September 11, 2025

In an era where the need for dedicated human rights legal experts is more critical than ever, preLaw Magazine has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 rankings for the best law schools specializing in human rights law. The recent overturning and erosion of discrimination protections make these programs pivotal in training the next generation of legal defenders of liberty and equality.
The ratings, published in National Jurist’s preLaw magazine, evaluate programs based on the comprehensive nature of their human rights curriculum. The methodology assigns weighted scores across various categories: 30% for offering a concentration, 24% for clinical experience, 12% each for dedicated centers and externships, 9% for related journals, 8% for student groups, and 5% for certification programs. Schools with extra offerings receive bonus points, ensuring a thorough and fair assessment.
This year's Honor Roll lists several institutions that have achieved an A+ rating for their commitment to nurturing future human rights advocates. Notable among them are:
- American University
- Case Western Reserve University
- DePaul University
- Drake University
- Georgetown University
- Northeastern University
- Regent University
- Rutgers Law
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Iowa
- University of Minnesota
- University of Pennsylvania
Each of these schools has demonstrated exceptional prowess in providing a robust legal education focused on human rights. The diverse offerings include practical clinical work, theoretical courses, and extensive externship opportunities, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in human rights law upon graduation.
The full list and detailed descriptions of each program’s strengths are available on the National Jurist website. As the landscape of legal education continues to evolve, these institutions represent beacons of hope and excellence, ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are upheld and protected.
Congratulations to all the law schools recognized in this prestigious ranking. Their roles are crucial in shaping a just world, and they continue to inspire and train legal minds ready to defend human rights across the globe.
For more information and to view the full Honor Roll, visit the National Jurist’s preLaw magazine website.