November 18, 2025

Family law, a crucial field within the legal landscape, focuses on some of the most personal and critical issues facing individuals today—ranging from marriage and divorce to custody disputes and financial stability. Recognizing the importance of specialized education in this sector, law schools across the nation have geared up to deliver comprehensive programs that prepare students not only in legal strategies but also in handling the emotional and ethical complexities that come with family law.
Recently, preLaw magazine, a publication under the National Jurist banner, unveiled its much-anticipated Family Law Honor Roll, ranking law schools based on the robustness of their family law programs. The evaluation criteria employed by preLaw magazine included a mix of academic offerings and practical experiences. Schools were scored on the presence of a concentration (30%), a clinic (24%), a center (12%), an externship (12%), a journal (9%), a student group (8%), a certificate (5%), and additional offerings that add value to the student's educational journey.
The announcement highlighted several institutions that achieved an A+ grade for their family law programs. The schools recognized for their exemplary programs include:
- Cardozo School of Law
- DePaul University
- Loyola University-Chicago
- New York Law School
- University of Nebraska
- University of San Diego
- University of South Carolina
- Washburn University
These schools have demonstrated a commitment to providing a holistic and in-depth approach to family law education, ensuring that the next generation of family lawyers is well-equipped to handle the complexities of the field with skill and empathy.
Congratulations are in order for all the law schools that have excelled in nurturing future leaders in family law. For students aspiring to specialize in this field, these institutions represent the pinnacle of educational excellence and practical preparation.
For further details on the complete Family Law Honor Roll and insights into the methodology behind the rankings, interested readers can visit the National Jurist’s preLaw magazine's dedicated [section on top law schools for family law](https://nationaljurist.com/top-law-schools-for-family-law/).
This ranking not only serves as a guide for prospective law students but also shines a light on the significant role educational institutions play in advancing the field of family law. As these programs continue to evolve, they remain pivotal in shaping competent and compassionate legal professionals ready to make a positive impact in the lives of families they serve.