Brooklyn Law School 2025 Ranking – How Does It Compare Nationally?

Brooklyn Law School (BLS) has been a cornerstone of legal education since its establishment in 1901, offering diverse academic opportunities, strong connections to New York City’s legal market, and a commitment to practical training.

As of 2025, BLS is ranked #114 (tied) among 196 law schools in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Law Schools.

While the ranking provides a snapshot of its current national standing, a deeper analysis reveals the factors that shaped its position, its strengths in specialty areas, and how it compares with peer institutions across the country.

National Ranking and Key Metrics

Brooklyn Law School’s placement at #114 reflects its stable position within the second tier of U.S. law schools. While it remains well-regarded for certain specialty areas, its broader rankings reflect a mix of strengths and challenges. Here are some key data points:

• Tuition and Fees: BLS charges $70,381 annually for full-time students and $52,931 for part-time students, making affordability a critical factor for prospective students.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: With a ratio of 9.8:1, students benefit from personalized instruction and engagement.
• Bar Passage Rate: First-time bar passage at BLS is 76.4%, which is below the national average of 82.1%, indicating a need for stronger bar preparation initiatives.
• Acceptance Rate: At 50%, BLS maintains a moderately selective admissions process, ensuring access while balancing academic standards.
• Employment Outcomes: Within ten months of graduation, 85.7% of students achieve full-credit outcomes, underscoring the school’s focus on career placement.

Brooklyn Law School in Context: Peer Comparisons

To better understand Brooklyn Law School’s standing, it is essential to compare it with similar law schools. The following table highlights BLS alongside peer institutions in the same ranking tier:

BLS’s metrics, particularly its LSAT median of 160 and GPA median of 3.56, indicate its competitive edge in admissions relative to its ranking peers. However, its decline in rank suggests that other factors, such as employment outcomes and bar passage rates, may be hindering its overall performance.

Specialty Program Rankings: Strengths in Focus

Brooklyn Law School has again earned a spot on the National Law Journal’s list of Go-To Law Schools: Big Law, ranking #38, & achieving “a strong placement record in one of the most competitive employment segments of the employment,” said Dean David Meyer. https://t.co/ERImqZa6JC pic.twitter.com/VmeZSBT3g4

— Brooklyn Law School (@brooklynlaw) March 15, 2024

Despite its overall rank, Brooklyn Law School demonstrates strong performance in specific legal specialties. Notable achievements include:

• Criminal Law: Ranked #20 nationally, BLS excels in preparing students for careers in public defense, prosecution, and criminal justice reform.
• Legal Writing: With a #20 ranking, BLS highlights its commitment to foundational skills that are critical for legal practice.
• Business/Corporate Law: At #40, the program aligns with New York City’s prominence as a global financial hub.
• Clinical Training: Ranked #38, this reflects BLS’s emphasis on experiential learning through clinics and externships.

The focus on these programs positions BLS as a leader in targeted areas of law, catering to specific student interests and regional employment opportunities.

Bar Passage and Employment Outcomes

Two critical factors influencing Brooklyn Law School’s rankings are its bar passage rates and employment outcomes:

Bar Passage Rates

• First-time bar passage: 76.4% of BLS graduates pass the bar on their first attempt, compared to the national average of 82.1%.
• Ultimate bar passage: Despite a lower first-time rate, the ultimate bar passage rate for the 2020 graduating class is a robust 91.6%, indicating long-term success for graduates.

Employment Statistics

• Full-credit employment: 85.7% of graduates secure jobs within ten months of graduation, a critical metric for prospective students.
• Jobs requiring bar passage: 79.3% of employed graduates secure positions that require bar passage, reflecting alignment with students’ career goals.

While employment outcomes are strong, improving bar passage rates could further elevate the school’s national standing.

Strengths in Location and Practical Training

Brooklyn Law School’s location in New York City offers students unparalleled access to internships, clerkships, and networking opportunities. The school’s emphasis on practical training is evident through its clinics and externship programs, which allow students to gain real-world experience in areas such as family law, immigration, and intellectual property.

Clinical Training and Experiential Learning

Brooklyn Law School offers extensive clinical opportunities, including:

• Immigration Law Clinic
• Securities Arbitration Clinic
• Criminal Defense and Advocacy Clinic

These programs provide students with hands-on training that enhances their readiness for practice.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

• Bar Passage Rates: Enhancing bar preparation programs could significantly boost first-time bar passage rates, positively impacting rankings.
• Affordability: High tuition rates may deter some prospective students. Expanding scholarships and financial aid could improve accessibility and attract top talent.
• Employment at Graduation: Increasing the percentage of graduates employed at graduation could strengthen the school’s reputation and appeal.

Comparative Advantage in New York City

Brooklyn Law School competes with several prominent institutions in New York City, including Fordham Law School and Cardozo School of Law. While these schools are ranked higher overall, BLS’s lower tuition and strong specialty programs offer a compelling alternative for students seeking value in their legal education.

Conclusion

Brooklyn Law School’s 2025 ranking at #114 reflects a combination of strengths in specialty areas and challenges in broader metrics like bar passage rates and affordability. While the school’s location, strong faculty-to-student ratio, and emphasis on experiential learning make it a standout institution, addressing areas for improvement could elevate its national profile.

In the competitive world of legal education, Brooklyn Law School remains a respected choice for students seeking a rigorous and practical legal education in one of the world’s most vibrant legal markets.