Law school rankings matter, but location can often be more important for job prospects
Major legal markets (New York, D.C., Chicago, L.A.) offer better internship, networking, and job placement opportunities
Many law firms hire from their local talent pool, favoring schools in the same city over equally ranked schools elsewhere
A law graduate from a mid-ranked school in a big city often has better job prospects than a higher-ranked graduate from a small town

Many students obsess over law school rankings, believing that attending a higher-ranked institution guarantees success. However, the legal profession is highly regional, and a law school’s location can be just as—if not more—important than its rank. While prestige plays a role, access to internships, networking, and hiring markets often depends on proximity to major legal hubs like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Choosing a law school should be a strategic career decision, not just an academic one. Beyond rankings, aspiring lawyers need to consider factors like state bar passage rates, employment outcomes, cost of living, and proximity to major firms. The difference between success and struggle in the legal field often comes down to location.

In this article, we’ll break down why law school location matters, how it affects hiring, and what you should consider when choosing a law school.

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1. The Legal Job Market is Highly Regional

Unlike MBA graduates who can transition between industries, law graduates often build careers in a specific city or state. Many law firms, judicial clerks, and government agencies hire locally, meaning they prefer graduates from nearby law schools.

For example:

• New York law firms prioritize Columbia, NYU, and Fordham over similarly ranked schools in other states.
• Washington D.C. firms focus on Georgetown and GWU graduates for government and policy-related legal roles.
• Chicago firms recruit heavily from UChicago, Northwestern, and Loyola Chicago.

A primary reason for this regional hiring bias is state bar exams. Many law students take the bar exam in the same state where they study, making it easier for local firms to recruit students who are already licensed or familiar with local legal systems. A student from a top-ranked school in a different state may still need to pass a new bar exam before being eligible for hire, making them less attractive to firms than a local candidate.

Furthermore, certain legal fields, such as energy law in Texas, entertainment law in California, and finance law in New York, are more dominant in specific regions. Attending law school in these areas enhances job prospects within these industries.

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2. Big Cities Offer More Internships and Networking

Legal internships and clerkships are critical for securing full-time jobs after graduation. Being physically close to courts, government offices, and law firms makes it easier to:

• Secure internships at top firms.
• Attend networking events and meet partners and associates.
• Gain in-person interviews rather than relying on long-distance applications.

For example, a law student in New York has access to hundreds of internships within a subway ride away, while a student in a smaller city may have only a handful of options.

Many law schools in smaller cities have fewer opportunities for real-world legal experience. The most competitive summer associate positions—which often lead to full-time job offers—are concentrated in major legal hubs. A student attending law school in a small town may have to relocate at their own expense just to secure internships.

The ability to attend networking events in person also matters significantly. Law firms often hold receptions, alumni gatherings, and bar association meetings where students can make meaningful connections. Being physically present in a city with a high concentration of legal professionals increases exposure and networking opportunities.

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3. Prestige vs. Location: Which Matters More?

T14 Schools (Top 14 Law Schools)

• If you attend a T14 law school (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, etc.), you have national job mobility.
• Employers nationwide recognize your credentials, giving you an advantage anywhere.
• Attending a T14 school is often worth relocating for, as the national reputation outweighs local hiring bias.

Mid-Tier and Regional Schools

• A ranked-but-not-T14 school in a big city (e.g., Fordham, Loyola Chicago, GWU) often places better in its home market than a higher-ranked school in a smaller city.
• Employers prefer local talent because of alumni networks and familiarity with the regional legal system.
• If you're choosing between a higher-ranked school in a small market and a mid-ranked school in a major city, the city-based school may offer better job opportunities.

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4. The Hiring Bias: Local Schools vs. Outsiders

Most law firms have a hiring bias toward local schools. Even if a school is ranked slightly lower, firms value:

• Alumni connections (hiring partners often went to local schools).
• Bar passage rates in the same state.
• Proximity for interviews and networking.

For instance, a Fordham Law graduate (ranked ~30) in NYC may have a better chance at a Manhattan law firm than a UCLA Law graduate (ranked ~15) trying to break into the New York market.

Similarly, a graduate from GWU in D.C. has a strong shot at government and lobbying jobs compared to an out-of-state candidate, even if the latter attended a higher-ranked law school.

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Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Law School

If you have a choice between a higher-ranked school in a small city and a mid-ranked school in a major legal market, consider your career goals:

• If you want to work in Big Law, prioritize T14 schools.
• If you want to work in a specific city, pick a law school there.
• If you’re unsure, choose a law school in a big legal hub to maximize opportunities.

Rankings are important, but location can often determine your career success. If you plan wisely, you can gain a competitive edge simply by being in the right place.

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