The University of Pittsburgh School of Law has achieved a significant breakthrough in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Law School Rankings, climbing 12 positions to #79. This double-digit leap is a powerful signal of national momentum and a clear step forward in Pitt Law’s long-term goal of joining the ranks of the Top 50 law schools in the United States.
“This remarkable progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Jerry Dickinson, Dean and Professor of Law. “Our collective efforts are propelling Pitt Law into the national spotlight, affirming our commitment to providing a top-tier legal education.”
The leap in rankings comes during a year of historic momentum for Pitt Law, including one of the largest surges in applications in the country. Applications to the JD program have increased by 57% — a reflection of the growing recognition of Pitt Law’s innovative curriculum, rising outcomes, and supportive learning environment. Prospective students are responding to the school’s strong academic programs and track record of graduate success.
Charmaine McCall, Assistant Dean of Admission and Financial Aid said, “It is incredibly rewarding to see such a strong response from prospective students across the country. The 57% increase in applications reflects the momentum building at Pitt Law and the deep trust students are placing in our vision for legal education. They see the value of our innovative curriculum, our commitment to student success, and the strength of our outcomes, and they want to be part of it.”
The law school’s commitment to student achievement is equally evident in employment outcomes. Of the 108 graduates in the Class of 2023, 98.1% were employed, had accepted a position, or were pursuing further education as of March 15, 2024. Among employed graduates, 92.4% secured full-time, long-term positions that required bar passage or offered a JD advantage. These roles span a range of sectors, including private practice, government, public interest, business, and judicial clerkships. “Pitt Law is deeply committed to supporting the professional success of its students and alumni. We recognize the importance of strong career outcomes and provide personalized guidance, programming, and support to help launch students into their careers,” said Kellie Ware, Assistant Dean for Professional Development. “We are proud to see our graduates thriving in today’s dynamic professional landscape, both within the legal profession and beyond.”
Pitt Law has also maintained a strong bar passage rate. In 2024, 86% of graduates passed the bar exam on their first attempt, which exceeds the national average. This success highlights the strength of the school’s academic support, bar readiness programming, and individualized approach to preparing students for licensure. “It is wonderful to see our strategy for bar passage bearing fruit. Success breeds success, and I am hopeful that the success of these students serves as a springboard for future students,” said Rob Wible, Director of Academic Success and Bar Exam Services.
Vice Dean John Linarelli noted that the rise in rankings reflects the school’s substantial outcomes and the intellectual vitality and faculty-driven innovation that continue to take on even more prominence at Pitt Law. From curricular reform to scholarly impact, the school builds on its dynamic environment where legal education is forward-looking, rigorous, and responsive to a changing world. “Pitt Law takes on with great enthusiasm our responsibility to serve in the education of the next generation of great lawyers for our city, commonwealth, nation, and the global community. Our faculty are nationally and internationally renowned in their fields,” Linarelli said. “We are delighted to see our achievements in legal education recognized.”
Dean Dickinson emphasized that these achievements reflect not only a year of progress but a broader strategic direction for the future of Pitt Law.
“Climbing 12 spots is no small feat,” Dickinson said. “It reflects our vision, our discipline, and our determination to become one of the top 50 law schools in the country. This is a turning point — and we’re just getting started.”