Law school rankings undergo a shift

Each year, various publications release rankings, offering perspectives on educational institutions from elementary schools to global universities. Within the competitive field of higher education, these rankings offer a position on specific elements of the academic experience, yet rankings tell only part of the story. They do not fully capture the vibrant and evolving nature of an institution.

Take, for example, the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Richmond Law currently holds the No. 71 spot among nearly 200 law schools on its “Best Law Schools” list. This number is a snapshot in time and may shift from year to year. Regardless, one thing remains constant: the strength of a Richmond Law education.

Law school rankings are largely determined by past employment and bar passage outcomes, meaning that new initiatives introduced today will not be reflected in rankings until 2029. Recent methodology changes have also caused significant ranking fluctuations. In 2023, U.S. News dramatically increased the weight of full-time employment and bar passage, resulting in major shifts: 76 schools moved 10 or more places, and 35 schools moved 20 or more places.

Richmond Law graduates thrive in both employment and bar passage as demonstrated through these outcomes:

• In 2023, 92.1% of new graduates seeking employment secured positions within 10 months; 98.5% of those roles were bar-passage-required or JD-advantaged.
• Among 2023 graduates, approximately 70% took the Virginia bar exam and achieved a 75% pass rate, while the remaining 30% took the bar in another jurisdiction and achieved an impressive 95% pass rate.
• Richmond Law’s ultimate bar passage rate — those who pass within two years of graduation — stands at 93.6% for the Class of 2022.

While rankings may serve as a reference point, they do not define the true value of a law school experience. What matters is the exceptional quality of a Richmond Law education and the tangible successes it produces.

Richmond Law’s strength lies in the supportive community, the remarkable career paths of alumni, and the nationally recognized scholarship of the faculty. The values and commitment of Richmond Law remain: to provide an exceptional legal education that prepares students for meaningful and rewarding careers.