Suffolk Law's Unmatched Decade in National Rankings
For ten years running, U.S. News & World Report has ranked all four of Suffolk Law's skills programs—legal writing, clinics, dispute resolution, and trial advocacy—among the top 20% nationally, a distinction unmatched by any other law school in America.
The 2026 rankings, released April 8, showcase Suffolk Law's momentum, with the school rising 40 spots in overall rankings over the past decade—the 7th-fastest climb of any law school in the country.
2026 U.S. News rankings highlights
- Legal Writing: No. 3 (tied for all-time high)
- Clinical Programs: No. 8 (all-time high)
- Dispute Resolution: No. 18
- Part-Time JD Program: No. 23
- Trial Advocacy: No. 29
- Intellectual Property: No. 45
- Health Law: No. 46
Elite status
The Legal Practice Skills (Legal Writing) program matched its highest-ever position, with a repeat of its No. 3-in-the nation ranking last year. Under the leadership of Professor Kathleen Elliott Vinson, the program has ranked in the top 10 for 14 consecutive years. Vinson was recently honored with the 2025 Thomas F. Blackwell Award, one of the highest national recognitions in legal writing education.
Meanwhile, the Clinical Programs reached a record No. 8 ranking, reinforcing Suffolk Law's reputation for practice-ready graduates. The Clinical Programs, which have maintained their elite status in the top 20 for a decade, continue to break new ground, recently teaming up with the school’s Dispute Resolution program and the American Arbitration Association to launch an Online Dispute Resolution Innovation Clinic.
"We are proud to see our peer institutions recognize Suffolk's outstanding practice-oriented education," said Dean Andrew Perlman. "These rankings reflect our innovative approach to preparing graduates who hit the ground running—exactly what today's employers demand."
Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly added, "These rankings reflect our commitment to educational excellence and relevant experiential opportunities that prepare students to compete in a fast-changing legal marketplace."