August 27, 2026


Guide to the Top Family Law Programs in 2026

Family law is a vital branch of legal study, focusing on issues that affect the core of personal and societal stability, such as marriage, divorce, custody, and personal safety. Law schools across the United States are deeply invested in training adept, empathetic lawyers to handle these sensitive matters. Recently, preLaw magazine, published by the National Jurist, announced its 2026 rankings for the best law schools for family law, spotlighting institutions that excel in educating future family law attorneys.

The rankings are meticulously calculated based on the variety and depth of each school’s family law curriculum. Factors considered include the presence of a specialized concentration (30%), practical experience opportunities like clinics (24%), and externships (12%), along with the availability of a dedicated center (12%), scholarly journals (9%), student groups (8%), and certificates (5%). Schools also receive additional points for extra offerings that enhance the educational experience.

Among the top performers receiving an A+ grade in family law, the schools listed alphabetically are: - DePaul University - Hofstra University (Deane) - Loyola University Chicago - Mississippi Christian University - New York Law School - Rutgers Law - University of Nebraska - Washburn University

These institutions have demonstrated exceptional commitment to offering comprehensive family law education, equipped with ample practical training and academic resources to prepare students for the complexities of family law practice.

For those interested in a career in family law, these schools represent the pinnacle of training grounds, promising not only education but also the cultivation of a deep understanding of the moral and emotional aspects of family law. Congratulations to all the law schools acknowledged in this significant ranking. For more detailed information and to view the complete Family Law Honor Roll, you can visit the National Jurist’s preLaw magazine website.