Barry PhilipsTexas is one of the most popular states in the United States for students who want to pursue a career in law. With a large economy, major cities, diverse industries, and a substantial legal sector, the state offers aspiring lawyers several opportunities to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
If you are searching for the best law schools in Texas, it is important to look beyond school rankings. Factors such as admission requirements, tuition, location, areas of specialization, practical training, career opportunities, and bar-exam preparation can all influence your choice.
There are currently 10 ABA-approved law schools in Texas, and each offers a J.D. pathway for students interested in becoming lawyers.
This guide examines the top 10 law schools in Texas and their requirements, making it easier for prospective students to compare their options.
Top 10 Law Schools in Texas
1. University of Texas School of Law
The University of Texas School of Law, located in Austin, is one of the most established law schools in Texas.
Its location in the state capital gives students proximity to government institutions, courts, businesses, technology companies, nonprofit organizations, and other potential legal employers.
The school offers a J.D. program with opportunities to explore numerous areas of law, including business law, constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, intellectual property, litigation, and public interest law.
University of Texas School of Law requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent foreign qualification
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or GRE score
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Required application materials
- LSAC application
Applicants should understand that satisfying a minimum eligibility requirement does not automatically guarantee admission. The overall strength of the application is important.
Location: Austin, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
2. Texas A&M University School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law is located in Fort Worth, giving students access to the large North Texas legal and business market.
The school offers legal education in areas including business law, intellectual property, technology, energy, environmental law, litigation, and other emerging fields.
One feature that distinguishes Texas A&M is its Aggie Direct pathway, which provides an alternative admission route for certain eligible Texas A&M undergraduate students.
Texas A&M School of Law requirements generally include:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or GRE, depending on the applicable pathway
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Required application documents
- LSAC application
Applicants should verify which admission pathway applies to them before submitting an application.
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
3. SMU Dedman School of Law
Located in Dallas, SMU Dedman School of Law gives students the opportunity to study law in one of the largest business centers in Texas.
Dallas is home to major corporations, financial institutions, law firms, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations, creating a broad legal environment for students and graduates.
Students can explore areas such as corporate law, commercial law, litigation, intellectual property, taxation, energy law, and public interest law.
SMU Dedman School of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or another accepted examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- LSAC application
- Application fee or approved waiver
Applicants should also consider their academic profile and the competitiveness of the particular admission cycle.
Location: Dallas, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Private university
4. Baylor Law
Baylor Law is located in Waco and is part of Baylor University.
The law school places significant emphasis on practical legal education, advocacy, litigation, and professional skills. This makes practical training an important part of the school’s identity.
Students can develop skills in areas such as courtroom advocacy, negotiation, legal research, litigation, and client representation.
Baylor Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Accepted law-school entrance examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where required
- LSAC application materials
- Other required documents
Prospective students should check the current admission cycle for specific testing, deadline, and application requirements.
Location: Waco, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Private university
5. University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center is located in Houston, one of America’s major centers for business, energy, healthcare, international commerce, and litigation.
The school offers students the opportunity to study a broad range of legal subjects while benefiting from being located within a major legal market.
Houston can be particularly relevant for students interested in areas such as energy law, corporate law, healthcare law, immigration law, intellectual property, litigation, and public service.
University of Houston Law Center requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or another accepted examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- LSAC application materials
- Application fee or waiver
Location: Houston, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
6. Texas Tech University School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law is located in Lubbock and provides students with the opportunity to earn a J.D. outside the state’s largest metropolitan areas.
The school offers legal education covering areas such as litigation, business law, energy and natural resources, agricultural law, and public service.
Its location can appeal to students who want to study in West Texas while still earning a degree from a major public university.
Texas Tech School of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or accepted alternative examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- LSAC application
- Required application fee or waiver
Applicants should review the school’s current admission information for the exact requirements applicable to their application cycle.
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
7. South Texas College of Law Houston
South Texas College of Law Houston is a private law school located in downtown Houston.
The school has a strong emphasis on practical legal education, advocacy, litigation, dispute resolution, and preparation for professional legal practice.
Being situated in downtown Houston also places students close to courts, law firms, government institutions, businesses, and other organizations within the city’s legal community.
South Texas College of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or accepted alternative examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where required
- LSAC application
- Application fee or approved waiver
Students should ensure that their application clearly communicates their academic preparation, professional experiences, and motivation for studying law.
Location: Houston, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Private
8. St. Mary’s University School of Law
St. Mary’s University School of Law is located in San Antonio, making it an option for students interested in studying law in South Texas.
The school offers a J.D. program and opportunities to develop legal knowledge and practical skills through academic courses, clinics, advocacy activities, and other experiences.
San Antonio also provides access to a legal market serving individuals, businesses, government institutions, and communities throughout South Texas.
St. Mary’s School of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or another accepted entrance examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- LSAC application
- Application fee or waiver
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Private university
9. Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law is located in Houston and is named after Thurgood Marshall, the first African American justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The school provides a J.D. program and offers students opportunities to explore areas including criminal law, civil litigation, business law, public interest law, and other legal fields.
Its Houston location also provides students with access to a large and diverse legal community.
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or another accepted examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where applicable
- LSAC application materials
- Application fee or approved waiver
Students should consult the current admission requirements before applying because specific requirements and deadlines can change.
Location: Houston, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
10. UNT Dallas College of Law
University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law is located in Dallas and is the law school of the University of North Texas at Dallas.
The school focuses on legal education, practical skills, public service, and access to justice.
Students also benefit from studying in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which has a large population and diverse economy.
