The Top 10 Law Schools for Public Policy (2025)

Laws don’t change themselves; people do. If you’re ready to influence the policies that shape society, the first step is finding the right law school. The best programs for public policy and legislative affairs combine legal training with real-world advocacy, preparing you to lead, legislate, and create change. Let’s dive into the top 10 law schools where your public service career can begin.

Why a Law Degree Is Crucial for a Career in Public Policy and Legislative Affairs

Public policy and legislative affairs sit at the crossroads of law, politics, and social change. Law school graduates working in this field must understand how the legal system shapes policies and how to advocate effectively for reforms.

A law degree provides rigorous training in legal research, writing, and analysis — critical skills for drafting legislation, influencing government policies, and defending public interest causes. Most law schools also offer clinics, internships, and courses specifically geared toward law students interested in public service and public interest law careers.

With a legal education rooted in policy, you'll be prepared to pursue government jobs, work in public sector leadership, or represent nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy groups.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Law School for Public Policy

Beyond prestige and law school rankings, law school applicants interested in public policy should prioritize:

• Curriculum Strength - Look for a law school offering robust programs in constitutional law, administrative law, regulatory law, and public interest law.
• Clinical Opportunities - Hands-on experiences through public interest law schools' clinics let you work on real-world policy issues.
• Faculty Expertise - Seek out professors with backgrounds in public service, legislative drafting, or high-level government roles.
• Location - Proximity to state capitals, Washington, D.C., or policy hubs can lead to better internships and networking.
• Career Outcomes - Strong placement in public interest jobs, law firms with government affairs practices, or legislative roles.

1. Harvard Law School

Why It Stands Out: Harvard offers a robust selection of clinics and courses that integrate legal education with public policy.

Sample Courses:

• Public Law Workshop
• Legal Profession: Government Lawyering

Clinics and Centers:

• Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
• Health Law and Policy Clinic
• Government and Policy Lawyering: Semester in Washington Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professors Daphna Renan and Matthew Stephenson (Public Law)

These offerings provide law students with practical experience in legislative and regulatory processes.

Read: How to Get Into Harvard Law School (2024-2025)

2. Georgetown University Law Center

Why It Stands Out: Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers unparalleled access to federal agencies and legislative bodies.

Sample Courses:

• Economic Reasoning and the Law
• Law, Policy, and Practice of Disasters and Complex Emergencies

Clinics and Centers:

• Federal Legislation Clinic
• Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection

Notable Faculty:

• Professor David Vladeck (Consumer Protection, Public Interest)

Law students can also take up to six credits in the Georgetown Graduate Public Policy Program to deepen their policy expertise.

Read: How to Get Into Georgetown Law School (2025) – Acceptance Rate, Ranking, Tuition, & Class Profile

3. UC Berkeley School of Law

Why It Stands Out: Berkeley Law is a leader in public interest law and progressive policy advocacy.

Sample Courses:

• Public Law and Policy Workshop
• Consumer Law and Economic Justice Workshop

Clinics and Centers:

• Policy Advocacy Clinic
• Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Holly Doremus (Environmental Policy)

These programs focus on systemic racial and economic justice, providing students with hands-on policy advocacy experience.

Read: University of California--Berkeley School of Law: Program and Application Overview

4. New York University (NYU) School of Law

Why It Stands Out: NYU Law combines top-tier legal training with a mission-driven approach.

Sample Courses:

• Federal Health Reform: Law, Policy, and Politics Seminar
• Tax Policy Seminar

Clinics and Centers:

• Brennan Center Public Policy Advocacy Clinic
• Regulatory Policy Clinic
• Technology Law and Policy Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Samuel Issacharoff (Democracy and Voting Rights)

These clinics offer students opportunities to engage directly with policy reform initiatives.

Read: How to Get Into NYU Law School (2024-2025)

5. University of Pennsylvania Law School

Why It Stands Out: Penn Carey Law bridges policy, business, and law for innovative careers.

Sample Courses:

• Legislative Clinic
• Health Law and Policy Project

Clinics and Centers:

• Legislative Clinic
• Center for Technology, Innovation, and Competition

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Cary Coglianese (Regulatory Governance)

The Legislative Clinic, now in its 28th year, offers students hands-on experience in legislative processes.

Read: How to Get Into the UPenn Law School (Carey) — Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Application

6. Stanford Law School

Why It Stands Out: Stanford trains leaders in law, policy, and innovation.

Sample Courses:

• Administrative Law
• Climate Law and Policy
• Environmental Justice

Clinics and Centers:

• Environmental Law Clinic
• Law & Policy Lab

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Pamela Karlan (Civil Rights and Democracy)

The Law & Policy Lab provides students with hands-on experience influencing and advising on policy matters.

