The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law has been ranked the No. 1 law school for minority students and No. 1 law school for nontraditional students by The Princeton Review.
As part of its Best Law Schools for 2024 rankings, The Princeton Review assessed law schools across the country in 14 categories. UDC Law ranked No. 1 for Greatest Resources for Minority Students, as well as No. 1 Most Chosen by Older Students. The rankings evaluate current student demographics and survey responses.
“Being ranked the No. 1 law school for minority and nontraditional students by The Princeton Review is an incredible achievement that truly embodies the heart of our mission at UDC Law,” said UDC Law Interim Dean Angela Gilmore. “This ranking affirms our longstanding dedication to expanding access to legal education to those who have often not been given those opportunities and providing legal representation for those who have historically lacked access to the legal system. At UDC Law, we are committed to practicing law, promoting justice and changing lives through educating and empowering a diverse and inclusive student body who see public service as a founding pillar of their legal education. And this ranking is a testament to our collective efforts and success in advancing these core values.
Earlier this year, UDC Law was ranked No. 2 by Reuters for sending its graduates into government and public interest jobs. It is also ranked No.13 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for its clinical training program.
Since its inception, UDC Law has emphasized public service, and each year UDC Law students and faculty provide more than 100,000 hours of essential legal services to D.C. residents through their clinical program. Students also engage with federal government agencies, nonprofits, the judicial system and top-ranking leaders in the field of law. Firebirds have the opportunity to serve as volunteers and externs, and to work in local, national and international government; in public interest roles; in regulatory organizations; and in other legal arenas.
UDC Law attracts a wide array of students, many of whom are already accomplished and committed to the public interest. Students’ prior careers span multiple fields, including education, government, the arts, social work and the armed forces.
The UDC Law student population reflects the university's commitment to expand legal educational opportunities to people from groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Minority students represent more than 50% of its population and women comprise 60% of the student body. The law school enrolls students from all over the U.S., as well as internationally.