1. W&L Law No. 2 Best Value Private Law School; Ranks No. 5 Overall in Two-Year Employment Average

W&L Law No. 2 Best Value Private Law School; Ranks No. 5 Overall in Two-Year Employment Average The National Jurist Best Value analysis weighs schools on a blend of outcomes and affordability,

By Law Communications
October 20, 2025

Washington and Lee University School of Law has been recognized by The National Jurist as one of the nation's top performers for value and employment outcomes in its 2025 Best Value Law Schools report. The study highlights institutions whose graduates have excellent chances of passing the bar and obtaining legal employment without incurring excessive debt. The study draws on ABA and other publicly reported data and emphasizes multi-year employment and bar outcomes to assess sustained success.

In the 2025 report, W&L Law is the No. 2 Best Value private law school in the country and ranks No. 5 nationally in the study's two-year employment average, underscoring the school's strong return on investment and consistently excellent job placement for graduates.

"These results reflect what students experience here every day: personal attention, rigorous preparation, and stellar outcomes," said Dean Melanie Wilson, Roy L. Steinheimer, Jr., Professor of Law.

The Best Value analysis weighs schools on a blend of outcomes and affordability, including employment rate, bar passage, tuition, cost of living, and average indebtedness. Methodology for the study includes a two-year employment average (a modified rate using recent classes) to capture sustained performance rather than one-year spikes.

W&L Law's employment momentum has been evident across recent classes. For the Class of 2024, 95 percent secured employment in jobs that either require bar passage or for which a J.D. provides an advantage (measured 10 months after graduation). The overall employment rate at 10 months for the two most recent classes is over 98 percent.