitt Law's faculty includes global authorities in international law and trade, and its students have the opportunity to gain international experience through scholarships and competitions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | University of Pittsburgh School of Law |
| Year founded | 1895 |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Type of university | Public research university |
| Number of degrees offered | Four |
| Names of degrees | Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science |
| Ranking | 79 |
| Number of first-year students | 136 |
| Acceptance rate | 24.4% |
| LSAT scores | 156 (25th percentile), 159 (median), 162 (75th percentile) |
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.28-3.79 (median of 3.56) |
| Tuition fees | $102,000 |
| Total annual cost | $37,000 |
| Bar exam pass rate | 84.6% |
| Employment rate after graduation | 87% |
| Journals and reviews | University of Pittsburgh Law Review, Journal of Law and Commerce, Pittsburgh Tax Review, Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law & Policy |
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What You'll Learn
University of Pittsburgh School of Law rankings
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, is a public research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1895 and became a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1900. Pitt Law offers four degrees: Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws for international students, and the Doctor of Juridical Science. The school also offers several international legal programs and operates a variety of clinics, in addition to publishing several law journals. Pitt Law's primary home facility is the six-story Barco Law Building, located on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The building houses the Barco Law Library, which boasts a collection of over 450,000 volumes and offers seating for over 400 individuals.
In terms of rankings, Pitt Law has climbed 12 spots in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Law School Rankings, securing the #79 spot out of 195. This significant leap is a testament to the school's dedication to providing a top-tier legal education and its innovative curriculum, rising outcomes, and supportive learning environment. Pitt Law has also maintained a strong bar passage rate, with 86% of graduates passing the bar exam on their first attempt in 2024, exceeding the national average.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is committed to student achievement, as evidenced by its impressive employment outcomes. The school's rigorous coursework and practical experiences, such as clinics and externships, prepare students for career-ready legal journeys. Pitt Law's global reputation for academic rigor and innovation makes it a top choice for students seeking a world-class legal education.
Additionally, Pitt Law students have the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences through participation in moot court and mock trial competitions, as well as the Semester in D.C. Program, which allows students to pursue a full-time externship in Washington, D.C. The school's faculty includes global authorities in conflict resolution and international trade law, and students can enhance their coursework with international experiences and scholarships for overseas opportunities.
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Pitt Law's admissions process
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, offers a rigorous and innovative legal education that prepares students for a career in the legal profession. The admissions process for Pitt Law's JD program is highly selective, and the school strives to admit a class of highly qualified students who demonstrate a strong potential for success in law school and beyond. Here is an overview of the admissions process:
Application Timeline
Pitt Law accepts applications for its JD program from September 1 through May 1. The priority deadline for scholarship consideration is February 1. Applications submitted by the priority deadline will be considered for all available scholarships. The final application deadline is May 1, and applications submitted by this date will be considered for any remaining scholarships.
Application Requirements
To apply for the JD program at Pitt Law, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or be expected to graduate during the current academic year. Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- Online application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) portal: A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required.
- Personal statement: This plays a crucial role in the application process. In the statement, applicants should discuss their significant personal, social, or academic experiences that have influenced their decision to pursue a law degree. They should also highlight their unique skills and perspectives, as well as their future career goals. The statement should be limited to no more than two double-spaced pages.
- Resume: A current resume detailing the applicant's professional experience, including full-time and part-time jobs, paid and unpaid work, and any extracurricular activities and awards.
- Letters of recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required, but up to three letters will be accepted.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, or other post-secondary institutions attended since high school graduation must be submitted to LSAC. A degree-conferred transcript is required before the start of classes.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration: Applicants must register with CAS through LSAC, even if they participate in the optional JD-Next preparatory course.
International Students
Pitt Law welcomes international students and offers a Master of Laws degree specifically for them. International applicants should refer to the LSAC website for specific requirements and guidelines.
Accelerated Law Admissions Program (ALAP)
Students from specific universities, including the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration, may be eligible for the Accelerated Law Admissions Program. This program allows students to earn their bachelor's and law degrees in a shortened timeframe.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Pitt Law offers various scholarships, including opportunities for overseas experience. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the priority deadline of February 1 to be considered for all scholarship opportunities. For questions regarding financial aid, applicants can contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at [email protected].
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Pitt Law's curriculum and courses
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law offers a rigorous and innovative legal education that prepares students for success in the legal profession. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in legal principles while also allowing for specialization in various areas of law.
The first year of the JD program lays the groundwork with required courses such as Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Analysis & Writing, Legislation and Regulation, Torts, Civil Procedure, and Constitutional Law. Students must also complete at least six credits of experiential courses that develop the skills necessary for effective and responsible legal practice.
