In the realm of legal education, a prevalent critique among practitioners is that law schools, despite their hefty tuition fees, often fall short in teaching the quintessential skill of "how to be a lawyer." Addressing this gap, several law institutions have augmented their curriculum to include practical training components, ensuring that their graduates are not just theoretically proficient but also practice-ready by the time they face the bar exam.

Recently, preLaw Magazine, a publication by The National Jurist, unveiled its much-anticipated list of the best law schools for practical training. This ranking shines a spotlight on those institutions that are leading the charge in equipping future legal professionals with the necessary skills to thrive in their careers.

The methodology behind the rankings is comprehensive. Clinics, which are crucial for hands-on experience, carried the most weight, accounting for 32% of the total score. The survey considered the number of students completing a clinic during the 2024-25 academic year, with additional points awarded for schools that guarantee or require clinic participation. Externships followed, making up 25% of the score, with simulation courses at 20%. Moot court participation and pro bono work each contributed 10% to the overall score, with extra credit for required pro bono hours. The remaining 10% was allocated to other forms of practical training, such as mandatory legal writing courses. For schools that did not respond to the survey, data from the American Bar Association (ABA) was used.

The top 10 law schools for practical training in 2026 are: 1. Northeastern 2. St. Thomas (MN) 3. Baylor 4. Minnesota 5. Denver 6. Quinnipiac 7. Arizona 8. Pepperdine 9. UC Irvine 10. San Diego

These schools have set themselves apart by not only understanding the importance of practical skills in legal education but also successfully implementing programs that prepare students for real-world legal challenges.

To view the complete ranking and learn more about each school's specific training offerings, please visit the National Jurist’s preLaw Magazine online.

Congratulations to all the law schools recognized for their outstanding contributions to practical legal training. This acknowledgment serves not only as a testament to their commitment to education but also ensures that the next generation of lawyers is as prepared as possible to enter a demanding and ever-evolving profession.