Duke Law School

As of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Duke University School of Law is tied for 6th place alongside Harvard Law School, a slight drop from its previous position at No. 4 in 2024.

Despite this shift, Duke Law continues to uphold its reputation as a top-tier institution. Notably, it achieved the highest employment rate among all American Bar Association-accredited law schools for the Class of 2024, with nearly 98% of its juris doctor graduates securing full-time, permanent positions requiring bar passage.

Duke Law remains a member of the prestigious "T14" group, comprising the top 14 law schools in the United States. The school's commitment to academic excellence, combined with its strong employment outcomes, continues to make it a compelling choice for prospective law students.

History

Law School History
Duke Law's History is a set of collections that each focus on a different aspect of the school's development. This can include things like Trinity College offering law lectures back in the 1850s, all the way to modern-day events, faculty, buildings, and more. There are also plans to add even more collections in the future that will show things like student life, recordings of past events, and more. This is an excellent way for people to learn about Duke Law's past, and there's something here for everyone. So take some time to check it out and see what you can learn.

• Law School Timeline
• Past Faculty
• Photo Archive
• Law School Deans
• Building History
• Lecture Series

Admissions

Duke Law School continues to be one of the most competitive and respected law schools in the United States. The school’s admissions process remains highly selective, maintaining its reputation for admitting top-tier students with exceptional academic profiles. The school’s mission to prepare students for impactful legal careers and provide national and international leadership remains central to its educational model.

Duke Law is not only focused on academic excellence but also committed to a diverse and supportive community, fostering innovation and leadership in the legal field.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	168 - 170 - 172	168 - 170 - 171
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.78 - 3.87 - 3.96	3.79 - 3.89 - 3.96
Acceptance rate	10.7%	13.9%
Applications received	6205	5395
Acceptances	652	749
Matriculants	231	236

Key Observations:

• Slight Decrease in LSAT Range: The upper end of the LSAT range dropped slightly from 172 to 171.

• GPA Range Remained High: GPA medians remained very competitive.

• Increased Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate rose to 13.9% for the 2024-2025 cycle, compared to 10.7% the previous year.

• Fewer Applications: The number of applicants decreased by over 800, but the number of accepted students increased, indicating a modest shift in selectivity.

• Class Size: The entering class size increased slightly from 231 to 236 students.

Application Deadline

Application Deadlines Although dates may adjust slightly year-to-year, the following timeline is based on Duke Law’s typical admissions schedule:

• Application Opening: September 1, 2024

• Early Decision Round I Deadline: Early November 2024

• Early Decision Round II Deadline: Early January 2025

• Regular Decision Deadline: February 15, 2025 (late applications may be considered if space is available)

It is highly recommended to apply early to maximize your chances of admission.

How to Apply

To apply to Duke University School of Law, candidates must first hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment. Applicants are required to register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which is an essential part of the law school admissions process. Additionally, candidates must submit valid scores from either the LSAT or the GRE, as Duke Law accepts both standardized tests. It is also necessary to complete all required application materials outlined in Duke’s official application checklist. Once all components are prepared, applicants should submit their materials through the LSAC.org platform or directly via the Duke Law admissions portal.

Application Fee

Duke Law School has an $80 non-refundable application processing fee - submit electronically with the application. To read more about how to obtain a fee waiver, click here.

Transferring

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, Duke University School of Law is not accepting transfer or visiting student applications. This decision reflects a continuation of the school's selective admissions policy, which limits the number of transfer students admitted each year.

In recent years, Duke Law has enrolled fewer than ten transfer students annually. These students typically have completed their first year at an ABA-approved law school and are in the top third of their class. Successful applicants often demonstrate specific reasons for transferring to Duke and show potential to actively contribute to the Duke Law community.

Transfer students are required to complete at least two years of study at Duke Law and must earn a total of 87 law credits to graduate. Credits from the first year of law school may be transferred, subject to approval, and must align with Duke's curriculum requirements.

While transfer applications are not being accepted for the current academic year, prospective transfer students are encouraged to monitor Duke Law's official admissions page for updates on future application cycles.

If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.

Tuition and Expenses

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the annual tuition at Duke University School of Law is $80,100. When factoring in additional necessary expenses such as living costs, books, personal expenses, transportation, and university fees, the total estimated cost of attendance is approximately $113,428 per year. This estimate covers:

• Rent and utilities

• Food

• Books and supplies

• Personal and miscellaneous expenses

• Transportation

• Health insurance

• Mandatory university fees

The actual cost may vary depending on each student's lifestyle and personal choices. Due to the significant financial investment, prospective students are encouraged to consult with Duke Law’s Office of Financial Aid to obtain personalized cost assessments and financial planning advice.

Financial Aid for JD students

Duke Law School is committed to making legal education financially accessible and offers a comprehensive financial aid program. Financial aid is awarded based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Importantly, scholarships awarded at admission are guaranteed for all three years as long as the student maintains good academic standing.

The school also emphasizes that Duke Law’s location in the Research Triangle offers a lower cost of living compared to many other top law schools, which can help students further manage their expenses. This combination of generous financial aid, scholarships, and a more affordable living environment allows Duke Law students to minimize debt while maximizing the value of their legal education.

This makes Duke University School of Law an excellent choice for those looking to get the most out of their legal education.

• Office of Financial Aid *

Duke University School of Law
210 Science Drive
Duke Box 90363
Durham, NC 27708-0363
Phone: 919-613-7025
Fax: 919-613-9402
Email: financialaid@law.duke.edu

Scholarships

Duke Law offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to incoming students. Scholarship awards consider academic excellence, leadership potential, personal achievements, and life experiences. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship opportunities—no separate application is required.