In their second and third years, Pitt Law students have the advantage of pursuing focused areas of study. Specialized areas include the John P. Gismondi Civil Litigation Certificate Program, international law and comparative law courses, and curricular pathways developed by faculty to broaden student expertise. Students may also pursue simultaneous degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law also emphasizes practical experience, with clinics, practicums, networking opportunities, and exposure to innovators in the field. Students can gain global experience through scholarships for overseas work or study, such as projects with refugees in Southeast Asia and Africa or earning credits at European universities.
Upon graduation, Pitt Law alumni are well-prepared for a variety of legal careers, including posts with the US State Department, US Agency for International Development, or nongovernmental organizations. The curriculum's combination of foundational knowledge, specialized areas of study, and practical experience ensures that Pitt Law students become productive members of the legal profession.
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Pitt Law's faculty and alumni
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, was founded in 1895 and became a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1900. The school offers four degrees: Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws for international students, and the Doctor of Juridical Science. Pitt Law is known for its rigorous coursework and practical experiences, such as clinics, practicums, externships, and moot court competitions. The school's Semester in D.C. Program allows students to pursue a full-time externship in Washington, D.C., combining work and academic credit.
The faculty at Pitt Law includes distinguished scholars and global authorities in their respective fields, such as conflict resolution and international trade law. They are committed to driving positive change both in the classroom and beyond. The faculty's expertise and guidance prepare students for the complex legal issues they will face in their careers. Pitt Law also boasts a diverse and impressive list of alumni who have gone on to successful careers in various sectors.
One notable alumni is John P. Gismondi, a prominent personal injury lawyer and the namesake of the John P. Gismondi Civil Litigation Certificate Program at Pitt Law. Another distinguished alumnus is The Honorable D. Michael Fisher, who serves as a Distinguished Jurist Fellow at the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Pitt Law alumni have also gone on to hold positions in the US State Department, US Agency for International Development, and various nongovernmental organizations.
The law school's faculty and alumni network is a valuable resource for current students, offering mentorship, career guidance, and real-world insights into the legal profession. The school's commitment to practical education and interdisciplinary expertise prepares its students for success in a diverse and ever-changing legal landscape. Pitt Law's strong reputation and alumni network make it a top choice for students seeking a world-class legal education.
Notable faculty members at Pitt Law include:
- Jack & Lovell Olender Professor of Refugee, Asylum, and Immigration Law
- Nancy M. Burkoff
- Pat K. Chew
- Harry M. Flechtner
- Margaret M. Mahoney
- Joseph S. Hornack
- Charles C. Cohen
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Pitt Law's history
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, was founded in 1895 and became a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools in 1900. The university, at the time named the Western University of Pennsylvania, established the law school in response to a report issued by a curriculum committee in 1894, stating that "Pittsburgh is the only large city in the United States as yet without a law school. It is manifestly the function of a university to provide such a school."
The first classes of the newly established Department of Legal Instruction were conducted in the orphans' courtrooms in the old Allegheny County Courthouse, with 35 students in attendance. The admission standards required candidates to be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. The law school moved several times over the years, including to the old university building at Ross and Diamond streets in 1897, the Chamber of Commerce building in 1919-1920, and finally to the Cathedral of Learning on the main campus of the university in 1936.
The law school has a rich history and has produced notable alumni, including Robert Lee Vann, who made history as the first Black graduate of the law school in 1909. Vann also served as the first Black editor of the student newspaper, The Courant. He received a scholarship to the Western University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees, and later became one of only five Black attorneys in Pittsburgh, opening his own law practice.
Pitt Law has a global reputation for academic rigor and innovation, offering four degrees: Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws for international students, and the Doctor of Juridical Science. The school provides a variety of international legal programs, operates multiple clinics, and publishes several law journals. Pitt Law students gain practical experience through participation in clinics, practicums, externships, and moot court competitions, preparing them for a career in the legal field.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, also known as Pitt Law, is a globally respected law school that has been preparing students for legal careers since 1895.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law offers four degrees: Master of Studies in Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws for international students, and the Doctor of Juridical Science.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is ranked #79 out of 195 in the Best Law Schools in America. The school is globally respected and has a rigorous admissions process. It is also known for its scholarship, quality academics, and world-class faculty.
Pitt Law students can gain practical experience through clinics, practicums, externships, moot court and mock trial competitions, and the Semester in D.C. Program. They can also pursue simultaneous degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Additionally, scholarships are available for overseas experiences.
