The Academic Excellence Of University At Buffalo Law School

Established in 1887, the University at Buffalo Law School has built a legacy steeped in a deep-rooted dedication to public interest and social justice. Over the years, this esteemed institution has garnered recognition as a leading hub for legal education, celebrated for its exceptional academic standards and its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners.

In this article, we will discuss the University at Buffalo Law School ranking, acceptance rate, tuition, and more.

Must-Know Facts Of The University At Buffalo School Of Law

Location And Campus

The University at Buffalo Law School is located at 425 O’Brien Hall, Buffalo, New York. The law school is situated on the university’s North Campus and boasts a picturesque campus setting. The modern and well-equipped facilities provide students with an optimal learning environment.

In addition, the Charles B. Sears Law Library, recognized as one of the nation’s premier law libraries, offers extensive research materials and resources. The campus features notable architectural features, including the iconic O’Brien Hall, which serves as the centerpiece of the law school’s campus.

The proximity of the University at Buffalo Law School to legal institutions and opportunities for practical learning is a significant advantage for students. Being situated in Buffalo, a city with a vibrant legal community, students have access to internships, externships, and clerkship opportunities with renowned law firms, courts, and public interest organizations.

Academic Programs And Curriculum

The University at Buffalo School of Law offers a robust legal education through a range of degree programs and experiential opportunities. The Juris Doctor program forms the core of its offerings, structured to deliver foundational legal knowledge in areas such as contracts, torts, constitutional law, and property. The Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research sequence spans three semesters, reinforcing critical communication and reasoning skills. Students select from focused concentrations including criminal, international, environmental, and family law. The school also provides a two-year J.D. track for internationally trained lawyers, granting advanced standing and integrating them into the core curriculum.

University at Buffalo offers LL.M. degrees in general legal studies, criminal law, and cross-border legal studies, appealing to students with prior legal education seeking further specialization. The Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) supports those pursuing scholarly or policy-focused careers. Dual-degree paths allow for interdisciplinary study, combining the J.D. with programs like an MBA or MSW, while the 3+3 accelerated track links undergraduate and legal studies.

Experiential learning remains central to the school’s philosophy. The Clinical Legal Education program features over ten legal clinics, allowing students to engage in real-world legal challenges. The Access to Justice Clinic focuses on civil rights and reproductive justice, allowing students to work with marginalized communities. The Criminal Justice Advocacy Clinic gives students hands-on experience in second-look representation for incarcerated individuals. The Environmental Advocacy Clinic addresses pressing local, state, and national environmental issues. Students interact directly with clients, courts, and agencies through these clinics. University at Buffalo Law School’s law degree, clinics, and clinical programs emphasize service, skill development, and professional responsibility.

Admissions And Acceptance Rate

Gaining admission to the University at Buffalo Law School is a highly competitive process, attracting top-tier candidates from diverse backgrounds. University at Buffalo—SUNY Law School presents a competitive academic profile for the 2025 admissions cycle. The acceptance rate is 44.6%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process. LSAT scores among admitted students fall between 153 and 159, with a median score of 156, reflecting a strong cohort of applicants. The GPA range spans from 3.44 to 3.87, and the median undergraduate GPA is 3.71, showing consistent academic performance among incoming students.

The metrics underscore the law school’s commitment to academic excellence. The student-faculty ratio stands at 4.9:1, one of the lowest in legal education nationally. The ratio ensures individualized attention, promotes mentorship, and supports deeper engagement between students and faculty.

Tuition Fee

The University at Buffalo School of Law provides an affordable legal education, especially for New York State residents. Full-time tuition is $29,390 for in-state students and $34,690 for out-of-state students. This pricing structure reflects the institution’s public mission to make legal education accessible while maintaining academic quality. In-state students benefit from significantly lower costs, making the program financially feasible for many. Out-of-state tuition remains competitive compared to national averages, attracting a broad applicant pool. Additional estimated expenses include $16,362 for food and housing and $1,500 for books and materials, giving students a clear picture of the total annual cost.

The combination of reasonable tuition and a solid academic reputation enhances the school’s value. The University at Buffalo School of Law stands out as a cost-effective option for students seeking rigorous legal training without the burden of excessive debt, particularly for those who qualify for in-state tuition benefits.

Rankings And Reputation

The University at Buffalo Law School has consistently garnered impressive national and global rankings, solidifying its position as one of the premier law schools in the United States. Its commitment to academic excellence and its unwavering dedication to public interest law have contributed to its esteemed reputation.

University at Buffalo—SUNY School of Law holds the No. 94 position in the 2025 Top Law Schools rankings. The law school shows particular strength in Trial Advocacy, ranking No. 43, and also stands out for producing a high number of graduates in public interest law, ranking No. 9 in that category. University at Buffalo—SUNY ranks No. 90 in Criminal Law, No. 79 in Constitutional Law, and No. 85 in Intellectual Property Law among specialty areas. Other rankings include No. 101 in Clinical Training, No. 108 in Business/Corporate Law, and No. 96 in Legal Writing. The law school is renowned for its efforts in cultivating a strong sense of social responsibility among its students. The rankings reflect the school’s commitment to developing skilled legal professionals and its notable contributions to public interest legal careers.

Career Prospects And Alumni

The University at Buffalo Law School excels in placing its graduates in rewarding careers, with a significant number of students securing employment shortly after graduation. These graduates find success in a variety of sectors, including law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate settings. The law school takes pride in its accomplished alumni, who have made notable contributions to the legal field. These alumni include esteemed judges, prominent attorneys, legal scholars, and government officials.

The University at Buffalo School of Law demonstrates strong post-graduate outcomes in its 2025 data. Full-credit employment within 10 months of graduation reaches 93%, indicating effective career support and a clear alignment with professional opportunities. Employment at the time of graduation stands at 66.2%, reflecting early job placement for a significant portion of the class. The first-time Bar passage rate is 81.1%, nearly matching the 82.1% average across reporting states. The ultimate Bar passage rate over a two-year period reaches 89.1%, showing reliable long-term success among graduates. The University at Buffalo School of Law emphasizes both academic training and practical readiness, preparing students to enter the legal field with confidence and measurable outcomes. The figures reinforce its reputation as a public law institution committed to student achievement and post-graduation success.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The University At Buffalo Law School

1. Is The University At Buffalo A Good Law School?

Yes, the University at Buffalo Law School is widely regarded as a prestigious institution with a strong academic reputation. Its commitment to public interest and social justice, and its focus on experiential learning, set it apart as an exceptional law school.

2. What Is The Average LSAT Score For The University At Buffalo Law School?

The average LSAT score for admitted students at the University at Buffalo Law School is approximately 156. It is important to note that admissions decisions consider multiple factors beyond LSAT scores, such as GPA and personal statements.

Conclusion

The University at Buffalo Law School has established itself as a leader in legal education, renowned for its academic excellence, commitment to the public interest, and social justice. The faculty brings expertise and mentorship that shape students into thoughtful and capable professionals. The alumni network extends influence across various sectors, enhancing opportunities for current students. The institution promotes social responsibility and fosters a learning environment rooted in service and justice. The University at Buffalo School of Law continues to prepare graduates for meaningful impact in the legal field.

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