UNT Dallas College of Law requirements generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT or another accepted examination
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation where required
- LSAC application
- Application fee or approved waiver
Prospective applicants should check the latest application requirements for their intended admission year.
Location: Dallas, Texas
Degree: J.D.
Type: Public university
What GPA Do You Need to Get Into a Texas Law School?
There is no single GPA requirement for all law schools in Texas.
Each school establishes its own admission standards. Some institutions may publish minimum academic requirements, but meeting a minimum does not necessarily mean that an applicant will be admitted.
When evaluating applicants, law schools can consider factors such as:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Difficulty of undergraduate coursework
- LSAT or GRE performance
- Personal statement
- Work experience
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Other relevant accomplishments
Therefore, applicants should look at the complete admission profile rather than focusing on GPA alone.
Do Texas Law Schools Require the LSAT?
Many Texas law schools accept the LSAT, but the exact testing requirements vary by institution.
Some schools accept the GRE, while others have alternative admission pathways for specific categories of applicants.
For example, UT Austin accepts the LSAT and GRE, while Texas A&M has both LSAT/GRE options and specific alternative pathways.
Because law-school testing policies can change, applicants should confirm the current requirements before registering for an examination or submitting an application.
How Long Is Law School in Texas?
A traditional full-time J.D. program generally takes three years to complete.
Students first complete their bachelor’s degree and then undertake their J.D. education. After graduating, those who want to practice law in Texas must satisfy the applicable requirements for admission to the Texas bar.
The entire journey from undergraduate education to becoming a licensed attorney therefore takes several years.
Can International Students Apply to Texas Law Schools?
Yes. International students can apply to J.D. programs at Texas law schools.
However, international applicants should pay particular attention to the school’s requirements for foreign undergraduate qualifications.
A prospective applicant from Nigeria, for example, should verify whether their bachelor’s degree meets the school’s educational requirements and whether additional academic documentation is necessary.
International applicants may also need to consider:
- English-language requirements
- Credential evaluation
- Student visa requirements
- Financial documentation
- Entrance examination requirements
- Transcript requirements
- Texas bar eligibility after graduation
It is important to research bar eligibility before enrolling because graduating from a U.S. law school does not automatically guarantee authorization to practice law in Texas.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Law School in Texas?
Choosing a law school involves more than looking at its name or ranking.
Location
Consider where you eventually want to build your career. Austin, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Waco, and Lubbock have different legal and economic environments.
Tuition and Cost of Living
Compare tuition with housing, transportation, books, insurance, and other living expenses.
A school with lower tuition may not necessarily have the lowest total cost if living expenses are significantly higher.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Investigate merit scholarships and other forms of financial assistance before making a decision.
Areas of Law
If you already have a preferred legal career, investigate whether the school offers relevant courses, clinics, journals, student organizations, or experiential programs.
Practical Training
Law is a professional field, so practical experience can be an important consideration. Look at clinical programs, moot court, trial advocacy, internships, externships, and other opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Consider the school’s career services, alumni network, employment information, and relationships with employers in the region.
Bar Examination Preparation
Students planning to practice in Texas should also examine the school’s resources for preparing graduates for the applicable bar-admission requirements.
Comparison of the Top 10 Law Schools in Texas
| Law School | City | Type | Degree | Major Location Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas School of Law | Austin | Public | J.D. | State capital and major legal market |
| Texas A&M University School of Law | Fort Worth | Public | J.D. | Dallas-Fort Worth legal and business market |
| SMU Dedman School of Law | Dallas | Private | J.D. | Major corporate and legal center |
| Baylor Law | Waco | Private | J.D. | Practical legal and advocacy education |
| University of Houston Law Center | Houston | Public | J.D. | Major energy, business and legal center |
| Texas Tech University School of Law | Lubbock | Public | J.D. | West Texas legal market |
| South Texas College of Law Houston | Houston | Private | J.D. | Downtown Houston legal community |
| St. Mary’s University School of Law | San Antonio | Private | J.D. | South Texas legal market |
| Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law | Houston | Public | J.D. | Houston and public-service opportunities |
| UNT Dallas College of Law | Dallas | Public | J.D. | Dallas-Fort Worth legal market |
Frequently Asked Questions About Law Schools in Texas
How many ABA-approved law schools are in Texas?
There are currently 10 ABA-approved law schools offering J.D. programs in Texas.
What degree do you need to become a lawyer in Texas?
The traditional route involves earning a bachelor’s degree followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a qualifying law school and then meeting the requirements for admission to the Texas bar.
Can I attend law school in Texas without an LSAT score?
Some Texas law schools accept alternatives such as the GRE, while particular schools may offer alternative admission pathways for eligible applicants. Requirements vary by institution.
Can I study law in Texas as an international student?
Yes. International students can apply, but they need to satisfy the individual school’s requirements concerning their previous education and any additional international-student requirements.
How long does a J.D. take?
A traditional full-time J.D. program generally takes three years.
Which cities have law schools in Texas?
Texas law schools are located in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Waco.
Related
Conclusion
For students searching for the top law schools in Texas, the state offers 10 ABA-approved J.D. programs across several major cities.
The University of Texas School of Law, Texas A&M University School of Law, SMU Dedman School of Law, Baylor Law, University of Houston Law Center, Texas Tech University School of Law, South Texas College of Law Houston, St. Mary’s University School of Law, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and UNT Dallas College of Law all provide pathways for students seeking a legal education in Texas.
The right choice depends on several factors, including your academic profile, budget, preferred location, intended area of law, preferred learning environment, and long-term career plans.
Before submitting an application, always check the latest admission requirements, application deadlines, examination policies, tuition figures, and financial-aid information for the specific law school you are considering.