Career Resources

Criminal law continues to be one of the most dynamic and impactful fields within the legal profession. Whether your passion lies in defending the accused, prosecuting on behalf of the state, or shaping criminal justice policy, choosing the right law school can significantly influence your career trajectory. For 2025, certain U.S. law schools have distinguished themselves by offering exceptional programs in criminal law — blending rigorous academics, practical training, and extensive professional resources.

This article highlights the top law schools for criminal law, drawing primarily from the 2025 preLaw magazine’s Criminal Law Honor Roll, an authoritative source that assesses law schools based on the depth and breadth of their criminal law offerings.

What Makes a Top Criminal Law Program?

Before diving into the list of top schools, it’s important to understand the criteria used to rank these institutions. According to preLaw, law schools were evaluated on multiple factors that reflect the holistic criminal law experience for students:

• Specialized Concentrations or Tracks (30%): Schools offering dedicated criminal law tracks or concentrations that allow students to focus their coursework and skills development specifically in this area.
• Clinical Programs (24%): Opportunities for students to participate in live-client clinics, representing defendants, victims, or government entities in real criminal cases.
• Research Centers (12%): Presence of dedicated criminal law research centers or institutes that facilitate policy research, public education, and advocacy.
• Externships (12%): Placement opportunities in prosecutorial offices, public defender agencies, courts, or related organizations that provide hands-on legal experience.
• Law Journals (9%): Availability of journals focused on criminal law or criminal justice topics, enabling students to engage in scholarly writing and analysis.
• Student Organizations (8%): Active student groups or societies focused on criminal law and criminal justice reform.
• Certificates and Credentials (5%): Formal certifications recognizing advanced study or specialization in criminal law.

Additional points were awarded for unique or innovative programming related to criminal law.

This multi-dimensional evaluation ensures that the schools recognized do not merely teach criminal law in the classroom, but provide students with meaningful engagement in practice and policy.

The Top Law Schools for Criminal Law in 2025

Based on these criteria, the following law schools earned an A+ rating on the Criminal Law Honor Roll and are widely regarded as among the best places to study criminal law this year:

• Brooklyn Law School (NY)
• Case Western Reserve University School of Law (OH)
• LMU Loyola Law School (CA)
• Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (IL)
• Oklahoma City University School of Law (OK)
• Rutgers Law School (NJ)
• UC Berkeley School of Law (CA)
• University of California, San Francisco Law (CA)
• University of Minnesota Law School (MN)
• University of Texas School of Law (TX)
• Western State College of Law (CA)

Notable Highlights and Strengths

• Brooklyn Law School has earned special recognition for its robust public interest programs and clinical offerings, making it a prime choice for students interested in government service, public defense, or prosecutorial work. It was ranked No. 2 for public service in criminal law by preLaw, thanks to its well-established ties with New York’s legal community and prolific placement in internships and clerkships.
• Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is noted for its rigorous academic curriculum paired with multiple research centers focused on criminal justice reform and legal ethics. The school provides strong support for students seeking careers in both prosecution and defense.
• UC Berkeley School of Law stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating criminal law studies with public policy and social justice initiatives. Berkeley’s extensive externship programs in California courts offer invaluable real-world experience.
• Rutgers Law School offers an outstanding clinical program emphasizing community-based defense and prosecution, alongside influential criminal law journals.

Why Experience and Networking Matter in Criminal Law Education

Criminal law is unique among legal fields because it is deeply rooted in public service, advocacy, and often high-stakes courtroom work. Aspiring criminal law attorneys benefit tremendously from early exposure to actual cases and legal practitioners. These hands-on experiences build critical skills such as litigation, negotiation, client counseling, and ethical decision-making.

Law schools with strong clinical programs and externships give students the chance to represent clients, work alongside prosecutors and defenders, and participate in trials or plea negotiations. This practical training is often decisive in career placement and future success.

Moreover, active student organizations focused on criminal justice allow students to connect with like-minded peers, attend speaker events with top criminal law attorneys and judges, and engage in advocacy or reform efforts. Law journals dedicated to criminal law scholarship enhance students’ research and writing capabilities, making them more competitive in the job market.

How to Choose the Right Criminal Law Program for You

If you’re considering a specialization in criminal law, ask yourself:

• What type of criminal law do I want to practice? Some schools emphasize public defense and social justice, while others focus more on prosecution or corporate white-collar crime.
• How important is clinical experience? Does the school provide robust live-client clinics or externships with local courts and agencies?
• Are there opportunities to engage in criminal justice research or policy? Look for research centers or faculty with expertise in criminal law reform.
• Will the school help me build a network in the criminal law community? Internships, alumni connections, and student groups matter.
• Do I want a formal certificate or concentration to showcase my expertise?

The Future of Criminal Law Education

With evolving societal needs, changes in legislation, and increasing attention to criminal justice reform, the study of criminal law is more important than ever. Schools that combine rigorous academics, practical experience, and social impact prepare students not just to enter the field, but to become leaders shaping the future of criminal justice.

Final Thoughts

For 2025, the law schools listed above represent some of the finest institutions for students passionate about criminal law. By offering a blend of coursework, clinical experience, research, and community engagement, these schools equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and professional networks to succeed in a competitive and vital legal field.

Prospective students should carefully research each program, visit campuses if possible, and consider how each school’s strengths align with their career goals. Choosing the right law school for criminal law will be a foundational step toward a meaningful and rewarding legal career.

Explore these programs further and prepare to embark on a transformative journey in criminal law this year! Visit Lawcrossing.com.

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