Read: How to Get Into Stanford Law School (2024-2025)

7. University of Michigan Law School

Why It Stands Out: Michigan Law offers rich policy opportunities and a strong focus on public interest law.

Sample Courses:

• Advocacy for Underdogs
• Public Defender Training Institute

Clinics and Centers:

• Environmental Law and Sustainability Clinic
• Civil-Criminal Litigation Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Nina Mendelson (Administrative Law)

The Environmental Law and Sustainability Clinic recently partnered with the City of Dearborn to promote environmental justice.

Read: University of Michigan--Ann Arbor Law School: Program and Application Overview

8. UCLA School of Law

Why It Stands Out: UCLA’s focus on public interest work makes it a West Coast powerhouse.

Sample Courses:

• California Environmental Legislation and Policy Clinic
• Public Interest Advocacy

Clinics and Centers:

• Public Interest Law and Policy Program
• Health Law and Policy Program

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Jonathan Zasloff (Land Use and Environmental Law)

The California Environmental Legislation and Policy Clinic teaches students legislative drafting and lobbying within the California legislative process.

Read: How to Get Into UCLA Law (2024-2025)

9. University of Virginia School of Law

Why It Stands Out: UVA combines academic rigor with public leadership training.

Sample Courses:

• Administrative Law
• Election Law
• Public Policy Advocacy

Clinics and Centers:

• First Amendment Clinic
• Environmental and Regulatory Law Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professor George Rutherglen (Civil Rights and Public Service)

Students in the State and Local Government Policy Clinic recently engaged with the General Assembly ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

Read: University of Virginia School of Law: Program and Application Overview

10. Duke University School of Law

Why It Stands Out: Duke Law offers interdisciplinary opportunities for aspiring policy leaders.

Sample Courses:

• Administrative Law
• Environmental Law

Clinics and Centers:

• Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
• Children’s Law Clinic

Notable Faculty:

• Professor Jonathan Wiener (Risk Regulation and Public Policy)

The Environmental Law and Policy Clinic represents nonprofit community-based and environmental organizations, providing students with interdisciplinary experience.

Read: How to Get Into Duke Law School (2024-2025)

Choosing the Right Law School for Your Public Policy Career Goals

When comparing top law schools, think beyond brand names. Focus on where you can:

• Gain hands-on public interest work experience through clinics
• Work closely with faculty involved in public service and policymaking
• Access strong networks for government jobs and public interest jobs
• Minimize debt through scholarships or loan repayment programs

Your choice should align with the particular field you're passionate about — whether that's environmental law, healthcare policy, or family law reform.

How Expert Coaches Can Help You Get Into a Top Public Interest Law School

Breaking into top law schools or other law schools for public policy is competitive. Working with an expert law school admissions coach can give you a better chance of success. Leland’s top law school admissions coaches, including former admissions officers and practicing public interest lawyers, can help you:

• Craft standout applications
• Target public interest law schools aligned with your goals
• Build a strategy to minimize debt and maximize resources after graduation

Read these next:

• The Top 10 Law Schools for Criminal Law
• Early Decision Application Deadlines of the Top Law Schools (2023-2024)
• The Role of Internships in Law School Applications
• Acceptance Rates and Class Profiles of the T14 Law Schools
• The Top 10 Law Schools for Corporate Law

FAQs

What is the difference between public policy law and public interest law?

• Public policy law focuses on creating and influencing laws and regulations that govern society, often involving legislative processes and policy analysis. Public interest law, on the other hand, is centered on representing underrepresented or marginalized groups, aiming to advance social justice through legal means.

Do I need a dual degree (e.g., JD/MPP) to work in public policy law?

• While not mandatory, a dual degree like a JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy) can be advantageous for careers that blend legal expertise with policy-making. It provides a comprehensive understanding of both legal frameworks and policy analysis, which is beneficial in governmental or legislative roles.

Which law schools offer the best loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) for public interest careers?

• Several top law schools, including Harvard, NYU, and Stanford, offer robust LRAPs designed to support graduates pursuing lower-paying public interest roles. These programs help manage student debt by subsidizing loan repayments based on income and employment sector.

What types of clinics should I look for if I'm interested in public policy law?

• Look for clinics that offer hands-on experience in legislative advocacy, regulatory law, or policy reform. Examples include legislative clinics, environmental law clinics, and civil rights clinics, which allow students to work on real-world policy issues under faculty supervision.

How do law schools support students aiming for government jobs?

• Law schools often have dedicated career services that provide resources, counseling, and networking opportunities tailored to government positions. They may also host job fairs, on-campus interviews, and alumni panels focused on careers in the public sector.