The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected legal institutions. Accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) since 1923, Pitt Law combines nearly a century of academic excellence with innovative programs that prepare students for the demands of a dynamic legal landscape.
General Information
- About
- Academics
- Admissions
- Courses
- People
- Experiential Learning
- Professional Development
- Alumni
- Centers & Institutes
Admissions and Affordability
With an acceptance rate of 51.7%, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law offers access to quality legal education while maintaining academic rigor. The cost of attendance is competitive:
- In-State Tuition & Fees: $40,000
- Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $53,000
- Living Expenses (On/Off Campus): $19,000
A major strength of Pitt Law is its commitment to affordability. About 78.5% of students receive grants, and although the school does not formally offer conditional scholarships, 88 conditional scholarships were awarded, with only 2 being reduced or eliminated after the first year.
Academic Programs and Degrees Offered
Pitt Law offers a wide array of degree options to suit students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds:
- JD (Juris Doctor)
- MSL (Master of Studies in Law)
- LLM (for Foreign-Trained Lawyers)
- SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) for Foreign-Trained Lawyers
The school also provides several joint and dual degree programs, many in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, including:
- JD/MBA
- JD/MAM (Arts Management)
- JD/MA in Bioethics
- JD/MSISPM (Information Security Policy and Management)
Certificates and Areas of Concentration
Students can enhance their legal education by pursuing a wide range of certificates and specialized concentrations, both on campus and online:
- Certificate in Disability Legal Studies
- Health Law Certificate
- Environmental and Energy Law Concentration
- Tax Law Concentration
- Public Policy Concentration
- Intellectual Property and Innovation Law Concentration
- International and Comparative Law Certificate
- Corporate Compliance, HR Law, and Sports, Entertainment & Arts Law Certificates (Online)
- UCIS Area Studies & CILE Certificates
These programs allow students to tailor their education to match their career goals and emerging areas of legal practice.
Extracurricular Activities and Clinical Opportunities
Pitt Law places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. Students can gain practical experience through several legal clinics, including:
- Elder Law Clinic
- Environmental Law Clinic
- Family Empowerment and Legal Access Clinic
- Health Law Clinic
- Immigration Law Clinic
- Securities Arbitration Clinic
- Taxpayer Clinic
In addition to hands-on legal work, students can participate in one of Pitt Law’s respected journals, such as:
- University of Pittsburgh Law Review
- Pittsburgh Tax Review
- Journal of Law and Commerce
- Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law & Policy
There is also a wide array of student organizations, including:
- Black Asian Latinx Legal Alliance
- National Lawyers Guild
- Energy and Environmental Law Society
- Mindfulness in Law Society
- OutLaw
- Sports and Entertainment Law Society
- Pitt Law Democrats
- Pitt Law Women’s Association
These student-led groups foster a vibrant and inclusive campus culture, providing support, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community.
Moot Court and Legal Competitions
Pitt Law encourages advocacy skills through a number of legal skills competitions, including:
- Appellate Competition
- Ronald D. Ecker Memorial Negotiation and Client Counseling Competition
- Murray S. Love Trial Moot Court Competition
Students also compete on external trial and moot court teams, and can participate in the Semester in D.C. Program, offering valuable exposure to federal legal systems and policy-making.
Career Outcomes and Bar Passage
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law boasts impressive outcomes for its graduates:
- Bar Passage Rate (1st Time / 2 Years): 84.6% / 94.3%
- Overall Employment Rate: 95.4%
- Jobs Requiring Bar Passage: 81.5%
- Graduates in Law Firm Jobs: 48.1%
These statistics reflect the school’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in a wide range of legal settings.