A key scholarship is the Mordecai Scholarship, which provides full tuition to a select group of exceptionally qualified students each year. This prestigious award is highly competitive and is designed to attract students who demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

Additionally, Duke Law offers several named scholarships funded by donors and alumni. These awards also do not require separate applications; all admitted students are reviewed for these scholarships as part of the admissions process.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Duke Law’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) is designed to support graduates pursuing public service and nonprofit careers. The program significantly reduces the financial burden of student Loan repayment for those entering lower-paying legal fields.

• Full loan coverage is available for graduates earning $65,000 or less per year.

• Graduates earning up to $90,000 per year may qualify for partial assistance on a sliding scale.

• LRAP loans are forgivable at the end of each year if the graduate remains eligible under the program’s terms.

• The program works in coordination with the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, making it possible for participants to fully manage or eliminate their law school debt while serving in the public interest.

The LRAP enhances career flexibility by ensuring that debt does not restrict graduates from pursuing meaningful legal work in government, legal aid, nonprofit organizations, and other public service sectors.

Employment Prospects

For the Class of 2024, Duke University School of Law achieved an impressive overall employment rate of 99%, with 274 out of 277 graduates securing full-time, long-term positions that either required bar passage or provided a J.D. advantage within ten months of graduation. This high placement rate highlights the effectiveness of Duke Law’s career preparation and support services.

Approximately 74.76% of graduates entered private practice, with many securing positions at large law firms employing over 500 attorneys. Judicial clerkships remained a strong pathway, with 13.4% of graduates obtaining prestigious clerkships. Of these, 10.5% clerked in federal courts while 2.9% served in state courts, reflecting Duke Law’s strong reputation and network within the judiciary. Additionally, 6.5% of graduates chose careers in public interest organizations or government agencies, demonstrating a meaningful commitment to public service.

The median starting salary for Duke Law graduates in the private sector reached $225,000, placing Duke among the top law schools for Big Law placement. Graduates who pursued judicial clerkships reported a median starting salary of $77,210, while those entering the public interest sector earned a median of $72,000. Furthermore, Duke Law graduates demonstrated a strong bar exam performance, with a first-time bar passage rate of 94.4%, underscoring the school’s academic rigor and the preparedness of its graduates for legal practice.

Career Support and Resources

Duke Law School offers robust career services to support students in achieving their professional goals:

• Career & Professional Development Center: Provides personalized counseling, job search resources, and hosts recruitment events to connect students with potential employers.

• Alumni Network: An active and supportive alumni community assists current students through mentorship and networking opportunities.

• On-Campus Interview Program: Facilitates connections between students and a wide range of employers, including top law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations.

These outcomes underscore Duke Law's commitment to equipping its graduates with the skills and opportunities necessary for successful legal careers across various sectors.

Curriculum

First-year students focus on core classes, including constitutional law, civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, property, torts, and yearlong legal research and writing courses. Classes are kept relatively small, rarely exceeding 90 students. Students are encouraged to choose from various electives, seminars, and clinical programs in the second and third years. Upperclassmen are required to complete a substantial writing project, an ethics course, and a professional skills requirement. Clinical programs include topics on children's education, community enterprise, wrongful convictions, Guantanamo defense, and startup ventures.

The Duke Law School curriculum allows students to pursue a field of interest. Strong programs include corporate and commercial law, public policy and public interest law. Recent faculty hires have bolstered the academic standings of the intellectual property law, international and comparative law, and tax law departments.

In addition to encouraging international diversity on campus, Duke Law School also encourages students to gain international experience. Duke participates in summer institutes hosted in Geneva and Asia and offers exchange programs with several foreign universities. Students pursuing a joint degree in international and comparative law can start their studies the summer before their first-year matriculation.

Quality of Life

Student life at Duke Law School is centered on the shared enterprise of becoming lawyers and professionals.

Duke University School of Law strives to provide its students with the best possible education and career opportunities. It offers a variety of programs to help students choose courses, find jobs and externships, serve the community, and connect with student organizations that will further their personal and professional goals. The Law School also has a strong network of alumni and friends that can support and guide a student's career.

In their free time, Duke Law students have many extracurricular activities from which to choose, including moot court competitions, student government, volunteer work, and nine academics journals. Students can also attend any of the numerous lectures, seminars, and series hosted by the law school and by Duke University.

The Duke Law School contains multiple lounge areas and an outdoor courtyard. Duke University has two fully equipped gyms for student use, swimming pools, student unions, cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater on campus. The Duke Gardens are located in the center of the university's campus, providing an ideal venue for sunbathing, strolling, or stopping to smell the roses. If students prefer a more untamed outdoors, the university is surrounded by miles of Duke Forest, where they can hike, bike, run, or visit the Primate Center.

Located in Durham, N.C., Duke University boasts a gorgeous campus with its own stunning chapel. The weather is temperate and pleasant for most of the year, and sunny weather is the typical forecast in all seasons. Adjacent to Duke's campus are several small streets containing restaurants, bars, and shops. Adventurous students can explore the city of Durham and discover much more beyond the campus confines. A 10-minute drive to Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina, offers an even greater array of social things.

Contact Information

Duke University School of Law
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
210 Science Drive
Duke Box 90393
Durham NC 27708-0393
Phone: 919-613-7020
Fax: 919-613-7257
Email: admissions@law.duke.edu

Summary

Established	1868
Location	Durham, NC
Dean	Kerry Abrams
2025 US News Ranking	6th
LSAT Median Score	170
GPA Median Score	3.89
Bar Passage Rate	94.4% (2025)
Employment Rate	N/A (2025)
Cost	$78,774
Average Debt	N/A
Application Deadline	N/A

Forum and Discussion

Duke Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://law.duke.edu/
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